Kitchen of the Week

Appliances Review - Induction Cooktop

TopTenREVIEW

Technology is improving at a faster rate than ever before, and kitchen appliances certainly haven’t been left out. From dishwashers that actually sanitize your dishes to refrigerators with door alarms, the kitchen is quickly becoming just as high-tech as your living room’s home theatre configuration. Not to be missed among these developments are the new induction cooktops available today.

What to Look For

Induction cooking technology is relatively new to the kitchen; revolutionizing stovetop cooking in much the same way coil electric cooktops revolutionized a world of gas-burning stoves. With an induction cooktop, you can boil water in the blink of an eye—often in less than two minutes—while still maintaining the subtlety needed for delicate cream sauces and melting chocolate.

Induction cooking works by transferring heat directly to the pan and its contents, instead of to a metal coil. This means the cooking vessel, not the cooktop itself, is what gets heated. So before you shell out the admittedly big bucks for an induction cooktop, you should make sure your cookware is compatible. Most stainless steel and cast iron pots and pans should be fine; if you’re not sure, try the “magnet test.” Just see if a magnet sticks to the bottom of your cooking apparatus. If it does, you’re probably fine. Once that’s settled, here are a few more things you should consider while searching for the right cooktop.

Basic Features
Do you need four or five burners? How big should they be? How high should the wattage be? Are the controls raised knobs or flat touch buttons that are easier to clean? How precise should the temperature settings be? You should consider your cooking style and needs to figure out the answers to these questions. Another key feature is an “on” or “hot” indicator light, which is crucial to remembering to turn off the cooktop and avoid injury.

Safety Features
Just because induction cooktops directly heat the cooking vessel doesn’t mean they don’t get hot themselves from contact with the pot or pan. The best cooktops have built-in safety measures to prevent you from getting injured, from overflow or overheat detectors to a child safety lock.

Extra Perks
Other features often combine out of convenience and safety. While they aren’t always necessary, features like pan pressure sensors, warming or simmer modes, kitchen timers and boost features certainly make cooking easier and more enjoyable. Some induction cooktops even offer flexible burner space, which allows you to adjust the cooking element to fit the pan size.

Ease of Installation
Most induction cooktops on the market are available in 30-inch or 36-inch widths. To keep things simple, we only looked at 30-inch models, though many of them also are available in a larger size. Make sure you know what size workspace you have to fill before you make a purchase. Also, check cord length, drop-in dimensions and whether the cooktop can be installed over an oven. If you run into installation problems, or if you prefer to have someone else install it, check to make sure the manufacturer has suitable options.

If you’re considering investing in an induction cooktop, you’re probably a few steps above a novice chef. With induction cooking, your culinary creations are sure to be even more impressive with even less effort. Check out our induction cooktop articles to decide which one will work best for you.

Appliances Review - Electric Cooktop

TopTenREVIEW

Whether you're remodeling your entire kitchen or just replacing your range stove, an electric cooktop is a move in a more efficient direction than the traditional stove and oven duo. Electric cooktops work with your current electric system if you already have a range stove, but you should always be aware the type of power that flows through your kitchen. Ceramic glass countertops have a sleek, modern design, giving an instant update your kitchen. You can install an electric cooktop into an island, and the smooth surface adds extra space and doubles as a counter top. 

What to Look For

There’s a lot to consider when you’re choosing a new cooktop. Some models have built-in downdraft systems so you don't need to buy a vent or hood. Flat and coil models are easier to clean than gas cooktops because they eliminate the grates. Some flat ceramic cooktops sport electronic touchpad controls, bridges, expandable elements and a wide array of safety and control features. Below are the main elements to keep in mind as you update your cooktop.

Kitchen Aesthetics 
The kitchen is a terrible room to lack space in, especially if you cook frequently. Lean toward flat ceramic glass models for a modern, streamlined look that can double as extra counter space when not in use. Higher-end models include touch controls and special features for safety and heat control. Coil element cooktops have a classic, rustic look for traditional kitchens.

Cooking Habits
Expandable burners and bridge features are great if you like serving large meals or hosting huge family dinners. Expandable elements range from 6 to 12 inches and serve as a 2-in-1 tool for small and extra-large cookware. Some models have triple burners with expandable elements housing three different sizes in one space. Bridge elements combine two, typically two 7-inch, individually functioning burners into one long oval shaped burner for griddles and oblong cookware. Though only flat ceramic models sport these features, some coil element cooktops offer a fifth element for extra cookware.

