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5 different types of cooktops & stovetops

Cooktops are standalone appliances featuring a cooking surface with burners or elements, but no oven. Cooktops provide kitchen layout flexibility since they install directly into countertops, can be placed on an island, and are available in gas, electric, induction and downdraft models in a wide range of sizes. Whether you’re building, remodeling or replacing, use this guide to learn why you might want a cooktop vs. a range and what the best type of cooktop might be for your family.

What is a cooktop?

A cooktop is a standalone cooking appliance that utilizes multiple burners or heating elements to heat up the surface so that you are able to cook your food. Cooktops can be installed into countertops or they can stand alone on flat surfaces such as kitchen islands.

Whirlpool^® Cooktops offer flexible cooking capabilities and easy cleaning so you can get your family’s dinner on the table with ease.

Side-by-side image of a gas cooktop and a gas range

Cooktop vs. range: which is right for my kitchen?

Choosing a cooktop vs. a range separates stovetop and oven tasks while creating a streamlined, built-in look. Great for larger kitchens, this configuration spreads out mealtime action in a way that could help you manage the mess and keep meals moving without a lot of bending or squatting. Cooktops can also be a good option for kitchens with limited counter space, since they’re available in narrower sizes than most ranges. For example, Whirlpool brand offers a 15-inch Electric Cooktop for compact kitchens.

What are the main types of cooktops?

There are four types of cooktops: gas, electric, induction and downdraft. Each option has features and benefits that you may want to consider when choosing a new cooktop for your kitchen. Read on to learn more about different types of cooktops.

1. Gas cooktops

This type of cooktop uses an open flame to heat cookware. Gas cooktops offer responsive control over heat adjustments, making them ideal when making quick adjustments for delicate dishes as well as everyday meals. The flame can be adjusted instantly, so you don’t need to wait for an electric element to heat up or cool down. Gas heat is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Unit), with some burners offering higher heat, and often a larger flame than others for different cooking tasks. This Whirlpool^® Gas Cooktops with a SpeedHeat^™ Burner can quickly generate high heat to help dinner get on the table fast. Gas cooktops usually feature removable grates, with some models offering a hinged design like the EZ-2-Lift^™ Hinged Cast-Iron Grates by Whirlpool brand, which are also dishwasher-safe.

Benefits of gas cooktops

Quickly adjust heat levels
Burners cool quickly
Flames can get large enough to heat the sides of pots and pans

Shop gas cooktops from Whirlpool brand

Heated electric cooktop burner partially covered by a pot

2. Electric cooktops

Electric cooktops heat cookware using metal coils or heating elements that may be exposed or sometimes hidden under a flat ceramic-glass surface that makes wiping up spills simple. Many models offer elements whose size can be adjusted to smaller or larger cookware for added flexibility like the Dual Radiant Element by Whirlpool brand. Accommodate extra-large dishes with “bridge” elements that heat the space between the front and back elements and can be found on select electric cooktops.

Benefits of electric cooktops

Direct heat transfer to pots and pans
Flexible element sizes to fit a wide variety of cookware
Easy to clean smooth surfaces

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Bell peppers cooking in a pan on an electric cooktop

3. Induction cooktops

An induction cooktop is a type of electric cooktop that uses electromagnetism to turn cookware into its own heat source. Induction technology transfers energy directly into magnetic cookware for fast cooking. The system allows for a rapid rise or drop in temperature and, because the cooking surface stays relatively cool, spills are less likely to bake onto it. Keep in mind that you can’t use aluminum or copper cookware on an induction cooktop unless it features a magnetic core. Learn more about induction cooking, induction cooktops vs electric cooktops, or check out our guide on the best induction cooktops.

Benefits of induction cooktops

Fast cooking with compatible cookware
Instantly adjust heat strength with responsive controls
Easy to clean surface

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4. Downdraft cooktops

A downdraft cooktop integrates the ventilation system directly into the cooking surface, eliminating the need for an overhead vent. They’re a good option if you’re installing your cooktop on a kitchen island where there isn’t room for a hood, or if you just like an open feel to your kitchen. Keep in mind that you’ll need under-counter cabinet space to house the ventilation system.

