A Guide To Cooktops:

Gas Cooktops

Gas cooktops - fueled by natural gas or propane - are often the choice of professional chefs due to their quick heating and precise burner control. These cooktops help you achieve that perfect sear and are ideal for simmering and wok cooking because they offer optimal control.

Radiant Cooktops

Radiant cooktops feature an elegant design and responsive elements that can reach high temperatures. Their smooth surface makes it easier to clean compared to gas cooktops. Additionally, some models come with burners that expand and contract to match varying pot sizes and a protective coating to mitigate scratching.

Induction Cooktops

Induction cooktops are engineered to function differently than other cooktops. To produce heat, a coiled copper wire carries an electric current below the cooktop, creating and distributing a magnetic current throughout the cooking vessel. Furthermore, heat is directly transferred to the cooking vessel, not having to first travel through the cooking surface. This means that induction cooktops are typically able to cook more quickly and with greater efficiency than both radiant and gas cooktops. Like radiant, induction cooktops have an even and flat surface making them easier to clean than gas cooktops. Expanding and contracting burners help induction cooktops better match your pot sizes and increase the overall versatility. In addition, induction cooktops deliver precision, allowing you to effectively cook at both a high temperature and a low, consistent heat, ideal for challenging jobs like melting chocolate.

For cookware to work as intended on induction cooktops, it must be made of a magnetic metal. You can test if a pan works on an induction cooktop by holding a magnet next to it. If the magnet is attracted to the surface then the pan is suitable for an induction cooktop. Another compatibility test is to place the pan directly on the cooktop. If the display flashes or you hear a clicking sound, then remove the pan because it will not work effectively. Using the wrong pans could produce undesirable cooking results.

Coil Cooktops

Affordability makes coil cooktops a popular option but one drawback is that they can be more challenging to clean.

Whirlpool does not offer coil cooktops.

In search of a cooktop that’s the right fit for the dimensions of your kitchen? On the market are a variety of sizes to accommodate your needs.

Since kitchens don’t come in one standard size, cooktops come in a range of widths, including 30”, 36” and 48”. For smaller spaces, 15” and 24” widths are available in certain brands. Depth varies based on the model and fuel type but as a general rule, cooktops are between 20” and 28” deep.

The number of burners correlates to a cooktop’s width. 15” cooktops usually feature 1-2 burners. 24” and 30” cooktops typically have 4-5 burners and 36” cooktops can come with 5-6 burners. Cooktops with 48” width could have up to 8 burners and some also come with a Grill or Griddle. Whirlpool does not offer cooktops with a Grill.

Black and stainless steel are the two most common colours for built-in cooktops. Yet, there are several styles and colours available to match the look of your kitchen. Many feel that induction and electric cooktops have a modern aesthetic while gas cooktops have a more classic feel. Black tops are sometimes edged in stainless steel. The design of some cooktops include knobs whereas others have touch control.

Downdraft cooktops feature a built-in ventilation system inside the below cabinet. This suctions most of the smoke and odours from the cooking surface. This system allows you to forego an additional overhead ventilation hood, increasing flexibility on where you can install your cooktop. With downdraft cooktops, you can select from several venting options. Whirlpool does not offer downdraft cooktops.

External venting typically requires more open space underneath a counter for installation purposes in addition to a proper external floor or wall ventilation. Be sure to double check the installation instruction guides for cooktops provided by the manufacturer. It is also recommended to consult with your builder or cabinet supplier to review whether the materials will discolour, delaminate or have the potential to suffer any damage.

Typically, cooktops can be installed on a countertop against a wall. A cooktop can also be installed into a kitchen island, potentially allowing for better guest interaction and hosting. Certain models can be installed below a cooktop. You should give thought to ventilation when choosing the location of your cooktop. Wherever you choose to install your cooktop, make sure sufficient room exists to install ventilation per the requirements of your cooktop.

The majority of cooktops protrude a bit from countertops. Those that sit flush are often only available from luxury radiant and induction cooktop brands.

Follow a manufacturer’s dimension guide and template if you plan to cut your countertop to fit your new cooktop.