Modernize your kitchen with sleek, responsive cooking. If you’re tired of a clunky, old stove, upgrading to new electric cooktops is a fantastic solution. They offer a clean, minimalist look that instantly elevates your space. Plus, the flat surface is a breeze to wipe down—no more scrubbing around grates!
But it’s not just about looks. The performance is where these appliances truly shine. You get precise temperature control for everything from a gentle simmer to a rapid boil. It really makes a difference in your everyday meals, giving you consistent, reliable heat that just works.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Electric Cooktops
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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Elite Gourmet EDB-302BF# Countertop Double Cast Iron Burner, 1500…
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9.9 |
Read Review |
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Elite Gourmet ESB-301BF# Countertop Single Cast Iron Burner, 1000…
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9.7 |
Read Review |
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Elite Gourmet ESB100B Countertop Single Coiled Burner Electric Hot…
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9.4 |
Read Review |
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Elite Gourmet EDB-302BF Countertop Double Cast Iron Burner, 1500…
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9.2 |
Read Review |
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OVENTE Countertop Infrared Single Burner, 1000W Electric Hot Plate…
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8.9 |
Read Review |
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OVENTE Electric Countertop Double Burner, 1700W Cooktop with 7.25″…
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8.7 |
Read Review |
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ChangBERT Induction Cooktop, Commercial Grade Portable Cooker, Large 8”…
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8.4 |
Read Review |
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Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner, Gold 8100MC/BT-180G3
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8.2 |
Read Review |
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Nuwave Flex Precision Induction Cooktop, 10.25” Shatter-Proof Ceramic Glass,…
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7.9 |
Read Review |
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Cuisinart CB-60P1 Countertop Double Burner, Stainless Steel/Black
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7.7 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Electric Cooktops
Elite Gourmet EDB-302BF# Countertop Double Cast Iron Burner, 1500 Watts Electric Hot Plate, Temperature Controls, Power Indicator Lights, Easy to Clean, Black
The Elite Gourmet EDB-302BF# Countertop Double Cast Iron Burner is a versatile electric hot plate designed for anyone who needs an extra, reliable cooking surface. With its two cast iron plates and 1500 watts of power, it functions like a portable, compact stove top that you can use almost anywhere. Whether your in a dorm room, office break area, or at a campsite, this unit provides a straightforward way to prepare meals without needing a full kitchen.
Its two flat cooking plates measure 6.5 and 5 inches, giving you space to cook different items at the same time. Each plate has its own variable temperature control knob, so you can have one on LOW to keep something warm while the other is on HIGH to boil water or sear food. The settings are simple: LOW, MEDIUM, or HIGH. This direct control lets you quickly reach and sustain the right heat for what your making, from simmering soups to frying eggs.
The combined wattage is efficient, delivering consistent heat for cooking. A major benefit is how easy it is to maintain. The cast iron plates have a nonstick surface, so cleaning typically just requires a wipe with a damp cloth or a non-abrasive sponge after the unit has cooled down. You won’t have to deal with scrubbing off stuck-on food very often. The design also incorporates thoughtful safety and stability features.
Elite Gourmet ESB-301BF# Countertop Single Cast Iron Burner, 1000 Watts Electric Hot Plate, Temperature Controls, Power Indicator Lights, Easy to Clean, Black
The Elite Gourmet ESB-301BF# Countertop Single Cast Iron Burner is a straightforward and reliable solution for adding an extra cooking spot wherever you need it. This 1000-watt electric hot plate is designed for simplicity and utility, making it a versatile tool for a variety of situations.
Whether your kitchen stove is full, you’re in a dorm room, at the office, or out camping, this portable burner gives you a dependable heat source.
Its core feature is the 6.4-inch cast iron cooking plate. This surface provides even heating and is naturally nonstick, which makes cleanup a real breeze. After cooking, you can usually just wipe it down with a damp cloth or a soft sponge—no harsh scrubbing needed.
The unit’s compact design means it stores easily in a cabinet or can be taken with you without hassle, and its non-skid feet keep it securely in place on your countertop or table.
Operating the burner is intuitive. You control the heat with a simple variable temperature knob, letting you select LOW, MEDIUM, or HIGH settings. This allows you to gently keep food warm, simmer a sauce, or quickly boil water for coffee or noodles.
