The 5 Best Gas Cooktops: Complete Buying Guide

The centerpiece of the kitchen is where all the cooking happens: the cooktop. A gas cooktop offers authentic heat to cook and create for you and your family. Gas cooktops take less time to heat up compared to electric cooktops and are less expensive to maintain in terms of electricity versus gas cost.  We are going to help with some suggestions, tips, and tricks when searching the market for your next gas cooktop.

1. GE JGP3030SLSS 30 Inch Gas Cooktop

An easy installation gas cooktop, the GE 30-inch cooktop is a breeze to set up. This cooktop is our favorite because it features a plug and use system that is simple for those who don’t intend on calling a professional to set it up. The instructions are clear and easy to follow so you can start using your cooktop in no time.

This GE gas cooktop features a stainless steel base with cast-iron grids and metal knobs that is ADA compliant. It features 4 burners that heat with power. This will allow you to cook efficiently and quickly without hassle.

This cooktop fits easily on compact countertop space. The burners can be lit without a spark in case of emergency power outages. This stovetop comes with a propane converter kit that is easy to set up in your own home. Their high-quality stainless steel doesn’t scratch easily and will last for several years.

Things we like:

• ADA compliant, simple but effective stove
• Easy and simple to install yourself
• Stainless steel base with cast iron grids, durable and scratch-resistant. Metal knobs won’t melt.
• Standard size cooktop can fit in just about any kitchen

Things we don’t like:

• Only 4 burners
• More expensive compared to other 4 or 5 burner gas cooktops

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2. Frigidaire 30” ADA Compliant Stainless Steel 4 Burner Gas Cooktop

This ADA compliant stainless steel gas cooktop from Frigidaire features lowered knobs and high-quality cooking experience. This gas cooktop is affordable and ADA compliant so there is no reason to break the bank for an adapted cooktop.

The cast iron grid is large and gives the aesthetic impression of a bigger and more expensive-looking cooktop without breaking the bank. This features 4 different sized burners for customized cooking and searing. There are deep impressions beneath the burners so there are no burns or difficulties when boil overs or spills occur.

The cast iron grids are removable in sections that offer easy cleaning. However, the grids are not dishwasher safe. There is a 1-year warranty whereas many other competitors do not offer a warranty at a price range like this.

Things we like:

• Accommodate both propane and natural gas with an included conversion kit
• Easy to install yourself
• Grates can be pulled out separately for easy cleaning
• Depressed bottom so spills and overboils don’t cause an issue
• Affordable, quality option for ADA compliant stove

Things we don’t like:

• Plastic knobs can easily melt if not careful
• Burners are closer together than other designs and can be a bit crowded

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3. Empava 30” 5 Italy Sabaf Burner Gas Stove Cooktop

This 5 burner Empava gas cooktop features safety, quality, and aesthetic design all in one. This cooktop features 5 high-quality Italian thermocouple flame failure detection burners. These burners will shut down the gas if it is not ignited and this will help prevent accidental gas leakage which can be deadly.

With a stainless steel heat and burn discoloration base, there is no need to worry about damage after a few uses. The burners are sealed tightly to prevent food from falling in.  The cast-iron grates are separate and can be removed to be easily cleaned in the dishwasher. This means that you won’t have to scrub a giant grate that can’t even fit in your sink. Saves the frustration and hassle to make cleaning convenient. Additionally, the knobs are dishwasher safe.

For a 5 burner gas cooktop, this one is in a more affordable price range compared to other competitors. Overall, this is easy to clean, affordable, and safe for you and your family to enjoy.

Things we like:

• Dishwasher safe, removable small cast iron grids, and metal knobs
• Budget-friendly, affordable for the number of burners
• Burners are sealed to prevent food from falling in

Things we don’t like:

• No burner reigniting technology

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4. GASLAND Chef GH30SF 2 Burners Built-in 12″ Gas Cooktop

As a sleek, 2 burner stove the Gasland Chef GH30SF offers a rapid and semi-rapid burner for all types of cooking. This burner is safe and reliable, as it features thermocouple flame out failure detection. This feature has a gas pressure regulator that cuts off the gas if it is not ignited. This safety feature can give you and your family peace of mind while cooking.

The 2 burners’ versatile cooktop can accommodate liquid propane and natural gas. This is convenient so you know that no matter what you use, this burner will work seamlessly in your home.

This burner features 2 cooktops and is perfect for families or individuals that don’t have a lot of space for a cooktop. This is a perfect way to incorporate a high-efficiency burner at an affordable cost.

This model features a sleek and clean black tempered glass design that is easy to clean and even better to look at. The cast-iron grate is durable and can easily be lifted to clean the tempered glass. Tempered glass is less susceptible to scratching and damage compared to stainless steel. So after years of cleaning and cooking, the tempered glass will remain sleek and clean.

