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Gas cooktop buying guide: how to choose
When designing a kitchen space that helps you meet the daily needs of your family, many people turn to gas cooktops to round out their kitchen appliances. Gas cooktops offer a practical choice for home cooks who want responsive heat, flexible burner layouts and a built-in look that is often eye-catching. Whether you are simmering a delicate sauce or searing vegetables for a family dinner, understanding the different features of gas cooktops empowers you to select the ideal appliance for your home.
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What to consider when choosing a gas cooktop
Selecting the right cooktop for you involves evaluating your cooking habits, personal preferences and kitchen layout. Gas cooktops use an open flame to heat cookware, offering responsive control over heat adjustments for delicate dishes and everyday meals. By exploring the various features available, you can find a model that best meets your needs.
1. Find the right cooktop size for your space
When choosing a gas cooktop, think about how you cook and the space you have. The dimensions of your appliance dictate both the cooking capacity and the necessary countertop cutout. Gas cooktops are installed in your countertop and are often 30 or 36 inches wide, around 5.5 inches tall (including what’s installed below your countertop) and 21 inches deep, though some models do vary, so check your specs to be sure. A 30-inch model typically features four burners, but sometimes five, providing ample room for standard daily meals. A 36-inch model often includes five burners, and some models include expanded options like a griddle area. Select Whirlpool® Gas Cooktops such as this model offer a Griddle, so you can make pancakes, grill vegetables, sear steaks and cook breakfast, lunch and dinner right on the cooktop.
| Width | 30-inch cooktops | 36-inch cooktops |
|---|---|---|
| Burner count | 4 (sometimes 5) | 5 or more |
| Best for | Standard daily meals | Entertaining and large families |
| Key Advantage | Preserves valuable counter space | Accommodates oversized pots and pans |
Comparing a 30-inch vs 36-inch cooktop requires measuring your available counter space and considering your ventilation setup. Larger models demand a wider cutout and a correspondingly sized range hood to help manage smoke and odors effectively. By carefully assessing your kitchen dimensions and typical pan capacity, you can select a size that integrates seamlessly into your home.
2. Choose burner type, count and layout
The configuration of your cooking surface plays a significant role in meal preparation. Gas stoves often have burners that range from 500-20,000 BTUs, depending on the model. Lower BTU burners are great for simmering, while higher power burners are ideal for high-heat cooking.
Gas cooktops can also have either open burners or sealed burners. Most home ranges have sealed burners, which have a solid cap separating the burner from the grates above it, causing the flame to shoot outwards in a ring around the cap. Open burners are more common on commercial cooktops, and don’t have a cap, so the flames shoot straight up to the bottom of the pan.
When evaluating layouts, 4-burner cooktops, such as these from Whirlpool brand provide a classic arrangement suitable for most recipes. For those who juggle multiple pots simultaneously, 5-burner options like these Whirlpool® Cooktops often feature a central power burner designed for large skillets or griddles. Gas cooktops utilize gas burners and an open flame to cook. This fast-acting option to instantly adjust the flame allows you to transition from heavy searing to lightly sautéing in a flash.
3. Select cooktop power output
Understanding heat output helps you match an appliance to your culinary techniques. Burner power is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), which indicate the amount of heat produced. Standard burners typically output between 8,000-12,000 BTUs, while power burners offer 12,000 to 18,000+ BTUs for rapid boiling and high-heat techniques like searing.
When determining how many BTUs for a gas range you need, consider what foods you frequently cook. High-BTU burners excel at bringing large pots of water to a rolling boil or achieving a crisp sear on meats. Conversely, simmer burners with lower BTU ratings provide the gentle, consistent heat required for melting chocolate or reducing delicate sauces without scorching. A well-rounded cooktop offers a variety of burner outputs to accommodate diverse cooking methods.
4. Pick your preferred grate design
The grates on your cooktop support your cookware and influence the overall cooking experience. Continuous cast-iron grates allow you to slide heavy pots and pans across the surface without lifting, which helps manage multiple dishes effortlessly. Some Whirlpool® Cooktops feature EZ-2-Lift™ Hinged Cast-Iron Grates that let you wipe up underneath without removing them. Knowing how to clean stove burners and grates ensures your appliance remains in top condition. Additionally, some grate designs accommodate specialized accessories, such as a griddle, a versatile cooking tool that provides a level cooking surface, ideal for foods such as pancakes, burgers and grilled cheese.
5. Match a finish to your kitchen style
The visual appeal of your appliance contributes to the overall ambiance of your kitchen. Modern cooktops come in a variety of finishes designed to complement your cabinetry and hardware. Classic stainless steel cooktops like these options from Whirlpool® brand offer a sleek, professional appearance that pairs beautifully with almost any decor. For a bold, contemporary look, black stainless steel or matte black finishes provide a sophisticated touch that resists fingerprints and smudges.
