There was a time when if you were looking for cooktops, you had two choices - gas or electric coil. Those times are gone, though. We now have a bewildering array of options to choose between. If you have not shopped for cooktops for five or ten years, some of the cooktops on today's market may be completely new to you.

You are probably familiar with those wonderful, easy-to-clean ceramic cooktops, but what about those new-fangled induction cooktops you've been hearing about? How does a halogen cooktop work? Rather than just stick with what you know best, read our Cooktops Buying Guide and uncover the mysteries of the modern cooktop. You might find just what you were looking for, but didn't even know it.

Types of Cooktops

Before you can make an informed choice about cooktops, you need to learn about the different types of cooktops and how they work. These are the basic types:

Gas Cooktops

These were first introduced to the world in the first years of the 20th Century. Once the public got over its initial fear of explosions, clean burning, instantly adjustable gas cooktops rapidly replaced the old coal and wood stoves that preceded them. In the hundred years since then, no one has really come up with a better cooktop and gas remains the favourite choice of chefs to this day.

Electric Cooktops

Electric cooktops have been around almost as long as gas cooktops (the first one was patented in 1912). They are relatively inexpensive as compared to others and are very reliable. The disadvantage of electric cooktops is in their cast iron heating elements, which take time to heat up and cool down. If you want more precise temperature adjustments with an electric cooktop, look for one that features electronic controls.

Induction Cooktops

In these, heat is generated via the connection between an electromagnetic current and a cooking vessel. The cooking pot itself is what generates the heat, while the cooking element transfers electromagnetic energy into the pot through the process of "induction" - hence the name. The biggest advantage to this type of system is that you can precisely and instantly control the level of heat. Also, as soon as the pot is removed from the stove, heat is no longer generated, making induction cooktops safer than others. On the downside, induction cooktops can only be used with magnetic (ferrous) metal cooking vessels such as cast iron. They are also more expensive than other types of cooktops. It should also be noted that critics say there may be health risks involved with working in close proximity to high frequency electromagnetic fields.

Halogen Cooktops

The radiant heat created by powerful halogen light bulbs under the surface of a ceramic cooktop is what makes them work. Halogen bulbs create far more heat than incandescent bulbs and last much longer, so you won't need to be changing your "light bulbs" regularly with a halogen cooktop. They also generate more heat than gas, electric or induction systems. While it takes longer to heat the water for a "three minute egg" than it takes to cook the egg with other systems, it has been said that with a halogen system, you can boil water in 30 seconds. However, halogen bulbs take longer to cool down than gas or induction cookers. 

A Few Facts about Hobs

The word "hob" dates back to the days when people cooked over an open flame. The hob was a metal shelf mounted inside the fireplace that was used to hold cooking vessels. Hobs have come a long way since then. Modern hobs are basically of two types - those that cover the heat source (glass/ceramic) and those which do not.

Ceramic/Glass/Ceran Hobs

Whether the manufacturer calls it a glass, ceran or a ceramic hob, it will have a high ceramic content. This is what makes it so tough and able to handle extreme temperature changes. When it comes to leaning, nothing compares to one of these hobs - just wipe its smooth surface clean (after making sure it has cooled down, of course). All halogen and induction cooking systems use this type of hob, as do some electric models. It is best to use flat, smooth bottomed cookware on these hobs. If you choose aluminium, heavier, thicker brands work best. Many manufacturers warn against using cast iron pots and pans on ceramic hobs.

Exposed Heating Element Hobs

Gas heating elements must be exposed and electric heating elements usually are. For this reason, their hobs have nooks and crannies that are harder to clean than ceramic hobs. Many cooks prefer them because they don't feel comfortable with the flat top of a ceramic cooktop. You can find exposed heating element hobs in a variety of materials, including baked enamel, stainless steel and even ceramic. All of these are durable and easy to clean. Stainless steel is probably the longest lasting of all.

Features to Look For 

If you like cooking with a wok, then choose a gas cooktop or an electric cooktop with a special wok burner. Most wok users agree that gas is best for wok cooking. Another option is to purchase an electric benchtop wok separately.

Many people are put off by ceramic cooktops because you can't readily see whether a cooking surface is hot or not. If you are purchasing a cooktop with a ceramic hob, look for models that feature clearly visible warning lights.

Electronic controls cost a little more, but give you far more control over your heating temperature that simpler controls. The major disadvantage of electric cooktops is in the amount of time it takes for their elements to heat up and cool down. Electronic controls go a long way towards solving this problem.

If you like deep frying, grilling or cooking fish, you can find cooktops for the job. It's best to also buy a high quality extraction rangehood if you are going to be using these appliances regularly. Recirculating rangehoods do not efficiently get rid of kitchen odours.

And finally ...

You can find cooktops with anywhere between one and seven burners. Nine out of ten cooktops sold are the traditional four burner style cooktops. Often, these are chosen simply out of habit or convention. Before you make your final decision, check out some of the variations available. One of them might suit your cooking style and needs better than another.