Photograph: depositphoto.com
Fuel cooktops are a great selection for people preferring a wall or double-wall oven, and so they may even be positioned on a kitchen island to make the area extra practical.
Pure fuel flame heats up pans rapidly and doesn’t require electrical energy or induction know-how to function, making it extra reliable within the occasion of an influence outage. However with all of the completely different sizes, finishes, and options to select from, deciding on a fuel cooktop could be troublesome. Proceed studying to determine a number of the key options to search for when selecting a fuel cooktop and be taught extra about our high picks.
- BEST OVERALL: Frigidaire 36″ Fuel Cooktop in Stainless Metal
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Deli-Package 34″ Fuel Cooktop Twin Gasoline
- UPGRADE PICK: KitchenAid 36″ Fuel Cooktop in Stainless Metal
- BEST TEMPERED GLASS: Empava 36″ Constructed-in Tempered Glass Fuel Cooktop
- BEST WITH GRIDDLE: Whirlpool 36″ Fuel Cooktop in Stainless Metal
- BEST WITH DOWNDRAFT: KitchenAid 36″ Fuel Downdraft Cooktop
- MOST VERSATILE: Frigidaire Gallery 30” Constructed-In Fuel Cooktop
Photograph: bestbuy.com
What to Contemplate When Selecting the Greatest Fuel Cooktop
As you store for the very best fuel cooktop to your area and desires, it’s vital to think about a variety of options and elements. Use the purchasing issues outlined beneath that can assist you slender down your choices and select the proper fuel cooktop to match your cooking type, wants, and preferences.
Measurement
Earlier than buying a brand new fuel cooktop, measure the accessible area within the kitchen or the prevailing cooktop to make sure a correct match. Fuel cooktops are mostly present in 30- and 36-inch lengths. Nonetheless, there are additionally nonstandard sizes accessible for these on the lookout for one thing smaller or bigger.
Usually talking, most fuel cooktops are between 21 and 22 inches deep. This depth ensures a correct match on a regular countertop, which is 25.5 inches deep.
Along with contemplating the dimensions of the cooktop and whether or not it would match on the counter or island, it’s also important to make sure that there may be adequate clearance across the unit. Fuel cooktops get extremely popular and will trigger harm to partitions or cupboards. When measuring for a brand new fuel cooktop, guarantee that there may be a minimum of 30 inches of area between the highest of the cooktop and unprotected cupboards, a minimum of 6 inches between the sides of the cooktop and the perimeters of the cupboards subsequent to it, and a minimum of 2.25 inches between the again of the cooktop and the wall behind it.
Variety of Burners
One key distinction between many fuel cooktops is the variety of burners. Whereas most fuel cooktops provide 5 burners, some fashions have as few as two or as much as six or extra. Contemplate what number of burners you foresee utilizing on the identical time to discover a cooktop that can fulfill your wants.
Along with the variety of burners, additionally contemplate the general structure and accessible cooking floor of every cooktop. Many five-burner cooktops provide a bigger middle burner, whereas others could place the bigger burner off to one of many sides. Be certain that the burners are spaced out sufficient to suit comfortably the pots you mostly cook dinner with.
Energy and Vary
British thermal items (BTUs) measure the utmost warmth output for every burner on a range. Burners on fuel cooktops could be rated as much as 20,000 BTUs. The upper the BTU ranking, the extra highly effective the burner. Usually, every cooktop can have a special BTU ranking for every burner.
Whereas having just a few fuel burners with a better BTU ranking is vital for searing or boiling water, the very best fuel cooktop also needs to be capable of simmer sauces and different extra delicate dishes. Discovering a mannequin that gives burners with a wide range of BTU capabilities is vital.
Security Options
Security ought to be an vital consideration when searching for a fuel cooktop. Fuel fashions use an open flame for cooking, which is a key distinction between fuel and induction or electrical stoves. Selecting a mannequin with security options could be vital for everybody however particularly these with youthful kids. Some vital options to search for embrace:
- Electrical ignition: Discovering a fuel range with an electrical igniter signifies that much less fuel can be wanted to mild every burner. Minimizing the quantity of fuel wanted can forestall leaks and accidents.
- Flame failure: Fuel cooktops and stoves are required to have a flame-failure function, additionally known as a flame supervision system. This system closes a valve and prevents the fuel from reaching the burner after the flame has been extinguished. This vital function can forestall silent and harmful fuel leaks.
- Knobs alongside the again or facet: These with younger kids could wish to search for a fuel range with knobs alongside the again or facet versus the entrance. This might help forestall kids from enjoying with the range or unintentionally inflicting a hearth.
