The reviews done in this blog are unbiased and are based on my personal experience in using these cooktops as well as my knowledge in electric cooktops. I choose the brand name Bosch because it’s the only brand name that I have bought and used. Before you start reading the electric cooktop review on the latest Bosch models, there are some electric cooktop buying guidelines that might influence your buying decision and you might want to check them out before reading on the reviews. Enjoy!
Best Bosch Electric Cooktop-Reviews
1. Bosch 36 Inches NET8654UC Electric Cooktop
The 36 inches Bosch NET8654UC electric cooktop is top of the line in the Bosch series of electric cooktops. The Bosch NET8654UC model is similar to its 30 inches counterpart, Bosch NET8054UC, but the NET8654UC unit is larger in terms of length which is 36 inches. Other advantages of the Bosch NET8654UC unit over the 30 inches model are the extra bridge and dual elements.
Both the 36 inches and 30 inches models share a lot of similar features and if you don’t need the extra bridge and dual elements, the 30 inches unit is probably enough for you. On the other hand, if you don’t mind spending the extra 200 to 300 bucks, you could go-ahead to get the 36 inches Bosch NET8654UC model just in case your family will grow larger in the future. The extra elements will certainly come in handy for cooking for a big family.
Overall, the 36 inches Bosch NET8654UC is a sophisticated cooktop that has everything you need in a cooktop. It addresses all the weaknesses of an electric cooktop and it performs awesomely in terms of power output and features. It comes with a host of useful conveniences and safety features that not only make your life much easier but also make the cooktop looks extraordinary in the kitchen. The cooktop will certainly stand out beautifully in any kitchen design and compliment your kitchen in a way that’s the envy of everyone who comes visiting.
Like most electric cooktops, the downside of using electricity is low power and long heating time. Most low-end electric cooktops are unable to do cooking that requires high temperature such as frying and cooking with a wok. But the Bosch NET8654UC model has no problem at all with this cooking. With Bosch exclusive technology such as PowerStart and 3-Zone 12″ heating element with powerful 3080W, the Bosch NET8654UC high-end cooktop can certainly heat up to the desired temperature within seconds and the 3080W power output will absolutely fry everything that is being put on top of it.
In terms of appearance, the Bosch NET8654UC is one hell of a sleek cooktop that will sit perfectly in any kitchen design. The extremely slim ceramic-glass surface will certainly fit elegantly into any kitchen. Be it a country-style or ultra-modern design, the cooktop will make any kitchen design stands out magnificently. The advanced embedded digital panel that comes with Bosch exclusive Steel-Touch and PreciseSelect features gives the cooktop an extraordinary premium look. Moreover, the cooktop is also equipped with front and back stainless steel strips that certainly separate the Bosch NET8654UC from the rest of the packs.
Other features in the Bosch NET8654UC that make it the most expensive model in the Bosch series of cooktops are the bridge and dual elements for matching all pan and pot sizes. The effective bridge function links a front element with a back element, giving you a single control for the combination. This is very effective for oversized pots and Dutch ovens used for preparing slow-cooking soups and stews. Oblong roasting pans also benefit from this combination of elements.
In terms of safety, each element in the Bosch 36” NET8654UC cooktop has a residual heat indicator light to remind you not to place anything on the top until the unit has cooled off. Moreover, the ChildLock feature is especially convenient for families with kids. The safety feature is handy for preventing the cooktop from being accidentally switched on or off.
The only thing that I would complain about the 36” NET8654UC 800 series black cooktop is that it’s available only in black color. My experience is that this is generally not an issue as black can generally blend in seamlessly into any kitchen design.
All in all, the 36 inches Bosch NET8654UC electric cooktop is an attractive cooktop that is a perfect fit for both experience and non-experience cooks. It doesn’t matter if you are just starting to learn cooking or if you are experienced chefs, the Bosch NET8654UC model will suit all levels of cooks. Overall, the Bosch NET8654UC is reasonably priced and addresses all weaknesses of an electric cooktop.
Pros
- Sleek and unique design, bridge and dual elements, embedded digital controls and has tones of useful features.
