Cooktops for Australian Kitchens
Choosing the right cooktop is one of the most important decisions in any kitchen. It affects how you cook, how easy the surface is to clean, how much energy you use, and how your kitchen looks. At Everyday Home Living, we stock a wide range of cooktops across all fuel types and sizes to suit Australian homes, from compact two-burner models to large 90cm multi-zone cooktops. Fast delivery nationwide.
Types of Cooktops
Induction Cooktops
Induction cooktops are the most energy-efficient and fastest-heating cooktop type available. They work by generating a magnetic field that heats the pan directly rather than the surface, meaning the cooktop itself stays cool to the touch. This makes them safer around children, easier to clean (spills do not bake on), and more responsive to temperature changes than any other cooktop type. Induction cooktops require magnetic-based cookware: stainless steel, cast iron, and most modern cookware is compatible. To check, hold a magnet to the base of your pot. If it sticks firmly, it will work on induction.
Gas Cooktops
Gas cooktops remain a popular choice in Australian homes, particularly among those who cook frequently and value the instant, visible flame and precise control that gas provides. Gas heats a wide range of cookware including copper and uncoated aluminium that induction cannot, and the response to turning the flame up or down is immediate. Gas cooktops require a natural gas or LPG connection and appropriate ventilation via a rangehood. They are available in 60cm and 90cm widths with four to six burners.
Ceramic Cooktops
Ceramic cooktops have a smooth, flat glass surface with radiant electric heating elements beneath. They are easy to clean as the flat surface has no gaps or grates to trap food, and they suit kitchens where gas is unavailable. Ceramic cooktops are compatible with all flat-bottomed cookware. They are slower to heat and cool than induction and retain heat after the element is switched off, which requires some adjustment in cooking technique. Wiping spills promptly before they cool and harden is important for keeping the glass surface in good condition.
Electric Cooktops
Electric cooktops use exposed or enclosed coil heating elements and are typically the most affordable cooktop option. They are straightforward to use and compatible with all cookware types. Most suited to kitchens where simplicity and budget are the primary considerations.
Cooktop Sizes
The most common cooktop width in Australian kitchens is 60cm, which suits standard 600mm kitchen cabinetry and provides four cooking zones or burners. For larger households or those who cook for groups regularly, a 90cm cooktop provides five or six zones and a larger cooking area that accommodates big pots and pans comfortably. Measure your available bench space carefully before ordering and allow for any clearance requirements specified by the manufacturer.
Gas vs Electric vs Induction in Australian Homes
Many Australian households are reassessing their cooktop choice as energy costs rise and rooftop solar becomes more common. Induction cooktops paired with solar power can significantly reduce cooking energy costs and are increasingly popular in new builds and renovations. Gas remains a strong choice for existing homes with a gas connection, where the cost of switching to induction (including potential cookware replacement) may outweigh the efficiency benefits in the short term. Ceramic and electric cooktops are the practical choice where gas is unavailable and the budget does not extend to induction.
Rangehoods and Ventilation
All cooktops benefit from adequate ventilation, and gas and induction cooktops in particular produce steam, smoke, and cooking odours that should be managed with a well-matched rangehood. Browse our full rangehoods range to find a model suited to your cooktop width and kitchen layout, including canopy rangehoods, slideout rangehoods, and undermount rangehoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is induction or gas better for cooking in Australia?
Both are excellent for cooking, but they suit different households. Induction is faster, more energy-efficient, safer around children, and easier to clean. It works well for households with solar panels where daytime cooking can offset the electricity cost. Gas offers instant flame visibility and precise manual control that many experienced cooks prefer, and it works with all cookware types including copper and uncoated aluminium. The right choice depends on your existing setup, cookware, energy situation, and cooking style.
What cookware do I need for an induction cooktop?
Induction cooktops require cookware with a magnetic base. Most stainless steel and cast iron cookware is compatible. Copper, aluminium, and glass cookware will not work unless they have a magnetic disc bonded to the base. The simplest test is to hold a fridge magnet to the bottom of your pot. If it sticks firmly, the cookware is induction-compatible. Most modern cookware sold in Australia is induction-compatible, and it is clearly labelled on the packaging.
What size cooktop do I need?
The standard cooktop width in Australian kitchens is 60cm, which fits standard 600mm cabinetry and provides four cooking zones or burners. This suits most households comfortably. If you cook for large groups regularly, enjoy using multiple large pots simultaneously, or want a dedicated wok burner alongside standard zones, a 90cm cooktop gives you significantly more cooking space. Always measure your available bench opening before purchasing and check the manufacturer's cut-out dimensions.
Do I need a rangehood with an induction cooktop?
Yes. While induction cooktops produce less combustion byproduct than gas, cooking still generates steam, grease, and odours that accumulate in the kitchen without ventilation. A rangehood removes these from the air, protecting your cabinetry and improving air quality. In Australia, most building codes require mechanical ventilation for new kitchen installations. Browse our rangehoods range to find a model that suits your cooktop width and kitchen layout.
Do cooktops come with an Australian warranty?
Yes. All cooktops at Everyday Home Living include the manufacturer's Australian warranty. You are also protected under the Australian Consumer Law regardless of the manufacturer warranty period. Contact our team if you need assistance with a warranty claim or installation query.
