When you decide to undertake a kitchen remodel for your Atlanta home, there are many decisions to make. But one of the most crucial ones is what kind of cooktop you should install. After all, you do the majority of your cooking on the stove, so it will be one of your most used kitchen appliances.
If it’s been a while since you last upgraded your cooking range, however, the options available today can be a little overwhelming. Luckily, most stoves can be classified under three categories, and here are the pros and cons of each.
Gas Ranges
Chances are, this is the cooktop you grew up with. And despite being the oldest option on our list, it still has a lot of devotees, including just about all professional chefs. The crowning glory of a gas range is its impeccable temperature control; not only can you change the flame’s intensity immediately, but you also have more fine-tuned control. This feature is especially helpful with dishes that require slow simmering over a very low flame.
Pros:
- More affordable than other options
- Works with all your current cookware
Can work without electricity
Cons:
- Can make your kitchen very hot
- Risk of gas leaks
Electric Ranges
Aside from revolutionizing the world, electricity changed the way people cook, too. In fact, about 63% of all households in America now use electric stoves in their kitchens. Such stoves have coils that heat up when electricity passes through them. Convenience is the primary draw as electric stoves are very easy to install (compared to gas ranges, for example, that require complicated piping). Speaking of convenience, they’re much quicker to clean, too, as their cooking surface is covered with glass so you can simply wipe spills and messes off.
Pros:
- Doesn’t make kitchens as hot as gas stoves
- Fairly affordable
- No specialized installation needed
Cons:
- Can be slower to heat up
- Temperature changes take a little longer to take effect
- Some cookware can scratch the glass surface
Induction Ranges
The most cutting-edge cooktop you can purchase today is an induction stove. It’s also the most unique. Unlike traditional stoves that use fuel, induction stoves use magnetic currents to directly heat your cookware. Since only your pots and pans are heated, you’ll have a much cooler kitchen. However, this also means that your cookware must have sufficient amounts of metal in them for magnetic heating to work (which renders aluminum pans incompatible).
Pros:
- Heats up faster than other types of stoves
- Much less radiant heat, so your kitchen remains cool
Cons:
- Not compatible with all cookware (must be metallic)
- Quite expensive
Which cooking range should you choose?
Of course, there is no clear “best” option as far as cooktops go. Rather, the ideal choice depends on your situation. When talking to your kitchen remodeler, take into account such factors as your budget, existing cookware, the kinds of dishes you often cook, and ease of cleaning.
The kitchen is truly the heart of the home and your cooking range is its centerpiece, so be sure to carefully consider what kind of stove you will put in. To make this process easier, Sterling Works can provide you with expert advice. Get in touch today to get your kitchen remodel started!
Sources:
10 Types of Stoves/Cooktops: A Guide to Help You Choose, PrudentReviews.com
12 Different Types of Cooktops, Rangetops, and Stoves, HomeStratosphere.com
