Home Appliances
Are you shopping for a cooktop, but uncertain where to begin? You may feel overwhelmed due to the wide variety of options available. From various cooktop surface types (gas, induction, electric), widths, trims, and special features, there can be a lot of choices when it comes to selecting your new cooktop. We are here to help you navigate your shopping experience. Here is a list of 8 questions to ask yourself to help select the best cooktop for you.
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8 Essential Questions for Purchasing a Cooktop.
1. Dimensions – which cooktop size fits my kitchen?
When it comes to gas cooktops, there's no one-width-fits-all. Instead, you can choose from three widths: 30", 36" or a compact 24". The largest cooktop is 36" and offers: ample space to cook fish, boil pasta and steam broccoli at once. In the end, finding the right cooktop for you depends on factors like your cooking habits and the width of your lower kitchen cabinets.
Pro tip: Thinking about upgrading to a wider gas cooktop? First, verify if the width fits the cutout of your kitchen cabinet.
2. Gas Cooktop or Induction Cooktop?
If you're deciding between a gas or induction cooktop here is an overview of the benefits of induction. Many people aren't familiar with induction technology but it's one of cooking's best kept secrets!
- What is an induction cooktop?Induction cooktops use efficient heating technology since the surface only applies heat directly to your pans, which means your food heats up more quickly and efficiently. The rest of the surface stays cool while you're cooking and only the pan space is heated.
- Easy to clean glass surface: Another widely appreciated benefit of induction cooktops are their smooth glass surfaces, which makes cleaning exceptionally easy. There are no grates or knobs to clean around, and all you need to do is wipe down the surface after cooking to maintain a beautiful shine.
- Bosch induction cooktop innovations(features vary by model)
- SpeedBoost® adds more power to the cooking zone so you can boil water more quickly
- Each cooking zone has can independent countdown timer so you can monitor multiple recipe stages at once.
- Home Connect® allows you to remotely monitor your cooktop and see if you accidentally left your cooktop on.
- Shop induction cooktops
- Shop gas cooktops
3. Burners – how many burners do you need?
A 5 burner gas cooktop with a dual-flame power burner is both powerful and functional. But a gas cooktop with just 4 burners might perfectly suit your needs. To determine the right number and types of burners, consider these key factors:
- The amount of space in your kitchen
- How often you cook, and how many dishes you cook at once
- Your household size
Pro tip: If you spend a lot of time making multi-course meals or enjoy hosting dinner parties and have ample space, a five burner gas cooktop would suit your lifestyle.
If you have limited space or a compact kitchen, a four burner gas cooktop or 24" cooktop will be suitable.
4. Which material and color for your cooktop?
Our glass cooktops have a tempered glass cooking surface for a sophisticated modern look and wipes clean easily. For a more traditional look, go with classic stainless steel or black cooktop.
Pro tip: Visit a local Bosch retailer to see the color options and touch the surfaces first-hand.
5. How can I accurately regulate the flame?
Bosch gas cooktops with FlameSelect® let you precisely regulate the flame: just select from nine pre-defined power levels. So you always know exactly how high the flame is every time.
Instead of the traditional low-medium-high heat range, you simply selecting a flame level 1-9. So you can select level 9 to sear your to sear your steak. Or use level 2 to make the ultimate creamy scrambled eggs. Selecting a precise level each time you cook means you get repeatable, consistent results.
6. Easy cooktop cleaning – what to look for and how to clean a gas cooktop?
Here are some things to look for in a gas cooktop if cleanability is an important factor in your decision.
- Look for a cooktop with dishwasher-safe grates. Bosch FlameSelect® gas cooktops and Bosch gas rangetops include grates that can be quickly and easily cleaned in the dishwasher instead of by hand.
If an easy to clean cooktop is your top priority, it might be best to opt for an induction surface cooktop. Made of glass, cleaning an induction cooktop is as easy as it gets. Simply wipe it down with a cloth and cleaner after cooking for a sparkling clean surface.
7. Industrial-chic design with the new rangetops.
If you want your cooktop to be the design focal point in your kitchen, explore our industrial-style rangetops instead. With a commercial-chic inspired design, high powered burners, and Bosch quality, the new industrial-style rangetops are designed to perform.
8. Don't forget to pair your cooktop with a wall oven.
Selected your cooktop?
Now discover our range of high-quality ovens which pair perfectly with a cooktop. SideOpening oven doors and Genuine European Convection are some of the innovations that will complete your cooking center at home.
