Are you worried about the safety concerns of a gas stovetop? Or are you concerned about the expensive price of an induction or gas range? Trust us, we understand, we’ve been there.
An electric cooktop is a smooth-top appliance that offers an affordable and safe solution for your cooking needs. And, it doesn’t require a gas line!
We looked at the best electric cooktops on the market. We also put together a list of features you should look for. With our buying guide, you can find the best electric cooktop for your kitchen.
Our Top Picks
Home Kitchen Land earns a commission through the following independently chosen links at no additional cost to you.| Image | Model | Features | Best Electric Cooktops of 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Best Overall GE Smoothtop Electric Cooktop |
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 | Best Budget GASLAND 30" Electric Cooktop |
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 | Best Portable CUSIMAX Portable Electric Hot Plate |
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 | Best 30-inch Frigidaire 30 Inch Electric Smoothtop |
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 | Best 36-inch Empava 36 Inch Electric Stove |
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 | Best With Downdraft GE Profile 30" Downdraft Electric Cooktop |
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Different Types of Electric Cooktops
There are two different types of electric cooktops: coil and smooth-top.
Coil Electric Cooktops
A coil electric cooktop has spirals of visible metal on the surface. The electrical wires in the metal coil heat the metal by conducting electricity (1). The coils glow red or orange when they heat up. And the heat is controlled with a digital dial.
One drawback with electric coil cooktops is that the coils need to be perfectly flat. Otherwise, your cookware will heat unevenly.
But, an electric coil cooktop is perfect if you have cast-iron cookware, stoneware, or glass cookware.
Finally and unlike gas cooktops, you can find portable electric burners on the market.
Pros
- Cheap
- Easy to repair
Cons
- Difficult to clean
Smooth-top Electric Cooktops
A smooth-top electric cooktop is also called a radiant coil electric cooktop. And the coils function the same as an electric coil cooktop, but they sit under the glass surface.
The wire on a smooth-top cooktop is heated electrically. This then heats the coil and surface above them. A red outline appears around the heated area when the surface is heated. Manufacturers use rings marked on the glass to indicate the size and location of the burners on smooth-top electric cooktops.
Because the glass dissipates heat faster than exposed metal coils, smooth-top radiant cooktops can cool down quicker.
There are also portable models of smooth-top electric cooktops. For an example of a smooth-top cooktop, see this Karinear model.
Pros
- Modern, sleek designs
- Heat quickly
Cons
- May scratch or break
What To Look For In an Electric Cooktop
Keep these features in mind when searching for an electric cooktop for your kitchen.
Size & Burners
First, you should consider what size will suit your cooking needs. A larger cooktop can have more burners.
If you live alone, you might want to consider a smaller cooktop. But, if you want more versatility for your cooking, you should consider a model with more burners.
For example, a 30-inch cooktop has four burners, whereas a 36-inch cooktop can have 5 or 6 burners.
So you should consider a size and burner number that best suits your needs.
Controls
Next, consider the controls on your cooktop. Some electric cooktops, like this Frigidaire, have knob controls. Whereas others have intuitive digital controls. For instance, this Noxton or this KitchenAid model.
While controls are more of a personal preference, intuitive controls are easier to clean than knobs.
Plus, some controls are located on the side of the cooktop. Others are located in the center or down. This is another personal preference, but controls on the downside may get in the way when cooking.
So you should consider what controls would best suit your cooking needs and preferences.
Safety Features
It’s also important to consider the safety features of your cooktop. For example, some electric cooktops come with a child lock, hot surface indicator light, on/off indicator lights, or have automatic pan size recognition.
Safety features can help to avoid accidents. This is especially important if you have kids or pets in the house when you’re cooking. It also lowers accidental burn risks when cooking.
For example, automatic pan recognition allows the cooking area to only heat up in the areas where the pan contacts the surface. So it won’t heat up unless it senses a pan on the surface.
These safety functions are mostly found on smooth-top radiant coil electric cooktops, but coil electric cooktops offer some safety features too.
For example, the Cuisimax cooktop has an automatic safety shut-off function and a thermostat temperature regulator.
Additional Features
There are also some additional features to consider. For example, some cooktops will come with features such as a bridge feature, warming zones, or timer:
- The bridge feature allows you to combine two burners to expand the heating surface into a double burner. It provides a larger space for long cookware such as a rectangular stovetop griddle. So it’s helpful if you’re cooking a big meal with large cookware.
- The bridge elements mainly concern large models like this Vivohome. This model also has a 3-90 minute digital timer control.
- A warming zone can be helpful to keep cooked foods warm. For example, vegetables, gravies, and oven-safe dinner plates.
So you should consider what additional features would suit your cooking style.
Budget
Finally, an electric cooktop can be a significant investment. So it’s important to consider the different options depending on your budget.
