5 Best Electric Cooktops

At a Glance:

What Is a Cooktop?

5 Best Electric Cooktops Featured

Things to Consider Before Buying a Cooktop

Why Trust Appliance Solutions?

Upgrading your kitchen starts with choosing the right cooking surface, and an electric cooktop offers the perfect balance of space, style, and performance. Designed for homeowners who love to cook, these wider cooktops provide room for multiple pots and pans, making meal prep faster and more efficient. From sleek glass surfaces to advanced heating technology, today’s electric cooktops are built to deliver precision, convenience, and a modern look that elevates any kitchen.

In this guide to the 5 Best Electric Cooktops, we’ll break down what makes a great cooktop, highlight five standout models, and share key factors to consider before buying. If you’re planning a kitchen upgrade or simply want better control and flexibility while cooking, this list will help you find a cooktop that fits your space, your style, and the way you cook every day.

What Is a Cooktop?

Understanding your kitchen appliances is the first step toward choosing the right one for your home. If you’re researching cooktops for a remodel or upgrade, it helps to start with the basics and know exactly what a cooktop is and how it fits into your cooking space.

So, what is a cooktop?

A cooktop is a built-in cooking surface that sits directly into your countertop. Unlike a range, which combines a cooktop and oven in one unit, a cooktop is separate from the oven. This gives you more flexibility in kitchen design, allowing you to place your oven at a comfortable height while keeping your cooking surface exactly where you want it.

When it comes to performance and convenience, an electric cooktop is a popular choice for modern homes. Electric cooktops offer smooth surfaces, precise heat control, and easy cleanup. Many homeowners appreciate how quickly electric elements heat up and how evenly they distribute warmth across cookware. For everyday cooking, an electric cooktop delivers dependable results with less maintenance than some other options, making it a truly reliable cooktop for busy kitchens.

If you love to cook or entertain, size matters, and that’s where an electric cooktop really shines. The wider surface gives you more room to work and greater flexibility for multiple dishes at once. Here are a few key advantages:

• More cooking zones to handle several pots and pans at the same time
• Extra space for larger cookware like griddles, stockpots, and roasting pans
• Improved layout for multitasking and meal prep during family dinners or gatherings

At Appliance Solutions, we often recommend an electric cooktop for homeowners who want both performance and flexibility. It delivers the power and space needed for serious cooking while maintaining the clean, modern look that today’s kitchens demand.

Learn More: How to Choose the Best Built in Refrigerator

5 Best Electric Cooktops Featured

We’ve carefully selected a range of electric cooktops that deliver style, performance, and value in today’s kitchens. While our focus is on the best electric cooktops, we’ve also included a few standout options that pair beautifully in modern spaces.

1: Thor Kitchen Professional 36″ Electric Cooktop

Thor Kitchen 36in Electric Cooktop

This 36-inch model offers five radiant elements with nine power levels, giving you plenty of room and flexibility for multi-pot cooking. Touch glass controls make it easy to adjust heat precisely, and the sleek black surface wipes clean with minimal effort. Features like the Tri-Zone LightningBoil™ and Sync Burner help you handle large cookware and complex meals with confidence.

2: Whirlpool® 30″ Electric Cooktop

Whirlpool 30in Electric Cooktop

While slightly smaller, this Whirlpool electric cooktop is a reliable choice with five burners and a dual radiant element design. The FlexHeat™ system adjusts to different pot sizes, and dishwasher-safe knobs make cleanup simple. Hot surface indicator lights add a safety touch that’s especially appreciated in busy kitchens.

3: Samsung 30″ Stainless Steel Electric Cooktop

Samsung 30in Electric Cooktop

Samsung’s cooktop pairs a stylish stainless look with practical performance. It includes flexible element configurations and up to 15 heat settings for precise cooking. Sync elements let you heat larger tools like griddles evenly, and safety features like hot surface indicators and child locks add peace of mind.

4: KitchenAid® 36″ Black Electric Cooktop

KitchenAid 36in Black Electric Cooktop

KitchenAid brings professional-inspired design to the 36-inch electric cooktop category. With powerful elements and intuitive controls, this model handles everyday meals and ambitious cooking projects with ease. Its sleek black finish complements a wide range of kitchen styles.

5: JennAir® 30″ Stainless Steel Electric Downdraft Cooktop

JennAir 30in Electric Downdraft Cooktop

For kitchens that benefit from built-in ventilation, the JennAir electric cooktop includes a downdraft system that helps clear steam and cooking odors without needing a separate hood. Its premium design pairs well with high-end cabinets and appliances.

Each of these cooktops offers strengths in performance, design, and ease of use, helping you find the best fit for your cooking habits and kitchen layout. Let us know if you’d like help comparing features or planning an installation.

Learn More: Affordable 24 Inch Dishwashers That Don’t Compromise on Cleaning

Things to Consider Before Buying a Cooktop

We want your cooktop purchase to be a smooth and satisfying experience. Choosing the right built-in electric stovetop 36-inch model means looking beyond surface style and considering practical elements that affect performance and long-term use. Here are key points to guide your decision before buying a cooktop.

Kitchen layout, available space, and cutout dimensions

Before selecting a built-in electric stovetop 36-inch cooktop, measure your countertop space and cutout area carefully. Make sure the unit fits your kitchen layout and lines up with cabinets, drawers, and any nearby appliances. An ultra-thin profile cooktop can provide a sleek look, but it still needs proper support and clearance for ventilation.

Power requirements and electrical compatibility

Electric cooktops need the correct power supply to operate safely and efficiently. Check your kitchen’s electrical setup, including voltage and amperage, to ensure compatibility with your chosen model. Some cooktops require dedicated circuits or specific wiring, and planning for this ahead of time can save time and money during installation.

Burner layout, heat control, and cooking style preferences

Think about how you use your cooktop most often. Do you need high heat for frequent boiling, or more precise control for delicate sauces? Burner layout matters for multitasking. Look for models with varied burner sizes and heat options that match your cooking style. If you like staying on the cutting edge, smart compatible cooktops let you manage settings from a mobile device or integrate with a home automation system.

Cleaning, maintenance, and long-term durability

Smooth surface cooktops make cleanup easier, but materials and finishes also impact ongoing care. Consider how easy it is to wipe spills and clean around controls. Durable construction and quality components mean your cooktop will perform well for years.

Budget, warranty, and brand reliability

Set a realistic budget and compare features at different price points. Warranty coverage gives added peace of mind, and choosing a reputable brand ensures support and replacement parts are available if needed.

Taking the time to evaluate these points helps you find a cooktop that fits your kitchen, lifestyle, and cooking goals. Appliance Solutions is here to help every step of the way.

Learn More: 5 Smart Features in Samsung Gas Dryers

Conclusion

The right cooking surface can transform the way you use your kitchen. In our look at the 5 Best Electric Cooktops, we highlighted how choosing the right model gives you more space, better heat control, and the flexibility to prepare multiple dishes with ease. A quality 36-inch electric cooktop enhances performance, improves workflow, and adds a clean, modern look to your home. As you narrow down your options, we encourage you to use the buying tips in this guide to find the model that fits your kitchen layout, cooking style, and long-term needs. When you’re ready to upgrade, visit Appliance Solutions for all your electric cooktop needs. Our team is here to help you compare options, answer questions, and select a cooktop that brings both convenience and confidence to every meal.