In our labs, we test 30- and 36-inch gas cooktops from brands such as Bosch, GE, Ikea, KitchenAid, LG, Samsung, Viking, and Wolf, along with 30- and 36-inch electric and induction cooktops from brands such as Bosch, Frigidaire, KitchenAid, LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool.
We test every cooktop at low and high heat. That covers its ability to sustain temperatures low enough to melt chocolate or tomato sauce without scorching it, and the cooktop’s ability to quickly bring water to a boil.
We also survey CR members, asking them whether their cooktops broke or stopped working as they should during the first five years of ownership. We also ask whether they would recommend their cooktop to a friend or family member. We use the data from their responses to generate our scores for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction.
CR members can browse our full cooktop ratings. And check out our free cooktop buying guide for shopping tips and help in deciding whether to buy a gas cooktop, an electric cooktop, or an induction cooktop for your kitchen.
