A black electric cooktop on a countertop

BEST KITCHENAID® ELECTRIC COOKTOPS OF 2024 For Your Making

Cooktops and stovetops play a vital role in your kitchen, which is why it's important to find one that matches your cooking style and preferences. With an array of sizes and features to choose from, electric models are a type of cooktop that provide versatility, convenience and control to help you create memorable, fantastic-tasting dishes time and again.

This guide provides helpful information on electric cooktop sizes, styles and features to give you a better idea of your appliance options. Read on to learn more about the best KitchenAid® electric cooktops for your kitchen.

A man and woman preparing various dishes with a cooktop A man and woman preparing various dishes with a cooktop

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING AN ELECTRIC COOKTOP?

When shopping for an electric cooktop, there are a few key features to consider. The best cooktop for you depends on your cooking and kitchen needs, such as the number of burners, heating elements, size and style, along with additional features. 

NUMBER OF BURNERS

The number of burners is important to consider when choosing an electric cooktop. The exact number of burners on a cooktop varies, but models typically offer four to five. Single burners may work for one-pot meals or slow-simmering dishes, while larger multi-burner models are great for entertaining or preparing multiple dishes at the same time. Having a variety of burner sizes to choose from on your cooktop also allows you to choose just the right amount of heating power for your dish.

SIZE

Electric cooktops are installed directly onto the countertop, which is why it's important to consider the size of the appliance when shopping. The size of the cooktop often depends on how many burners and heating elements it offers, but they typically come in standard sizes between 30 to 36 inches wide. A wider cooktop can also give you more room to maneuver multiple pots and pans or use oversized dishes like woks and paella pans.

HEATING ELEMENT

Different models of electric cooktops offer a variety of heating element styles, such as coil, ceramic-glass top or induction models. Exposed coil elements come into direct contact with cookware placed on top. This style is often offered at an entry price point. The next style of cooktop covers the electric coils with a smooth, ceramic-glass top. Heat is transferred through the glass to your cookware. This type of cooktop provides a smooth, easy-to-clean surface to place your pots and pans and a familiar functionality. Induction cooktops offer a glass surface as well, but use electromagnetism to transform the cookware into its own source of heat, capable of reaching high temperatures quickly and cooling down rapidly.

STYLE

Style is another important element to consider when selecting an electric cooktop or stovetop, as this will determine its aesthetics and overall visual appeal in your kitchen. Select KitchenAid® gas and electric cooktops come in black and stainless steel finishes designed to complement any kitchen decor. You can choose from models with substantial, professionally-inspired stainless steel knobs for a commercial kitchen look, or sleek and minimal touch-activated controls with the added benefit of easy cleaning.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Finally, look for additional features on select models such as an integrated downdraft system, digital displays and pan size detection for a customized making experience.

Pastries made on a cooktop Pastries made on a cooktop

BEST SIZE KITCHENAID® ELECTRIC COOKTOP FOR YOUR NEEDS

When it comes to choosing the right electric cooktop for your kitchen, size is an important factor. KitchenAid brand offers a range of sizes to perfectly complement the unique countertop layout of your kitchen. From two burner compact models to large five burner options, electric cooktops are ideal for transforming your culinary creative space.

Typically, cooktop sizes vary, with widths ranging from 15 to 36 inches. This wide range of sizes allows for even more flexibility when planning the look and feel of your kitchen.

A 15" electric cooktop

1. 15" ELECTRIC COOKTOP

KitchenAid® 15-inch electric cooktops are compact, making them an excellent option for kitchens with limited counter space. Models like the KitchenAid® 15" Electric Cooktop with 2 Radiant Elements offer two burners and can easily fit in tight spaces. This compact cooktop is also a great choice for adding an additional cooking station to your kitchen to supplement your full-sized cooktop. 

A 30" electric cooktop

2. 30" ELECTRIC COOKTOP

Mid-size options like the 30" Electric Cooktop with 5 Elements and Touch-Activated Controls from KitchenAid brand serve as a kitchen standard for everyday making. The 30-inch electric cooktop offers four to five burners and is ideal for those creating dishes involving multiple pots or pans on the stove at once.

 

Level up everyday cooking adventures with the speed and precision of this 30" KitchenAid® Sensor Induction Cooktop. Pan Size Detection recognizes the size and placement of cookware to generate heat directly within the pan. Induction cooking allows you to reach high temperatures quickly and cooling down rapidly for precise control that enables a full range of cooking techniques.

A 36" electric cooktop

3. 36" ELECTRIC COOKTOP

This large-size option offers up to five powerful burners, making it the ideal choice for culinary creatives who expect maximum flexibility for their cooking needs. The wider cooktop surface leaves plenty of room for extra large cookware and bridge elements on select models help accommodate oblong dishes. This option also offers a range of features on select models, including digital displays and touch controls, to make your culinary experience that much more enjoyable. 

 

Explore features like simmer and melt settings on select 36" options like the KitchenAid® Electric Cooktop with 5 Elements and Knob Controls. A 12''/9''/6'' Triple-Ring Round Element maximizes your flexibility with three distinct rings that allow for element selection based on cookware size.

A man squeezing lemon into a dish on a cooktop A man squeezing lemon into a dish on a cooktop

BEST TYPE OF HEATING ELEMENT FOR KITCHENAID® ELECTRIC COOKTOPS

From boiling water in a snap to simmering sauces with ease, the heating element of an electric cooktop is a powerful kitchen tool that you rely on consistently to achieve ideal results. Whether you’re deciding between an induction cooktop, radiant cooktop or downdraft cooktop options, KitchenAid® electric cooktops can help make meal prep faster and more convenient than ever.

