The Best Gas Cooktop for 2023
Sear your way to tasty meals with the finest gas stoves at your disposal.
The pleasure of using a gas cooktop is something you already know if your kitchen has hookups for natural gas or propane. Gas cooktops have long been admired for their aesthetic, power, and flame. Although they are not the safest option, many people find their perks beneficial. They have a robust design and are famed for their ability to produce tremendous heat at various controllable levels and realistic flame visuals.
Additionally, a cooktop takes up less room than a kitchen range — that is, a cooktop and an oven built into one unit — but still allows you to sear your way to a tasty meal.
Different gas cooktops have various levels of durability, power, precision, and feature-richness. With so many alternatives available on the market, each claiming to be the best, how can you be sure you’re choosing the perfect gas cooktop? Our guide enlists models that excel in terms of cooking power, space, safety, aesthetics, and budget.
Everything We Recommend
1. Best Product
Thermador Masterpiece Pedestal
2. Runner Up
Miele
3. Cost Effective
Frigidaire Gallery
4. Almost Made the Cut
Samsung 30″ Gas Cooktop
1. Best Product
1. Best Product
Thermador Masterpiece Pedestal
This pick may come with an impressive price tag, but it never fails to deliver superior power and even heat distribution.
Specifications
- Surface material
- Stainless steel
- Required size for installation (HxWxD)
- 96.8 x 887-887 x 486-486 mm
- Warranty
- Two Years
Pros
- Five Cooktop Burners
- 18,000 BTU Star Burner
- Bold and Stylish Design
Cons
- High Price Tag
Who It’s For
This gas cooktop is ideal for anyone wanting to acquire a gas stove with exceptionally fine-tuned simmering capabilities.
Why It’s Great
The Masterpiece Pedestal Star gas cooktop from Thermador has a beautiful design and is extremely durable. We particularly appreciate the cooktop's low simmer functions for sauces and short boil durations on the center burner.
Potential Flaw/s
The only drawback of this gas cooktop is its high price. Given that Thermador is a high-end brand, the price of this model is fair considering its superb pro-style design for any kitchen upgrade.
Other Features
Thermador is renowned for its unique burner design, which resembles a star. The pedestal shape keeps the heat away from the basin for a clean appearance and makes cleaning easier (the cooler surface prevents baked-on food residue).
Your cooking experience will improve thanks to the "Pedestal Star Burner," a specially designed device that maximizes coverage when cooking. Featuring five sealed burners of 9,100 to 18,000 BTUs, an impressive aspect is the center-mounted burner, which features 18,000 BTU of power and continuous cast iron grates across the surface for easy movement of cookware.
It has an extra low feature that cycles on and off at regular intervals to maintain the ideal temperature without getting too hot. A distinctive overall silhouette is made possible by the overall design's chiseled cooktop edges and trapezoid-shaped control panel.
Additional safety features include automatic re-ignition, a push-to-turn knob system, and single-point ignition, which only ignites the burner that is currently in use. It is available in a 30-inch width and can include pedestal burners if you want.
2. Runner Up
2. Runner Up
Miele
This cooktop offers a reach of heat expansion, promising to cook evenly and consistently due to its hex grate design.
Specifications
- Material
- Stainless Steel
- Power Requirement
- 120 V
- Width
- 35 Inches
- Height
- 3.06 Inches
- Depth
- 20 Inches
Pros
- Five Burners
- Dishwasher Safe Grates
- Efficient and environmentally friendly
- 38,300 BTU total output
Cons
- Expensive Warranties
- Availability Issues
Who It’s For
This pick is perfect for people looking for a modern, sleek gas cooktop with top-notch features and a cutting-edge design.
Why It’s Great
The five-burner Miele KM3475GSS is better for high-temperature cooking than simmering and melting, in contrast to most other high-end cooktops. It heats pans nearly as hot as some induction cooktops.
Potential Flaw/s
This model has difficulty maintaining low temperatures. It also has a poor control layout.
