How to Choose the Right Cooktop for Your Kitchen

Why Your Cooktop Choice Matters More Than You Think

The cooktop is the centrepiece of your kitchen's cooking setup. It affects how quickly you can cook, how much control you have over heat, how easy the surface is to clean, and how your kitchen looks overall. With gas, induction, ceramic, and electric options all available, the choice can feel complicated. But once you understand how each type works and what it's best suited to, the decision becomes much clearer.

This guide covers everything you need to know: the different cooktop types, the features that matter most, how to match a cooktop to your cooking style and kitchen setup, and what to expect at different price points.

Types of Cooktops

Gas Cooktops

Gas cooktops have been the preferred choice of home cooks and professional chefs for generations, and for good reason. The open flame provides instant, precise heat that responds immediately when you adjust the dial. You can see exactly how high the flame is, which makes it intuitive to control. Gas works with any type of cookware and performs well for high-heat cooking techniques like stir-frying, searing, and charring.

The main considerations with gas are installation and cleaning. You'll need a natural gas or LPG connection, and the burner grates and caps require regular cleaning to keep them performing well. Gas cooktops also produce combustion byproducts, so adequate kitchen ventilation is important.

Browse our range of gas cooktops to compare burner configurations and output.

Induction Cooktops

Induction cooktops use electromagnetic energy to heat the cookware directly rather than the surface beneath it. This makes them the fastest and most energy-efficient cooking method available. The cooktop surface itself stays relatively cool, which means spills don't burn on and cleaning is as simple as wiping down a flat glass surface.

Induction offers precise, responsive heat control that rivals gas, and many cooks find it even more accurate for tasks like simmering sauces or melting chocolate. The key requirement is induction-compatible cookware: your pots and pans need to have a magnetic base. Cast iron and most stainless steel cookware works well; aluminium, copper, and glass do not.

Explore our induction cooktops for fast, efficient, and easy-to-clean options.

Ceramic Cooktops

Ceramic cooktops use electric heating elements beneath a smooth glass-ceramic surface. They're sleek, easy to clean, and work with any flat-bottomed cookware. Heat-up time is slower than gas or induction, and the surface retains heat after the element is turned off, which requires a little adjustment in cooking technique but can also be used to your advantage for keeping food warm.

Ceramic cooktops are a popular choice for kitchens where a clean, minimalist look is a priority, and they're generally more affordable than induction models with a similar aesthetic.

See our ceramic cooktops for stylish, practical options at a range of price points.

Electric Cooktops

Traditional electric cooktops use coil or solid plate elements and are the most straightforward option in terms of installation and compatibility. They work with any cookware and are generally the most affordable type to purchase. Heat control is less precise than gas or induction, and they take longer to heat up and cool down. They're a practical, no-fuss choice for straightforward everyday cooking.

Browse our electric cooktops for reliable, budget-friendly options.

Gas vs. Induction vs. Ceramic: Which is Right for You?

Here's a straightforward comparison of the three most popular types:

• Gas: Instant heat, precise control, works with all cookware, great for high-heat cooking. Requires a gas connection and more cleaning effort.
• Induction: Fastest heating, most energy efficient, easiest to clean, precise control. Requires induction-compatible cookware and an adequate electrical circuit.
• Ceramic: Sleek appearance, easy to clean, works with all flat-bottomed cookware. Slower to heat and cool than gas or induction.

If you love cooking and want the best performance, induction is hard to beat for speed, efficiency, and ease of cleaning. If you prefer the feel of cooking with a flame and already have a gas connection, a gas cooktop is a natural choice. If you want a clean look at a more accessible price point, ceramic is a solid option.

Key Features to Look For

Number of Zones or Burners

Most cooktops come with four zones or burners, which suits the majority of households. If you cook large meals regularly or entertain often, a five or six burner model gives you more flexibility. Smaller two or three zone models are available for compact kitchens or as a secondary cooking surface.

Power Output

For gas cooktops, burner output is measured in megajoules (MJ) per hour. A higher MJ rating means a more powerful burner, which is useful for boiling large pots of water quickly or achieving high heat for wok cooking. Look for a mix of burner sizes: a high-output wok burner, one or two medium burners for everyday cooking, and a simmer burner for delicate sauces.

For induction and ceramic cooktops, power is measured in watts. Higher wattage zones heat up faster and reach higher temperatures.