Cons
- Available only in black color and slightly expensive compared to other brands.
Summary of Bosch NET8654UC 36 inches 800 Series Stainless Steel Electric Cooktop:
Appearance
[su_list icon=”icon: arrow-right” icon_color=”#02810b”]
- SteelTouch™ with PreciseSelect™ – A Bosch Exclusive. High-end, Stainless Steel Touch Controls with Direct Cooking Selection (17 Settings).
- Front and Back Stainless Steel Strip for a Premium Look
[/su_list]
Performance
- 3-Zone 12″ Heating Element with Powerful 3080W. 3 Heating Zone Sizes in One. Accommodates a Variety of Pan Sizes.
- Bridge Element Accommodates Oblong Pans and Multiple Diameter Sized Cookware
- Dual Element Offers the Capability to use Multiple Pan Sizes
- PowerStart™ – Initial Maximum Power Output, Then Automatic Decrease to Pre-Selected Temperature. Avoids Boil Overs.
Convenience
- AutoChef™ Sensor – A Bosch Exclusive. Maintains Exact Frying Temperature for Perfect Results and Convenient, Healthy, Nutritional Cooking.
- Bosch Recommended Pan Included. Excellent Heating Performance and Superior Cleanability. Dishwasher safe. Works with Electric and Induction Cooktops. Also available as an accessory: HEZ390230
- Countdown Timer – Built-In Timers for Each Element. Doubles as General-Purpose Kitchen Timer.
- Clean Lock – Prevents Unwanted Changing of Settings While Cleaning Spill-Overs.
- Keep Warm function allows meals to remain ready to serve
Safety
- 2-Level Heat Indicator – Warns if Cooktop is Warm or Hot
- ChildLock – Prevents the Cooktop from Being Accidentally Switched on. Locks Temperature Settings if in Use.
2. Bosch 30 Inches NET8054UC Electric Cooktop
If you’re planning to look for an electric cooktop that is sophisticated, embedded with advanced features, slim, elegant and something that compliments your kitchen design, the Bosch 30” NET8054UC electric cooktop is definitely your best bet! The premium Bosch NET8054UC unit is a high-end model that has everything you need in a cooktop. The sleek design of this particular cooktop will certainly fit perfectly into your kitchen.
From the first look, the Bosch NET8054UC model is a sleek 30 inches cooktop made of high quality ceramic-glass cooking surface. The elegant black surface of the cooktop certainly brings out the premium look it. Embedded with Bosch exclusive high end stainless steel touch controls that come with 17 cooking selections, the Bosch NET8054UC model is absolutely the best buy.
From my experience, other brands of cooktops that come equipped with the same high quality touch control panel will cost more than the Bosch model. To add a sleek and sophisticated touch to the cooktop, the front and back contain stainless steel strips that certainly make the cooktop stands out in your kitchen.
In terms of performance, the Bosch NET8054UC 30 inches stainless steel cooktop sits at the high end category compared to the rest of the packs. In general, the weakness of an electric cooktop is the slow start-up time which translates to a slow heating rate. Besides, an electric cooktop is also associated with low power and heating capability that increases the time it takes to bring water to a boil. The Bosch NET8054UC is one of the few electric cooktops that has perfectly addressed these weaknesses.
With Bosch exclusive technology known as PowerStart, the cooktop will start with an initial maximum power output which will then be automatically decreased to a preselected temperature. Unlike other brands of cooktop which don’t have this feature, they will usually start at low temperature and slowly heat to the preselected temperature. I am not saying that this is not good but the thing with this technology is that it is slow and takes quite considerable time to reach the level of temperature you want. But the Bosch Power start feature that comes equipped in the NET8054UC model is certainly useful in solving this long heating time issue.
Moreover, the Bosch NET8054UC unit is equipped with a 3-Zone 12″ heating element that has a powerful 2700W heating capability. This useful feature of high power heating element can certainly be used to solve the low power and heating capability associated with most electric cooktops. With the exclusive 2700W, you can use these elements for all types of cooking that require high temperature like frying or cooking with a wok.