Further Options
Lastly, contemplate whether or not there are any extra options you’d wish to see integrated into the design of your fuel cooktop. A couple of options some producers incorporate into their merchandise embrace:
- Built-in griddle: Some cooktops embrace a griddle that may be positioned straight over two of the burners. This design can turn out to be useful when making pancakes, grilling greens, and extra.
- Downdraft air flow: This particular air flow system is built-in into the design of the cooktop and eliminates the necessity to buy a separate air flow hood.
- Full-width cast-iron grates: Full-width cast-iron grates permit cooks to maneuver pots and pans across the floor of the cooktop extra simply with out them getting caught up on one of many burners.
Our Prime Picks
The highest picks come from a number of the most trusted manufacturers for kitchen home equipment and provide a wide range of options and advantages to simplify cooking duties. Proceed studying to find a number of the greatest fuel cooktops for the kitchen.
Photograph: overstock.com
This 36-inch stainless-steel fuel cooktop from Frigidaire supplies 5 sealed fuel burners. It options one 18,000-BTU Fast Boil Burner to deliver water to a boil rapidly in addition to one 5,000-BTU Simmer Burner for sauces and extra delicate gadgets. The cooktop additionally contains two 9,500-BTU burners and one 12,000-BTU burner. It boasts corner-to-corner cast-iron grates that permit customers to slip heavier pans between burners with no need to elevate them up.
Quite a lot of extra options guarantee simple cleanup of this fuel cooktop. The grates are dishwasher-safe, and the cooktop options seamless recessed burners. It gives a SpillSafe design to maintain spills contained inside the cooktop. This mannequin additionally options angled entrance controls that permit for ergonomic use whereas including a component of favor and aesthetics. If desired, this fuel cooktop could be transformed to be used with liquid propane fuel.
Product Specs
- Measurement: 36 inches
- Variety of burners: 5
- Burner BTUs: 5,000; 9,500; 9,500; 12,000; and 18,000
Professionals
- 5 burners together with a 18,000-BTU Fast Boil burner
- Dishwasher-safe steady cast-iron grates
- Recessed burners for straightforward cleanup
- Angled entrance controls for extra upscale look
Cons
- Floor scratches simply
- Knobs not as sturdy as these on different fashions
Get the Frigidaire 36″ fuel cooktop on Overstock.
Photograph: amazon.com
A great selection for these on the lookout for a budget-friendly possibility, this 34-inch stainless-steel fuel cooktop from Deli-Package gives 5 burners in 4 completely different sizes with a wide range of BTUs to match particular cooking wants.
One burner incorporates a triple ring for speedy heating with 11,262 BTUs of energy; three are semi-rapid burners—one with 9,385 BTUs and two with 5,972 BTUs—and one with 3,413 BTUs is good for simmering and gradual cooking. Every burner is designed to supply even warmth distribution for a spread of cooking duties, from boiling to stir-frying to steaming and extra.
This economical fuel cooktop incorporates a brushed stainless-steel end that resists corrosion and permits for easy cleanup. It additionally boasts sturdy and steady cast-iron grates. The knobs to manage this cooktop are situated alongside the entrance for fast and easy accessibility. Preset pure fuel nozzles are included with the cooktop, but when wanted, an expert can substitute them with liquid propane fuel nozzles.
Product Specs
- Measurement: 34 inches
- Variety of burners: 5
- Burner BTUs: 3,413; 5,972; 5,972; 9,385; and 11,262
Professionals
- Triple-ring burner for environment friendly heating
- Corrosion-resistant and easy-to-clean brushed stainless end
- Wok stand included with buy
- Funds-friendly price ticket
Cons
- No energy burner
- Nonstandard dimension could not slot in an present opening
Get the Deli-Package 34″ fuel cooktop on Amazon.
Photograph: bestbuy.com
KitchenAid’s 36-inch stainless-steel fuel cooktop satisfies the wants of these seeking to deliver a premium really feel to their kitchen. It options 5 burners providing a variety of BTUs for optimum outcomes. The 20,000-BTU energy burner supplies twin rings and might alternate between one and two flames based mostly on cooking wants.
This fuel cooktop additionally gives one 6,000-BTU EvenHeat simmer burner; one 7,000-BTU burner; and two 10,000-BTU burners. An digital ignition eliminates the necessity for a standing pilot mild because it mechanically lights the burners. This cooktop additionally contains full-width cast-iron grates that make it simple to maneuver heavy pots and pans whereas additionally enhancing the general look.
KitchenAid designed this fuel cooktop to be simple to scrub. It boasts dishwasher-safe grates, sealed burners, and a particular CookShield end to guard in opposition to stains. The management knobs are metallic for added high quality, sturdiness, and a classy look. Though designed for use with pure fuel, this cooktop could be transformed by an expert to be used with liquid propane.
