The choice to design a kitchen with a range or with a cooktop and separate ovens is a personal one. The cooktop can allow greater flexibility in placement of the appliances. A cooktop is the burner element of a stove, minus the oven. It’s mounted into the countertop with the controls on top. A rangetop unit is a slight variation on the cooktop. It’s mounted on top of cabinets and has controls on the front. Rangetops tend to be more commercial in appearance.
Gas cooktops tend to be the most popular models. However, most companies also make induction and electric cooktops. Homeowners doing a luxury remodel often choose a cooktop with a 36 inch or 48 inch width.
Here is an overview of cooktops and rangetops from three high-end brands, Thermador, Wolf, and Viking. Dacor also makes a good appliance at a slightly lower price point.
Thermador
Thermador’s gas cooktops have star shaped burners, which are supposed to distribute heat more evenly than round burners. The burner configuration has good size variety, and there are very low settings for melting and simmering. Their electric cooktop features CookSmart sensors that control the temperature of the pan. On Thermador’s induction cooktop, the entire surface is end to end electromagnetic, meaning it can be used as one large cooking area. WiFi connectivity allows the cooktop and the hood to synchronize for turning on ventilation and lights.
Wolf
Wolf offers gas, electric, and induction cooktops as well as rangetops. Gas units have sealed, dual stacked burners with some designed for power and others designed for simmering. Sleek electric cooktops allow for fast boiling and low end simmering. Wolf’s gas rangetop has their signature red control knobs. Rangetops are available with griddle, charbroiler, and French top.
Viking
Viking offers gas, electric, and induction cooktops. Gas cooktops have sealed burners. Electric cooktops have easy clean glass ceramic surfaces. Many improvements were made to the Viking line following its purchase by The Middleby Corporation, the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial kitchen equipment. Viking appliances have an industry leading warranty.
Dacor
Dacor offers gas and induction cooktops. Gas models have 4 or 5 sealed, dual stacked burners. The induction cooktop has VirtualFlame technology which highlights hot surfaces. The rangetop model features a griddle and WiFi connectivity to the hood.