Cooktops

Radiant-ceramic cooktops use heating elements under a flat ceramic glass surface to heat pots and pans via radiant heat.

An induction cooktop produces a high-frequency magnetic field. When you put cookware such as a steel-plated pan on to the magnetic field, energy is transferred into the metal. The pan then heats up and cooks the food directly.

Gas cooktops use an ignition system to ignite the gas burners that sit below the trivets that support your cookware. Control knobs allow you to regulate how much gas is burnt and how much heat goes into your pot or pan.

Which is best for me?

For speed and cooking versatility, you should look at induction and gas cooktops. Professional chefs overwhelmingly use gas for stovetop cooking because it gives them better and more responsive control over the heat.

If you are concerned about style, then induction and radiant-ceramic are great if you like the sleek and low-profile look.

For those who are interested in energy efficiency, induction is top of the list as it does not waste energy heating an element.

If price is important, you will probably have to steer clear of induction cooktops as they are typically twice as expensive as radiant-ceramic.

Features to look for: an automatic switch-off, auto heat-up function, a residual heat indicator, a timer, keep warm function, a child lock.

Features to look for: flexi-zones, a safety sensor, an automatic switch-off, power boost function, a residual heat indicator, protection against overflows, a timer, auto heat-up function, keep warm function, a child lock and memory function.

Safe with pacemakers?

The area around an induction cooktop is electromagnetically charged. It’s unlikely to affect pacemakers or other implanted electronic devices, but some pacemaker brands recommend you keep a distance of at least 60cm from an induction cooktop. Before you buy, get advice on any safety concerns from the manufacturer of your pacemaker, as well as your doctor.

Portable induction cookers (hotplates)

A hotplate may be a good option if:

• your kitchen is small and you don’t have room for a full-sized cooktop;
• your cooktop isn’t big enough or you sometimes need an extra burner;
• you want to try induction cooking before committing to a built-in hob;
• you have a campervan, boat, or bach.

Induction hotplates operate in the same way as induction cooktops, by generating a magnetic field (so you will need suitable cookware).

The main difference is that cooktops must be hardwired in, whereas hotplates can be plugged in to standard wall power points. This makes hotplates portable, but if you are going to be using one in a campervan or on a boat, make sure it has non-slip feet. Hot plates are also relatively compact, so even double-burner models can easily be stored in a cupboard.

Features to look for: a safety sensor, an automatic switch-off, a residual heat indicator, a child lock, anti-slip feet, and protection against overflows.

Features to look for: flame-failure protection. Also consider its gas connection type.

Retrofit

If you are considering retrofitting a new cooktop into your existing kitchen, pay particular attention to the cutout aperture that is required – this is listed in our test results. You also need to be aware of any other space and ventilation requirements.

Cleaning

Radiant-ceramic cooktops should be cleaned with a glass scraper and a cleaning fluid made especially for the purpose. Most cooktops are supplied with both, and you can buy replacements in supermarkets (the fluid costs about $6 and lasts many months).

Avoid harsh, abrasive cleaners and scourers because they will scratch the surface.

A good gas cooktop should contain any moderate spillage. Look for rounded depressions around burners, sunken hobs and/or partitioning ridges that minimise the spread of mess. Surfaces should be easy to wipe clean. Watch for joins and gaps – they’re dirt traps. Pan supports and trivets should be easy to remove and wash. Burner collars, knobs and burners should be easy to clean beneath. Burners with an aluminium or enamel surround that sticks out from the base can be difficult to clean as food tends to stick. Some models have burner caps that overlap this surround so they're easier to clean.

Connection type

Before buying a gas cooktop, check your connection – is it natural gas (mains) or LPG (gas bottle)? Most models can be converted (you may need to buy the conversion kit separately), but a few may have been set at the factory and will only work with the relevant connection. More information about LPG options here.

Safety concerns

If a gas appliance is not burning properly, it can produce carbon monoxide – a gas that can cause headaches and nausea, and can lead to unconsciousness or even death. It's important to ensure your cooktop is operating safely. Always make sure there is adequate ventilation.

If an appliance or connector leaks gas, you could cause an explosion by lighting a match or even switching on an electrical appliance nearby.

There are gas regulations that cover the safe installation and use of gas appliances, and manufacturers and importers are required to make a mandatory supplier declaration that their appliances comply with the regulations. The declaration is on the Energy Safety Service (ESS) website. The ESS audits declarations, and consumers can check the declarations for their appliances.