Things we like:

• Tempered Glass Finish
• Thermocouple flame our detection to prevent gas leaks
• Can fit in smaller kitchens
• Accommodates propane and natural gas

Things we don’t like:

• Only 2 burners, not ideal for big families

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5. Bosch 500 Series 36” Stainless Steel 5 Burner Cooktop

This stainless steel high quality 5 burner gas cooktop from Bosch offers great performance and aesthetic. The stovetop created by a German brand is a gentle giant, allowing for power and play.

This Bosch gas cooktop offers a full range of high heat and simmering options for all things cooking. More precisely, this Bosch 500 series cooktop offers low simmering options with delicate sauces in mind so they won’t burn. The gas burners reignite automatically when they go out. This unique feature makes for easy handling and less time troubleshooting so you can continue cooking.

The grate is one high-quality piece of metal that is easy to clean. Once the grate is lifted, the stainless steel stovetop is quick and easy to clean. Often, there are issues with food or sauces getting into the burners. Bosch has taken this likely problem into the mind and created a burner that sealed the burners to prevent food or sauces from entering the burner box.

Things we like:

• Easy to clean and heavy-duty grate
• Sealed burners for protecting food or sauces from getting in the burn box
• Low simmering options that won’t scorch delicate sauces

Things we don’t like:

• Not a normal “standard” size width (compared to most 30″ gas stovetops)
• Cannot accommodate propane

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Everything You Need to Know When Buying a Gas Cook Top

There are certain features to consider when buying a new gas cooktop. Take these considerations and apply them to your search to find the right gas cooktop for you.

Number of Burners

It is important to know how many burners you are looking for in your gas cooktop. Sometimes having more burners is right for bigger families or a foodie who loves to dive deep into cooking. If you are someone that cooks regularly but doesn’t need a specialized simmering burner, consider going for fewer burners.

Especially for larger families, sometimes you can use 2 or 3 pots and pans at one time for a regular night in. If you are planning on regularly using 3 burners while cooking, consider the stoves with 4 or 5 burners, this way you have extra space to maneuver while cooking.

For someone who lives alone or is renovating a small space for guests, chances are there won’t be much need for several burners. This is where a two-burner gas cooktop would come in handy.

Cleaning

When it comes to maintaining and cleaning your gas cooktop, various features can make your life easier. Gas cooktops often feature some sort of grid that covers the burner. For an easy-clean, a cast iron, the durable grid should do the trick.

A bonus would be a cast-iron cooktop that is sectioned off. This means that each burner has its own grid “section”. If there is a mess to clean on only one burner, then this will make it easier to lift one section rather than the whole grid.

Additionally, stainless steel and tempered glass gas cooktops are the easiest to maintain and clean. However, be careful not to scratch the stainless steel when cleaning.

Size

There is no reason to be putting in a 36″ gas cooktop in a tiny apartment kitchen. It is important to know how big you would like your gas cooktop to be and what can fit in your home.

Often when people buy brand new gas cooktops, they are replacing a cooktop that was there before. Measure that space and buy according to what can be accommodated in your kitchen.

Generally, the average size for a four-burner cooktop will be around 30 inches. This is very standard and many houses and kitchens can comfortably accommodate a cooktop this size. Make sure to check your cooktop

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) or Natural Gas

There are two types of ways to get your gas cooktop to run, liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Natural Gas. If you are someone that prefers using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) because you don’t have natural gas lines available to you or you prefer it, make sure the cooktop will accommodate.

What is LPG?

LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is an alternative to natural gas. It is a combination of two different gases, propane and butane. Often, when people live too far away from a natural gas pipeline they use LPG instead.

LPG is a generally clean way to heat homes and is much cleaner than coal or crude oil. When inside the tank (usually outside of the home) LPG is a liquid and not a gas. It turns into a gas when used for heat.

What is Natural Gas?

Natural gas is a form of energy that can be found deep beneath the earth’s crust. It is sourced mostly from sandstone and rock and is found in tiny crevasse underground. We extract the gas from the ground and its main component is methane. Methane burns quicker and less efficiently than butane or propane (LPG).

Do Most Gas Cook Tops Use LPG or Natural Gas?

Several gas cooktops are prepared to use natural gas and this can be of concern to those who are looking to use LPG. Different gas cooktops offer different options. There are plenty of gas cooktops that supply the buyer with a kit to convert the stove to work with LPG.

There are differences in LPG and natural gas like its ability to provide more energy. A gas cooktop that uses LPG will supply much more heat per cubic foot than natural gas. This is

It is important to talk to someone like a local installment company to see if your stovetop can be accommodated with LPG. There are stovetops out there that supply a kit for you to convert the gas cooktop to use LPG. However, be careful when researching that the gas cooktop you fall in love with isn’t only for natural gas.

