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For that reason, KitchenAid is constantly fine-tuning its gas products with innovations such as a durable clear, protective stainless steel finish that resists fingerprints and heat discoloration. In addition, Pro Line's latest entrée bends toward more contemporary tastes with a lower, built-in profile that has been outfitted with two 17,000-BTU burners and an invertible wok ring that reverses to become a traditional grate.

Not to be outdone, KitchenAid's electric product team upgraded its radiant Ceran offering with Smart Knob control technology that provides consistent, even heat distribution and precise settings. Triple- and dual-ring plus bridge elements accommodate all manner of cookware. “It's not going to be exactly like gas, but it's closer than it has been in the past,” notes Maynard.

Likewise, Jenn-Air has improved 3,000-watt CustomControl digital dual- and triple-radiant elements on several new 36-inch glass ceramic electric models that maintain much more accurate temperatures than the standard—with near-gas-like responsiveness, the firm contends. This is due to a highly sensitive device called a thermistor under the glass that reacts instantly to temperature selection. Paired with infinite touch controls, says Jenn-Air market education manager Gary Stoner, “you have the ability to take it very high or very low and it's all temperature controlled.”

In situations where the cost and fuel source are no object, Gaggenau's Vario 400 built-in modular system fills the bill with its 15-inch mix-and-match gas and electric components comprising glass Ceran gas burners and radiant elements, a gas-fired wok burner, an electric grill, a deep fryer, and a steamer. For those who do more than take-out Asian, there's a Teppan Yaki, a two-zone flat griddle-like stainless steel element designed for high-heat searing, and a 12,000-watt induction wok (see “Induction Reignites”).

“Cooktops are increasingly popular with people who love to cook and entertain,” says Maynard. And, ultimately, it's technologies like these that are generating interest and excitement among home buyers.

Builder Narssa couldn't agree more. “Manufacturers have done a good job creating the demand through new products and their applications.”

Vintage. This 36-inch six-burner Professional gas cooktop in polished stainless steel is outfitted with one 20,000-, two 15,000-, and two 12,000-BTU burners in addition to a special ultra-low burner capable of maintaining a minimum cooking temperature of 142 degrees F. Additional features include an angled control panel, textured spill tray, blue indicator lights, and gap-free integration with the counter. 800-998-8966. www.vintage-grills.com.

Thermador. Ever improving, the Professional series 48-inch gas cooktop showcases the company's 15,000-BTU brass five-point Star burner said to surpass previous versions with enhanced power output and even heat distribution. A patented ExtraLow simmer feature electronically cycles the flame on and off for precise control at the lowest temperatures. To accommodate additional culinary tasks, grill and griddle options are also available. 800-656-9226. www.thermador.com.

Caldera. Engineered to please both cook and bottom line, the SSK-365 36-inch (shown) and SSK-305 30-inch gas cooktops are made of 304-grade stainless steel. They feature a variety of burner sizes and outputs from a powerful 18,000-BTU center burner to a gentle 6,000-BTU front burner. Full-surface grates, ergonomic knobs, intuitive controls, and electronic ignition and reignition are included. 800-725-7711. www.calderacorp.com.

Kenmore. Taking its cues from the Continent, this stylish European-style 30-inch four-burner gas cooktop (model #37172) features sealed gas burners on a sculptural easy-care black glass surface, dishwasher-safe porcelain-coated iron grates that resist burned-on food, and a variety of power options ranging from 5,000 to 10,500 BTUs. 800-349-4358. www.kenmore.com.