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Gas or Electric Cooktops

One of the biggest decisions that you will make when installing a kitchen is whether to have a gas or electric cooktop.  There are advantages to both of these, so it really does come down to a matter of personal preference and style.  We’ve found out what you need to know about both gas and electric cooktops to enable you to make a more informed decision.

About Gas Cooktops

Gas cooktops give you total control, allowing you to choose the exact amount of heat that you need almost instantaneously.  This means that you can choose the perfect heat for stir frying or gentle cooking, where you need the heat level to be absolutely precise.  Gas cooktops require an ignition system, and there are a few options.  A Piezo ignition system works by impacting a special crystal in order to obtain sparks.  A push button electronic ignition system lights the gas when a button is pushed – this uses an electronic spark generating device.  Automatic ignitions light the gas as soon as the control dial is turned. Finally, there is manual ignition, where the gas is turned on and then lit by a lighter or match.  Some gas cooktops are fitted with a safety device that will shut off the gas valve immediately if the flame is ever put out accidentally.

Gas cooktops are more expensive than electric cooktops initially, but they emit only a third of the greenhouse gases that electricity does, making them a much more environmentally friendly alternative.  They are also cheaper to run.  Gas cooktops are extremely stylish and will give your kitchen a gourmet look and feel.  They come in a variety of configurations, allowing you to choose one that suits your cooking style.  You can choose if you want small or large burners, or a combination of the two.  Also, when gas is off, it’s off, making it extremely safe.

About Electric Cooktops

Electric cooktops are stylish, easy to clean and are suitable for any kitchen.  Unlike gas, there is no need for an ignition or a manual lighter, as they operate simply by turning a dial, not to mention that there is no flame that can be easily extinguished!

Electric cooktops come in a range of configurations and hotplate options, meaning that you can choose a cooktop that is tailored for the way that you cook.  A ceramic cooktop is available in two or four elements, and has integrated controls.  Halogen models that have separate controls give you flexibility.  Toughened glass or enamel cooktops are popular as they look great.  Usually they use cerashield or coil elements – the choice is up to you.  Stainless steel is also available and these hotplates are shaped, spare or rectangular.  They also use cerashield or coil elements.

You may be wary of electric cooktops, fearing that they take too long to heat up or cool down.  The good news is that the time it takes to heat or cool the element is much faster now.  Electric cooktops are able to provide very low heat levels, making them perfect for delicate cooking operation such as making sauces.  They can also cope with high capacities, such as boiling large pots of water.  Also be aware that many electric cooktops come with safety indicator lights that let you know when the burners or elements are operating, or when they are hot.  Some will even detect heat even when the element is turned off.

Electric cooktops are easy to clean and some higher end models can come with bridge elements or a centre element that can accommodate larger saucepans or pans.  Expandable elements are energy efficient as they allow you to select a burner size that is most suitable for the cookware that you are using.

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