When shopping for cook tops, first consider the type of energy you want to use: Gas, electricity or induction? Professional chefs almost always choose gas, which cooks evenly with all types of equipment. Look for gas cook with a rating of 15,000 BTU (British Thermal Units) or more. In certain parts of the country, electric cook tops can be more expensive to use than gas cooktops. Induction cook tops use magnetic energy. Think about the space your kitchen has for a cook top and its ventilation needs. Color and material are important for design considerations, too. Add this to my Recipe Box.
GE Profile 36-Inch Built-In Gas Cooktop JGP975
The stainless steel GE Profile gas model is highly rated by Consumer Reports. It can heat with 18,000 BTU or simmer at 140 degrees F., thanks to its dual-flame stacked burner. Its continuous grates allow easy movement of pans between burners. It is designed to clean easily with dishwasher-safe grates and knobs and a recessed surface to contain spills. The sealed burners also help contain spills. Besides stainless steel, it comes in black on black and white on white and sells for about $1,000 to $1,550.
LG Stainless 36-inch Gas Cooktop LCG3691
This LG gas model is top-rated, comes in two sizes--30 inches and 36 inches--and has five burners. Its high-heat burner is rated for 12,000 BTU and a dual-stacked center burner is rated for 19,000 BTU. The simmer burner maintains a low temperature of 700 BTU. A griddle plate is included. Grates are dishwasher safe. It has blue LED backlit knobs. It costs between $1,200 and $1,450.
GE Profile JP989SKSS Stainless Steel 30" Smoothtop Electric Cooktop
The GE Profile electric model gets consistantly good reviews from comsumers. It comes with downdraft exhaust and a ceramic glass cook top for easy cleaning. A bridge element creates a larger cooking surface by combining three cook top elements. The dual ribbon element allows you to use a 6-inch or 9-inch element, depending on the size of the pot. The design is frameless. Besides stainless steel, this model comes in black and white and runs about $1,160.
Kenmore Elite 42800
This is the top-rated induction range in its price range and costs about $1,850. It heats, cooks, simmers and sears as well as more expensive models. It has four induction elements, sized from 10 inches to 6 inches. It is touch-controlled, has 15 settings and pan-size detection. It has a "keep warm" setting and an auto shut-off. Because induction cooking uses magnetic energy, it will not work with everyday pots and pans or or even with all chef's sets. New magnetic metallic cookware will add to your total cost. Magnetic cookware ranges from $7 per piece to $650 for a cookware set.
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