Product Specs
- Measurement: 36 inches
- Variety of burners: 5
- Burner BTUs: 6,000; 7,000; 10,000; 10,000; and 20,000
Professionals
- 5 burners together with a 20,000-BTU high-heat burner
- Full-width cast-iron grates
- Sealed burners and dishwasher-safe grates for straightforward cleansing
- Excessive-quality metallic knobs
Cons
- Increased price ticket
- Bigger pots on entrance burners could block entry to knobs
Get the KitchenAid 36″ stainless-steel fuel cooktop at Greatest Purchase.
Photograph: amazon.com
This five-burner, 36-inch fuel cooktop from Empava supplies 4 completely different burner sizes to ship glorious outcomes. It gives one dual-ring 12,000-BTU energy burner; one 10,000-BTU burner; two 6,500-BTU burners; and one 4,000-BTU simmer burner. Empava equips this cooktop with a thermocouple flame-out failure system that can mechanically shut it off to forestall a fuel leak.
The cooktop contains heavy-duty cast-iron grates which can be dishwasher-safe. It additionally options sturdy management knobs alongside its entrance to permit customers to regulate the temperature of every burner simply. This mannequin is designed for use with pure fuel, however LPG nozzles are included for changing it to be used with liquid propane.
Product Specs
- Measurement: 36 inches
- Variety of burners: 5
- Burner BTUs: 4,000; 6,500; 6,500; 10,000; and 12,000
Professionals
- Auto-shutoff security function
- Sealed burners cut back messes
- Dishwasher-safe grates
- Fairly priced
Cons
- Highest burner BTU is barely 12,000
- Stainless-steel floor scratches simply
Get the Empava 36″ tempered glass fuel cooktop on Amazon.
Photograph: bestbuy.com
Frigidaire gives this five-burner, 36-inch fuel cooktop that comes with a detachable griddle supreme for searing steaks, cooking pancakes or bacon, grilling greens, and way more. When in use, the griddle covers the 2 right-sided burners, leaving the opposite three burners accessible for extra cooking wants. The 5 burners present two rows of flames for even warmth distribution with a spread of BTUs to accommodate a plethora of cooking wants. The cooktop options one 18,000-BTU energy burner; one 12,000-BTU burner; two 9,100-BTU burners; and one 5,000-BTU simmer burner.
The cast-iron grate extends to cowl all the width of the cooktop and boasts a hinged design to make cleansing beneath it doable with out the necessity to totally take away it. Nonetheless, it may be eliminated for cleansing and is dishwasher-safe. This mannequin additionally options sealed burners and raised edges to include spills and stop additional messes.
Product Specs
- Measurement: 36 inches
- Variety of burners: 5
- Burner BTUs: 5,000; 9,100; 9,100; 12,000; and 18,000
Professionals
- Comes with detachable griddle
- Contains 5 burners with a spread of BTU ranges
- Hinged cast-iron grate for simpler cleansing
- Raised edges and sealed burners decrease messes
Cons
- Increased worth level
- The floor scratches simply
Get the Whirlpool 36″ fuel cooktop at Greatest Purchase.
Photograph: homedepot.com
No separate air flow hood is important with this 36-inch fuel downdraft cooktop from KitchenAid. The particular downdraft air flow function—with a 300-cubic-feet-per-minute exhaust ranking—works to get rid of smoke and odors on the floor of the burners fairly than from above with a standard air flow hood. The cooktop gives 5 burners—one 17,000-BTU skilled burner for cooking at excessive temperatures or simmering; one 15,000-BTU burner; one 12,000-BTU burner; one 10,000-BTU burner; and one 5,000-BTU burner. One burner gives a particular soften cap that shields the flame for a extra light warmth, which is good for melting butter or chocolate or simmering sauces.
The cooktop options steady cast-iron grates, serving to cooks to maximise the cooking floor and simply shift pots and pans across the high of the range. With its smooth stainless-steel end and premium stainless-steel knobs, this fuel cooktop will improve the visible enchantment of any kitchen whereas additionally serving to customers cook dinner scrumptious meals.
Product Specs
- Measurement: 36 inches
- Variety of burners: 5
- Burner BTUs: 5,000; 10,000; 12,500; 15,000; and 17,000
Professionals
- No air flow hood required
- 2 high-BTU burners for searing and boiling
- Soften cap low-power burner for melting and simmering
- Steady cast-iron grates
Cons
Get the KitchenAid 36″ downdraft fuel cooktop at The Residence Depot.
