Cooktops come in three main variations: gas, induction and electric. Depending on your cooking style, kitchen layout, available space and preferred features, the range of cooktops can feel quite broad. This buying guide breaks down the most common cooktop types, sizes and features to consider, so you can choose the right model for your kitchen and the way you like to cook. Cooktop types There are four main types of cooktops: Dual fuel cooktops Electric cooktops Gas cooktops Induction cooktops Each type has its own benefits, so the right choice will depend on your home, cookware, cooking habits and installation requirements. Dual fuel cooktops Dual fuel cooktops combine two cooking technologies in the one appliance, usually gas and electric or gas and induction. This gives you more flexibility when cooking, as you can use different heat sources depending on the meal, cookware or cooking style. For example, you may prefer gas for quick heat control and stir frying, while using electric or induction zones for simmering, boiling or everyday cooking. This can make dual fuel cooktops a practical option for households that want more choice without committing to only one cooktop type. Dual fuel cooktops can be especially useful if you cook often or like having different options available. However, they may have more specific installation requirements, as they can require both gas and electrical connections. A licensed installer should always be used to ensure the cooktop is fitted safely and correctly. Electric cooktops Electric cooktops, including ceramic cooktops, are a simple and familiar option for many kitchens. They can be a practical choice if you do not have a gas connection or if you want an easy-to-use cooktop for a secondary kitchen, apartment or granny flat. Solid electric models generally come with four heating elements, while ceramic models have a smooth glass surface that can withstand high temperatures. Ceramic electric cooktops are easier to clean than traditional coil or solid plate styles, but the glass surface can be damaged if heavy items are dropped on it. Electric cooktops are easy to use, with controls that allow you to adjust the heat as needed. You generally do not need specialised cookware or a gas outlet, making them a flexible option for many homes. Compared with gas and induction, electric cooktops can take longer to heat up and cool down. They may also be less energy efficient than induction models, so it is worth considering how often you cook and what kind of performance you need. Electric cooktops should always be installed by a licensed installer to ensure they are fitted safely and correctly. Gas cooktops Gas cooktops are a popular choice for many home cooks because they heat up quickly and offer responsive temperature control. The visible flame makes it easy to adjust heat levels while cooking, whether you are simmering sauces, boiling water or stir frying. Another advantage of gas is that most cookware can be used with it. You do not usually need special pots and pans, and many gas cooktops include a dedicated wok burner, making it easier to cook stir fries and other high-heat dishes. When comparing gas cooktops, look for a model with a flame failure device for each burner. This safety feature automatically shuts off the gas if the flame goes out by accident, helping to reduce the risk of gas leaking into your kitchen. Gas cooktops can be a little harder to clean than smooth electric or induction cooktops, but removable metal trivets can make the job easier. Look for a model with parts that can be lifted off and cleaned properly when needed. Gas cooktops should always be installed by a licensed installer to ensure they are connected safely and correctly. Induction cooktops Induction cooktops are a great option for modern kitchens, especially if you like a clean, minimalist look. They have a smooth glass surface, are easy to wipe down and heat up quickly. Induction cooktops work using electromagnetic technology and compatible cookware to produce heat directly in the pot or pan. This means heat is delivered where it is needed, helping make induction cooking fast and energy efficient. They can also be a family-friendly option because the cooktop surface does not heat in the same way as a traditional electric element. Once the pot or pan is removed, the cook zone stops generating heat. There may still be some residual heat from the cookware, so care should always be taken, but the surface generally cools faster than other cooktop types. To check whether your existing cookware is compatible with induction, place a magnet on the base. If it sticks firmly, the cookware should generally be suitable for induction cooking. Induction cooktops can be more expensive than some gas or electric models, but their fast heating, easy cleaning and efficient cooking performance can make them a worthwhile investment for everyday use. Induction cooktops should always be installed by a licensed installer to ensure they are fitted safely and correctly. Choosing the right cooktop size Before buying a new cooktop, make sure you measure your available space carefully. It can be easy to get carried away with extra burners or cooking zones, but the cooktop needs to fit the existing cut-out, benchtop and kitchen layout. Most common Australian cooktops come in either 60cm or 90cm widths. A 60cm cooktop generally has four burners or heat zones, while a 90cm cooktop may have five or six. If you cook often, entertain regularly or use multiple pots and pans at once, a larger cooktop may be worth considering. If you have a smaller kitchen, limited bench space or only cook simple meals, a 60cm cooktop may be enough. When measuring, consider: The width of your current cooktop space The cut-out size in your benchtop Clearance around the cooktop Nearby cabinetry or splashbacks Whether you need gas or electrical connections Whether a licensed installer can safely fit the new cooktop Modern induction cooktops may also offer linkable cooking zones, which allow two zones to work together for larger pots, pans or rectangular cookware. Family-friendly cooktop features If you are choosing a cooktop for a busy household, safety and ease of use are important features to consider. Induction cooktops are often considered one of the most family-friendly options because they stop generating heat when compatible cookware is removed. The surface can still hold residual heat, so children should always be supervised in the kitchen, but induction cooktops generally cool down faster than gas or traditional electric models. Other family-friendly features to look for may include: Flame failure protection on gas cooktops Residual heat indicators Child lock controls Automatic switch-off Easy-to-clean surfaces Simple, clearly marked controls Stable trivets on gas models These features can help make everyday cooking easier, safer and more convenient. What to consider before buying a cooktop Before choosing a cooktop, think about how you cook, how your kitchen is set up and what type of connection your home supports. Consider: Whether you prefer gas, induction or electric cooking The size of your existing cooktop space Whether your cookware is compatible with induction How many burners or cooking zones you need How easy the surface is to clean Whether safety features are important for your household Your installation requirements Whether the cooktop needs a licensed gas or electrical installer Your budget and how often you cook Taking the time to compare these details can help you choose a cooktop that suits your kitchen, cooking style and everyday routine. Cooktop buying guide FAQs Which cooktop type is best? The best cooktop type depends on how you like to cook. Gas cooktops offer responsive flame control, induction cooktops are fast and easy to clean, and electric cooktops are simple to use and can suit many kitchen setups. The right option will depend on your cookware, home connections, budget and cooking habits. Do I need special cookware for an induction cooktop? Yes, induction cooktops need compatible cookware with a magnetic base. A simple way to check is to place a magnet on the bottom of your pot or pan. If it sticks firmly, it should generally work on an induction cooktop. What size cooktop should I buy? The right cooktop size depends on your kitchen space and how many burners or cooking zones you need. A 60cm cooktop generally suits smaller kitchens and everyday cooking, while a 90cm cooktop can offer more room for larger households, frequent cooking or entertaining. Finding the right cooktop From gas and induction to electric ceramic models, choosing the right cooktop comes down to how you cook, the space you have available and the features that matter most in your kitchen. Gas cooktops offer responsive control, induction cooktops are fast and easy to clean, and electric cooktops provide simple everyday cooking. When comparing cooktops, think about size, installation, safety features, cookware compatibility and how easy each option will be to clean after use. A licensed installer should always be used to ensure your new cooktop is fitted safely and correctly. Betta stocks a range of cooktops from trusted appliance brands and manufacturers, with options to suit different kitchens, cooking styles and budgets. By comparing the available types and features, you can choose a cooktop that makes everyday cooking easier, safer and more enjoyable.