Elite Gourmet ESB100B Countertop Single Coiled Burner Electric Hot Plate, Temperature Control, Indicator Light, Easy to Clean, Black
The Elite Gourmet ESB100B Countertop Single Coiled Burner Electric Hot Plate is a versatile and practical appliance designed to extend your cooking capabilities wherever you need them. Its core appeal lies in its simplicity and portability. This compact unit takes up very little counter space, making it a breeze to store in a cabinet or even pack for a trip.
It’s perfect for creating an extra cooking station during busy holiday meals, setting up a quick hot beverage station at an office party, or providing a reliable heat source for camping. Despite it’s small footprint, it packs a solid 1000W of power, ready to handle a variety of tasks.
You have precise control over your cooking with the adjustable temperature dial.
It offers six distinct heat settings, allowing you to quickly reach and maintain the right temperature for everything from gently simmering a sauce to rapidly boiling water for pasta or tea. The variable temperature control ensures consistent and even heating across the coiled element, so you can cook with confidence.
Elite Gourmet EDB-302BF Countertop Double Cast Iron Burner, 1500 Watts Electric Hot Plate, Temperature Controls, Power Indicator Lights, Easy to Clean, Black
The Elite Gourmet EDB-302BF Countertop Double Cast Iron Burner is a straightforward and portable cooking solution designed for simplicity and reliability. It gives you two independent cast iron cooking surfaces in one compact unit, perfect for when you need extra stovetop space or don’t have a full kitchen available. With a total of 1500 watts of power, it provides efficient heat for a variety of basic cooking tasks. You get two flat cast iron plates for cooking, one 6.5-inch and one 5-inch.
They are treated to be nonstick, which makes cleanup after use remarkably simple. Just a wipe with a damp cloth or a gentle pass with a non-abrasive sponge is usually all thats needed. This ease of maintenance is a huge plus for busy environments or quick cleanups. Each burner has its own variable temperature control knob, letting you set the heat to LOW, MEDIUM, or HIGH. This allows you to simmer a sauce on one side while boiling water for coffee or tea on the other simultaneously.
The controls are intuitive, so you can quickly find the right temperature for warming soup, frying an egg, or keeping a meal hot. Safety and stability are built right in. The unit features two power indicator lights on the front panel; they glow to give you a clear visual reminder that the burner is plugged in and operational, which is a helpful safety feature.
OVENTE Countertop Infrared Single Burner, 1000W Electric Hot Plate with 7” Ceramic Glass Cooktop, 5 Level Temperature Setting & Easy to Clean Base, Compact Stove for Home Dorm Office, Silver BGI101S
The OVENTE Countertop Infrared Single Burner BGI101S is a compact electric hot plate designed to add a versatile cooking spot wherever you need it. It’s a 1000-watt appliance that uses infrared heating technology. This method provides quick and even heat distribution across its 7-inch ceramic glass cooktop, which is good for a variety of basic cooking tasks.
You can use it to boil water for coffee, simmer a soup, fry an egg, or simply keep a meal warm.
One of the key advantages of this burner is it’s compatibility with all your existing pots and pans. Since it’s not an induction cooktop, it doesn’t require magnetic cookware. It works with stainless steel, aluminum, ceramic, and glass. For the most efficient heating, using a flat-bottomed pot or pan that roughly matches the 7-inch size of the burner is recommended.
This helps ensure the heat transfers directly to your food without wasted energy.
Controlling the temperature is straightforward with the adjustable knob. It offers five level temperature settings, letting you choose the right heat for what your cooking. A red indicator light lets you know when the burner is actively heating.
OVENTE Electric Countertop Double Burner, 1700W Cooktop with 7.25" and 6.10" Cast Iron Hot Plates, Temperature Control, Portable Cooking Stove and Easy to Clean Stainless Steel Base, Black BGS102B
The OVENTE Electric Countertop Double Burner BGS102B is a versatile and compact cooking solution designed for spaces where a full-sized stove isn’t practical or available. With two different sized cast iron hot plates—a 7.25-inch and a 6.10-inch—this 1700-watt unit provides flexible cooking zones. It heats efficiently, making it suitable for a variety of tasks from frying eggs and boiling water for pasta to simmering soup or keeping a side dish warm.
The cast iron plates are known for distributing heat evenly, which helps prevent hot spots and cooks your food consistently.
You have full control over the cooking temperature with the adjustable knob, letting you select low, medium, or high heat as needed. An indicator light on the front glows red to let you know the plates are hot, which is a helpful safety reminder.
The unit also includes an automatic safety shut-off feature that activates if it overheats or reaches the set temperature, giving you some peace of mind. Its built with a sturdy stainless steel base that resists high temperatures, fire, and corrosion, so its built to last. Non-slip rubber feet on the bottom help keep the burner securely in place on your countertop during use.
