Imagine a kitchen that’s both beautiful and super functional. What if you could have sleek countertops that also cook your food? That’s the magic of a countertop cooktop!
Choosing the right one can feel like a puzzle. You want something that looks good, works well, and fits your budget. It’s easy to get lost in all the different types and features. You might worry about installation, cleaning, or if it’s even the right choice for your cooking style.
This post is here to help! We’ll break down everything you need to know about countertop cooktops. You’ll learn about the different styles, what to look for when you shop, and how to find the perfect one for your kitchen. By the end, you’ll feel confident in making a smart choice.
Let’s dive in and discover how a countertop cooktop can transform your cooking space.
Our Top 5 Countertop Cooktop Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Countertop Cooktop Detailed Reviews
1. Elite Gourmet EDB-302BF# Countertop Double Cast Iron Burner
Rating: 8.7/10
The Elite Gourmet EDB-302BF# Countertop Double Cast Iron Burner is a versatile and powerful electric hot plate. It offers two cast iron burners, perfect for cooking multiple dishes at once. This compact appliance is designed for convenience and efficiency, making it a great addition to any kitchen or for on-the-go cooking needs.
What We Like:
- The 6.5-inch and 5-inch cast iron cooking plates are nonstick and incredibly easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth.
- You can easily adjust the heat to LOW, MEDIUM, or HIGH with the simple temperature knob. This helps keep food warm or quickly boil water.
- Dual power indicator lights clearly show when the burners are on, adding a layer of safety. The non-skid feet keep the burner stable on any surface.
- Its compact and portable design means you can easily take it to school, the office, camping, or just use it as an extra cooking surface at home.
- With a combined 1500 watts of power and individual temperature controls, you can cook delicious meals efficiently and at the same time.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the cast iron plates are easy to clean, they might require a bit more scrubbing for very stubborn, burnt-on food.
- The power cord could be a bit longer for more flexible placement in some kitchens.
This Elite Gourmet double burner is a fantastic choice for anyone needing extra cooking space or a portable solution. It delivers on performance and ease of use, making meal preparation simpler.
2. Infrared Double Burner Electric Cooktop – 1800W Portable Stove
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the Infrared Double Burner Electric Cooktop, your new kitchen best friend! This 1800W portable stove heats up super fast, in just seconds. It’s perfect for small kitchens or when you need an extra cooking surface. You can use it in your dorm, office, or even while camping. It works with all your pots and pans, so you don’t need to buy new ones.
What We Like:
- Heats up incredibly fast, in just seconds.
- Works with any kind of cookware: aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic, or glass.
- Compact and lightweight, so it doesn’t take up much space.
- Durable stainless steel body for long-lasting use.
- Versatile for frying, stir-frying, slow cooking, and even Teppanyaki or barbequing (with extra accessories).
- Safe to use with automatic temperature control and overheating protection.
- Energy-efficient, saving up to 30% electricity compared to induction cookers.
- Comes with a 30-day return policy and an 18-month free replacement guarantee.
What Could Be Improved:
- Barbeque plate and rack are not included.
- You need to be careful not to touch the burner body when it’s hot.
- It’s recommended to use a lid when boiling water to improve efficiency.
This cooktop is a fantastic, versatile, and safe addition to any kitchen. It makes cooking easy and convenient, no matter where you are.
3. Elite Gourmet ESB-301BF# Countertop Single Cast Iron Burner
Rating: 9.1/10
The Elite Gourmet ESB-301BF# Countertop Single Cast Iron Burner is a handy electric hot plate that’s perfect for any kitchen or cooking situation. Its 1000-watt power heats up quickly. You can easily control the heat for all your cooking tasks. This black burner is also very simple to clean, making it a great addition to your cooking arsenal.
What We Like:
- The 6.4-inch cast iron cooking plate is nonstick and super easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth.
- You can adjust the heat to low, medium, or high with a simple knob, perfect for keeping food warm or boiling water.
- A power indicator light shows when it’s on, and non-skid feet keep it steady on your counter.
- Its compact and portable design means you can take it anywhere, like to school, the office, or on camping trips.
- The 1000 watts of power provide plenty of heat for all your cooking needs.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it heats well, some users might find the single burner limits cooking multiple items at once.
- The heating element might take a little longer to cool down completely after use.
This Elite Gourmet burner offers great convenience and power in a small package. It’s a reliable choice for anyone needing an extra cooking surface.
4. AMZCHEF Double Induction Cooktop with Removable Griddle Pan Non-stick
Rating: 9.1/10
The AMZCHEF Double Induction Cooktop with Removable Griddle Pan offers a versatile cooking solution for any kitchen. This 1800W portable induction stove features two burners and a non-stick griddle pan, making it a great addition for quick meals or entertaining guests.
What We Like:
- It’s a 2-in-1 cooktop and griddle. You can use it as a double induction burner or with the removable griddle pan for pancakes, steaks, and more.
- It has two separate cooking zones with individual controls. This means you can cook different foods at different temperatures at the same time.
- The removable griddle pan is non-stick. It heats evenly and is great for barbecuing without a lot of smoke.
- Cleaning is super easy. The glass surface wipes clean, and the griddle pan is dishwasher safe.
- It has helpful features like a 99-minute timer and 9 power levels for precise cooking.
- Cookware detection is a smart safety feature. It will alert you if you use the wrong kind of pot or pan.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only works with magnetic pots and pans. You need to make sure your cookware is compatible.
- The total power is limited to 1800W when both burners are on. This might be a bit slow for very high-heat cooking on both sides simultaneously.
This AMZCHEF induction cooktop is a fantastic, multi-functional appliance that simplifies cooking and cleanup. Its dual functionality and user-friendly design make it a worthwhile addition to your kitchen setup.