Other features that I am happy to see in the Bosch NET8054UC unit are the AutoChef sensor and countdown timers which certainly come in handy when you do delicate as well as special cooking. The AutoChef sensor is meant for maintaining the exact temperature when you do cooking such as frying and simmering which require constant temperature for the perfect result.
On the other hand, the countdown timer is certainly very useful for making soup, stew and gravy which requires fix amount of cooking time. It’s absolutely a must-have convenience feature for people who intend to leave the cooking in the morning and comes back home with a delicious pot of stew.
All four elements have hot surface indicator lights for safety since the unit retains heat even after shutoff. It is important not to touch the elements or rest any non-cooking items on them until the lights indicate the heat has dissipated. Moreover, the ChildLock feature is especially convenient for families with kids. The safety feature is handy for preventing the cooktop from being accidentally switched on or off.
On the minus side, the only thing that I would complain about the 30” NET8054UC 800 series black cooktop is that it’s available only in one color which is black. It’s also lacking in terms of a bridge and dual elements for matching to odd-shaped pans and pots. The bridge and dual elements are only available in the Bosch 36” NET8654UC model that cost slightly expensive. My opinion is that if you don’t do a lot of cooking and don’t have oversized pots and Dutch ovens which are used mainly for preparing slow-cooking soups and stews, then you probably don’t need these.
All in all, the Bosch NET8054UC 30 inches stainless steel electric cooktop is an attractive cooktop that is reasonably priced. It is a medium-size cooktop that is a must-have for people who are into serious cooking. This Bosch unit will certainly compliment your kitchen very well and presents an eye-opening experience for your guests, friends and other family members who comes visiting.
Pros
- Sleek and unique design, embedded digital controls and tones of useful features.
Cons
- Available only in black color and slightly expensive compared to other brands.
3. Bosch 30 Inches NEM3064UC Electric Cooktop
This 30” electric cooktop by Bosch is a fine performing and rapidly heating cooktop. This NEM3064UC 300 series cooktop falls into the category of quirky, interesting, yet unique cooktop for its advanced technology and sleek design.
The thing about this Bosch 30” electric cooktop is that it’s for those who prefer the familiarity of conventional controls since it’s equipped with high-quality black knobs which are made up of stainless steel bezel. If you’re not familiar with embedded digital controls which are in most current cooktops, then the Bosch 30” NEM3064UC is the right choice for you. The high-quality knobs are easy to understand and maneuver compared to the more complicated digital controls.
The NEM3064UC 300 series 30” cooktop is considered a small cooktop but it comes with 4 elements ranging from 5 to 9 inches which are more than enough for a small to medium family. In my case, I have got 6 people in my family. This little sleek cooktop is enough for me to prepare lunch and dinner for all people in my family. I have used the cooktop for melting butter, heating mushroom soup, simmering spaghetti sauce, cooking pasta and frying chicken breast. I am certain that this unit can meet all your cooking requirements as it has met mine. All my meals are done in a quick and easy way with this easy-to-use cooktop.
Moreover, the NEM3064UC 300 series 30” cooktop is equipped with a dual-element at the font zone which can be adjusted from 5 inches to 9 inches. This variable cook zone allows you to match the size of the heated element to the size of the pan. When the heat better matches pan size, heat loss is minimized, panhandles are less likely to get hot, and elements tend to heat more quickly and evenly.
The best part of this NEM3064UC 300 series 30” cooktop is the Infinite Temperature Controls for precision cooking. While many electric cooktops are slow to react and difficult to control at low temperatures, Bosch’s Infinite Temperate Controls system gives you much more control than usual for simmering delicate foods, such as when creating a delicate sauce or melting scorch-prone chocolate. In fact, some of these settings are so low; they allow the elements to be used for warming as well as cooking.
I found that the keep warm feature on each element to be a welcome convenience. Every dish on the cooktop could be easily kept warm until serving time.
Engineered with safety in mind, each element in the 30” NEM3064UC 300 series black cooktop has a residual heat indicator light to remind you not to place anything on the top until the unit has cooled off.