One of the biggest advantages of this OVENTE burner is its space-saving design.
ChangBERT Induction Cooktop, Commercial Grade Portable Cooker, Large 8” Heating Coil, Premium Stainless Steel Countertop Burner with NSF Certified, 10 Hours Timer Powerful 1800W Professional Hot Plate
The ChangBERT Induction Cooktop is a commercial-grade portable cooker designed for serious, reliable performance. It’s built to handle demanding environments, from a busy restaurant kitchen to your home counter, offering a level of durability and control that standard hot plates can’t match.
At its core is a large 8-inch heating coil. This isn’t just about size; the expanded magnetic coil is engineered to transfer electromagnetic energy to your cookware more effectively.
This means you get quicker heat-up times and notably more even heat distribution across the bottom of your pots and pans. You won’t have to deal with those annoying hot spots that can burn your food. It delivers a powerful 1800 watts of cooking power, but with impressive precision. You have 9 preset power levels and 18 temperature settings to choose from, giving you fine-tuned control for everything from a gentle simmer to a rapid boil.
The unit is rated at 83% energy efficiency, which means it uses power effectively and can help save on energy costs compared to traditional electric or gas stoves.
Durability is a key feature here. The housing is constructed from premium stainless steel that can withstand high heat and humid conditions without warping. It’s even rated to support up to 100 pounds on its surface.
Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner, Gold 8100MC/BT-180G3
The Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner, Gold 8100MC/BT-180G3 is a powerful and precise single burner designed for modern kitchens. It gives you a professional level of control over your cooking without needing a built-in stove. This unit plugs into any standard 120-volt outlet in your home, making it incredibly versatile for small apartments, dorm rooms, or as an extra burner for big family dinners. Before you get started, it’s important to check your pots and pans.
This cooktop requires induction-compatible cookware. A simple test is to see if a magnet sticks firmly to the bottom of your pan. If it does and the pan is at least 5 inches across, your ready to cook. This technology heats the pan directly, not the surface, which is where many of its benefits come from. You have detailed command with the digital control panel. There are 10 specific temperature settings, ranging from a gentle 140°F for melting chocolate to a high 460°F for searing.
You also get 10 power levels, from a low 200 watts to the full 1800 watts for fast boiling. The built-in timer is a major help; you can set it in one-minute increments for up to 170 minutes, so you can step away without worry. It will beep and automatically switch to standby when the time’s up. Safety and easy cleanup are huge pluses. Because there’s no open flame or glowing coil, spills and splatters don’t bake onto the smooth glass surface.
Nuwave Flex Precision Induction Cooktop, 10.25” Shatter-Proof Ceramic Glass, 6.5” Heating Coil, 45 Temps from 100°F to 500°F, 3 Wattage Settings 600, 900 & 1300 Watts, Black
The Nuwave Flex Precision Induction Cooktop is designed for anyone who wants more control over their cooking. It’s a single burner unit that gives you the kind of precise temperature management usually found on high-end stoves, but in a compact and portable form. This is for you if you find electric coils too slow and gas burners too imprecise.
At its core is a 6.5-inch induction heating coil.
Induction technology works by creating a magnetic field that heats your cookware directly, not the cooktop surface. The Flex uses a superior insulation design that brings this coil closer to your pot or pan than other models. This means heat transfers faster and more evenly, eliminating those annoying hot or cold spots that can ruin a delicate sauce.
You get consistent results every time, which is a game changer for tasks like melting chocolate or simmering a soup.
Control is where the Flex truly shines. It offers 45 specific temperature settings, ranging from a gentle 100°F all the way up to a searing 500°F. You can choose from six handy presets or dial in your own exact temperature in 10-degree increments.
Cuisinart CB-60P1 Countertop Double Burner, Stainless Steel/Black
The Cuisinart CB-60P1 Countertop Double Burner, Stainless Steel/Black is a compact and powerful solution for expanding your cooking space without a major kitchen renovation. It gives you two extra burners wherever you need them, perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, RVs, or as a backup for big holiday meals. Its stainless steel and black finish offers a sleek, professional look that fits in with most kitchen decors. At its heart are two heavy-duty cast iron plates.
