Cooktops and Range Tops: Review specs for gas, electric and induction unitsDo you know the difference between a cooktop and a range top? Here's what builders and remodelers need to know to spec these appliances for upscale kitchens.

    In some kitchens and in some markets, a cooktop or range top--basically a set of surface burners without an oven--makes good sense. In large kitchens in upscale markets, for example, buyers often don't mind sacrificing some potential counter space in order to have a wall oven so they don't have to bend down when baking or broiling, and they appreciate the proximate cabinet space available beneath a cooktop for storing pots and pans. So while a kitchen plan that calls for a cooktop or range top with a separate built-in oven may not be as space efficient or cost effective as one with a conventional range, the convenience and luxury of such kitchens have value in mid-range and affluent markets.

    The Difference between Cooktops and Range Tops
    The technical distinction between cooktops and range tops is that cooktops are designed to drop in to a countertop; range tops slide in between countertop sections. Nonetheless, the terms are used interchangeably in manufacturer marketing materials.

    This GE Monogram gas cooktop is said to be the only 30-in. model to offer an 18,000 Btu burner.

    While there are many, many choices among range tops and cooktops in the market with both significant and subtle variations in quality and features, the key specification criteria for builders are these.

    Cooktops and Range Tops: Key Terms and Specifications
    Brand, which refers both to the manufacturer and proprietary brand name that the maker applies to its product lines. Most manufacturers offer good-better-best stratification within their product offerings, and in cooktops and range tops, as with most kitchen appliances, certain brand names have more equity in certain markets. (See the Builder Brand Study [http://www.builderonline.com/content/builder-brand-study.asp] for more detail.)

    Manufacturers of cooktops and range tops listed on ebuild include:

    Amana
    Bosch
    Brown Stove Works
    Dacor
    Dynamic Cooking Systems
    Dynasty Range
    Electrolux
    Fisher & Paykel Appliances
    FiveStar
    Frigidaire Home Products
    Gaggenau
    Jenn-Air
    Kenmore
    KitchenAid
    La Cornue
    Maytag
    Miele, Inc.
    Morice
    Summit Appliance Div.
    Thermador
    Viking Range Corp.
    Vintage Luxury Appliances
    Whirlpool
    Wolf Range Co.

    Nominal width, which is standard size classification representing the approximate measurement from the left to right side of the cooktop in installed position. Widths range from 12 to 60 inches.

    Cutout dimensions refers to the length and width of the opening that needs to be cut in a countertop for cooktop installation

    Energy type refers to the fuel or power source required to operate the product. Typically, household appliances operate on natural gas, propane, or electricity. Appliances that operate on both gas and electricity are considered to be dual fuel.

    Downdraft venting indicates that the cooktop/range top has an integral exhaust venting system.

    Cooktop configuration indicates the arrangement and type of cooking zones on the surface of a cooktop or range top, e.g., burners only, burners and a griddle, burners griddle and grill, burners and wok, burners and modular bay, etc.

    Burner type refers to the design of gas burners or electric elements that come standard with the cooking appliance (e.g., sealed gas burners, open gas burners, coil elements, radiant smoothtop, halogen elements, induction elements, etc.). Both halogen elements and induction elements are variations on electric cooktops. Halogen elements use halogen lights to generate heat and are valued because they respond more quickly than conventional coils to changes in heat settings. Induction elements use electromagnetic energy to current in pots and pans made of ferrous material. The pan, itself, and not the cooktop heats up and cooks the food. Once the pan is removed from the cooktop, the surface isn't hot. Induction cooking is thought to be fire safe and child-friendly.

    No. of burners refers to the number of heating elements on which cookware may be placed for cooking.

    Burner output, expressed in Btu, may be of interest to owners, particularly for high-end, gourmet-style kitchens.

    Color/finish indicates the dominant color of the cooktop. Typical choices include white, almond, bisque, black and stainless steel. Some manufacturers offer a wider range of colors and finishes including green, red, blue, yellow and chrome.

    Amps@volts expresses the ratio of current drawn by the cooktop to the voltage of the circuit; an indication of the wiring requirements; important in electric and dual-fuel cooktops.

    Additional Resources for Cooktop and Range Top Specifications
    Association of Home Appliances Manufacturers
    Energy Efficiency Administration
    Consortium for Energy Efficiency