The cooktop and wall oven duo is popular for achieving a premium built-in look. Whether you're looking to spend $700 or $1,900, there are electric cooktops at a range of price points with different feature packages that could be perfect for your needs! In our reviews of the best electric cooktops, we made sure to find models at different price points to suit different budgets.
Now, let's dig into the best electric cooktops of 2023! The products are numbered for your convenience but are listed in no particular order. We focus on 30-inch models, but we link to 36-inch models as well where available. Keep in mind that we show the MSRP here, but holiday sales and package deals can shave at least 20% off of that retail price!
Table of Contents
Models marked with a * retail for under $1,000.
Models marked with a ^ have touch controls rather than knob controls.
4 Quick Tips for Buying an Electric Cooktop (Especially If It's Your First Time)
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Consider the control position. Cooktops can have the controls mounted to one side or across the front. Which angle is easiest for you to reach?
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Check out the heating elements. In general, you'll probably benefit from having a mid-powered element (or two) around 1,000-1,500W, a simmer burner around 1,200W or less, and a power burner that's typically 2,000-3,000W or more. Ideally, the cooktop will give you the flexibility to simmer and melt as well as to sauté and quickly boil. Consider bridge elements and expandable elements for large pots or griddles if needed. A five burner cooktop often places the power burner in the center and gives you room for a large pot, but if you have a big pot in the middle, there may not be a lot of space to use the other burners.
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Other features to think about. Smoothtop electric cooktops are easy to clean, but pay attention to seams and ridges that might be difficult to clean if something spills. Do the knobs feel responsive? Do you want indicator lights? Are you looking for smart features, like the ability for the range hood to turn on automatically when the cooktop is on?
- If you're replacing an existing cooktop: Double-check the dimensions and find out if the brand you're considering offers some type of Fit Guarantee (and how to comply with the rules of that guarantee). A Fit Guarantee will reimburse you a certain amount if cabinet modifications are needed to fit your new cooktop, assuming that you're replacing one 30" cooktop for another (so the guarantee won't apply if you're switching from a 30" to a 36" cooktop, for example).
1. GE JP3030SJSS - $1,220
Let's start with a great model at the lower end of cooktop pricing - the GE JP3030SJSS, retailing at $1,220 (but you can find it for under $850 during promotional periods). This model is also available in black with matching black knobs and in white with a white cooktop surface and matching knobs. White cooktops are less common these days, so it could be the perfect replacement for an older white electric cooktop!
This ADA compliant model comes with four elements, including two 8" Power Boil elements (2,500W) and two 6" elements (1,200W). One 6" element has a Melt setting to gently melt delicate foods like chocolate, while the other has a Keep Warm setting for when you need very low heat. Unlike pricier models, you won't find features like a timer, dual elements, or bridge elements. It could be a great fit if you need a cheap replacement cooktop and don't need the latest features and technology.
If you're interested in a 36" model, check out the GE JP3036SLSS, retailing at $1,331. There's a difference on the layout from the 30" model. You can find the built-in knobs arched at the front instead of lined up at the right. GE covers this model with the GE Fit Guarantee and will reimburse you up to $100 towards cabinet modifications if it's not an exact replacement fit for a similar cooktop.
Click here to read over 130 real customer reviews of this product!
2. KitchenAid KCED600GSS - $2,299
Do you need an electric cooktop with downdraft? First of all, check out our downdraft electric cooktop reviews for more options. Our most popular downdraft cooktop is the KitchenAid KCED600GSS, with four elements and a 3-speed 300 CFM downdraft vent that can also be converted to a ductless (AKA recirculating) vent. Downdraft vents don't work as well as ventilation above the cooktop surface - check out our ventilation buying guide for more info! This model cannot be installed above a wall oven.
This model is also available in black at $2,199. The four Even-Heat elements include a dual 6"/9" Ultra Power element (up to 3,000W), an Even-Heat Ultra 10" element, and two 6" elements (1,200W). There's also a hot surface light. The contrasting stainless steel knob controls look great, and include a knob to control the downdraft vent.
KitchenAid offers a one year warranty covering parts and labor, plus parts-only coverage on select components for five years. If you already have a ventilation system and would prefer a model without downdraft, check out the KitchenAid KCES550HBL retailing at $1,499.