Downdraft cooktops can come in gas, like this 5-burner option from KitchenAid brand, electric or induction styles.

Benefits of downdraft cooktops

Combines ventilation with cooking in one appliance
Can be installed in kitchens with open floor plans or kitchens without range hood capacity

5. Commercial-style cooktops

A commercial-style cooktop is an upscale option for those looking to upgrade their kitchen with a restaurant-style look. These cooktops come in various sizes, ranging from the extra-wide 60 inch size, all the way down to more standard sizes. Some models come equipped with features like high-BTU gas burners and grill or griddle inserts, perfect for cooking up a wide variety of meals. Commercial-style cooktops typically come in stainless steel or colorful finishes to align with any other commercial-style appliances in your kitchen.

Benefits of commercial-style cooktops

High-BTU gas burners for powerful cooking performance on select models
Larger size options, with some models as wide as 60 inches wide
Sleek design that adds style and sophistication to any space

Person lifting the grate on a gas cooktop

What to consider when choosing a cooktop

There are a few factors to consider when choosing a new cooktop for your kitchen. Explore the following shopping tips below to help you get started on your shopping journey.

1. Consider your ventilation needs

Don't forget that you'll need some type of vent near your cooktop. A ventilation system is essential to help clear kitchen air of smoke, odor and grease while you cook. If you're placing the cooktop on a kitchen island, look at island-canopy hoods. If you're installing in-line with cabinets, a wall-mounted canopy hood or over-the-range microwave hood combination might be right for you. Learn more in our guide to choosing the right ventilation for your kitchen.

2. Consider cooktop installation needs

Each type of cooktop comes with its own unique installation needs that you should take into account when choosing a new model for your kitchen. For example, gas cooktops require access to a gas line, while electric cooktops do not.

You should also consider the surface you're planning to install the cooktop on. If you're installing a cooktop on a kitchen island, you may want to pair your cooktop with a retractable downdraft hood to avoid an over-the-range hood.

3. Consider maintenance & cleaning

Gas, electric and induction cooktops all have different cooking surfaces that require varying maintenance and cleaning methods. To clean gas cooktops, you need to remove and clean the grates in addition to the cooking surface. Induction cooktops – and some electric cooktops – have smooth glass surfaces that make it easy to clean once mealtime is over.

Select Whirlpool^® Gas Cooktops may also feature EZ-2-Lift^™ Hinged Cast-Iron Grates that give you quick access to cooktop spills and can be easily added to the dishwasher when it’s time to clean.

4. Consider cooktop features that matter to you

When shopping for a new cooktop, look for features that best fit your cooking needs. Select Whirlpool^® Gas Cooktops offer features like the SpeedHeat^™ Burner that helps you sear and boil quickly by generating high heat and a 2-in-1 Hinged Grate to Griddle that lets you explore more mealtime possibilities by allowing you to swap between cooking surfaces.

Which cooktop is easiest to clean?

Induction and glass electric stovetops are typically the easiest to wipe clean as there are no removable parts that need additional attention during the cleaning process. All you’ll usually need to clean these kinds of cooktops is a cook surface cleaning solution, non-abrasive cleaning pads and a soft dry cloth to wipe away spills and food debris.

Select Whirlpool^® Gas Cooktops have features that make cleaning simple, like EZ-2-Lift^™ Hinged Cast-Iron Grates that let you wipe spills on the cooktop without the hassle of removing heavy grates.

Which cooktop is the most scratch resistant?

Scratch-resistance varies by the make and model of your cooktop. Some gas, induction and electric models offer scratch-resistant surfaces, so be sure to consult the product description when shopping for a new cooktop.

Black Whirlpool® Electric Cooktop in a modern kitchen

Shop all Whirlpool^® Cooktops

Whether you choose gas, electric, induction or downdraft, Whirlpool brand offers cooktops to fit nearly any kitchen. Whirlpool^® Cooktops are easy to use and designed with thoughtful innovations to streamline meal prep, so you can trust that your stovetop will help you create your family’s favorite meals every night.