There is a large price range for electric cooktops that depends on many different factors. As we mentioned above, coil electric cooktops are cheaper. And there are also portable cooktops that have a lower price.
For example, this Frigidaire model is around $500. Whereas this Cuisinmax cooktop is around $80, and this Noxton cooktop is around $190.
The Best Electric Cooktops of 2023
To find the best electric cooktops available, we’ve spent hours researching. We looked at manufacturers’ specs, honest user reviews, and expert advice to find the top 6 options on the market.
1. GE 30 Inch Smoothtop Electric Cooktop
When you’re upgrading your stovetop, you want to know that it will be reliable and cover all the bases! And this GE electric cooktop will do just that.
This 30-inch cooktop has four radiant heating elements that heat quickly, so you don’t have to waste time waiting for your food to start cooking. It also has various burner settings such as melt setting, warm, and power boil elements. So you’re covered for almost any cooking situation!
With both 8-inch and 6-inch burners, you can use almost any sized pan with this cooktop. And you’ll only use as much heat as your pan needs.
Plus, with knob controls, you can enjoy easy and precise control over your cooking settings. This is perfect for cooking delicate foods.
What We Like
Hot Surface Indicators
The hot surface indicator light tells you when the cooking surface is hot. So you won’t have to worry about accidentally burning your hand on the surface. The hot surface indicator lights are a great safety feature if you have kids in the kitchen when you’re cooking!
Easy To Clean
The black glass surface is easy to clean. You can wipe it down after cooking without having to spend time scrubbing. GE also includes cleaning gear with this cooktop. So you can easily keep the sleek glass surface clean and shiny.
Easy To Install
A lot of reviewers say that they were able to install this cooktop easily without any skills or experience needed. The installation process is straightforward, so you won’t have to worry about extra installation fees.
What We Don’t Like
Cracks Under Weight
Some reviewers note that the glass surface on this cooktop can crack under the weight of heavy pots and pans. So if you have heavy cookware you should be careful when placing it on this cooktop.
Additional Specs
| Number of Burners | 4 |
| Size | 30-inches |
| Material | Glass |
| Power Source | Corded electric |
| Weight | 37 lbs |
2. GASLAND 30″ Electric Cooktop Built-in
Buying a cooktop doesn’t have to break the bank. This Gasland 30-inch cooktop is an affordable solution for any budget.
With four burners and powerful dual-ring cooking zones, you have a range of heating options with this cooktop. So you can cook your food any way you want to. Plus, it has double burner expandable elements. So it’s perfect for cooking with large medium-sized pots and pans too.
This cooktop also features sensor touch controls, so you can quickly switch between different heat levels. It’s perfect for controlling the temperature when you’re cooking complex meals.
Plus, the overheating function switches the heating element off when the temperature gets too high. This way, you won’t overcook your meals with this unit.
What We Like
Multifunctional Timer
The multifunctional timer can be used as a time reminder when cooking. So you can be reminded to check on your food! Or you can set the cooking time so that it will automatically turn itself off. You won’t risk accidentally overcooking your dish.
Safety Features
This cooktop has many different safety functions that make it a safe choice for cooking with kids or pets in the kitchen. It has a safety lock, overheating protection, auto-shutdown protection, and residual heat warning. So you can keep your kitchen safe with this cooktop.
Scratch-Resistant Surface
The high-grade ceramic glass cooktop surface on this model is scratch-resistant. You won’t have to worry about your cookware damaging the surface while you’re cooking.
What We Don’t Like
Hard To Install
Some reviewers had trouble with the wiring when trying to install this cooktop. Instead, you might have to pay to have it professionally installed.
Additional Specs
| Number of Burners | 4 |
| Size | 30-inches |
| Material | Glass |
| Power Source | Hardwire |
| Weight | 19.5 lbs |
3. CUSIMAX Portable Electric Hot Plate
This Cusimax portable electric hot plate has all the best features of an electric cooktop – but portable! It features 2 dual control infrared burners with easy-to-use knobs for precise control.
The ceramic surface is suitable for all cookware. And, it’s easy to wipe clean. You can simply wipe it down with a damp cloth after you finish cooking.
Plus, the stainless steel body is built to withstand frequent use and wear. So you can take this cooker with you on the go without having to worry about it getting damaged. It also has non-slip feet for stability on any surface. You can use it on your countertop for extra cooking space. Or, you can use it in your RV and it won’t slip!
What We Like
Durable Plates
The double crystalline glass plates can withstand frequent use even with heavy cookware. You won’t have to worry about the burners cracking underneath your pan.
Automatic Safety Shutoff
This portable cooktop has an automatic shutoff feature. You’ll never have to worry about your cooktop accidentally being left on.
Infrared Heating
The infrared heating elements boil water faster than radiant glass elements. Your radiant elements will heat up quickly so you can get cooking faster with this cooktop. You won’t be waiting around for the heat.
