Buying a kitchen cooktop: Gas and electric options

The choice between installing a gas cooktop or an electric cooktop is a personal choice and reliant on your specific needs. Some people will naturally prefer one or the other, but if you can't decide, look at what type of performance you want from your cooktop and go from there.

Gas cooktops

Gas is often the most popular choice in cooktops. You don't even need to be connected to natural gas as most are compatible with LPG. The good news on gas cooktops is:

• They are relatively cheaper to use
• Are very responsive
• Sturdier than electric models
• More resistant to wear and tear

Electric cooktops

Electric cooktops, on the other hand, are more streamlined but can be more expensive to operate. The elements take longer to heat up and cool down as well. The decision can also hinge on bench top space. If you have the bench space it is often wiser to look at installing a 700mm cooktop, regardless of the power source you choose, as the extra 10cm means you can opt for five burners as opposed to four.

For some people, the decision to go with a gas or an electric cooktop rests with appearance. What will look best in your kitchen?

Other considerations when choosing a cooktop

Aside from the decision over gas or electric, there are some other considerations to take into account when shopping for a cooktop. You need to ask questions about maintenance and repair and replacement costs and figure these into your budget. The overall cost of purchase and installation is another, so visit retailers and get all the information you need to assist your decision. A cooktop that is easy to clean is usually high on the priority list for most buyers.

Checking out some designs online, as well as the other requirements you're after, can save you a lot of time whilst in the shopping process.