Click here to read over 55 real customer reviews of this product!
KitchenAid KCED600GSS - $2,299
3. Frigidaire FFEC3025UB - $799
Did you move into a home with a cooktop that's seen better days? Sometimes, you need an ultra-basic replacement model - in which case, Frigidaire has you covered with the Frigidaire FFEC3025UB, retailing at just $799. It's also available in stainless steel. The Frigidaire Fit Promise will reimburse up to $100 for cabinet modifications if this model doesn't fit in an existing 30" cooktop cutout.
There are four elements, including a 6"/9" Quick Boil SpaceWise expandable element (up to 3,000W), two 6" elements (1,200W), and a 9" element (2,500W). The basic black plastic knob controls aren't winning any beauty competitions, but they get the job done. Markings around the knobs indicate Even-Heat simmer settings.
Frigidaire covers this model with a one year parts and labor warranty. If you need a cheap electric cooktop, consider this Frigidaire model! It's one of the best electric cooktops under $800. If you need a cheap 36" cooktop, check out the Frigidaire FFEC3625UB at just $899.
Click here to read over 710 real customer reviews of this product!
CLICK HERE TO READ OUR REVIEWS OF THE BEST WALL OVENS!
4. Bosch NIT8069UC - $2,299
You might know Bosch for their dishwashers, but they make other great appliances, too! Bosch offers a 30" cooktop available with or without a stainless steel frame. The Bosch NIT8069UC, retailing at $2,299, is a nicely featured cooktop with smooth glass touch controls and plenty of helpful features.
In this model you’ll find a 9” 2,200W element, an 11” 2,600W element, and two 1,400W elements. There are 17 PreciseSelect® Premium direct cooking level settings including SpeedBoost® that’s ideal for boiling water even faster than the highest power level and ShortBoost which is best for cooking with oil or pans with thin walls. It can also save the last setting used when you turn it off for a short time.
For safety, the glass touch controls include a Wipe Protection that quickly pauses settings when you clean it, a Child Lock option that keeps the cooktop from accidentally being switched on, and a Digital 2-Stage residual heat indicator for each cooking zone. Other functions include AutoChef® Frying Sensor, Count Up Timer that is a stopwatch function, Keep Warm, and more.
This model is nicely featured and is definitely one of the best electric cooktops. Bosch covers it with a one year warranty. And if you need a 36" model, check out the Bosch NET8668SUC. It looks a little different from this 30" model, but it is also under Bosch's 800 series.
Click here to read over 35 real customer reviews of this product!
5. Frigidaire Gallery FGEC3068UB - $1,049
Another great electric cooktop under $1,200 is the Frigidaire Gallery FGEC3068UB. This model has five elements, a ceramic glass and easy to use front controls. You can find it in stainless steel at $1,149 and in black at $1,049. The Frigidaire® Fit Promise will reimburse up to $100 for cabinet modifications if this model doesn't fit an existing 30" cooktop cutout.
Among the five elements are two 6” burners (1,200 watts each), one 7” burner (1,800 watts), an amazing dual element that can function as a 5” (750 watts) or a 7” (1,800 watts) burner, and a big 9” burner (3,200 watts) that can boil water in less than three minutes. Strategically located at front for safety, the built-in controls can easily go from warm to boil.
This sleek cooktop goes perfectly over Frigidaire electric wall ovens. It’s backed by a one year full warranty. Check its 36” version, the Frigidaire Gallery FGEC3648UB.
Click here to read over 125 real customer reviews of this product!
Frigidaire Gallery FGEC3068UB - $1,049
That's it for our reviews of the best electric cooktops of 2023! If you want a five-element cooktop, the Frigidaire model (#5) is worth a look. KitchenAid (#2) offers a nice warranty, covering select parts for an additional four years after the basic one year warranty period has passed. For models under $1,000, check out Frigidaire (#3).
Which one of these models do you like best? Leave us a comment below - We'd love to hear from you!
Shopping for a wall oven to match? Check out our reviews of the best single wall ovens and best double wall ovens of the year!
Editor's Note: This blog was originally written in December of 2020 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy as of the publication date noted above.
