Buying Guide
Cooktops Buying Guide
How to Choose the Right Cooktop for Your Kitchen
Compare cooktop types, sizes, cooking zones, controls and installation requirements so you can choose a model that suits your kitchen and the way you cook.
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Start With Your Benchtop
Before comparing features, confirm the cooktop will fit your benchtop and suit the services already available. Product width, cut-out dimensions, clearances and connection requirements can vary between models.
Cooktop width – check the full appliance width, not only the advertised size.
Cut-out dimensions – use the exact installation drawing for the model.
Depth – allow for the cooktop body, connection points and required clearances.
Benchtop material – confirm the installation is suitable for your benchtop construction.
Power or gas – check the required electrical load, gas type and connection before purchase.
Smart Tip
Do not assume a 60cm or 90cm cooktop will fit an existing opening. The nominal width and the required benchtop cut-out are different measurements.
Width is only part of the decision.
The number, size and spacing of cooking zones can matter more than the overall cooktop width for the pans you use every day.
What Size Cooktop Do You Need?
Start with the available benchtop space, then compare the number and layout of cooking zones against the cookware you use most.
Kitchen / Use Cooktop Width Worth Considering
Compact kitchen or secondary space 30–45cm Two-zone or modular cooking
Standard kitchen 60cm Three to four cooking zones
More cookware space 70–80cm Four zones with wider spacing
Large family or frequent entertaining 90cm+ Four to five zones or burners
Choose Your Cooktop Type
The heating technology changes how quickly the cooktop responds, the cookware you can use, how the surface cleans and what installation is required.
Induction
Uses electromagnetic energy to heat compatible cookware directly, giving fast response and a smooth ceramic-glass surface.
Best for: precise control, quick heat changes, easy cleaning and buyers prepared to check cookware and electrical requirements.
Ceramic Electric
Electric elements heat through a flat ceramic-glass surface. It offers a clean built-in appearance without requiring induction-compatible cookware.
Best for: familiar electric cooking, straightforward controls and buyers wanting a smooth glass surface.
Gas
Uses visible flame and physical burners, with responsive manual control and compatibility with a wide range of cookware.
Best for: flame-based cooking, wok use and homes with a suitable gas connection and ventilation setup.
Cooktop Types
Use this as a starting point, then compare the individual model’s zone layout, controls, connected load and installation instructions.
| Cooktop Type | Heat Response | Cookware | Cleaning | Installation Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Induction | Very fast and precise | Magnetic-compatible cookware | Smooth surface, generally easy to wipe | Electrical load, circuit and cut-out |
| Ceramic Electric | Moderate | Most flat-based cookware | Smooth glass; spills can bake onto hot zones | Electrical connection and cut-out |
| Gas | Immediate flame adjustment | Broad cookware compatibility | More removable parts and burner areas | Gas type, connection, clearance and ventilation |
Features Worth Comparing
Once the cooktop type and size are decided, these details can make a major difference to how practical the appliance feels every day.
Zone Layout
Compare zone diameter, spacing and how comfortably your normal pans can be used at the same time.
Bridge & Flex Zones
Selected induction cooktops can combine zones for griddles, larger cookware or flexible pan placement.
Boost Functions
Power-boost settings can temporarily increase output on selected zones for faster heating or boiling.
Controls
Compare touch sliders, touch buttons and physical dials based on how quickly you want to adjust heat while cooking.
Safety Features
Look for features such as control locks, hot-surface indicators, automatic shut-off and gas flame-failure protection where applicable.
Smart & Sensor Features
Some premium cooktops add app monitoring, temperature sensors or connectivity with compatible rangehoods.
Power, Gas and Installation Checks
A cooktop can fit the benchtop and still be unsuitable for the services underneath it. Check these requirements before ordering, especially when changing from one cooktop technology to another.
01
Benchtop Cut-Out
Compare the exact width, depth, corner profile and required clearances in the installation drawing.
02
Electrical Supply
Check connected load, voltage, circuit and any phase or power-management information for the exact electric or induction model.
03
Gas Connection
Confirm the gas type, connection requirements, clearances and ventilation conditions stated for the selected gas cooktop.
04
Licensed Installation
Electrical and gas work may require licensed trades. Confirm installation requirements before removing the existing appliance.
Replacing gas with induction?
Do not assume the existing electrical supply can support the new cooktop. Have the exact model requirements checked before purchase if you are changing fuel type.
FAQs
What size cooktop should I buy?
Start with the available benchtop space and the exact cut-out dimensions, then think about how many pans you normally use at once. A 60cm cooktop is a common standard size, while 70–80cm and 90cm+ models can provide wider spacing or additional cooking zones.
Should I choose induction, ceramic electric or gas?
Induction offers fast response and a smooth surface but requires compatible cookware and suitable electrical capacity. Ceramic electric uses radiant electric elements beneath glass and works with most flat-based cookware. Gas provides visible flame control but requires a suitable gas connection, ventilation and appropriate installation.
Do induction cooktops need special cookware?
Induction requires cookware with a magnetic base. Many stainless-steel and cast-iron pans are compatible, while some aluminium, copper and glass cookware is not unless it has an induction-compatible base. Check the cookware manufacturer information before assuming an existing set will work.
Do all induction cooktops have the same power requirements?
No. Connected load, circuit requirements, phase information and power-management options can differ between models, even when two cooktops are the same width. Check the specification sheet and installation instructions for the exact model.
Can I replace a gas cooktop with induction?
It may be possible, but the existing cut-out, electrical supply and surrounding installation need to suit the new induction cooktop. The gas connection also needs to be handled correctly. Check the exact model requirements and use appropriately licensed trades where required.
Are bridge or flexible induction zones useful?
They can be useful if you regularly cook with larger pans, griddles or cookware that does not fit neatly on a single zone. Some models link two zones together, while premium full-surface systems allow greater flexibility in cookware placement.
Do I need a licensed installer for a cooktop?
Installation requirements depend on the appliance and the work involved. Hard-wired electrical work and gas connections may require licensed trades. Check the product installation instructions and local requirements before arranging installation.
What should I check when buying a factory second cooktop?
Inspect the glass or stainless surface, burners, trivets, knobs or touch controls, included accessories and the individual product condition. Also confirm the warranty and installation requirements for the exact model before purchase.
Ready to Cook?
Find the Right Cooktop for Your Kitchen
Compare current cooktops by size, heating type, zone layout, controls and available stock online or visit your nearest Smart Electrical store.
View the Cooktops Care Guide ➜
