Deciding which cooktop is best for you will depend on the features you want and your budget. Answering the following questions can lead you to choosing the perfect cooktop for your kitchen.

1. Is this a new installation or replacement of a current cooktop into an existing opening?
   
2. Is the power supply gas or electric?
   
3. What is the current cooktop size (width and depth) and how large is the cabinet that the cooktop sits on?
   
4. How many cooking zones or burners will be needed?
   
5. If a gas cooktop, what type and style of grates would you like?
   
6. If an induction cooktop, do you have the necessary power specs required for installation?
   
7. What style and color of the cooktop are you looking for?
   

Cooktops have come a long way from the basic four-burner models. They are now available with smooth tops, grills, different burner configurations, and much more. There are standard cooktops (explained below) and professional series cooktops that can emit more (or less) heat. Before purchasing your next cooktop, make sure you review the following features for gas and electric models. For additional help, contact Abt Electronics' knowledgeable sales staff at 888-228-5800.

Electric Cooktop Features

• Smooth ceramic cooktops have a sleek appearance and offer easy cleanup. However, you will need to use a special cleaner for the ceramic glass.
  
• Ceramic cooktops are available in a variety of colors to complement any kitchen design.
  
• The ribbon elements on a smooth-top cooktop heat quicker than the old coil elements and some are adjustable in size.
  
• Some sealed ceramic cooktops can be recessed so they are virtually flush with the countertop.
  
• Smoothtop cooktops have helpful features like variable-size elements, warming zones, and bridge elements.
  

Gas Cooktop Features

• Sealed surface burners contain spills for easy cleanup. Many cooktops are designed with the sealed burners recessed below the surface of the countertop.
  
• Models are available with "gas-on-glass" where the sealed burner is mounted directly on the ceramic cooktop, combining the easy cleaning of an electric smooth top with the performance of gas.
  
• Sealed "simmer" burners allow you to cook delicate foods.
  
• Precise temperature controls allow you to control the temperature for every cooking need.
  
• Most cast-iron, porcelain enamel-coated grates are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
  

Induction Cooktop Features

• These cooktops use electromagnetic technology to heat only the pan, leaving the burner plate much cooler than a gas or electric radiant burner. Since this type of current is used, you must use flat bottom, magnetic cookware otherwise no heat will be produced.
  
• Quicker, more efficient heating and a safer, quick-cooling cooking surface.
  
• Advanced technology allows the unit to automatically adjust energy output to the size of the pan bottom, regardless of its diameter.
  
• The most energy efficient cooktop currently on the market.
  

General Cooktop Features

• Many gas and electric cooktops have the exact countertop cutout; making the planning and designing of your new kitchen a snap.
  
• Cooktops today are easier to clean, better looking, and offer more cooking flexibility.
  
• Ceramic cooktops are available in gas and electric.
  
• The edge of the cooktop is frameless, so it won't trap food and become difficult to clean.
  
• Some cooktops have available accessories, such as interchangeable burners and grids for grilling.
  
• Downdraft exhaust is available on some electric and gas models. A downdraft cooktop is perfect for a kitchen island with no overhead exhaust.
  

Bridge Element
Combines two or three elements into one large cooking area which is ideal for oversized cooking.

Coil Heating Elements
Provide consistent and even heat on cooktop with a plug-in element that is removable for easy cleaning.

Control Placement
Cooktops have burner controls either in the center or on the sides of the surface of the cooktop.

Control Type
Controls can be electronic (digital touch pads) or manual (push-button or rotary knobs).

Cooktop
Cooking surface installed in a countertop or island. The cooktop can have coil or smooth top burner configurations.

Downdraft Exhaust
Available on some cooktops, they are similar in function to a range hood. A fan draws smoke and odors down into the cooking unit and disperses them outdoors through a venting system.

Dual Size Ribbon Element
Offers a convenient choice of using two different sized elements, depending on the size of the pan.

Electronic Touch Controls
An electronic touch-control cooktop has no knobs and is available on electric cooktops. This type of cooktop offers other features as well:

• If an unoccupied element is left on, sensors in the cooktop will turn off the element.
  
• Sensors adjust the size of the element to the size of the pan being used.
  
• The control-lock feature for the elements is a safety feature to prevent accidental activation.
  
• A digital reminder timer alerts you when the cooking time is complete.
  

Electronic Ignition
An automatic system that instantly lights burners on gas cooktops.

Frameless Design
A smooth and seamless cooktop surface. Can be mounted flush with the top of the countertop or sitting on top of the countertop surface.

"Gas on Glass" Top
The sealed burner is mounted directly on the ceramic cooktop, offering the easy cleaning features of an electric smooth top with the performance of gas.

Manufacturer Warranty
Manufacturer's specified time period covering product defects after purchase. Coverage may be for parts and labor or parts only. Most manufacturers offer 1 year parts and labor.

Modular Accessories
Some manufacturers offer modular attachments for their cooktops. These attachments are usually 12" to 15" and can come with either gas or electric units. Some examples of modular add-ons include a deep fryer, steamer, wok cooker, grill griddle, or burner.

Open Burners
This type of cooktop has large openings for burners. The opening is a little larger than the burner itself. The cooktop lifts open to clean spills that drain into openings in the cooktop.

Pan Presence Sensor
Detects when a burner element is left "on" and automatically shuts it off when not in use.

Pan Size Sensor
Automatically adjusts the heating element to the size of the pan.

Power Burners
Power burner cooktops will have at least one 14,000 BTU (or more) burner.

Professional Series Rangetops
A professional series rangetop gives you more control over your cooking since you can cook at both higher and lower temperatures. These units can have either open or sealed burners. They are deeper than a standard cooktop (usually 10" or so) and the controls usually are positioned in the front. A larger professional series cooktop can come with one of the following configurations: all burner, griddle with burners, grill with burners, griddle and grill with burners, or french top. A french top configuration is composed of concentric rings of progressively mild heat. Therefore, you do not constantly adjust a single burner, but rather shift location to the appropriate heat, all on one large cooking surface. All professional series cooktops must use high-powered CFM updraft ventilation. CFM, or Cubic Feet per Minute, is the measurement of air flow. Updraft ventilation consists of a wall, canopy, or cabinetry-mounted hood. The styles and price ranges depend on the ambiance of the kitchen and model of the rangetop. Depending on the size of the rangetop, the CFM can be range from 900 CFM to 1500 CFM. Your salesperson would be able to let you know which CFM would go with the rangetop you choose.

Ribbon Heating Elements
Provides consistent heat from elements beneath the smooth surface, which is directed straight up to the pan for high-speed warm-up and even heating.

Sizes
Standard sizes for U.S. cooktops are 24", 30", 36", and 45". Professional series cooktops are available in these sizes: 30", 36", 42", 48", and 60".

Surfaces
The outside material of the cooktop or the appliance itself. Glass, porcelain, brushed chrome, and stainless steel are the most common.

Tri-Ring Element
Accommodates various-sized pots or pans for the ultimate in cooking versatility.

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