How to Choose the Right Gas Cooktop

Why Many Australian Home Cooks Still Choose Gas

Despite the rise of induction, gas cooktops remain a favourite for many Australian home cooks. The instant, visible flame responds immediately to adjustments, delivers intense heat for wok cooking, and works with any type of cookware. For households with a gas connection, a quality gas cooktop is a genuine pleasure to cook on. This guide covers what to look for when choosing one.

For a comparison of gas with induction and ceramic, see our cooktop comparison guide and our complete cooktop buying guide.

Key Features to Look For

Number of Burners

Standard 60 cm gas cooktops have four burners. 90 cm models typically have five or six, providing more cooking positions for busy households or those who regularly cook large meals. Consider your typical cooking style — four burners suits most households comfortably; five or six suits keen cooks who often use multiple large pots simultaneously.

Burner Output Range (MJ/h)

Gas burner output is measured in megajoules per hour (MJ/h). A good four-burner gas cooktop should offer a range from a gentle simmer to a powerful wok flame:

• Simmer burner: 1 to 2 MJ/h for delicate sauces, melting chocolate, and keeping food warm without scorching.
• Auxiliary burner: 3 to 4 MJ/h for everyday cooking tasks.
• Semi-rapid burner: 5 to 7 MJ/h for general cooking and faster heating.
• Wok/triple ring burner: 12 to 17 MJ/h for fast, intense heat ideal for stir-frying, searing, and boiling large volumes of water quickly.

Look for a cooktop with at least one high-output burner of 12 MJ/h or more for serious cooking performance.

Continuous Cast Iron Grates

Full-surface continuous cast iron grates that span the entire cooktop allow you to slide heavy pots and pans between burners without lifting them. This is a major practical advantage over individual burner-by-burner grates and is standard on most mid-range and premium gas cooktops.

Flame Failure Safety Device (FFD)

A flame failure device automatically cuts the gas supply if the flame is extinguished — whether by a boil-over, a draught, or accidental contact. This is a critical safety feature and is standard on all quality gas cooktops sold in Australia. Confirm the model you choose includes FFD on every burner.

Electronic Ignition

Electronic ignition lights each burner automatically when the knob is turned and pressed, without requiring a separate lighter. Automatic re-ignition that relights the burner if the flame goes out unexpectedly is an additional safety and convenience feature on premium models.

Wok Burner Design

For serious wok cooking, look for a triple-ring or dual-ring wok burner that delivers even flame distribution under a round-bottomed wok. A wok support ring that holds a round-bottomed wok securely over the high-output burner is a practical accessory to look for.

LPG Compatibility

If your home uses LPG rather than natural gas mains, confirm the model can be converted. Most gas cooktops include LPG conversion jets in the box. All conversion work must be carried out by a licensed gas fitter.

Finish and Cleaning

Stainless steel is the most popular finish for gas cooktops and is durable and easy to wipe clean. Black cast iron grates develop a natural seasoning over time that helps resist rust — clean with a damp cloth and avoid prolonged soaking or dishwasher cleaning, which can cause rust. Sealed burner designs are easier to clean around than open burner designs as food debris can't fall under the grate.

What to Expect at Different Price Points

Budget (Under $400)

Entry-level gas cooktops provide reliable basic cooking across four burners with standard FFD and electronic ignition.

Mid-Range ($400 to $1,200)

Mid-range models add continuous cast iron grates, high-output wok burners, better burner output ranges, and improved build quality. Most households will find their ideal gas cooktop here.

Premium ($1,200 and Above)

Premium gas cooktops deliver the highest burner outputs, 90 cm formats with five or six burners, precision simmer burners, superior grate quality, and refined stainless steel finishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a rangehood above a gas cooktop?

Yes. A rangehood is important above any gas cooktop to capture combustion byproducts, steam, and cooking odours. For gas, a ducted rangehood with adequate airflow (at least 600 m³/h) is strongly recommended. See our rangehood guide.

Can a gas fitter install my cooktop?

Yes — the gas connection must be made by a licensed gas fitter. If the cooktop also requires a dedicated electrical connection for the ignition system, this work must be performed by a licensed electrician.

Ready to Shop?

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