Zone Size and Flexibility

Some induction cooktops feature flexible or bridging zones that can be combined to accommodate larger cookware like griddle pans or fish kettles. This is a useful feature if you regularly cook with oversized pots or pans.

Controls

Gas cooktops use physical knobs, which many cooks prefer for their tactile feedback and ease of use. Induction and ceramic cooktops typically use touch controls, which are easier to clean but can take a little getting used to. Some premium models include slider controls or digital displays for more precise heat adjustment.

Safety Features

Induction cooktops are inherently safer than gas or ceramic because the surface doesn't get hot enough to cause burns from accidental contact. Look for models with automatic shut-off, child lock functions, and residual heat indicators regardless of cooktop type. Gas cooktops should include flame failure safety devices that cut the gas supply if the flame goes out.

Size and Installation

Standard cooktop widths are 60 cm and 90 cm, with 60 cm being the most common for Australian kitchens. Measure your benchtop cutout carefully before purchasing, and check the installation requirements for your chosen type. Induction cooktops require a dedicated electrical circuit in most cases and a licensed electrician for installation, while gas cooktops need a licensed gas fitter for installation.

What to Expect at Different Price Points

Budget (Under $500)

Entry-level cooktops in this range cover the basics reliably. Gas models offer solid performance at this price point. Ceramic and electric options are also well represented. Feature sets are more limited, but they're a practical choice for rental properties or straightforward cooking needs.

Mid-Range ($500 to $1,500)

Mid-range cooktops offer noticeably better build quality, more burner or zone configurations, improved controls, and better safety features. Induction models become more accessible in this range, and gas cooktops at this price point often include a high-output wok burner and cast iron trivets.

Premium ($1,500 and Above)

Premium cooktops deliver superior performance, refined aesthetics, advanced features like flexible induction zones and precise power management, and premium materials. They're a worthwhile investment for serious home cooks or anyone undertaking a full kitchen renovation where quality and longevity are priorities.

Matching the Cooktop to Your Kitchen and Cooking Style

• Passionate home cook who loves high-heat cooking: A gas cooktop with a high-output wok burner is ideal.
• Efficiency-focused household: An induction cooktop offers the fastest heating and lowest energy consumption.
• Minimalist kitchen aesthetic: A ceramic or induction cooktop with touch controls keeps the benchtop looking clean and uncluttered.
• Rental property or budget renovation: A reliable electric or ceramic cooktop covers everyday needs at a lower upfront cost.
• Frequent entertainer: A 90 cm model with five or six burners gives you the capacity to cook multiple dishes simultaneously.

Pairing Your Cooktop with the Right Rangehood

A good rangehood is essential for any cooktop, particularly gas. It removes steam, smoke, grease, and cooking odours from your kitchen, protecting your cabinetry and improving air quality. The rangehood you choose should be matched to the width and output of your cooktop. Browse our full rangehood range, including canopy rangehoods for a statement look and slideout rangehoods for a discreet, space-saving option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need special cookware for an induction cooktop?

Yes. Induction cooktops require cookware with a magnetic base. Cast iron and most stainless steel pots and pans are compatible. To check if your existing cookware works, hold a magnet to the base: if it sticks, it's induction compatible.

Can I install a cooktop myself?

No. Electric cooktops must be installed by a licensed electrician, and gas cooktops must be installed by a licensed gas fitter, and induction cooktops often require a dedicated circuit installed. Always check local regulations before proceeding.

How do I clean a ceramic or induction cooktop?

Wipe down the surface with a damp cloth after each use once it has cooled. For stubborn marks, use a ceramic cooktop cleaner and a soft scraper. Avoid abrasive pads or harsh chemicals, which can scratch the glass surface.

What size rangehood do I need for my cooktop?

As a general rule, your rangehood should be at least as wide as your cooktop, and ideally wider. For a 60 cm cooktop, a 60 cm rangehood is the minimum; a 90 cm model provides better coverage. See our rangehood buying options for more guidance.

Is induction cooking safe?

Yes. Induction cooktops are considered one of the safest cooking methods available. The surface only heats where it's in contact with compatible cookware, so accidental burns from touching the cooktop are much less likely. Most models also include automatic shut-off and child lock features for added peace of mind.

Ready to Upgrade Your Kitchen Cooktop?

Browse our complete cooktop range and full kitchen collection to find the right model for your home. Whether you're after the precision of gas, the efficiency of induction, or the clean look of ceramic, we have options to suit every kitchen and budget.