Top gas cooktops from Whirlpool brand
The best gas cooktop for your kitchen depends on what day-to-day cooking looks like for your family. Whether you’re preparing quick weeknight dinners, cooking for a crowd or spending extra time experimenting with recipes, the right fit often comes down to finding features that support your routine. Explore some of the top-rated gas cooktops from Whirlpool.com below, then find the right fit for your different cooking needs and kitchen setups.
Best gas cooktops for large families
The right gas cooktop for large households is often one that gives you enough space and flexibility to cook multiple dishes at once. These cooktops may have a wider cooking surface, a mix of burner sizes and features that make getting meals to the table easier.
This Whirlpool® 36-Inch Gas Cooktop is built for high-volume cooking with a 36-inch surface and five-burner layout that gives you room to make more. Get dinner to the table fast with the SpeedHeat™ Burner that generates the high heat needed to sear and boil quickly. When dinner is done, EZ-2-Lift™ Hinged Cast-Iron Grates let you wipe up underneath without removing them, and are dishwasher safe for a more thorough clean.
Best gas cooktops for everyday home cooks
When meals need to happen between sports practices, errands and everything else on the calendar, a versatile cooktop can be more useful than one built around specialized features or large batch cooking. That may mean a mix of burner sizes, easy cleanup features or a more compact footprint.
This Whirlpool® 30-Inch Gas Cooktop combines a space-conscious 30-inch design with five burners to help you make the most of your space. Various burner sizes and a range of power levels let you simmer your sauce while you sear your steaks to maximize time in the kitchen, all while Edge-to-Edge Cast-Iron Grates extend across the entire cooktop, giving you the flexibility to move pots and pans anywhere.
Best gas cooktops for serious home chefs
If cooking is more than a routine in your kitchen, flexibility and heat control can make a noticeable difference as you experiment with various techniques. Look for cooktops with multiple burner outputs to support different cooking methods at once, from low simmering to high-heat cooking.
This Whirlpool® 36-Inch Gas Cooktop features five burners with outputs ranging from 9.1K–12K BTU. The 9.1K BTU burner gives medium heat for daily cooking while the 12K BTU burner gives quick, high heat for searing. The SpeedHeat™ Burner allows you to sear and boil quickly, while the Fifth Burner gives you room to fit different pan sizes so you can boil water, sauté veggies and sear burgers all at the same time.
Best gas cooktops for small kitchens
In a smaller kitchen, the ideal gas cooktop makes the most of limited space without limiting how you cook. Burner variety and easy maintenance can help a compact setup feel more functional.
This 30-inch gas cooktop from Whirlpool brand offers a 5K BTU Simmer Burner that helps you easily maintain low, even heat to simmer your sauces, warm up leftovers or melt chocolate. Clean the Dishwasher-Safe Cast-Iron Grates right in the dishwasher when they get messy, all while you clean up faster with the Upswept SpillGuard™ Cooktop that has raised edges to help contain spills.
Best gas cooktops for entertaining
Cooking for guests can run smoothly with a cooktop layout that supports multiple pans and different cooking tasks at once. You’ll want enough room to move pans easily, along with features that help keep cooking organized.
This 36-inch cooktop from Whirlpool brand offers spacious, Edge-to-Edge Cast-Iron Grates and features the SpeedHeat™ Burner that allows you to sear and boil quickly. The 9.1K BTU burner gives medium heat for daily cooking while the 12K BTU burner gives quick, high heat for searing. The Fifth Burner offers room to fit different pan sizes.
Gas Cooktop FAQs
Navigating appliance options often brings up specific questions about installation and performance. These questions cover some practical follow-ups you may have before making a final choice.
Can you replace an electric cooktop with a gas cooktop?
Yes, you can often replace an electric model with a gas version if you have a dedicated gas line installed. When comparing electric vs gas ranges, consider that an induction cooktop can be about three times more efficient than gas cooktops, according to ENERGY STAR®. However, the open flame of a gas cooktop allows you more flexibility when working with techniques like flambé.
Do gas cooktops need special cookware?
No, gas cooktops do not require special cookware. You can use cast iron, stainless steel, copper, aluminum and ceramic pots and pans. While induction cooking is more efficient than conventional electric stovetops and three times more efficient than gas, you are limited to using only ferromagnetic pots and pans. Gas remains highly versatile for all traditional cookware types.
Can a gas cooktop be installed on an island?
Yes, installing a gas cooktop on an island creates a wonderful central hub for cooking and socializing. A kitchen island with range or cooktop often requires specialized ventilation. Cooktop models featuring downdraft ventilation integrate the ventilation system directly into the cooking surface, eliminating the need for an overhead hood.
Can a gas cooktop be installed over a wall oven?
Yes, some gas cooktops can be installed directly above a built-in wall oven, creating a streamlined, integrated look. It is important to verify the manufacturer specifications for both appliances to ensure proper clearance and compatibility before finalizing your kitchen design.
Shop all Whirlpool® Gas Cooktops
Explore gas cooktops from the Whirlpool brand. With options like various widths and four or five burners, as well as EZ-2-Lift™ Hinged Cast-Iron Grates or Griddles on select models, there are plenty of options for your kitchen.
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