Safety Features

Some key safety features can drastically change your experience between a quality gas cooktop and a disastrous one.

Flame Failure Device

First of all, a key safety feature is a flame failure device (FDD). This feature cuts off any gas that isn’t ignited or being used for a heat source. This component is crucial for the safety and well being of you and your loved ones.

If someone accidentally bumps the knobs on a gas cooktop, this could let out natural gas or LPG into the air of your home. When natural gas or LPG is freely flowing throughout your home, it becomes a ticking time bomb.

Freely flowing natural gas can silently kill and make you unconscious. It can also cause a massive explosive fire if it is ignited. Overall, most gas cooktops have this feature but double-check to make sure it has been tested for quality control. So for example, when a flame goes out on the stovetop the gas will stop flowing through due to the FDD to protect you.

Depression Below Burners

Additionally, the bottom of the gas cooktop should be lower than the burner itself. this way, if there are any spills or overboils, there is nothing that can catch on fire. This is especially important for those that like to fry and cook with oil. Oil fires can be devastating and difficult to put out. Make sure there is a significant depression under or around the burner to prevent spills from catching on fire.

Best Gas Cook Top Brands

Certain brands have higher quality gas cooktop engineering, innovation, and expertise than others. These top brands take the cake for having a history of innovation and quality craftsmanship.

General Electric

General Electric (GE) appliances were at the forefront of invention. GE was founded by the one and only father of the light bulb, Thomas Edison. They have been at the forefront of appliance technology for over 125 years in America. They are an innovative company that is constantly trying to better the user experience with appliances.

Frigidaire

Another brand we love and cherish is Frigidaire. Their appliances and products are assembled and produced in the USA and have been since the beginning. Their headquarters are located in Charlotte, North Carolina and other locations include Minnesota and South Carolina. Their commitment to the American economy is impressive with millions of appliances manufactured here since 1918.

Bosch

Lastly, the company Bosch was founded in 1886 by a man named Robert Bosch. He centered the company around human-centered experience and commitment. The company began in Germany and specialized in manufacturing innovation. First, it was cars, then it was appliances. This European born brand made its way into the United States in the 1980s and began its focus on household innovation.

FAQs

Is it easy to clean a gas cooktop?

In terms of cleaning and maintenance, the right gas cooktop will be a breeze to cook. Make sure that the gas cooktop has a removable grid for easy cleaning. Additionally, the ones with cast-iron metal for a grid are the easiest to clean and prevent rust.

For the most ease, finding a gas cooktop with removable grids by sections and that are also dishwasher safe can be a game-changer. But overall, yes they are relatively painless to clean.

Can I install a gas cooktop on my own? Is it easy to install?

Usually, it is not suggested that you install a gas cooktop without a professional. Gas hookups are not something you want to mess with because it can cause detrimental damage if done incorrectly.

There are some gas cooktops on the market that are claimed to be “easy install”. Some of these are valid and just require a plug and use method. However, this is rare and if you aren’t sure don’t risk it by messing around and possibly damaging your new cooktop.

If you have installed gas cooktops before whether it was for a job or you have installed done before then it is possible. However, if you are unsure about the process it is best to call a local professional to install it for you. Make sure you consider this in the price when looking for a new gas cooktop.

Can I use liquid petroleum gas (LPG) with every type of gas cooktop?

Not every gas cooktop considers the use of LPG. Practically every gas cooktop is compatible with natural gas. If you are someone who needs to hook up your gas cooktop to LPG instead of natural gas call a local professional.

Another option is checking to make sure that an LPG conversion kit comes with the gas cooktop. These additional kits are sometimes included and this is an easy way to save some money instead of calling someone to bring the parts and do the service for you.

Conclusion

Choosing a gas cooktop is no easy task. It can be stressful but it should also be exciting choosing the new “centerpiece” of your kitchen. Our top pick for a gas cooktop was the GE JGP3030SLSS 30 Inch Gas Cooktop which has guaranteed safety features, a sleek design and is an overall reliable cooktop. Our favorite feature of the GE cooktop is its ADA compliancy and how straight forward it is to install yourself (even for a beginner). However, if the GE cooktop is out of your price range then a great alternative would be the Empava 30” 5 Italy Sabaf Burner Gas Stove Cooktop which is budget-friendly and includes and extra burner. These two gas cooktops are fantastic ones to take a look at and both offer great features.

Cooking is a fun and fascinating hobby that brings people together whether it is in the kitchen or the back yard. Buying the right gas cooktop can drastically change your experience in the kitchen and help bring the entire space together. Gas cooktops are a sure “fire” option to get you to invest in the way you cook for yourself and for your family to enjoy.