The best cooktop depends on your cooking style, needs and budget. Gas cooktops offer instant heat and visual control, while electric cooktops are affordable and easy to clean. Induction cooktops are an excellent option for those seeking rapid heating, precise temperature control and superior energy efficiency, though they require compatible cookware and are more expensive. Consider the number of cooking zones you need and any special features that might enhance your cooking experience, such as smart connectivity or intuitive touch controls.

Here's a quick guide to the most common types of cooktops:

●      Gas Cooktops — these are a popular choice for home cooks who love the instant heat that a gas flame provides. They offer visual feedback, allowing you to adjust the flame to your ideal temperature easily. However, gas cooktops can be less energy-efficient than other options and require a gas connection.

●      Electric Cooktops — these are affordable and easy to clean, but they can be slower to heat up and cool down than gas or induction cooktop, and precise temperature control can be a bit more challenging.

●      Induction Cooktops — these are a type of electric cooktops that provide rapid heating, precise temperature control and superior energy efficiency when compared to the other types of cooktops. They're also safer since the cooktop itself doesn't get hot. While induction stovetops require compatible cookware and are generally more expensive, their flexibility and range of innovative functionalities make them a worthwhile investment for most households.

Induction cooktops are incredibly energy-efficient, making them an excellent choice for the environmentally conscious and those looking to save on energy bills. The high efficiency of induction cooktops is attributed to the induction technology that heats the cookware directly through a magnetic field rather than wasting energy heating the cooktop surface.

An induction cooktop uses electromagnetic technology to heat cookware directly, making it an efficient and precise cooking option. Instead of heating the cooktop surface, it generates a magnetic field that induces heat in pots and pans. This method ensures rapid heating, precise temperature control and minimal heat loss, leading to faster cooking times and a cooler kitchen environment​.

While induction cooktops can be more expensive upfront, they often pay off in terms of being more energy efficient. They are safer, too, as the cooktop surface stays cool to the touch, reducing burn risks. Their precise control makes them ideal for everyday cooking and delicate dishes that require a consistent temperature.

Induction cooking requires specific cookware that is compatible with its technology. Pots and pans must be made from ferrous metals like cast iron or certain stainless steel types that can respond to the magnetic field. A simple magnet test can be used to check compatibility — if the magnet sticks to the bottom of the cookware, it will work on an induction cooktop.