Other Features
You will have plenty of workspace thanks to the five burners, which range in BTU output from 9,000 to 15,300. The computerized controls guarantee reliable ignition and security. In addition to giving off a contemporary appearance, enameled burner caps and grates provide long-term durability without obvious scratches.
It has continuous cast iron grates that are available in hexa grates and modern linear grates, two alternative design options. The cooktop also incorporates a wok ring and a distinctive central control panel.
We recommend this gas cooktop for people who choose functionality over aesthetics and require instant heating of their burners. It heated pans nearly as hot as some induction cooktops in our tests. Two of the burners attained maximum temperatures that were among the hottest ones we've recorded on gas cooktops, near 500°F on two of them. It includes two front dual-ring burners, which enable it to boil water quickly thanks to its high heat output.
In terms of appearance, this Miele cooktop stands out because it prioritizes high-end functionality over high-end aesthetics; its matte stainless steel and fingerprint-resistant coating aim for minimalism rather than luxury. We recommend using the weighted burner control knobs with caution when the burners are active because they are close to the burners but feel comfortable to operate and are logically located. This cooktop is also available in a 30-inch width.
3. Cost Effective
3. Cost Effective
Frigidaire Gallery
This cooktop is a must-have addition for any kitchen wishing to produce a range of meals.
Specifications
- Item Weight
- 50 pounds
- Product Dimensions
- 25 x 35 x 11 inches
- Material Type
- Stainless Steel
- Voltage
- 120 Volts
- Wattage
- 3600 watts
Pros
- Express-Select Control Knobs
- 5 Sealed Burners
- Reasonable Price Tag
- Dishwasher Safe Grates
Cons
- Scratches Easily
- Limited Warranties
Who It’s For
This gas cooktop is designed specifically for anyone looking for an effective and versatile gas cooktop within a reasonable budget.
Why It’s Great
This Frigidaire Gallery cooktop offers five gas burners spread across a 30-inch frame, making it the most versatile and efficient option available. Compared to some of the other top-tier cooktops on the market, this model offers excellent quality at an affordable price.
Potential Flaw/s
The knobs on the controls are flimsy and easily breakable. In addition, the brand's customer service is poor, so repairs can be delayed. Customers also mentioned possible corrosion and discoloration from spills that aren't cleaned up right away.
Other Features
You'll appreciate how quickly and effectively this cooktop heats cookware, especially with its 18,000 BTU center burner. It includes five sealed burners with a BTU range of 5,000 to 18,000 and continuous cast iron grates. The exquisite cooktop has front-facing, slanted controls that are easy to use and read.
Unlike top-facing knobs, these controls can't be accidentally knocked over by someone passing by. Regarding maintenance, Frigidaire's "SpillSafe" design guards against spills around the burner, and its single-piece cast iron grate is dishwasher safe. Moving large pots is made simple by the continuous corner-to-corner grates.
Additionally, this model is available in stainless steel and black finishes.
4. Almost Made the Cut
4. Almost Made the Cut
Samsung 30″ Gas Cooktop
With five burners, including a power burner and a simmer burner, this cooktop can take on any task.
Specifications
- Item Weight
- 66.4 pounds
- Product Dimensions
- 35 x 25 x 10.5 inches
- Heating Elements
- 1
- Voltage
- 110 Volts
- Wattage
- 1760 watts
- Fuel type
- Gas
- Material Type
- Stainless Steel
- Control Type
- Knob
Pros
- 5 Sealed Gas Burners
- LED illuminated knobs
- Fingerprint Resistant Steel
Cons
- High Maintenance to Clean
- Burners Discolor Easily
Who It’s For
People who seek an incredibly powerful gas cooktop with high-quality construction should consider this cooktop.
Why It’s Great
This gas cooktop is no exception to the Bosch tradition of flawless designs and extraordinarily high-quality appliances. Achieving perfect results with your meals is always guaranteed with upfront, centralized controls.
Potential Flaw/s
This gas cooktop lacks any smart features, but it is still a wise choice if you want a durable gas cooktop.
