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