Stoves vs. Cooktops: Which is Best?

One of the most important appliances in your kitchen is your stove, and for very good reason. It’s the centerpiece for cooking a good, wholesome meal. If you’re in the market for something new or new-used, there are two options for you to choose from — ranges and cooktops.

Whether you’re making your choice through appliance repair in San Francisco or through other means, it’s crucial to know the difference between a range and a cooktop before making your final decision. But what exactly are the differences?

What You Should Know

Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind when choosing between a range and a cooktop is the biggest difference between the two appliances.

A cooktop functions much like a regular stove, but does not contain the oven portion — it’s burners and the knobs to operate them, and it is installed into a countertop. A range contains the burners and function knobs, but also includes an oven.

While there is really only this one difference, it’s obviously an important one. You’ll need to understand your cooking needs before making your choice between the two, of course. For an even bigger decision-making influence, let’s look at the benefits of ranges and cooktops.

The Benefits of Choosing a Range

A range is a great choice for large or small kitchens, as it is the hub of the cooking area. It also gives you what you need — burners and a stove — in an attractive, simple package. Deciding on a range gives you numerous options when deciding on size, finish, cooking style and much more. You’re even able to choose from a slide-in or drop-in range, a freestanding range, or even dual-fuel option — all of which have their own distinct benefits.

Ranges come on a spectrum of price points, which is a huge benefit if you’re working on a budget. Because sizes and other options vary, you’ll be able to find an option that’s perfect for your home without spending a boatload of money.

The Benefits of Choosing a Cooktop

  • Cooktops are much smaller than a range and therefore are easier to install. Because they are only a set of burners, you’ll also have extra space below for a cabinet or other item.
  • When choosing a cooktop, you’ll have plenty of options for burner size and finish. Plus, glass and smooth cooktop options make cleanup much easier.
  • A cooktop stove has its controls on the countertop, making this option a safer choice if you have children in your home. They won’t be able to reach the controls as easily as they might with a range.

Purchasing a new appliance can be exciting, but it’s important to remember that doing your research beforehand can make the process easier. When you know what you need to create meals you can be proud of, it’s easier to narrow down your options. You’ll want to do everything possible to make the process quick and painless so you can get back to cooking!

If ever (or whenever) you’re in the need for stove repair, call Absolute Appliances Repair!

COOKTOPS HELP YOU CREATE BEAUTIFUL MEALS

Without your cooktop, you couldn’t create your beautiful stocks and sauces that you use in so many recipes every week. One sauce alone can be the basis to several amazing meals. But when your cooktop is broken, you might have to settle for a less than stellar meal. Your family has comes to expect great meals from you and your cooktop. The good news is you don’t have to let them down another day.

Just call Absolute Appliance Repair during regular business hours and we will send one of our professional repair technicians to your house on the same day you call.

Our technicians receive ongoing training and are up-to-date on all of the latest industry trends and cooktop repairs that you may need. They also carry all of the most common replacement parts for all domestic brands of cooktops and even many foreign models, not to mention all of the specialty tools they could possibly need.

At Absolute Appliance Repair, our technicians use only factory replacement parts. Those parts come with a full warranty and we guarantee our work. This means you have no worries if, for any reason, something should go wrong. You are fully covered for parts and labor for the extent of the warranty. So don’t go another day without your cooktop. When you enjoy cooking, it is one of the most important appliances in the kitchen. Call Absolute Appliance Repair today and we will have you back to creating amazing dishes with your own homemade stocks and sauces again quicker than you can boil water.

CHOOSE A COOKTOP

When choosing a new cooktop, keep your needs and lifestyle in mind. Cooktops have come a long way from the basic four-burner models. With all of the available features, deciding which cooktop is best for you will depend on the features you want and your budget. Cooktops are now available with smooth tops, grills, different burner configurations and much more.

General Cooktop Features

Many models of both gas and electric cooktops have the exact same countertop cutout, so planning and designing your new kitchen has never been easier:

  • Cooktops today are easier to clean, better looking and offer more cooking flexibility (more precise temperature control, for example) versus the cooktops from only a few years ago.
  • Ceramic cooktops are available in gas and electric.
  • The edge of the cooktop is frameless, so it won’t trap food and be difficult to clean.
  • 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.

Electric Cooktop Features

  • Smooth ceramic cooktops have a sleek appearance and offer easy cleanup.
  • Ceramic cooktops are available in a variety of colors to complement any kitchen design.
  • The ribbon elements on a smooth top cooktop heat as quickly as the old coil elements and some are adjustable in size. For example, an adjustable element can accommodate either large or small pans. A triple element can heat a large 9″ x 19″ griddle or casserole dish.
  • Some sealed ceramic cooktops can be recessed so they are virtually flush with the countertop.
  • An electronic touch-control cooktop is available with no knobs. The electronic touch-control makes this cooktop a great addition to your kitchen’s decor. 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 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 has expired.

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, offering easy cleaning of an electric smooth top with the performance of gas.
  • Sealed “simmer” burners allow you to cook delicate foods without using a double boiler.
  • Precise temperature controls allow you to control the temperature for every cooking need. You can even cook items at very low temperatures without scorching.
  • One or more sealed “high power” burners, up to 15,000 Btu’s, allow you to boil quickly or do other high temperature cooking like frying or cooking with a wok.
  • Cast-iron, porcelain enamel-coated grates are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.

 

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