On the minus side, the only thing that I would complain about this 30” NEM3064UC 300 series black cooktop is that it’s available only in one color which is black. In addition, this unit also lacks the ChildLock feature which will come in handy if you have kids in your house. The ChildLock function prevents the cooktop from being accidentally switched on. Otherwise, you have to educate your child about the dangers of messing around with the cooktop.
In conclusion, Bosch 30” NEM3064UC 300 series black electric cooktop is an attractive cooktop that is reasonably priced. This unit is a perfect companion to a small kitchen and it offers lots of cooking space even in tight quarters.
Pros
- Sleek and unique design, reasonable prices, suitable for small to medium family sizes.
Cons
- Available only in black and lacks the ChidLock feature.
Bosch 30 Inches NEM3064UC Electric Cooktop Features:
Appearance
- High-Quality Black Knobs with a Stainless Steel Bezel
Performance
- Dual element offers the capability to use multiple pan sizes
- Infinite Temperature Controls for Precision Cooking
Safety
- Heat Indicator
- Warns if Cooktop is Warm or Hot
4. Bosch 30 Inches NET5054UC Electric Cooktop
If you’re looking for a review of the Bosch 30” NET5054UC 500 series electric cooktop, you’ve come to the right place. I am extremely relieved that you’ve found my blog because here in my blog a comprehensive review of this amazing electric cooktop has already been done. You’ll find out in the following paragraphs the good things about the cooktop and also the things that the cooktop is lacking.
Most electric cooktops are incredibly similar, but the 30-inch Bosch NET5054UC stainless steel electric cooktop is one sleek cooktop that is equipped with advanced features that distinguish it from the rest of the pack.
In terms of appearance, I like the look of the Bosch 30” NET5054UC electric cooktop which is topped with black glass in a thin stainless steel strip at the front and back. The stainless steel strap makes the cooktop looks even more sophisticated and premium.
Equipped with four elements, this unit offers a choice of six different zones. The front zone adjusts to 7 and 6 inches and is ideal for smaller pans. The rear zone adjusts up to 9 inches and makes a good choice for large pots and odd-shaped pots such as roasters.
A bridge element is another feature we like to see on a high-end electric cooktop, and the Bosch 30” NET5054UC electric cooktop doesn’t disappoint here either. The effective bridge function links a front element with a back element, giving you a single control for the combination. This is very effective for oversized pots and Dutch ovens used for preparing slow-cooking soups and stews. Oblong roasting pans also benefit from this combination of elements.
The control of the Bosch 30” NET5054UC electric cooktop is the center of attraction of this unit. You will see that there is a sophisticated embedded electronic panel which accounts for the slightly higher price tag on this unit. I think this feature is worth having as the controls are integrated right into the glass surface of the cooktop which makes the cooktop aside from looking cool, it’s also easy to clean. Especially convenient is that it only takes a light solution and a quick wipe to clean this unit since there are no bulky knobs to clean around.
Another feature worth mentioning is that it comes with PreciseSelect™. What it does is it allows easy changes of heat level by selecting any of the 17 different levels. The different heat level allows precise temperature control. For example, you can adjust the heat to multiple levels suitable for butter melting, soup heating, spaghetti sauce simmering and deep-frying.
Another feature that helps justify the NET5054UC’s somewhat high suggested price is the Power start feature. Power start immediately sends the maximum amount of wattage to an element when it is turned on, then gradually cools to the selected setting by the time the heat reaches the food. This feature addresses the common problem of slow-to-heat electric elements.
One often overlooked but welcome touch is the keep-warm function. I find that the keep warm function that is available in this Bosch 30” NET5054UC electric cooktop on each element to be a welcome convenience. Every dish on the cooktop could be easily kept warm until serving time. Moreover, the keep warm function is useful for melting chocolate or butter aside for keeping foods and dishes warm.
All four elements have hot surface indicator lights for safety since the unit retains heat even after shutoff. It is important not to touch the elements or rest any non-cooking items on them until the lights indicate the heat has dissipated.