Other Features
This remarkable model has five double-stacked, sealed burners. With 20,000 BTUs, the center burner has excellent power. There are also two 12,000 BTU burners, a 10,000 BTU burner, and a 5,500 BTU burner to accommodate various pot sizes and cooking needs. You may simmer delicate sauce and even melt chocolate on these burners' low-temperature settings without burning them. Its electrical reignition technology rapidly relights the flame if it goes out for constant, dependable heat. The huge, attractive, heavy-duty metal knobs are easy to use for adjusting the temperature. The cast iron grate has a simple, aesthetically pleasing style that blends in with most kitchens and is built to last. A 30-inch variant is additionally offered.
Who This Is For
People seeking to upgrade their kitchen experience with burners that heat up faster than regular and various types of cookware should consider a gas cooktop.
What is a gas cooktop?
It’s instinctive to cook over an open flame, and it’s easy to become enamored with the visual indicators of temperature changes as you move the dial. Gas cooktops are ideal for those who desire extraordinary, precise control over cooking temperatures! Professional chefs frequently choose gas cooktops because they offer precise heat control and instantaneous reactions, as opposed to electric surfaces, which must cool down or heat up before transferring energy to the pot. Despite this, gas cooktops have certain drawbacks; they are much messier and more challenging to clean because of the massive protective grates and the burners that must be cleaned around. They might also be dangerous because an open flame is riskier than a hot surface.
Gas vs. electric cooktop
The source of power is the huge distinction between gas and electricity. As their name suggests, gas stoves are connected to a gas line and operate by lighting combustible fuel to create a blaze. Professional chefs prefer gas cooktops, as they can easily alter the flame intensity, enabling quicker and more accurate temperature control. In contrast, electric cooktops operate by passing a current through the metal coils in the stove, which heat them up, and plug into a unique 220-volt outlet to handle the higher power usage.
Electric cooktops are slower to heat up and cool down than their gas counterparts, making it harder to regulate the temperature.
The most crucial factor in choosing the best alternative may ultimately depend on the kind of power supply in your home. If you currently have a gas line or an electric hookup, switching can be costly. Safety, cost-effectiveness, style, and maintenance are a few subtler considerations that can make the investment worthwhile.
Are gas cooktops energy efficient?
In terms of effectiveness, gas ranges are more energy-efficient than electric ones. Depending on your local utility rates, an electric range uses three times as much energy to produce and transmit the same amount of heat as a gas range, so you can experience significant utility savings.
Why You Should Trust Us
We have published dozens of buying guides in many industries and are knowledgeable about the factors customers and chefs should consider before selecting a new purchase for their culinary endeavors. To compile this piece, we read several customer reviews and conducted extensive research on the best gas cooktops on the market.
How We Picked
Number of cooktops
Some cooktops include as many as six burners, but the majority only have four or five. More burners may also be less desirable on a smaller cooktop because of the constrained space between them, even though five or six may look excellent. It’s important to consider how your existing or desired cookware will fit.
Power
Each gas burner’s output is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). A gas cooktop with a solid selection of burners and an above-average BTU is what you should seek out; a couple of burners that produce more than 12,000 BTUs are ideal. High-end options often have a higher average BTU, while more affordable models include single-power burners and lower-powered options required for simmering sauces and slow cooking.
Easy to Install
Since these dimensions can vary significantly, you should double-check the actual product dimensions and the installation cut-out size for any gas cooktop you’re considering buying. The cut-out size will always be smaller than the cooktop’s measurements because the cooktop’s sides will overlap on the countertop, but you should check the manufacturer’s instructions before installation.
Easy-to-clean
Cooktops are used frequently throughout the day, so it’s critical to have one that requires little maintenance, as this can save a lot of time and trouble. While many manufacturers boast about how simple their cooktops are to clean, customer reviews are usually more reliable.
Size
All of our gas cooktops listed are 30 or 36 inches, the two most typical standard sizes; however, cooktops can be any size to fit your kitchen and home. A 36-inch cooktop’s ability to accommodate a variety of pots and pans on various burners at once is a plus. However, a 30-inch cooktop will be sufficient in smaller kitchens.
