Cooktop buying guide

Whether you're a budding chef or just someone who likes to prepare a healthy meal for the family, your kitchen cooktop is the heart and soul of your culinary achievements.
These days we are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a cook top, but when choosing the right cook top for your kitchen it is important to think not only of the look and style, but the functionality you require on a day-to-day basis.

Types of cooktops

There are several types of cook tops available on the market today. Before deciding on the right cook top, it might be worth quickly determining what types are available. Then you can make your final assessment while taking into consideration all of the other equipment and fittings in your kitchen.

There are two main types of cook tops available:

• Gas Burner: anyone who is anyone knows that the gas burner is the easiest cook top to cook with. The gas burner cook top allows your utensils to be directly exposed to a naked flame, with great temperature control capability and easy to adjust heat knobs. These days modern gas burners come with an electric switch, so you don't have to worry about lighting a match to switch on the flame. Most restaurants and chefs use gas burner cook tops.
• Electric Coil: The electric coil cook top is a more old-fashioned method of cooking, but is still chosen by many because of its compact size and safety features. The electric coil comes with the coil exposed, covered in ceramic, halogen or induction. Some people do not like the idea of a naked flame in the kitchen, as with the gas burner, so an electric coil can be a useful and safer alternative - while also matching the general kitchen décor.

Cooktops: Gas burner or electric coil

When you come to making your final decision on a cook top you may need some assistance to determine which type will your kitchen and your cooking needs.
Here is a list of some things to consider:

• Size and shape - Before you fall in love with a particular cook top it is pertinent to consider whether the size and shape of the cook top will actually fit within your given space. If you are installing the cook top yourself, ensure you take the right measurements. It is even handy to get someone else to check the measurements for you. If you are having a professional install your kitchen, speak with them about the space allowable for your cook top and before making your final choice.
• Energy - With power bill costs getting more and more expensive by the day, it is important to consider how much energy you will be burning when you're cooking with your new cook top. Check with the manufacturers to determine the most energy efficient cook top. Generally speaking, gas is the most energy efficient cook top, but this may not be the case for your particular kitchen, and when considering the usage and size of the cook top you require.
• Cost - Last but certainly not least. Ultimately, the cook top you decide upon will be closely related to the cook top you can actually afford. Do not go out of your means to buy a snazzy cook top simply because of the way that it looks, or similarly, a cook top that is much larger and more energy sapping than you may require. Do the sums, and if they don't add up - wait a bit longer to decide on the right cook top for you.

Deciding on the right cook top for your kitchen means you need to take into account several practical considerations and style considerations.