With any kitchen, cooktops are a great addition. No matter the size, they will offer a versatile layout. If you have an island countertop or a built-in oven, you will need some kind of cooking solution.

 

There are three main options to choose from when it comes to cooktops.  These include gas, electric and induction.  In this article, we have put together the differences between each of them.

 

Gas

 

Gas cooktops provide their source of heat with a flame.  Gas will give you rapid heat whilst still having great control, allowing you to switch the temperature from a high to low heat with ease.

 

If you choose a gas cooktop, you should consider one with sealed gas burners.  They will prevent food from becoming trapped during cooking, which will not only stop burnt remnants but also make cleaning much easier. By opting for continuous grates, you will find sliding your heavy pots and pans from one burner to another simple.


Something else to consider is the safety aspect of gas cooktops. Most will now come with flame failure safety, which means that if the flame goes out, it will automatically ignite and an automatic shut-off to prevent any gas from leaking.  This is particularly important if you have inquisitive young children.

 

You also have the option of purchasing a gas oven with a downdraft design.  The fan will draw smoke out of your kitchen, and also eliminates odours.  Perfect if you want to prevent the smoke alarm going off every time you accidentally burn your food!

 

Electric

 

Electric cooktops are the complete opposite of gas.  They don’t use any gas as a source of heat, they simply use electricity to heat the hobs. They are more suited to maintain a lower heat and take slightly longer to adjust than a gas oven. There are two types of electric cookers to choose from.

 

  • Coil – Not the best option if you want to easily clean your electric cooktop. Food can easily become trapped, meaning, over time, you may start noticing the smell of burnt food.  However, one benefit is that they tend to be the least expensive option. 
  • Smooth Top – These cooktops have a far more sleek appearance. When heating up, the elements become radiant. They are simple to clean with the wipe of a cloth.  Your food will heat quickly and evenly.

 

Induction

Although induction cooktops have a similar look to that of electric, they do differ in how they work.  Like electric, they also provide heat through a coil that is situated under the surface.  However, induction tops use copper coils using electromagnetic radiation.  Magnets are used to distribute the heat during cooking.

During the process, a current of electricity alternates as it passes through the copper.  The result is that the pots and pans start to heat.  The air that is between the cooktop and the pans won't get hot, making cooking safer and will prevent burns from residual heat. 

The good news is that whatever cooktop you choose, Haufson Cookware has a broad range of pots and pans to suit everybody’s taste.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us should you wish you discuss your requirements in more details.