5. Elite Gourmet EDB-302BF Countertop Double Cast Iron Burner
Rating: 9.0/10
The Elite Gourmet EDB-302BF Countertop Double Cast Iron Burner is a versatile electric hot plate that brings extra cooking power to any space. With two cast iron burners and a total of 1500 watts, it’s ready to help you prepare meals, boil water, or keep food warm. Its compact design makes it easy to use at home, in a dorm room, at the office, or even on camping trips.
What We Like:
- The flat cast iron cooking plates are nonstick, making them super easy to wipe clean with just a damp cloth.
- You can easily control the heat with the variable temperature knob. It’s simple to switch between LOW, MEDIUM, and HIGH settings.
- Safety is built-in with dual power indicator lights that show when the burner is on. The non-skid feet keep it steady while you cook.
- Its compact size means you can take it anywhere you need an extra cooking surface.
- You can cook two things at once efficiently, thanks to the dual burners and individual temperature controls.
What Could Be Improved:
- While easy to clean, the cast iron plates might require a bit more scrubbing for really stubborn messes.
- The 1500-watt combined power is good for most tasks, but it might take a little longer to heat up compared to a full-sized stovetop.
This Elite Gourmet hot plate offers a convenient way to expand your cooking options. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing an extra burner that’s easy to use and clean.
Choosing Your Perfect Countertop Cooktop: A Smart Shopper’s Guide
A countertop cooktop is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It gives you extra cooking space without taking up permanent room. Whether you need more burners for big holiday meals or a simple way to cook in a small apartment, a countertop cooktop is a great choice. This guide will help you find the best one for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a countertop cooktop, some features make a big difference.
Number of Burners
- Two Burners: These are good for small kitchens or simple cooking tasks. You can boil water and fry an egg at the same time.
- Four Burners: This is like a mini version of a standard stove. It’s great for families or when you cook many dishes.
Burner Type
- Electric Coil: These are usually the most affordable. They heat up slowly but are very durable.
- Smooth Top (Ceramic/Glass): These look sleek and are easy to clean. They heat up faster than coils.
- Induction: These are the fastest and most energy-efficient. They use magnets to heat your pots and pans directly. You need special cookware for induction.
Temperature Controls
- Knobs: These are common and easy to use. They give you simple control over the heat.
- Digital Touch Controls: These look modern and offer precise temperature settings. They can be a bit trickier to clean if they have many buttons.
Safety Features
- Auto Shut-off: This turns the cooktop off if it gets too hot or if you forget.
- Child Lock: This prevents little ones from accidentally turning it on.
- Indicator Lights: These show you when a burner is hot.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a countertop cooktop affect its look, durability, and how well it works.
- Stainless Steel: Many cooktops use stainless steel for their bodies. It’s strong and looks nice. It can sometimes show fingerprints.
- Tempered Glass/Ceramic: This is used for smooth tops. It’s strong and resists scratches, but it can break if something heavy is dropped on it.
- Cast Iron: This is often used for electric coils. It’s very durable and holds heat well.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a cooktop better, while others can make it less good.
Quality Boosters
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often make reliable products.
- Warranty: A good warranty means the company stands behind its product.
- User Reviews: Reading what other people say helps you understand real-world performance.
- Even Heating: A cooktop that heats evenly cooks food better.
Quality Reducers
- Cheap Plastic Parts: These can break easily.
- Slow Heating: If burners take too long to heat up, cooking becomes frustrating.
- Difficult Cleaning: A cooktop that’s hard to wipe down becomes a chore.
- Short Power Cords: This limits where you can place the cooktop.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your countertop cooktop matters. Think about your lifestyle.
- Small Kitchens/Apartments: A two-burner cooktop is perfect. It saves space and provides essential cooking functions.
- Dorm Rooms: These are great for students who want to cook simple meals. Safety features are very important here.
- Extra Cooking Space: If you love to entertain or cook large meals, a four-burner model gives you more room to work.
- Outdoor Cooking: Some countertop cooktops are designed for outdoor use, like on a patio or deck.
- Temporary Cooking: If your main stove is being repaired, a countertop cooktop is a lifesaver.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I clean a smooth top countertop cooktop?
A: You can use a special ceramic cooktop cleaner. Wipe it down with a soft cloth after it cools. Avoid abrasive sponges.
Q: Can I use any pots and pans on an induction cooktop?
A: No, you need magnetic cookware. Cast iron and magnetic stainless steel pots and pans work best.
Q: Are electric coil cooktops safe?
A: Yes, they are safe when used properly. Always make sure coils are cool before cleaning.
Q: How much counter space does a countertop cooktop take up?
A: This depends on the size, but most are designed to fit on a standard countertop. Check the dimensions before buying.
Q: Can I use a countertop cooktop outdoors?
A: Some models are made for outdoor use. Check the product description to be sure.
Q: What is the difference between smooth top and induction?
A: Smooth tops use radiant heat under a glass surface. Induction cooktops use magnets to heat cookware directly, making them faster and more energy-efficient.
Q: How long do countertop cooktops usually last?
A: With good care, most countertop cooktops can last 5-10 years or more.
Q: Are countertop cooktops energy-efficient?
A: Induction cooktops are the most energy-efficient. Electric coil and smooth tops are less efficient.
Q: Can I plug a countertop cooktop into a regular outlet?
A: Most two-burner models use standard outlets (120V). Four-burner models might need a special outlet (240V), similar to a full-size oven.
Q: What should I do if my cooktop is not heating?
A: First, check if it is plugged in correctly and if the power outlet is working. If it still doesn’t heat, consult the user manual or contact customer support.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.