What does it mean to cut in butter?

Cutting in butter is the process of breaking cold butter into smaller and smaller chunks while coating the pieces of butter with dry ingredients like flour. Unlike mixing or creaming, which fully incorporates the butter, this method leaves small pieces of butter intact before baking. Cutting butter into flour or other dry ingredients is an essential part of preparing pastry dough, biscuits and crumbly pie toppings because it gives a light and flaky texture that can’t be replicated with any other technique.

Why do I need to cut in my butter?

The little bits of butter in your mixture release steam as they melt which expands to create pockets of air and fat throughout the dough. Once the butter fully melts, the tiny pockets left behind create separation between the layers of baked dough. This is what gives pastry its delicate, flaky texture and rich buttery finish.

What is a pastry cutter or pastry blender?

Known as either a pastry cutter or blender, this specialized handheld tool features a series of metal strips or wires looped around and connected to a handle. When learning how to use a pastry cutter for butter, it may take some time to perfect your technique. Press the pastry blender down into the butter, twist and pull back up. Do this again and again until you get the right size chunks of butter per your recipe. This method is faster than using a knife but still requires a little muscle and practice.

Person adding seasoning to a large pot on a black KitchenAid® cooktop

5 Types of Cooktops and Stovetops to Choose From

Investing in a new standalone cooktop can offer fresh inspiration and unlock new culinary possibilities. Explore the benefits of gas, electric, induction, downdraft and commercial-style options to find a cooktop style that complements the way you create.

Shop the different types of cooktops from KitchenAid.

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What are the Different Types of Cooktops?

There are several types of cooktop fuel options to choose from, including gas, electric and induction models. These types may also come in downdraft configurations for integrated ventilation and commercial-style options for more features. Cooktops are also available in a range of sizes with different heating element configurations.

1. Gas Cooktops

Gas cooktops use an open flame to cook food. They’re great for a more hands-on experience since they offer responsive control over heat adjustments. The flame can be adjusted instantly, so you don’t need to wait for a heating element to heat up or cool down, allowing you to quickly transition from searing to sautéing. An open flame is also able to reach up the sides of some pans, which can be a benefit when cooking with sculpted cookware, such as woks. Most models, like the full line of gas cooktops from KitchenAid, will feature removable cast-iron grates with a wipeable surface underneath.

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2. Electric Cooktops

Electric cooktops cook food using heated metal coils or heating elements often housed in a flat ceramic-glass surface. If you cook a lot of pasta or rice, they’re good for getting to a boil quickly since they effectively direct energy to the bottom of the pot. Electric cooktops also feature ceramic-glass tops with a smooth, flat surface. If you’re looking for a compact cooktop, electric models often come in a wide range of sizes. For instance, KitchenAid^® electric cooktops come in two-burner, four-burner, five-burner and downdraft configurations.

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Person cooking pasta and shrimp on a black electric cooktop

3. Induction Cooktops

Induction cooktops generate heat directly within cookware, reaching high temperatures quickly and cooling down rapidly for precise control that enables a full range of cooking techniques. Many induction cooktop models, like the KitchenAid^® Architect Series II Cooktop, come with a smooth ceramic-glass surface that allows for quick cleanup.

Learn more about induction cooktops and their benefits.

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4. Downdraft Cooktops

Downdraft cooktops are available as gas or electric models. They integrate the ventilation system directly into the cooking surface, minimizing the need for an overhead vent. They may be a good option if you’re installing your cooktop on a kitchen island where there isn’t room for a hood, or if you prefer an open feel to your kitchen. For instance, gas and electric downdraft cooktops from KitchenAid come in four-burner, five-burner and six-burner configurations. Keep in mind that you’ll need under-counter cabinet space to house internal components essential to the operation of a downdraft cooktop.

Learn more about downdraft cooktops and how they function.

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5. Commercial-Style Cooktops

Commercial-style cooktops deliver restaurant-inspired form and function. They pair commercial styling with features like high-BTU gas burners and grill or griddle inserts to help keep up with your potential. Commercial-style cooktops come in extra-wide sizes up to 60 inches, as well as more standard sizes, like the KitchenAid^® 30-inch Smart Commercial-Style Dual Fuel Range with 4 Burners.

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How Do I Choose the Best Type of Cooktop for My Kitchen?

To choose the best cooktop for your recipes and kitchen layout, you will need to determine the cooktop size, fuel type and placement that fits best in your kitchen, as well as any features you would like to have.

KitchenAid offers a wide variety of cooktop sizes and configurations, including 30-inch, four-burner gas cooktops.

Learn more with this cooktop buying guide.

Kitchen Hookup and Layout

Start by choosing between gas or electric based on the hookups you already have, keeping in mind that you can always have a dedicated gas line installed. Then, look at your kitchen layout and available space.

Cooktops come in a range of sizes to fit your kitchen and cooking style. Sizes range from 15 inches wide for a two-element cooktop and up to 36 inches wide for a five-element cooktop.

If you’re looking for even more space to create, commercial-style cooktops can offer 30- to 48-inch widths, and even 60-inch widths are available from some manufacturers.

Cooktops can be placed in line with cabinets or on a kitchen island, depending on how you prefer to move throughout the kitchen. Learn more about the benefits of installing a cooktop or range on a kitchen island.

Cooktop Features to Fuel Your Creativity

Griddle: Some gas cooktops feature a removable griddle that can expand the potential of your cooktop. For example, this KitchenAid^® Gas Cooktop with Griddle provides a one-piece flat surface that can be used on the right, left, or center of the cooktop. It is ideal for making a range of dishes from crepes to quesadillas.
Dual and triple elements: Many electric cooktops offer elements you can adjust according to the size of your cookware. The 10-inch/6-inch Double-Ring Round Element by KitchenAid maximizes your flexibility with two distinct sizes.
Convertible grates: Often seen on commercial-style cooktops, convertible grates let you raise and lower your dishes to be closer or farther from the flame. Three-Level Convertible Grates by KitchenAid let you match the heat to your technique. Leave the insert level for high-heat searing and sautéing or flip it over to lift your pan above the flame to simmer and melt. It can also be removed to nestle a round-bottom wok in the flame for stir-fry.
Protective finishes: Gas, electric and induction cooktops may have their own version of a protective, easy-to-clean surface finish. For instance, the CookShield Finish by KitchenAid helps protect electric glass cooktops from scratching and stainless steel gas cooktops from stains that may occur with high-temperature cooking.
Commercial-style upgrades: If you're looking for restaurant-inspired design, consider upgrading to a commercial-style cooktop. They offer premium features like high-heat burners with up to 20,000 BTUs, electric griddles and extra burners. Commercial-styling like large knobs and stainless steel details add pro-style durability.