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.