These aren’t flimsy heating elements; they’re solid and built to last, providing even and consistent heat across there entire surface. They measure 5.75 x 22.50 x 15.25 inches overall, giving you a generous cooking area while keeping a relatively small footprint on your counter. You’ll appreciate the powerful 1800 watts of total power. The primary burner delivers 1300 watts for your main cooking tasks, while the secondary 500-watt burner is ideal for simmering or keeping food warm.
This setup means quick heat-up times and reliable heat retention throughout whatever your cooking cycle requires. Control is simple and precise. You get two separate dials, each with its own 6-setting adjustable temperature control. This means you can boil pasta on one burner while gently melting sauce on the other, without any compromise. Each burner also has its own independent adjustable thermostat, so it maintains the temperature you set.
Electric Cooktops Buying Guide
Modern electric cooktops vary widely; match your needs with this checklist. It’s not just about replacing an old stove. You’re choosing the centerpiece for your kitchen routines for years to come. Let’s cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters for your cooking style and kitchen.
Surface Type: Coil, Smoothtop, or Induction?
This is your first big decision. Traditional coil elements are budget-friendly but a pain to clean. Smoothtop (ceramic-glass) models look sleek and are easier to wipe down, though they can scratch. Induction is the game-changer—it heats pots with magnetic energy, boiling water incredibly fast while the surface stays relatively cool to the touch. But remember, your’ll need compatible cookware.
Size and Configuration
Measure your cutout space twice! Standard widths are 30 and 36 inches, but compact 24-inch models exist. How many burners do you really use at once? A four-element cooktop is standard, but some offer a fifth or a versatile bridge element for a griddle. Think about burner size variety too—you need a small one for your sauce pan and a powerful large one for pasta.
Power and Control
Check the wattage. Higher power (especially on a large burner) means faster boiling. But control is just as crucial. Do you prefer the simplicity of knobs or the modern touch of digital slider controls? Some models offer precise simmer settings, which is a lifesaver for delicate sauces that you don’t want to scorch.
Safety and Cleaning Ease
Look for helpful saftey features like residual heat indicators and auto-shutoff timers, especially if you have kids. For cleaning, a completely flat surface with no crevices is the easiest to maintain. Spill containment lips are a simple but brilliant feature that can save your cabinets from a boiled-over mess.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Cooktops
What’s the difference between coil and smoothtop electric cooktops?
Coil cooktops have those visible, spiral heating elements. Smoothtop cooktops have a flat, glass-ceramic surface with elements underneath. Smoothtops are easier to clean but can be scratched. Coils are durable but spills can drip down into the drip pans.
Are electric cooktops easy to clean?
Smoothtop models are generally easier. You wipe the flat surface with a special cleaner once it’s cool. Coil tops require you to lift the coils and drip pans to clean underneath, which is a bit more work. For both, quick daily wipes helps a lot.
Do I need special cookware for an electric cooktop?
You need pots and pans with flat, smooth bottoms. This is especially important for smoothtops. Warped or rounded bottoms won’t heat evenly. For coil tops, flat bottoms also ensure good contact. Any material like stainless steel or cast iron works fine.
How does an electric cooktop compare to gas?
Electric cooktops provide steady, even heat for simmering. They don’t have an open flame, which some folks prefer. The main difference is response time. Gas heats and cools instantly, while electric elements take a minute to adjust. It’s a matter of personal cooking style.
What should I look for in terms of power and controls?
Look for a model with a range of heat settings, from a true low simmer to a powerful boil. Touch controls are sleek and easy to clean, but some people prefer the tactile feel of knobs. Consider how many elements you need and their sizes for your pots.
Can I install an electric cooktop myself?
It’s strongly recommended to hire a licensed electrician. Installing a cooktop involves hardwiring it to your home’s electrical system, which can be dangerous if you’re not trained. A professional ensures it’s done safely and up to code.
Is an induction cooktop the same as electric?
Induction is a type of electric cooktop, but it works differently. It uses magnetic energy to heat the pot directly, not the surface. It’s faster and more efficient than standard electric, but it requires magnetic cookware, like stainless steel or cast iron.
Closing Thoughts
Modernize your cooking space with a model listed here. It’s a simple upgrade that makes a big difference. You get a sleek, easy-to-clean surface that fits right into your counter. It gives you consistent heat and precise control for your everyday meals. You’ll appreciate teh extra counter space and the modern look it brings to your kitchen.
Choosing the right electric cooktops for your home is about matching features to your routine. Think about what you cook most and how you use your kitchen. The best choice is the one that makes your daily cooking easier and more enjoyable. Take your time to consider what you really need, and you’ll find a great fit that serves you well for years to come.