Buying Guide
Now that you have gone through our list of best electric cooktops, now it’s time to discuss the factors you need to consider before buying one.
We have gathered a guide to help you understand the key elements that you should look for in any electric cooktops.
Size:
This is the first thing you need to focus on. Check how much counter space you have and how big you can go. If you buy a 30” cooktop for your 35” countertop, it’s going to look very odd and impractical.
You also have to look for the number of plates in each electric cooktop. If you are buying only for yourself, two plates are enough. Five plate burners are usually ideal for larger families.
Even though larger ones are more ergonomic and functionally superior, it’s better to buy something that fits your needs.
Power and Control:
Look for voltage and watts of every cooktop. Check the maximum energy capacity as well. All these will tell you what kind of cooking you can do on them.
Ideally, it is always better to buy something that heats up really high. This gives you room for trying out different methods and recipes.
You need a good control panel to properly correct the temperature. Digital displays are always good options as they are simple and easy to use.
If you want something that has more longevity, check out the ones with knobs. Knobs are traditional and right.
Intuitive control panels are a new addition that features a timer, reminder, and other helpful things.
Baseplate Materials:
We all are drawn to electric cooktops because of their sleek and flat surface. However, choosing the wrong material for the surface can result in cracks. Some of the most popular materials are white enamel, glass-ceramic, and stainless steel.
Stainless-steel ones have the most durability while the glass-ceramic ones look the best. It is a personal preference in the end.
Timer:
Check for a timer that goes up to 100 minutes. This is an often-overlooked feature but when you do have it, makes life so much easier.
You can program your food to cook at the exact time you want it to. If you have kids you can understand how helpful a timer can be.
Safety Features:
No matter how expensive your electric cooktop is, if it doesn’t come with the minimum safety features, it’s just a second away from fire hazards.
Always look for child lock options as it protects the unit from being used by kids or children. Igniting light to show if the surface is hot or not, can be really helpful as we often tend to get burn spots from electric on induction cooktops.
When we can’t see the heat, we tend to forget about it. This is why any kind of indications or radiant circles are appreciated.
Budget:
You need to fix a budget you are comfortable with. If you are looking for an affordable option, then there is no point in searching in the wrong section. There are good options available within the budget as well.
If your budget is healthy, it’s better to go for the expensive, branded options as they come with a year-long warranty. You can invest in a good one and comfortably enjoy them for 10-15 years!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the frequently asked questions by curious electric cooktop users:
01. Do induction cooktops break easily?
That depends on the type of glass in the cooktop itself. Most induction cooktops are built with a durable glass-ceramic composite that does not break with everyday usage. They are definitely not as strong as metal. So expecting that kind of resistance would be wrong.
Glass stoves, however, scratch easily if you use the wrong pots and pans. As it’s impossible to remove scratches from a glass stovetop, it’s better to be careful beforehand.
02. What is the difference between an induction cooktop vs. an electric cooktop?
Induction cooktops are electric by nature as they don’t use gas or other fuels. The main difference between an induction cooktop and an eclectic one is the way they heat up.
Electric cooktops emanate radiant heat from their heating elements. Every electric cooktop comes with one central or two or smaller heating elements.
Induction cooktops, on the other hand, use copper coils underneath the surface. It uses electromagnetic radiation to heat up the coil. This makes it more efficient than electric cooktops.
Induction cooktops allow 90% of the heat to reach the food compared to electric ones which do only 70%. This means you can cook faster and more efficiently with an induction cooktop than an electric one. However, both of them are much better than gas or propane stoves.
03. Why does my induction/ electric cooktop keep turning off?
This can happen for a number of reasons. The most common one would be due to overheating. If your power setting is set at high but the heat has nowhere to distribute itself, the cooktop may shut off as a precaution to avoid overheating.
One of the key advantages of induction cooktops is that they are quite intuitive. They can sense when the cookware has been removed and will turn itself off.
04. How long do electric/ induction cooktops last?
A well-branded electric cooktop can last an average of 13 years. With proper care and maintenance, you can use your electric cooktops relentlessly for years. They do need regular clean up after each use and safe eclectic outlet to not get any short-circuit issues.
Induction cooktops on the other hand are designed to last for around 30,000 hours. This estimates for 8-9 years of service if you plan to use it for 10 hours a day.
05. What should I not do with a ceramic/ glass cooktop?
If you are using a ceramic cooktop, do not spill sugary substances on it. If you spill caramel, it can discolor the cooktop or stain it.
In terms of pans and pots, it is better to not use any cast iron cookware. Cast iron is very heavy with a rough, textured surface. This can scratch the glass permanently.
They are also slower to heat up which means you will need more electricity to cook the same food.
Long Story Short
We have reviewed and gathered all the products on our list after hours of research. Hopefully, our best electric cooktops list has helped you to find something you desire to own.
Modern technology has made cooking a really fun thing to do. With endless gadgets and cooking appliances like this, you can get on with your exciting new cooking experience.
Whether you’re a pro or a home cook, having one of these electric cooktops can add immense practicality and ease to your life. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us in the comment down below. We are happy to be of your help.
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