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10 Best Gas Cooktops
From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
Buying Guide for the Best Gas Cooktops
Choosing the right gas cooktop is all about matching your cooking habits and kitchen setup with the features that best support them. Before deciding, think about how often you cook, what types of dishes you prepare, how much space you have, and the number of people you usually cook for. The goal is to find a cooktop that's easy to use, clean, and durable enough to handle your culinary needs. Let’s look at the key things to consider when picking a gas cooktop.Size and Number of BurnersThis refers to the physical dimensions of the cooktop and how many burners it has. Size affects how much counter space the cooktop will take up, and the number of burners determines how many pots or pans you can use at once. Cooktops usually come in widths like 24, 30, or 36 inches, with two to six burners. If you usually cook for one or two people or have a small kitchen, a smaller model with two or four burners could be ideal. For larger families or enthusiastic home cooks who often cook multiple dishes at once, a larger cooktop with more burners will be more suitable. Choose a size that fits your space and your typical cooking needs.
Burner Power (Measured in BTUs)Burner power tells you how much heat each burner can produce, measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). Higher BTUs mean more heat and faster cooking, which is great for boiling water quickly or stir-frying. Lower BTU burners are better for simmering sauces or melting chocolate without burning. Most cooktops offer a mix of high and low BTU burners. If you do a wide variety of cooking, look for a model with both a strong, high-BTU burner and a smaller, low-BTU option for gentle heating. Choosing the right spread will help you cook efficiently without risking burning or undercooking your food.
Control Type and PlacementThis is about the style and location of the knobs or touch controls on the cooktop. Controls can be on the front, side, or sometimes on the cooktop surface itself. Front controls make it easy to adjust heat without reaching over hot pots, while side or top controls can be safer if you have children. Knobs offer a traditional feel, while touch controls are easier to clean. Think about who will be using the cooktop and what feels most comfortable and safe for your kitchen.
Grate Design and MaterialGrates are the rings or grids that hold your pots above the flame. They can be made from cast iron, steel, or enamel-coated materials. Continuous grates cover the whole surface, so you can slide heavy pans across the cooktop easily, while individual grates are lighter and easier to clean but may be less stable for some pans. Heavier cast iron grates retain heat well and are durable but require more cleaning. If you want convenience, look for dishwasher-safe or easily removable grates. Choose based on how often you cook and whether you value easy cleaning or stability more.
Ignition TypeIgnition refers to how the flame is lit. Most modern cooktops use electric ignition, which lights the flame when you turn the knob, but some use manual ignition with matches or lighters. Electric ignition is safer and more convenient, especially for quick lighting and safety shut-offs. Manual ignition comes in handy during power outages but is less convenient daily. If you want ease and safety, electric ignition is usually best; if you live somewhere with frequent power outages, a manual backup can be helpful.
Safety FeaturesSafety features can include flame failure devices, which automatically cut off the gas if the flame goes out, as well as child lock controls and indicator lights to show when a burner is on. Flame failure devices are important if you have kids or pets, or just want peace of mind when cooking. Pick features that suit your household’s safety needs, especially if you have young children, elderly family members, or distracted cooks around.
Ease of CleaningCleaning refers to how easily you can wipe down the cooktop after use. Seamless, sealed surfaces prevent spills from getting under the burners. Removable knobs and dishwasher-safe grates make cleaning even more straightforward. If you prefer a spotless kitchen, look for cooktops with minimal seams, simple grate designs, and materials that resist staining. This will help you keep the cooktop looking new with less effort.