A stove top, also known as a cooktop or hob, is the flat cooking surface on the top of a kitchen appliance where you place your pots, pans, or cookware to prepare food. It is a crucial component of a kitchen range or stove, which typically combines the cooktop with an oven below or in the same unit.
Stove tops come in various configurations, sizes, and fuel types, depending on the type of stove you have. The most common types of stove tops are:
Gas stove top: This type of stove top uses natural gas or propane as fuel. It features gas burners with adjustable flames that provide instant and precise heat control.
Electric coil stove top: An electric coil stove top has heating elements in the form of coiled metal wires. When you turn on the burner, the electric current passes through the coils, generating heat.
Electric smooth top (glass-ceramic) stove top: This type of stove top has a smooth glass-ceramic surface with electric heating elements underneath. The surface is easy to clean and offers a modern and sleek appearance.
Induction stove top: Induction cooktops use electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking vessel directly. They only work with compatible magnetic cookware and are known for their rapid and efficient heating.
The number of burners on a stove top can vary, with common configurations being four or five burners. Some high-end models may have additional features such as griddle burners, bridge elements for larger cookware, or special simmer burners.
The stove top allows you to perform various cooking tasks like boiling, frying, simmering, sautéing, and more. It's an essential part of any kitchen, providing a convenient and centralized area for cooking without the need for a separate countertop or portable cooking appliances.