Best Gas Cooktops of 2025
Gas is the preferred cooking method by many chefs for its instant ignition and precision heat controls. Read on to learn how to pick a gas cooktop like an appliance expert and check out all our top picks have to offer.
Gas cooktops continue to be held in high esteem throughout the culinary world, offering unparalleled control and efficiency that professional chefs and home cooks alike revere. Their instant heat and precise temperature adjustments make them ideal for a variety of cooking techniques, from simmering delicate sauces to searing steaks to perfection.
As your appliance authority, AjMadison not only wants to offer you the best gas cooktops for your home, but also empower you to shop our wide selection of cooking appliances like an appliance pro! Let’s go through all there is to know about gas cooktops before checking out what our top picks have to offer.
What is a Gas Cooktop?
A cooktop is an appliance that that drops into an opening in your countertop. A cooktop is different from a range or stove in that the oven is not attached to it. Typically, the knobs and controls for a cooktop are located on the cooking surface. For a gas cooktop specifically, installation will require a correctly positioned gas line, an accessible shut-off valve for safety or maintenance, and a gas regulator to control the pressure of the gas supplied to the cooktop.
What is a Gas Rangetop?
A rangetop is a more upscale version of a cooktop appliance. A rangetop is installed into an opening in your cabinets and counters with a protruding bullnose like a range. The control knobs are on the front face of the appliance, giving you more cooking space for large pots and pans. Rangetops are usually more expensive because of their luxury-style designs and higher BTU outputs compared to normal cooktops. Traditionally, rangetops were exclusively fueled by gas, but select brands have begun to introduce induction rangetops to the domestic market.
How to Shop for a Gas Cooktop
Buying a gas cooktop is pretty straightforward if all you’re looking for is instant heat to get cooking fast. However, every brand has a slightly different layout, features, and design elements that some consumers might prefer over others. To help you narrow down your selection to a couple of top picks, here are some key features to look for:
Power Burners and Simmer Burners – Gas cooking power is measured by British Thermal Units or BTUs. Most top-performing gas cooktops have a power burner of 18,000 BTUs or more for quick boiling and a simmer burner which can dip under 1,000 BTUs. The better made the cooktop is, the wider the temperature range available.
Safety Features – Gas cooktops are different from electric cooktops or induction cooktops in that you are working with an open flame. Many gas cooktops have automatic electronic flame re-ignition. If the flame tapers out, gas might still be leaking into your kitchen. Burners with automatic re-ignition will re-ignite the burner as a safety precaution. Some gas cooktops and rangetops have a child lock feature to prevent accidental activation. If your cooktop does not have a child lock, you can purchase knob protectors or simply pull the knobs off your cooktop when it's not in use.
Easy Cleaning – Most cooktops have sealed burners, meaning that the base under the burners is able to contain cooking spills. Many manufacturers offer dishwasher-safe cast iron cooking grates. This is because some grates have a special coating. Before putting your gas cooking grates in the dishwasher, make sure to reference the product manual. To manually clean your cooking grates, fill your sink with soapy water and dry them thoroughly after scrubbing.
LP Conversion – To accommodate varied home utility setups, many gas cooktops are compatible with liquid propane hookups, allowing you to install them in homes that are more remote.
Downdraft Ventilation – JennAir was the first brand to introduce downdraft range hoods, but did you know there are now gas cooktops with downdraft ventilation? This modern innovation eliminates the need for an overhead hood, increasing your installation options when redesigning your home. They can even be placed on an island so you don’t need to have a giant island hood coming down in the middle of your kitchen!
Accessories and Specialty Grates – Depending on what you’re preparing, you might need a gas cooktop that can accommodate a variety of cookware or food types. There are plenty of gas cooktops with griddles, wok rings, and even French tops from select brands!
Which is Better, Open or Sealed Burners?
Open burners have an exposed flame with no burner cap, allowing flames to come out of the burner ports directly and providing high-powered, even heat distribution. Many restaurant chefs prefer open burners for their performance, stylish flame visibility, and responsiveness to controls. Keep in mind that an open burner design makes these cooktops more prone to clogging and spills, so be prepared to clean them regularly from foods and liquid falling in between them.
Sealed burners have a cap that covers the flame ports and is sealed to the cooktop surface, preventing spills from getting underneath the burner which is slightly elevated. This makes them much easier to clean, but at the cost of some of the high-end performance features of open burner designs, such as even heat distribution as a flame disperses solely around the cap. Select luxury brands have dual and triple ring burners to overcome issues of flame distribution, however. Some even have unique star-shaped burners, like Thermador, which allow for greater flame coverage. If you intend to use your cooktop for standard family cooking and nothing else, you won’t be sacrificing anything by choosing a sealed burner unit.
What is the Life Expectancy of a Gas Cooktop?
If properly cared for, a gas cooktop can last anywhere from 15-20 years. This can also vary depending on the quality of their materials and their frequency of use. Some key maintenance tips to preserve your gas cooktop include:
Keep Ignition System Clean – Since gas cooktops use electronic ignition to light the gas, it is imperative you keep the ignition system clean and free of obstructions. Neglecting to do so can cause the ignition to delay, releasing gas into your kitchen as you wait for it to light. Food particles, specifically grease, can act as conductors and short circuit the appliance. They can also retain moisture, leading to corrosion. Use a toothpick, pin, or a soft brush to clear any debris from the burner holes and ensure burner caps are properly aligned after cleaning to avoid uneven flames.
Avoid Abrasive Cleaners – Avoid using abrasive sponges, cleaners, steel wool, or harsh chemicals that can damage the cooktop surface. Manufacturers typically include instructions for proper care of their products.
Clean Grease and Drip Pans – Grease build-up can be a fire hazard. Make sure to clean remnants from splatters or spills regularly.
Clean the Control Knobs – Grime and other build-up can cause knobs to stick. Remove and clean as directed by the manufacturer to ensure that knobs turn smoothly and ignite the burners correctly.
Soak Burner Grates and Caps – Soak grates and caps in warm, soapy water and scrub gently with a non-abrasive brush. Doing so will make it easier to remove stuck-on messes in all their crevices.
Inspect the Gas Line – Use a soap solution on connections to check for bubbles, which indicate leaks. If you detect one, shut off the gas supply and contact a maintenance technician.