Other features that are available in the Bosch 30” NET5054UC electric cooktop are Clean Lock and Child Lock functions. Clean Lock function prevents unwanted changes to settings while you clean spillovers while Child Lock prevents the cooktop from being accidentally switched on as well as locks temperature settings if in use.
I usually don’t love cooking with electricity unless it’s induction, but Bosch 30” NET5054UC stainless steel electric cooktop gives me a good reason to change my mind!
Pros
- Sleek and unique design, embedded digital controls, and tones of useful features.
Cons
- Available only in black color and slightly expensive.
Bosch 30 Inches NET5054UC Electric Cooktop Features:
Appearance
- Sleek Touch Control Panel Offers a Choice of 17 Settings for Unprecedented Temperature Control.
- Features PreciseSelect™: Touch Controls with Direct Cooking Selection.
- Front and Back Stainless Steel Strip for a Premium Look
Performance
- Bridge element accommodates oblong pans and multiple diameter sizes
- Dual element offers the capability to use multiple pan sizes
- PowerStart™ – Initial Maximum Power Output, Then Automatic Decrease to Pre-Selected Temperature. Avoids Boil Overs.
Convenience
- Clean Lock – Prevents Unwanted Changing of Settings While Cleaning Spill-Overs.
- Keep Warm function allows meals to remain ready to serve
Safety
- 2-Level Heat Indicator – Warns if Cooktop is Warm or Hot
- ChildLock – Prevents the Cooktop from Being Accidentally Switched on. Locks Temperature Settings if in Use.
5. Bosch 36 Inches NET5654UC Electric Cooktop
The Bosch 36” NET5654UC 500 series stainless steel electric cooktop is almost the exact replica of the Bosch 30” NET5054UC 500 series stainless steel electric cooktop except that the NET5654UC unit is 36 inches whereas the NET5054UC unit is 30 inches big. Because of its bigger size, the Bosch 36” NET5654UC unit is a 5 element cooktop compared to Bosch 30” NET5054UC which only has 4 elements.
In terms of appearance, the Bosch 36” NET5654UC electric cooktop looks premium with its stylish design in a black glass that is abutted in a thin stainless steel strip at the front and back.
Equipped with five elements, this unit offers a choice of eight different zones. A bridge element is a very useful feature that is equipped in the Bosch 36” NET5654UC electric cooktop. The effective bridge function links a front element with a back element, giving you a single control for the combination. This is very effective for oversized pots and Dutch ovens used for preparing slow-cooking soups and stews. Oblong roasting pans also benefit from this combination of elements.
The front zone of the Bosch 36” NET5654UC electric cooktop adjusts to 5, 7 and 8 inches and is ideal for smaller pans. The rear zone adjusts up to 9 inches and makes a good choice for large pots and odd-shaped pots such as roasters.
The control of the Bosch 36” NET5654UC electric cooktop is embedded in a sophisticated electronics panel. This unit comes with a higher price tag compared to the unit which offers conventional control such as those come with knobs. It really depends on what you like. Some people like to deal with knobs as they are simpler. But I prefer the embedded electronic panel as they are integrated right into the glass surface of the Bosch 36” NET5654UC electric cooktop which makes the cooktop looks futuristic as well as easy to clean the surface since there are no bulky knobs to clean around.
The Bosch 36” NET5654UC electric cooktop has a feature called PreciseSelect™ which allows easy changes of heat level by selecting any of the 17 different levels. The different heat level allows precise temperature control that caters to multiple levels suitable for butter melting, soup heating, spaghetti sauce simmering and deep-frying.
One often overlooked but welcome touch is the keep-warm function. I find that the keep warm function that is available in this Bosch 36” NET5654UC electric cooktop on each element to be a welcome convenience. Every dish on the cooktop could be easily kept warm until serving time. Moreover, the keep warm function is useful for melting chocolate or butter aside for keeping foods and dishes warm.
All five elements of the Bosch 36” NET5654UC electric cooktop have hot surface indicator lights for safety since the unit retains heat even after shutoff. It is important not to touch the elements or rest any non-cooking items on them until the lights indicate the heat has dissipated.
