Cooktop & Range Buying Guide
Versatility. Economy. Efficiency. These aren’t usually terms you associate with cooktop ranges, but today’s major appliances are harder working and more efficient than ever.
Whether you’re adding a new cooktop range to your existing setup or updating your entire kitchen, you’ll want to consider a few things. First, what type would you like? The most popular cooktop ranges are gas and electric. But, wait, what’s an induction cooktop range? Also, what size limitations might you have in your kitchen? Finally, which type is the most energy efficient?
Cooktop Lineup
As is the case with many major household appliances, there are numerous cooktop ranges to choose from. There are three main types available (electric, gas, and induction), as well as a couple of other options.
Gas: This is a popular fuel option because it heats quickly and can be controlled easily and precisely. Standard gas burners produce approximately 9,000 BTU’s an hour, and can also range from 500 to 16,000 BTU’s per hour, depending on burner size.
Models that feature sealed burners help prevent spills and food from sneaking down below the burner. And since most newer models offer pilotless ignition systems, starting the flame is a breeze. Gas cooktop ranges utilize either natural gas or liquid propane (LP).
Electric: This is today’s most widely used cooktop range type and is extremely well-received. Some people get nervous around an open flame (such as with gas), so electric cooktop ranges are preferred. Electric units are the most versatile type and offer three different ways of heating:
Coil Elements:
- Coil sits in recessed cavity
- Quick heating, fast cooking
Radiant heating elements
- Placed under a glass ceramic surface
- Cleaning is easy as wiping a countertop
Solid disk elements
- Heating elements sits in cast-iron burner
- Consistent heating with simple cleanup
Electric cooktop ranges have their disadvantages, as well, most notably a sometimes sluggish reaction time. This could make holding a simmer challenging and possibly increase the time it takes to bring water to a boil.
Induction: If you’re interested in another option that’s skyrocketing in popularity, this is the one for you. This cooktop range’s innovative and energy-efficient design features a flat-surfaced cooktop uses magnetic fields to heat up just the cookware itself. The result? Elements heat up quickly, and the cooktop surface itself remains cool. This is the safest and most energy-efficient type of cooktop range available. In addition, it’s extremely easy to clean.
The only real drawback to a range with an induction cooktop is that you’ll need magnetic cookware for it to work. If you don’t have magnetic cookware, you’ll have to replace your existing cookware. If you’re unsure whether or not it’s magnetic, just place a magnet (any magnet will do) on the bottom of your cookware. If it sticks, you have yourself cookware that will work on an induction cooktop range.
Others: In addition to the above cooktops, consider these other options:
· Halogen cooktops utilize halogen bulbs under glass to create heat. While they heat almost instantly and respond quickly to changes in setting, they’re also average when it comes to energy efficiency.
· Modular cooktops combine two power sources, with gas and electricity.
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Choosing a Size
Common cooktop sizes range from around 30 inches to 45 inches wide, but Build.com offers units anywhere from 12 inches to 48 inches wide.
Energy Efficiency
While we should all try to save energy in our daily lives, the cooktop range is an ideal place to improve efficiency. And in today’s environment in which green technologies are consistently becoming more accessible and affordable, there are some clear differences between cooktops.
If you’re looking for the most energy-efficient type available, we recommend an induction cooktop range. Around 85 to 90 percent of the energy used actually heats the pot or pan, and it uses about half the energy of gas. But, what makes this type of cooktop—which brings sci-fi technology to today’s kitchen—the most energy efficient?
No fuel:
- Traditional cooktops and ranges use either gas or some sort of electrical resistance to generate heat. Induction cooktop ranges use magnetic fields which induce heat in the cookware that’s placed on top of it.
Less time:
- Induction heats up (and cools down) quickly, and the heat is easily adjusted.
Clever cookers
- Induction does more than just save time and energy. If a saucepan has boiled dry, the induction technology senses this and turns off the heating element. Also, if you turn on the heating element and place a pot or pan that’s incompatible on it (or there’s nothing at all), it detects the mistake and will not heat up.
There’s no getting around the fact that induction cooktop ranges cost a pretty penny, though. And although they can easily set you back several grand, the initial investment can quickly be made up for in a lifetime of energy and money savings.
Electric: cooktop ranges earn the silver medal when it comes to energy efficiency, and are substantially more energy efficient than gas. The electric elements are in direct contact with what you’re trying to heat, so anywhere from 65 to 85 percent of the energy used actually heats the pot or pan (and its contents). Also, keep in mind that solid disk and radiant cooktop ranges are the most consistent types because of their flat surfaces. Electric coil is the most energy-efficient type of electric cooktop.
Gas, however, is the least efficient cooktop range type. Because heat from the gas escapes into the air while you’re trying to heat a pot or pan, just 40 percent of the energy used actually heats.
We can all make changes in our daily lives, and our cooktops and ranges are a perfect place to start. When you’re ready to outfit your kitchen with a new cooktop, be sure to visit Build.com.
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