What We Don’t Like
Slow To Cool Down
Many reviewers say that this portable cooktop takes a long time to cool down. This can be inconvenient if you’re on the go or want to clean it quickly after cooking. You’ll have to wait a while before the cooktop is safe to touch after cooking.
Additional Specs
| Number of Burners | 2 |
| Size | 21.5-inches |
| Material | Infrared |
| Power Source | electric |
| Weight | 9.18 lbs |
4. Frigidaire 30 Inch Electric Smoothtop Style Cooktop
Having a small kitchen doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality cooking space. This compact 30-inch cooktop provides a lot of cooking options on a smaller surface.
With varying wattages, you have a lot of heating variety with this cooktop. So you can adjust your heating for bigger cookware, or if you’re cooking high-heat foods.
This cooktop is easy to use and install. You won’t have to worry about any added installation costs. Plus, the simple controls display precise heat settings. This means you can heat your food with easy control over your desired temperature.
What We Like
Removable Knobs
You can remove the knobs on this 30-inch electric cooktop. So it makes cleaning a breeze. You can simply take them off, wipe them down, and put them back on without a hassle.
Sleek Surface
This cooktop has a sleek black glass surface. This means you can keep it clean easily. And food won’t burn or get stuck to the smooth surface. You won’t have to waste time scrubbing away any mess.
Quick Boil Elements
The power boil element makes it easy to bring water to the boil on this cooktop. So you can always have hot water ready and boiling without waiting around.
What We Don’t Like
Scratches
The smooth glass surface on this cooktop can scratch easily. Many reviewers note that it scratches easily if you’re moving a lot of cookware around during the cooking process. Simply, make sure you don’t slide any cookware along the surface of this cooktop.
Additional Specs
| Number of Burners | 4 |
| Size | 30-inches |
| Material | Glass |
| Power Source | corded electric |
| Weight | 40.3 lbs |
5. Empava 36 Inch Electric Stove Induction Cooktop
For a bigger-sized cooktop for your kitchen, we love this 36-inch model with five burners.
As a five-burner cooktop you can enjoy a variety of multi-task cooking with this unit. Plus, with the extra-large center burner, you can cook any big meal at once.
This Empava induction cooktop has a sleek black finish with red LED displays for a modern look. It adds a stylish touch to any kitchen. The cooktop surface is also stain-resistant. So you can enjoy easy maintenance and won’t have to worry about any spills burning onto the surface.
It also has touch controls. You can easily switch between different cooking modes. It’s perfect for cooking any recipe. You can switch to boil, stew, stir, or fry with just the touch of a button.
Finally, the timer digital controls on this cooktop allow you to set the timer to turn each zone off. With precise cook timer controls, you can sit back while this cooktop handles the cooking time.
RELATED: The Best Induction Cookware Sets in 2023
What We Like
Digital Features
This Empava cooktop has a variety of digital features. It has touch controls, a keep warm setting function, and a heat setting slider. So you have a lot of control over your cooking needs.
Boost Function
With the boost function, you can add 300 to 600 watts to a burner for quick heat or rapid boiling. You can easily boil water or enjoy rapid cooking.
Durable
The smooth tempered glass surface is built to withstand intense heat without any risk of cracking or chipping. Your cooktop will last a very long time even with frequent use.
What We Don’t Like
Requires Conductive Cookware
Because this cooktop uses induction heating, it requires induction-ready conductive cookware. So you might have to purchase additional magnetic metal pots if your current set doesn’t have a magnetic base.
Additional Specs
| Number of Burners | 5 |
| Size | 36-inches |
| Material | Glass |
| Power Source | Electric |
| Weight | 27.8 lbs |
6. GE Profile 30″ Downdraft Electric Cooktop
For an odor-free cooking experience, this GE cooktop is the one to consider!
This 30-inch cooktop has an adjustable downdraft that pulls the steam and odor from your cooking into vents. So you won’t have any smoke or odors filling your kitchen. Plus, you won’t need an overhead ventilation system in your kitchen. I’s a perfect all-in-one unit if you have a small kitchen.
It has four adjustable burners. But it also features a between-element burner. You can use it as a warmer, or you can use it to cook with large cookware. This is perfect if you want to cook with griddles.
We also love the stainless steel and glass construction. It provides a durable cooking surface that also looks stylish in the kitchen.
What We Like
Sleek Design
This GE downdraft cooktop has a sleek black patterned glass-ceramic design with stainless steel trim. So it looks great in any kitchen. And the silver knobs in the center add to the stylish look.
Simple Controls
This cooktop has easy-to-use control dials on the cooktop surface. With simple controls, you can enjoy effortless control over your heat settings.
