Cooktops: every model we've tested, ranked
A separate cooktop plus wall oven is the ergonomic upgrade over a range: burners at counter height, ovens at eye level, and more design freedom in between. The category now splits between gas (visual control, any cookware), radiant electric (flat, cheap, slow to respond) and induction (fastest, safest, needs magnetic cookware). We track live dealer pricing across all three fuels.
Rankings
Value leaders right now
Highest ValueScore in this category (1-10 price-performance ratio vs the category best) among qualifying models — the "bang for the buck" shortlist, quality-gated.
- 01Forno Ornonzo 36-inch Induction Cooktop$549 effective10.0 ValueScore
- 02THOR Kitchen TEC30 30-inch Electric Cooktop$599 effective9.2 ValueScore
- 03GE JP3030SWSS 30 inch Electric Cooktop with 4 Elements, K...$643 effective8.7 ValueScore
Cooktops FAQ
Induction or gas cooktop?
Induction boils faster, cleans with a wipe, and keeps the kitchen cooler; it needs magnetic cookware and electricity during an outage. Gas gives visual flame control and works with every pan ever made. Performance buyers pick induction; traditionalists and outage-prone areas pick gas.
What size cooktop fits my counter?
Standard cutouts are 30 and 36 inches — measure the existing cutout, not just the counter, before buying. Drop-in formats vary slightly by brand; the spec sheet lists the required cutout dimensions.
Do I need special pans for induction?
If a magnet sticks to the bottom, it works — most stainless and cast iron qualifies; aluminum, copper and glass do not. Many 'induction-ready' pan sets cost less than the cooktop premium they unlock.
Are downdraft cooktops worth it?
They integrate ventilation where a hood cannot go — islands and impossible duct runs. They move less air than a proper hood and cost meaningfully more; treat them as a compromise, not an upgrade.