Gaggenau is well-known for making high-end, robust appliances, and their cooktops certainly build up that reputation. From powerful induction cooktops to removable magnetic knobs, they provide a variety of quality-of-life improvements in your kitchen and are generally a great investment. But when dealing with a company that makes so many German-engineered cooktops, it can be hard to choose. That's why we've compiled a list of the three best Gaggenau cooktops of 2021. If you really can’t decide on which Gaggenau model to go with, their 400 Vario Series cooktops allow you to install a combination of different modules with varying fuel types to suit your needs, earning Gaggenau a spot on our list of the best custom cooktop brands.
Gaggenau CI282610
From the 200 Series, the Gaggenau CI282610 is a powerful and versatile induction cooktop. Its 30-in. width includes four heating elements with an output of up to 7,200 W of energy. Two of the elements are rectangular Flex Function elements, allowing you to place any cookware within their 11 in. circumference or even combine them for extra large pans. The Twist-Pad controls come with removable magnetic knobs, making them easy to keep clean. Meanwhile, the frying sensor and cooking sensors automatically adjust the power settings on the cooktop to match the temperature of your food (making this cooktop ideal for people who make a lot of stir-fry). Because it's frameless, it even mounts flush onto your countertop, adding to its sleek appearance.
Gaggenau VG295220CA
If you're looking for one of the best Gaggenau cooktops you can buy, the VG295220CA is a sleek, modern natural gas cooktop from the 200 Series. Its 36-in. width and continuous flat cast-iron grates allow you to easily slide heavy pots and pans from burner to burner, while the 18,800 BTU output of the largest multi-ring burner can accommodate even the largest woks. The smaller burners have a range of between 600 and 13,600 BTUs, allowing you to melt chocolate or sear meat with the same burners. The control knobs come with illuminated rings that match the rings of gas created by the five sealed burners, while allowing professional-level single-handed operation of the controls. For added safety, there's even a residual heat indicator that lets you know when the burners are still warm after use.
Gaggenau CI292600
For sheer ability to customize your cooking, it's hard to beat the Gaggenau CI292600. This induction cooktop is from the 200 Series and is 36 in. wide, making it one of the best Gaggenau cooktops available today. Its large central cooking zone adjusts to accommodate pots and pans between 9 and 13 in. wide, while its Flex Function rectangular cooking areas allow you to place induction-friendly cookware freely within the zones. It has cooking and frying sensors to adjust between 17 power levels based on the temperature of your food, while also providing a Booster function that gives you an extra burst of energy (up to 3,700 W per element) when needed. The options menu gives you the opportunity to set automatic timers on your food so the elements turn off or go into keep-warm mode after up to 99 minutes of use.
Related Questions
Are Gaggenau appliances worth it?
Gaggenau has a reputation for versatile, robust appliances, including some of the best cooktops available on the market. Their minimalist, industrial aesthetic coordinates with many modern kitchens and other appliances, and many of their features are inspired by professional kitchens.
How do I choose a cooktop?
The first thing you should consider is the type of cooktop you want. Whether you choose gas, induction, or traditional electric is based on your needs and your kitchen's setup. Next, find a cooktop that is the appropriate size for the space. Then consider the features you want.
Do chefs prefer gas or induction?
You'll find professional chefs who prefer both types of cooking. Gas cooking has the finest-tuned control and the most raw power, but adds a lot of heat to your kitchen as well. Induction is safer, but takes longer to fully heat up.