A radiant electric cooktop

RADIANT ELECTRIC COOKTOPS

Radiant electric cooktops have a smooth, flat surface with metal coils below the surface to heat cookware on the burner. Models like the KitchenAid® 36-inch Electric Ceramic Glass Cooktop with Triple Radiant Element offer multiple burner sizes and accommodate a variety of cooking needs, whether you're grilling chicken or pan-frying veggies. Radiant is the most common style of electric cooktop so they offer a familiar canvas for your creations. These cooktops offer a stable base due to the flat surface, which also allows for an easy-to-clean process after you are done cooking.

An induction electric cooktop

INDUCTION ELECTRIC COOKTOPS

Induction electric cooktops like the KitchenAid® 30-Inch 4 Element Induction Cooktop, Architect® Series II are ideal options for those looking to upgrade their cooking experience with heating technology that provides responsive temperature control via cycling heating elements that turn on and off rapidly. This type of cooktop offers a smooth, glass surface housing copper coils that create electromagnetic energy within compatible cookware, turning your pots and pans into their own heat source.

A downdraft electric cooktop

DOWNDRAFT ELECTRIC COOKTOPS

Some electric cooktops like these models by KitchenAid brand have a downdraft option for convenient access to powerful ventilation, helping to draw out unpleasant odors, smoke and steam from the kitchen through a built-in ventilation system. This type of cooktop is ideal for placement on kitchen islands or other areas where you may not want to install an overhead vent hood.

BEST KITCHENAID® ELECTRIC COOKTOP STYLE OPTIONS

When it comes to selecting the right electric cooktop or stovetop for your kitchen, style can help inspire your making process. KitchenAid brand offers a range of style and finish options that will help you create the perfect look for your cooking space without sacrificing functionality. From sleek and modern designs to traditional stovetops with classic knobs, there's something for every maker.

A black finish option on a KitchenAid® cooktop

BLACK

This classic finish option is available with both knobs and digital touch-activated controls, giving off subtle hints of sophistication and elegance while still blending in perfectly with any kitchen décor.

A stainless steel finish option on a KitchenAid® cooktop

STAINLESS STEEL

This stylish and durable option is perfect for those looking to create a modern, industrial look in their kitchen. Featuring five burners, digital touch-activated controls and even a simmer setting, the KitchenAid® 30" Electric Cooktop with 5 Elements and Touch-Activated Controls can help you prepare delicious meals perfectly every time.

BEST KITCHENAID® ELECTRIC COOKTOP FEATURES

In addition to size and style, electric cooktops offer a variety of features that can transform your making experience into one that inspires. KitchenAid® electric cooktops come with a range of features such as touch controls, digital displays and advanced heating options like induction cooking that provide responsive temperature control for your culinary creations.

Knobs on a KitchenAid® cooktop Knobs on a KitchenAid® cooktop

MULTIPLE COOKTOP PRESETS

Multiple cooktop presets like the simmer setting available on select KitchenAid® electric cooktops provide an array of precise temperatures that can be used to fine-tune cooking techniques such as melting chocolate, simmering a sauce, searing meat or rapidly boiling water. 

EVEN-HEAT™ AND ULTRA-POWER™ TECHNOLOGY

These unique features from KitchenAid brand offer greater versatility for high and low temperature cooking techniques to help elevate your making experience. Even-Heat™ Technology maintains a constant supply of power and delivers a range of simmer and melt settings. The Ultra Power™ Double-Ring Round Element combines two element sizes in one, making it a perfect fit for large stock pots or six-inch sauté pans alike, and ideal for a wide range of tasks from rapid boiling and searing to wok cooking.

TOUCH-ACTIVATED CONTROLS

Touch-activated controls offer an intuitive and user-friendly way to control your cooking settings. Featuring a sleek design, this type of control panel allows you to adjust the temperature down to the exact degree with just the touch of a finger. 

HOT SURFACE INDICATOR

This feature provides added peace of mind by offering a visual cue that lets you know if the cooking surface is on or still hot, ensuring you have the confidence to create delicious meals with less worry about potential burns.

An active element on a KitchenAid® cooktop An active element on a KitchenAid® cooktop

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN INDUCTION COOKTOP AND AN ELECTRIC COOKTOP?

While both electric and induction cooktops use electricity to generate heat to cook food, the key difference is in how. Electric cooktops use a coil heating element that transfers energy to the pot or pan. Induction cooktops use electromagnetism to turn the cookware into its own heat source.

A man squeezing lime into a dish on a cooktop A man squeezing lime into a dish on a cooktop

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO BUY AN ELECTRIC COOKTOP?

The best time to purchase an electric cooktop often depends on the state of your current appliance. Depending on its age and condition, you may be able to purchase replacement parts for your electric cooktop. 

If your current model is beyond repair, it may be time to buy a new electric cooktop or stovetop. Consult a professional before attempting to make any significant repairs yourself and be sure that any replacement parts you purchase come from the original manufacturer. 

To schedule a repair for your KitchenAid® appliance, visit the KitchenAid® Service page.

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SHOP KITCHENAID® COOKTOPS AND STOVETOPS

Choosing the right cooktop for you could be the key to advancing your culinary capabilities, and knowing your options can help ensure you get the most out of it. Explore features like Even-Heat Technology and induction options on select electric cooktops from KitchenAid brand to start changing the way you approach your favorite fried, grilled and sauteed recipes.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COOKTOPS WITH KITCHENAID BRAND