Temperature controls (dual-ring burner)
Professional gas cooktops usually have dual-ring burners. It has an adjustable heating output that can be turned up for intense heat or down for delicate heating requirements. The burner will ignite the inner and outer rings when operating at full power. If the burner is only being used for melting or simmering, only the inner ring of the burner will ignite.
Grate style
Although there are different types of gas cooktop grates, the most crucial feature to look for is continuous grates, which cover the cooktop’s surface end to end to prevent gaps, tilting, and shifting of pots and pans. You also want elevated grates that are simple to lift for spills.
Safety features
Your gas cooktop will be safer to operate if it has a control lockout and indication lights that let you know when a burner is on. High-end models often have additional features like pilotless ignition, which makes lighting a flame simple, and flame failure protection, which will shut off the gas powering the appliance. Another excellent safety feature is push-to-turn knobs, which prevent you from inadvertently turning on a burner.
Smart features
Gas cooktops have fewer smart features than electric or induction cooktops, but many still provide options that you might want to consider. For instance, some gas stovetops have Wi-Fi-controlled monitoring, so you can turn off burners from your phone. Many Bluetooth-enabled smart gas cooktops can also connect to a smart kitchen hood and turn on the lights or exhaust fan when the burner is turned on.
Price vs. Quality
A 36-inch gas cooktop will often cost more than a 30-inch cooktop. Additional features like a dual-ring burner, smart features, or integrated accessories like a griddle or wok grate could increase the cost of a gas cooktop.
How We Picked
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Number of Cooktops
Some cooktops feature four, five, or even six burners. The size of the cookware should be considered, as having more burners on a smaller cooktop may not be practical due to the limited space between them.
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Safety Features
Your gas cooktop will be more convenient if it has safety features like push-to-turn knobs, flame failure protection, control lockout, and indicator lights that let you know whether a burner is on.
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Temperature Controls
You want a cooktop that has a variety of burner powers. While some cooktops divide their burners into specific functions, others include burners that can handle everything from high to low heat.
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Cost-Effectiveness
The cost of a gas cooktop can vary significantly based on its size, number of burners, features, and level of build quality. However, keep in mind that lower prices could mean slightly inferior building materials and poor customer service.
Care and Maintenance
Turn off immediately after use
Even though routine actions like quickly boiling water for drinking are typically safe, leaving your gas stove on for days is dangerous and could cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Leaving a pan or pot on the stove could cause it to heat up and catch fire. In some cases, this fire may spread to other parts of the house and cause serious damage.
Cooktop fire advice
Listed below is some cooking advice that you should adhere to:
- Cooking should never be left unattended
- Never let a child cook alone without an adult supervising
- Avoid letting the flame reach the pot’s side
- Oven mitts and tea towels should be hung away from the stove
- Keep a fire extinguisher and blanket handy in the kitchen
- Make sure the smoke alarms are functional
- A tested fire escape plan is essential
- Never use a stove or oven as a heater
- Never use water to put out fat and oil fires
- Make sure the flame doesn’t go out when using gas; it can silently and
- covertly escape.
Schedule regular gas maintenance
Keep in mind that gas stoves, just like furnaces, require routine maintenance to stay in working order and to keep those hazardous combustion gases moving outside of your home! The gas fittings for leaks, the glass trim for correct sealing, and other penetrations are all crucial.
Tracking the carbon monoxide in the exit space and keeping an eye on the operation is crucial to guaranteeing the harmful gas is kept at acceptable levels. If you suspect a gas leak, leave immediately and call 911 or your local gas company. Most likely, they’ll stop the gas. If any pipes start to leak later, you might need to contact a licensed local plumber.
Dangers of gas fires
Carbon monoxide is a highly dangerous gas produced by incomplete combustion in a poorly maintained gas fireplace, which results in lingering poisonous gas. Carbon monoxide is produced when natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas is partially burned. This can happen if a gas appliance is improperly installed, repaired, or neglected.
Carbon monoxide is extremely dangerous because you cannot see, taste, or smell it. Furthermore, some of its symptoms can be confused with those of viruses or even a bad hangover. Among the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are unconsciousness, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, chest pain, and headaches.