A decent cooktop is more than just a purchase; it’s an investment in the heart of your home.
If you’re in the market for a new stove stop, you may want to consider an electric one.
Electric cooktops combine precision, safety and versatility, making them an excellent choice for both experienced chefs and those just starting their culinary journey.
What are the advantages of an electric cooktop?
Electric cooktops offer several advantages, making them a popular choice for many households. Here are some of the key benefits.
Even and consistent heating
Electric cooktops provide uniform heat distribution across the entire cooking surface, ensuring dishes are evenly cooked, a feature not always found in gas cooktops.
Precise temperature control
Electric cooktops excel at offering precise temperature adjustments, making them ideal for dishes requiring exact heat levels, a feature less common with traditional gas stoves.
Quick heating and cooling
With the ability to heat up quickly, you don’t have to wait long for electric stove tops to reach the desired temperature. They also cool down relatively quickly after cooking, reducing the risk of accidental burns.
Easy-to-clean surface
Enjoy hassle-free cleaning with smooth, flat surfaces commonly crafted from ceramic glass or stainless steel, simplifying the removal of spills and splatters, a benefit not typically associated with gas cooktops.
Wide range of cookware compatibility
Electric cooktops accommodate a diverse range of cookware materials, from stainless steel to cast iron, though ensuring flatness and good contact with the heating element is crucial for efficient cooking.
Safety features
Many electric cooktops incorporate safety elements like residual heat indicators, alerting users to hot surfaces post-cooking, and some models even offer child-lock features.
Energy efficiency
When paired with flat-bottomed cookware matching the stove’s size, electric cooktops can be extremely energy-efficient. Their precise temperature control aids in minimising energy waste, a contrast to some gas counterparts.
Versatility
Electric cooktops are versatile, accommodating various cooking techniques from simmering to frying, making them suitable for a range of cooking needs.
Minimal ventilation requirements
Electric cooktops eliminate open flames and combustion by-products found in gas stoves, resulting in fewer ventilation requirements. They are well-suited for kitchens with limited venting options.
Modern aesthetics
Boasting a sleek and modern appearance, electric stove tops are perfect for adding some contemporary kitchen flair.
7 best electric cooktops to shop in Australia 2024
Here, we’ve put together some of the best electric cooktops on the market to help you make an informed decision.
Electrolux 60cm black ceramic glass electric cooktop, $807.45, Kogan
Welcome to the future of cooking! With its innovative Hob2Hood technology, this cooktop automatically activates your extractor hood when you start cooking and adjusts the fan speed according to your needs. This means you can boil, sear or stir-fry without having to touch your hood with greasy fingers.
Key features:
- Keep-warm function
- Timer function
- Intuitive touch controls
- Easy-to-clean surface
- Child-lock function
- Made from ceramic glass
Chef 60cm electric cooktop, $499, The Good Guys
Culinary bliss is in the palm of your hands with Chef’s 60cm electric cooktop. Featuring four cooking zones, it allows you to cook up diverse meals quickly and effortlessly.
Key features:
- Made from stainless steel
- Side knob controls
- Residual heat indicators
- Corrosion-resistant solid hotplate
- 2-year warranty
Devanti electric ceramic cooktop, $183.95, MyDeal
Whether you’re upgrading your existing kitchen or it’s for a new home, this stove top is just the thing you need for creating easy, no-fuss meals. It’s loaded with a huge variety of chef-friendly features such as high-wattage cooking zones, easy-to-use eight-step electronically controlled knob regulators and more.
Key features:
- 6000W for efficient cooking
- High-grade black ceramic glass plate
- 8-step side knob controls and 7-level power adjustment
- LED display panel
- Residual heat indicator
- Quick heat dissipation with a large fan
- Overheating protection
- Automatic safety switch-off
- 2-year warranty
Westinghouse 60cm electric solid cooktop, $489, Bing Lee
This pick is designed with convenience and versatility in mind, boasting corrosion-resistant solid hotplates and easy-to-use knob controls.
Key features:
- 60cm 4-zone electric solid cooktop in white enamel finish
- Corrosion-resistant solid hotplates
- Two small and two large hotplates
- Smooth temperature control
- Easy-to-clean design
- Auto shut-off feature
- Child lock
- 2-year warranty
Beko 60cm vitroceramic 4 zone electric cooktop, $420 at Appliances Online
This stylish addition gives you plenty of cooking space with four vitroceramic cooking zones, so that you can prepare scrumptious dishes effortlessly.
“Cooking is a breeze,” wrote one five-star reviewer. “Cooks evenly. I would recommend Beko products to everyone. I have purchased many Beko products, they have all been amazing and look stylish.”
Key features:
- Over 50 five-star ratings on Appliances Online
- Four vitroceramic cooking zones
- Three cooking levels for each zone
- Side control knobs
- Frameless glass construction
- Residual heat indicator
- 5-year warranty
Fisher & Paykel Series 5 electric cooktop, $1799, Bing Lee
Featuring five spacious heating zones of different sizes, including two dual elements, this stove top guarantees hassle-free cooking for years to come.
Key features:
- Ample 90cm cooktop
- Intuitive rotary dials for precise temperature adjustments
- Even heating with powerful ribbon elements
- Easy-to-clean ceramic surface
- Indicator lights for safety
- Cool down fast design
- Classic dial controls
- 2-year warranty
ARC 60cm ceramic glass 4 burner electric built-in benchtop cooktop, $512.10, Kogan
With its sleek black glass design and four zones, this cooktop not only adds a touch of sophistication to your kitchen, but it also works extremely hard to cook delicious meals with ease.
Key features:
- Knob control
- Schott ceramic glass
- 11 power levels
- Residual heat indicator
- Easy-to-clean surface
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