Other features that are available in the Bosch 36” NET5654UC electric cooktop are Clean Lock and Child Lock functions. Clean Lock function prevents unwanted changes to settings while you clean spillovers while Child Lock prevents the cooktop from being accidentally switched on as well as locks temperature settings if in use.
The Bosch 36” NET5654UC electric cooktop is a fine performing and rapidly heating cooktop, this model falls into the category of quirky, interesting, yet unique products.
Pros
- Sleek and unique design, embedded digital controls, 5 elements that also include a bridge element and tones of useful features.
Cons
- Lack PowerStart feature which is available in the 30” NET5054UC unit. The 36” NET5654UC also lacks some powerful features such as AutoChef, Steel and Glass Touch Control as well as a CountDown Timer which is only available in more premium models.
Bosch 36 Inches NET5654UC Electric Cooktop Features:
Appearance
- Sleek Touch Control Panel Offers a Choice of 17 Settings for Unprecedented Temperature Control.
- Features PreciseSelect – Touch Controls with Direct Cooking Selection.
- Front and Back Stainless Steel Strip for a Premium Look.
Performance
- Bridge element accommodates oblong pans and multiple diameter sizes
- Dual element offers the capability to use multiple pan sizes
Convenience
- Clean Lock – Prevents Unwanted Changing of Settings While Cleaning Spill-Overs.
- Keep Warm function allows meals to remain ready to serve.
Safety
- 2-Level Heat Indicator – Warns if Cooktop is Warm or Hot.
- ChildLock – Prevents the Cooktop from Being Accidentally Switched on. Locks Temperature Settings if in Use.
6. Bosch 36” NEM3664UC 300 Series Black Electric Cooktop
The Bosch 36” NEM3664UC 300 series black electric cooktop is very similar to the Bosch 30” NEM3064UC 300 series black electric cooktop except that one is 36 inches while the other is 30 inches. Features-wise, both of them share similar performance, appearance and safety features. Anyway, the 36” NEM3664 electric cooktop by Bosch is a fine performing and sophisticated cooktop. The NEM3664UC 300 series cooktop is fast heating, durable and stylist that will make your kitchen stands out.
The Bosch 36” NEM3664UC electric cooktop is ideal for those who prefer the familiarity of conventional controls since it’s equipped with high quality black knobs which are made up of stainless steel bezel. If you don’t like to work with digital controls that are sometimes can be complicated, then the Bosch 36” NEM3664UC electric cooktop is your best bet. Another advantage of the Bosch 36” NEM3664UC electric cooktop is that the control knobs can be easily replaced if they are broken and it’s extremely cheap to fix them. On the other hand, digital panels are expensive and extremely costly to replace. Since most digital panels are embedded, if the panels are broken, the only choice you have is to replace the whole cooktop.
The Bosch 36” NEM3664UC electric cooktop comes with 5 elements ranging from the smallest 5 inches to the biggest 9 inches which are more than enough for a large family. One thing I am pleased to say about the Bosch 36” NEM3664UC electric cooktop is that it comes with two elements in the front zone that offer dual-elements capability. Dual element offers the capability to use multiple pan sizes and allows you to match the size of the heated element to the exact size of the pan. This is done for the purpose of energy-saving whereby when the heat better matches pan size, heat loss is minimized, panhandles are less likely to get hot, and elements tend to heat more quickly and evenly.
Another feature in the Bosch NEM3064UC 36” electric cooktop that is worth mentioning is the Infinite Temperature Controls for precision cooking. While many electric cooktops are slow to react and difficult to control at low temperatures, Bosch’s Infinite Temperate Controls system gives you much more control than usual for simmering delicate foods, such as when creating a delicate sauce or melting scorch-prone chocolate. In fact, some of these settings are so low; they allow the elements to be used for warming as well as cooking. I found that the keep warm feature on each element to be a welcome convenience. Every dish on the cooktop could be easily kept warm until serving time.
Engineered with safety in mind, each element in the Bosch 36” NEM3664UC 300 series black cooktop has a residual heat indicator light to remind you not to place anything on the top until the unit has cooled off.