Cleaning and Care
Ceramic glass cooktops are easy to clean because you don't have to maneuver around metal grates or coils. However, you have to clean ceramic glass cooktops frequently. The glass is a trap for water and food stains, and it’s prone to streaking or cracking if you don't use the right cleaner. You can find ceramic glass cleaners at your local grocery or home improvement store. Lower-maintenance coil cooktops work well with most all-purpose or liquid cleaners. A removable chrome bowl allows most foods to slide off the smooth surface, but you have to remove and reconnect the coils each time you clean the bowls.

Ceramic glass cooktops require flat-bottomed, stainless steel cookware that won't scratch the surface or melt to the heated elements. Copper, glass, earthenware or cast iron are no problem for coil element cooktops, as they work well with any type of cookware.

Like most appliances, the balance of old and new features is a trade-off. Higher-end flat models look sleek and streamlined, but require the same diligent care and special accessories as a sports car. These models are the best if you're looking for style and efficient features, but they require specialized cleaners and specific cookware. Lower-end coil element cooktops are typically wider and have fewer features, but cleaning is easy with chrome drip bowls and porcelain enamel surfaces that don't require special cleaners or cookware. As with most items, the best cooktop for you will depend on the specific expectations and needs you have for your kitchen.

Appliances Review - Gas Cooktop

TopTenREVIEW

As promised last week, I shall be writing on appliances review this week. To be sure my readers get the best of information, with respect to what to look for when picking their appliances, TopTenReview will be my guide on this topic. I have gone through this page thoroughly and extensively, and I am convinced they've done a good job in reviewing different types of appliances.

The first appliance will be the Gas Cooktops:

Gas cooktops have a quick and visible response to adjustments in heat. If you need to bring food to a simmer, the cooktop responds immediately with an obviously smaller flame, while electric cooktops just ask you to take their word for it. The powerful heat source in gas cooktops is a weakness and strength. They can reach soaring temperatures quickly, but it takes more control to maintain a lower flame. As simmer burners grow more popular, this problem is phasing out. Because of the intense heat they hold, gas cooktops are made of heavy duty cast-iron and stainless steel to make them durable for years of use.

What to Look For

Burners
Simply put, more burners means more food. Choose a cooktop that matches your demands. If you cook big meals on a regular basis, cooktops with five or six burners will suit you best. Smaller models hold four burners, perfect for a standard meal. Gas cooktops use British Thermal Units to measure heat output. An average burner puts off around 9,000 BTUs. This will boil water and simmer, but powerful burners reduce the waiting time. Simmer and power burners range from a gentle 800 to 3,000 BTUs. The specialized burners are best if you have a wide range of recipes on your "to cook" list.

Cleaning
Removable parts such as knobs, grates and burner caps make cleaning much easier. Many parts are dishwasher-safe to save you scrubbing time. Smooth materials like porcelain and stainless steel are common for gas cooktop surfaces. They wipe clean and require little special attention outside of stainless steel cleaners and a little tender loving care.

Power Source and Installation
Natural gas is the primary method in gas cooktops, but many use electricity for auto re-ignition and pilotless ignition to keep a strong flame going. Before you buy a gas cooktop, be sure you have a gas hookup in your home. Liquid Propane conversion kits are included or available for most cooktops if you'd prefer to use liquid propane. Though safer, liquid propane is not as efficient as natural gas.

Gas cooktops are less finicky than electric models that require specific cleaning and cookware. There are still several factors to consider with gas cooktops. Whether you're remodeling or just replacing a cooktop, make sure to match your new model with the rest of your appliances for a cohesive design in your kitchen. Consider the following when you’re selecting the best cooktop for your kitchen:

Because of the safety hazards that come with natural gas, it's best to hire a professional to install and connect your gas cooktop. Many states have local laws concerning natural gas, requiring you to register your appliance and connect it a specific way. A qualified installer will know these ordinances and will install your cooktop safely for you and your family. Be sure to read the manual thoroughly in case of a gas leak.

When you install your gas cooktop safely, you'll have fast heating times and a powerful appliance for cooking meals on a regular basis. Removable parts like knobs and grates are typically dishwasher safe to safe you extra time and energy. Features like child locks and dual burners add extra safety to counteract the power that comes with gas cooktops. Look for extra features like griddles, woks and attachable grills to get more out of your kitchen space. With all the options available, you’re sure to find the cooktop that will work best for your kitchen and your cooking needs.