Photograph: amazon.com
Take pleasure in versatility and choose the best setting for every recipe with the 5 burners on this 30-inch fuel cooktop from Frigidaire. Alter the massive middle burner between 450 BTUs and 18,000 BTUs to permit for each speedy boiling and mild simmering on the identical burner. The 4 remaining burners are rated at 12,000; 9,500; 7,500; and 5,000 BTUs for much more flexibility when cooking a wide range of meals. The cooktop additionally options steady cast-iron grates to facilitate the seamless transition of pots and pans between burners.
The fuel cooktop boasts recessed burners, and the cast-iron grate on this mannequin is dishwasher-safe. The cooktop additionally gives angled management knobs alongside the entrance for straightforward temperature changes.
Product Specs
- Measurement: 30 inches
- Variety of burners: 5
- Burner BTUs: 5,000; 7,500; 9,500; 12,000; and 18,000
Professionals
- 5 burners with big selection of BTUs
- Steady cast-iron grates
- Angled management knobs
- Fairly priced
Cons
Get the Frigidaire Gallery 30″ fuel cooktop on Amazon.
Our Verdict
While you’re able to buy a brand new fuel cooktop, the Frigidaire 36″ fuel cooktop can meet all of your wants within the kitchen with its 5 sealed burners, together with an 18,000-BTU Fast Boil burner. In the event you’re on the lookout for extra versatile placement choices or don’t wish to set up a air flow hood, the KitchenAid 36″ downdraft fuel cooktop is a superb different to think about.
How We Selected the Greatest Fuel Cooktops
The record of really helpful fuel cooktops shared above was compiled following in depth analysis and product comparisons. To slender down the quite a few fuel cooktops accessible in the marketplace, we thought-about a wide range of options together with model status, customer support, and evaluations from previous clients.
Then, to finalize the record, we seemed on the particular options of every mannequin, corresponding to the dimensions, variety of burners, BTU output of every burner, and total design. Lastly, we labored to pick a wide range of merchandise that might meet completely different budgets, with out sacrificing on high quality or security.
FAQs
Q. Which fuel range manufacturers are most dependable?
Usually talking, fuel stoves and cooktops last more than electrical cooktops, with a mean lifespan of 15 years in comparison with 13 years. That stated, some producers are recognized for his or her dependable and long-lasting fuel or dual-fuel ranges and cooktops. A few of these high manufacturers embrace KitchenAid, Frigidaire, and Empava.
Q. How do you put in a fuel cooktop?
Earlier than putting in a fuel cooktop, it is very important make sure that it has been arrange for the kind of fuel gasoline that can be used. Verify with the necessities out of your producer earlier than changing the gasoline kind or trying to put in the cooktop your self; some producers state that these duties should be accomplished by a skilled technician or licensed skilled.
If trying to put in the cooktop your self, comply with the steps beneath:
- Flip the outside fuel shutoff valve to the off place.
- Take away the prevailing cooktop.
- Verify that the brand new cooktop matches within the present opening.
- Join {the electrical} provide.
- Join the fuel provide.
- Verify for fuel leaks
- Set up the seals and gaskets offered by the producer.
- Flip the fuel provide again on and test once more for leaks.
Q. Do fuel cooktops use electrical energy?
Sure, whereas a fuel range doesn’t use as a lot electrical energy as an electrical cooktop, it does nonetheless use electrical energy. Fuel cooktops have electrical ignition programs together with the fuel pilot mild. A key distinction between fuel and electrical stoves, nonetheless, is you can nonetheless cook dinner on a fuel cooktop within the occasion of an influence outage. You’ll simply want to make use of a match to mild the burners very rigorously.
Q. Do fuel cooktops should be vented?
Sure, fuel cooktops ought to be vented. Correct venting helps decrease smoke, fuel byproducts, steam, and dust from the air.
Q. How do you clear a fuel cooktop?
Cleansing a fuel cooktop is a little more concerned than cleansing a glass cooktop, however it’s nonetheless not too complicated. Begin by making certain the floor is totally cool and that the entire burners are off. Then, take away the grates, the caps masking the burners, and every of the burners. Put the grates within the sink and spray them with a degreaser. Go away the degreaser soaking on the grates whilst you proceed cleansing the remainder of the cooktop.
Spray the cooktop with the degreaser and let it sit for a couple of minutes earlier than utilizing a gentle scouring pad to clean off grease and dirt. Use a nylon scrub brush to sort out baked-on messes. Then, wipe off the grime and degreaser and rinse the range with water. Dry the range and contemplate doing one remaining wipe down with a Magic Eraser to take away any residue that continues to be.
Clear the grates and burner caps utilizing a nylon brush. Clear the burners with sizzling water and scrub gently with the nylon brush; keep away from utilizing any harsh cleaners on the burners. Lastly, reassemble the cooktop.
