Cooking on gas cooktops is the preference for many people, including many of the top chefs. The reason for this is clear in that gas is so much more controllable than other forms of cooking. By choosing the right burner and turning the control knob to the desired level you can get the exact amount of heat that you want, instantly.
Choosing the right cooktop for you, however, is not quite as straightforward. It is after all a significant investment, so you need to make sure you are buying the right one.
Countertop Burners
The first consideration has to be how many burners. Most gas cooktops come with four, but there are five and two burner options available. How many you go for depends largely on what your needs are and how much space you have available. If you do a lot of cooking involving several pans then you might want to consider a five burner cooktop.
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Waring Pro SB30 1300-Watt Portable Single Burner Feature
- 1300-watt portable single burner provides extra heating options
- Durable cast-iron plate heats up quickly and ensures stable heat retention
- Adjustable thermostat; "on" and "ready" indicator lights
- Brushed stainless-steel housing; non-slip rubber feet; low-silhouette design
- Measures 10-3/4 by 11-1/2 by 4 inches; 1-year limited warranty
Waring Pro SB30 1300-Watt Portable Single Burner Overview
Whether used as an extra cooking surface or for light duty in the kitchen, an extra burner is a welcome addition to any cook's tools. The Waring Pro Professional Single Burner features 1300 watts of power with an adjustable heat control. The durable cast-iron burner plates and brushed stainless steel housing fit into today's busy modern kitchens and give you the versatility you need.Available In Stock. |
Another factor to consider is what range of burners are available and what BTU they deliver. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and is the standard measurement for the amount of heat a particular gas burner can deliver. The higher the BTU rating the hotter the burner is able to get. Typically a gas cooktop will have small burners with a low BTU rating suitable to gentle heating and simmering, as well as larger burners with a higher BTU rating suitable when more heat is required.
The ease of cleaning should be considered when purchasing gas cooktops. Therefore you should look at how easy it is to remove grates etc for wiping around after cooking. Some cooktops have control knobs that are removable which makes cleaning around considerably easier.
Safety features are worth taking into account and these tend to vary from one model to another. Some feature warning lights telling you when any of the burners are on. Others also have warning lights telling when the surface is hot, which may of continue long after it has been switched off. Another useful feature is an automatic relighting device. This simply relights a burner should it go out do to spillages or drafts.
The final consideration, but can be easy to overlook, is how it looks. A gas worktop is much more that just a device to cook your food on, it is a part of the look of your kitchen. Therefore, a good looking gas cooktop can really make the difference between your kitchen looking ordinary or looking stylish.
How to Choose the Best Gas Cooktops