If you're shopping for a new cooktop, it can be hard to know where to start. That's where the experts at Appliances Connection come in: we've compiled a list of the three best European cooktop brands of 2021 to help make your decision easier.
Thermador
When looking for a cooktop, Thermador is a great brand to start with. Look for patented Star® burners on cooktops in the Professional Series, which heat your food faster and more evenly while reducing the cool spot that's a problem in many gas cooktops. Thermador cooktops can also offer ExtraLow® Simmer burners that heat to temperatures as low as 100° F, allowing you to melt chocolate and butter without worry about scorching. A lot of Thermador gas cooktops have a QuickClean Base® that make them quick and easy to clean, while repelling stains in the first place. If you're looking for an electric cooktop, Thermador also has you covered: the Masterpiece Series offers a variety of electric and induction cooktops. Some of these include extra-large Liberty® cooking zones that allow you the ultimate flexibility in placing large or oddly-shaped cookware as well as CookSmart® pre-set temperature levels.
Bertazzoni
With their hand-made charm and Italian pride, Bertazzoni is one of the best European cooktop brands you can buy; it has a huge variety of sizes and configurations (anywhere from 24 to 48 in. wide) available so you can optimize your kitchen however you like it. In the Professional Series, look for spacious continuous cast-iron grates on gas cooktops, or super-efficient sixth generation induction technology on electric ones. The Professional Series also makes a point of having elegant, heavy-duty control knobs and handles that coordinate with other appliances in the series, giving your kitchen a unified look. All Bertazzoni gas cooktops come with fail-safe thermocouple technology that instantly shuts off the flow of gas if the flame is extinguished, giving you an extra level of peace of mind when cooking at home. Keep an eye out for their one-piece design as well: by removing joints and fasteners, Bertazzoni makes cleanup of spills a cinch.
Miele
Miele offers precision German engineering for a professional-grade kitchen at home; their cooktops are long-lasting, versatile, and powerful. The CombiSet Series gives you the opportunity to design your own ideal kitchen, combining electric elements with sealed gas burners and even an electric fryer module. If you prefer a pre-designed cooktop, Miele also has you covered. Look for sealed gas cooktops up to 48 in. wide, many of which include infrared griddles and ComfortClean Dishwasher-Safe grates. If you prefer induction cooking, Miele doesn't disappoint: their induction cooktops have features like PowerFlex zones that allow you to combine cooking zones and pan size recognition so you don't use any more power than you have to. The EasyClean ceramic glass cooktops are a breeze to keep clean as well, as they repel stains and make sure nothing bakes on to them. With the Miele Con@ctivity feature, select cooktops and range hoods can sync, allowing you to optimize ventilation power to match the heat output of your cooktop.
Related Questions
Do chefs prefer gas or induction?
Gas cooktops offer the widest range of cooking temperatures, as well as responding instantly to changes in power level. Gas cooktops also allow you to flambé and sear food in addition to the standard cooking modes. Induction is a safer method of cooking and doesn't require a gas connection, however, so many chefs prefer to use induction in their kitchens.
What should I look for when buying a cooktop?
The first thing you should look for when buying a cooktop is the size: make sure whatever you're buying will fit into the space you have for it. Then consider the type of cooktop you want (gas, induction, or traditional electric). Then think of any special features you want.