Several different types of cooktops and range tops are available for the avid home chef. Cooktops are built-in or standalone flat cooking surfaces, perfect for minimalist or small kitchens due to their sleek, space-saving design. Rangetops resemble commercial stove tops with control knobs on the front, best for larger kitchens or for those who are serious about cooking, offering robust features and high heat capabilities for a wide range of cooking techniques.

Choosing the wrong type of cooktop or range top can limit your cooking capabilities and affect kitchen design.

With so many models and features, it can be overwhelming to decide without understanding how each type fits different cooking styles and kitchen layouts.

Exploring various cooktops and range tops helps identify the perfect match for your culinary needs and aesthetic, ensuring a harmonious blend of functionality and design in your kitchen.

This article explores the different types of cooktops and range tops available today.

Different Types of Cooktops and Range Tops

Exploring the different types of cooktops and range tops is crucial for any kitchen renovation or upgrade.

The right selection can drastically improve your cooking experience, efficiency, and enjoyment. Each type offers unique benefits tailored to various cooking techniques, kitchen sizes, and design preferences. Whether you prioritize precision temperature control, ease of cleaning, or the aesthetic appeal of your cooking space, understanding the distinctions between them is key.

Making an informed choice ensures that your kitchen is not only visually appealing but also functionally superior, catering to your specific culinary needs.

For those who love to cook, this decision can transform the kitchen into a more inviting and productive space.

Here are four different types of cooktops and range tops for the avid home chef.

Gas Cooktops

Gas cooktops and gas range tops both offer the ability to cook on a stand-alone unit. But what’s the difference?

While they both look very similar, the key difference is found in the way it is installed and controlled. For instance, range tops tend to be installed by sliding into the cabinets with their controls in the front. A cooktop, on the other hand, is typically dropped in and their controls are found on the top of the unit.

Besides that, they both offer an incredible cooking experience — especially for those who believe gas to be the best method for heating burners.

48 Inch Professional Gas Rangetop

THOR Kitchen’s 48-inch gas range top (HRT4806U) is designed with durability and power in mind. It is meant to handle the weight of your cooking needs with its six burners and a bonus stainless steel griddle.

Its high-quality design is not only great for functionality but for aesthetics, too. Here are a few additional features you won’t want to miss:

Blue LED lights behind the control panel give it a modern, stylish touch
Durable controls for precision
Continuous heavy-duty grates to handle your heaviest pots and pans
Porcelain sill tray for a sleek look and easy cleanup
Automatic electric ignition for easy use

36 Inch Professional Gas Cooktop

Made to drop in, this professional drop-in gas cooktop (TGC3601) is designed with the home chef in mind. It has power and strength at a price that will allow you to reap the benefits without breaking the bank.

All passionate cooks have that one appliance that they can’t give up. And, for those who have already invested, many say that a gas cooktop is a game changer when working around the kitchen.  Of course, these features likely help, too:

• Six high-intensity burners
• Blue LED control knobs
• Continuous cast-iron grates
• Automatic electric ignition
• Wok ring for extra stability when using cookware with round bottoms

It is important to note that all of THOR Kitchen’s gas appliances come with a liquid propane option thanks to an included conversion kit.

Electric Cooktops

Electric cooktops are a bit different than the aforementioned units. Aside from running off of electricity instead of gas, electric cooktops are also designed with a smooth surface rather than rough, durable cast-iron grates.

The burners of electric cooktops are found underneath the glass surface without any bulk. This makes it a beautiful addition to any kitchen. Electric cooktops may seem less durable, but they are ideal for bringing balance back into the kitchen.

A few features of THOR Kitchen’s 36 inch professional electric cooktop (TEC36) you will not want to miss include:

• Tri-zone Lightningboil™ Burner. This burner can give you a wide range of power from a delicate heat to melt chocolate to a rapid boil in a matter of minutes.
• The sync burner is perfect for large pans, allowing you to heat two burners and their sides at the same time.
• Automatic shut off when cooking is done so that the bottom of the cookware does not get burned.
• 5 elements that deliver consistent heat.
• 9 power levels for all types of heat regardless of what you are cooking.
• Modern and sleek touch glass controls.

Induction Cooktops

The fourth type of cooktop is an induction cooktop. Unlike gas and electric, induction cooktops are not nearly as mainstream — though they have been around for decades. So, what is it? How does it work?

Induction cooktops deliver heat from the burner underneath the surface directly to the pan without getting the cooktop hot. Believe it or not, some have even tested the theory by placing a paper towel between the two while still cooking efficiently.

They are safe and highly effective (the fastest way to boil water), so it’s no wonder they are growing in popularity. Many believe them to resemble the precision of a gas range with the quick response of an electric range.

Let’s take a closer look at what an induction cooktop offers.

• Five elements with BTUs ranging from 1500 watts to 9300 watts of power.
• Nine power levels from simmer to boiling and everything in between.
• A power boost that gets you to your temperature fast.
• Easy-to-read digital LED displays.
• Automatic safety shut-off.

Add a Cooktop to Your Kitchen

Are you ready to #cooklikeagod in your kitchen with the addition of a cooktop? Then all you need to do is choose which one is right for you. It’s that easy — what are you waiting for?

Gas, electric, and induction all offer a little something different depending on what it is you are looking for. However, they all have one thing in common: they are sure to be a much-appreciated addition to the kitchen.

Conclusion

Boost your kitchen experience by adding burners that bring you power, beauty, and functionality. THOR Kitchen has different types of cooktops to choose from — order yours today!