Control Locks
With a control lock, you won’t accidentally adjust the temperature in the middle of your cooking. This feature will lock the controls meaning you can’t bump and change them.
What We Don’t Like
Hard To Install
Because this is a downdraft unit, it needs vents underneath it. Otherwise, the air being pulled has nowhere to go. So you need to ensure you have ventilation to install this cooktop. Make sure you read the installation guide before installing this unit.
Additional Specs
| Number of Burners | 4 |
| Size | 30-inches |
| Material | glass with stainless steel trim |
| Power Source | electric |
| Weight | 45 lbs |
Electric CookTop Comparison Chart
| Product | Weight | Number of Burners | Size | Power Source | Material | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE Smoothtop Electric Cooktop | 37 lbs | 4 | 30-inches | Corded electric | Glass | 21.5 x 29.88 x 4.19 inches |
| GASLAND 30" Electric Cooktop | 19.5 lbs | 4 | 30-inches | Hardwire | Glass | 30.3 x 20.5 x 2.1 inches |
| CUSIMAX Electric Hot Plate | 9.18 lbs | 2 | 21.5 inches | electric | Infrared | 21.5 x 4.7 x 15 inches |
| Frigidaire 30 Inch Electric Smoothtop Cooktop | 40.3 lbs | 4 | 30-inches | corded electric | glass | 34.9 x 23.9 x 6.2 inches |
| Empava 36 Inch Electric Stove | 27.8 lbs | 5 | 36-inches | corded electric | glass | 34.9 x 23.9 x 6.2 inches |
| GE Profile 30" Downdraft Electric Cooktop | 45 lbs | 4 | 30-inches | Corded Electric | glass with stainless steel trim | 21 x 30 x 3 inches |
Jump to the Full Electric CookTop Reviews
How To Clean & Maintain My Electric Cooktop
Here are some tips for cleaning and maintaining your electric cooktop.
For Smooth-top Electric Cooktops:
To clean your smooth-top electric cooktop, wash it with soap, water, and a soft cloth or sponge.
To remove stubborn food residue, use a cooktop scraper:
- For best results when using a scraper, make sure the cooktop is still warm but not hot to the touch.
- Hold the scraper at a 45° angle against the cooktop surface, and scrape off the residue.
- Then, allow the cooktop to cool down completely.
- And apply a cooktop cleaner to the dirty areas.
- Use a pad or soft cloth to rub the cleaner onto the glass surface.
- Allow the cleaner to dry. Then, polish with a clean, dry cloth or a dry paper towel.
For Coil Electric Cooktops:
To clean your coil cooktop:
- Remove the surface units and drip pan.
- Then, clean the units and drip pan by hand using warm soapy water.
- If you have burnt food residue stuck to the surface, let it soak in hot water for several hours.
Note
FAQ about Electric CookTops
Here are a few details you need to know before buying your cooktop.
Is a Radiant Cooktop Different From an Induction Cooktop?
Yes, radiant coil cooktops operate differently from induction cooktops.
As we explained, radiant coil cooktops use radiant heat to conduct electricity to the heating element, and then your cookware.
Induction glass cooktops use electromagnetism to heat your cookware directly. So with an induction cooktop, only your cookware and the food are heated and not the surface of the cooktop.
What Are The Most Common Sizes of Electric Cooktops?
The most standard sizes of electric cooktops are 30-inches and 36-inches. But, there are different varieties available.
For example, this GIONIEN model is 24-inches, and this Viking model is 45-inches.
Can You Install an Electric Cooktop?
Yes, you can install an electric cooktop yourself. However, we don’t recommend it. There are a lot of risks involved with installing your electric cooktop.
If you do, it’s important to follow the installation instructions of the manufacturer in the user guide (2).
But, it’s important to note that manufacturers recommend installation should only be carried out by a qualified electrician. This is because they don’t want to be involved in any accidents.
Plus, installing your cooktop incorrectly could void the warranty.
How Long Do Electric Cooktops Last?
An electric cooktop on average lasts between 15 to 17 years. However, some reviewers of glass electric cooktops say they have been using theirs for more than 20 years.
The lifespan of your electric cooktop can depend on the quality, and how you use and care for your cooktop.
Switch On The Heat!
Finding the right stovetop for your kitchen needs can be a difficult process. With so many different options, finding the best solution can be hard.
But, now you know that an electric cooktop can offer an affordable and safe solution for your cooking.
Make sure you consider the key features we mentioned before you choose your cooktop. Think about what size will suit your needs, the controls, and the different safety features you need.
If you have any other questions about finding the best electric cooktops, please ask us in the comments below! And, if you found this article helpful, share it with a friend!
About the Author
Since always, I am passionate about food; I enjoy writing and want to share my passion and offer quality articles to my readers. On Homekitchenland, I like to research, review, and compare kitchen appliances, write product reviews, and develop recipes.
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