On the minus side, the only thing that I would complain about the 36” NEM3664UC 300 series black cooktop is that it’s available only in one color which is black. In addition, this unit also lacks some useful features such as ChildLock, bridge elements, count down timer and a CleanLock feature which are only found in higher end Bosch electric cooktop. The ChildLock feature will come in handy if you have kids in your house as it’s designed to prevent the cooktop from being accidentally switched on or off. Otherwise, you have to educate your child about the dangers of messing around with the cooktop.
In conclusion, Bosch 36” NEM3664UC 300 series black electric cooktop is an attractive cooktop that is reasonably priced. This unit is a perfect companion to small to medium kitchens and it offers lots of cooking space even in tight quarters.
Pros
- The NEM3664UC cooktop has a sleek and unique design that will complement your kitchen and it’s also reasonably priced for all the advanced features that it has.
Cons
- Lack some useful features such as ChildLock, CleanLock, bridge elements and count down timer that are only available only in higher-end mode.
Bosch 36” NEM3664UC 300 Series Black Electric Cooktop Features:
Appearance
- High Quality Black Knobs with a Stainless Steel Bezel
Performance
- Dual element Offers the Capability to Use Multiple Pan Sizes
- Infinite Temperature Controls for Precision Cooking Safety
Safety
- Heat Indicator – Warns if Cooktop is Warm or Hot
How to use bosch electric cooktop
Electric Cooktop Buying Guide
An electric cooktop is a smart way to add value to your kitchen. Although moving from a basic range to an electric cooktop will probably cost you more money, the additional investment doesn’t have to be substantial; in return, your kitchen will stand apart from those that feature a more conventional configuration.
Space is key when considering the addition of an electric cooktop to your home. Since an electric cooktop requires a very different kitchen layout than a range does, it’s easiest to make this conversion when building or remodeling.
You’ll also need to make sure that the space that you choose can accommodate some form of ventilation. An overhead hood is commonly used to ventilate, but for electric cooktops in islands and peninsulas, downdraft ventilators are very popular. Downdraft ventilators eliminate the need for an overhead hood and instead use a blower to pull smoke, heat and grease downward into the ductwork. Downdraft ventilators may come built into the cooktop or be installed next to it. Some ventilators are telescopic, meaning that they are stored under the counter and rise to ventilation height at the touch of a button.
In many communities, electricity is the fuel of choice. Those who are used to electricity are often more comfortable using it and may feel safer without an open cooking flame. The recent trend in electric cooktops is to offer electronic touch and slide controls in addition to more typical knob controls. Touch controls are similar to the controls on a microwave oven; slide controls are also embedded in the glass of the cooktop but are operated by simply sliding a finger along with the glass. Some cooktops, such as some new models from Bosch offer the convenience of a timer built into the controls.
Like any product, an electric cooktop has disadvantages; when cooking with electricity, the primary problem is a slower reaction time. This makes it more difficult to control an element for holding a simmer and may increase the time it takes to bring water to a boil. The only exception to this rule is the electric induction element, which is an expensive option that uses magnetism and offers control as precise as any gas burner.
The next thing that you’ll want to consider is what size is right for your space. Until recently, electric cooktops that are 30 inches wide were most prevalent, but homeowners increasingly are opting for larger cooktops, measuring 36 inches in width. In very large homes, even larger cooktops — measuring 42 inches, 48 inches, or 60 inches — are common. Most electric cooktops will offer four to six burners, and some will offer options such as grills, griddles and char-broilers. Other less common accessories include steamers, fryers, rotisseries and woks.
Once you’ve figured out the size, type and placement of your electric cooktop, the biggest concern most people will face are cleaning. Easy cleaning is an important feature for most busy families. When shopping for any electric cooktop, be sure to check how the unit is to be cleaned.
Electric cooktops will offer either coil or flat, glass-ceramic elements. Coil elements will be cheaper, but also more difficult to clean and will have drip pans that require removal.
Electric cooktop warranties are generally one year for parts and labor. Occasionally, a manufacturer will offer a longer warranty or a variation of this rule of thumb, but this is uncommon.
Bosch Electric Cooktops for PerfectCook
Leave a Reply