The 11 Best Downdraft Cooktops in 2024 – Our Top Picks

The time has come to change your old hob. You have two possibilities ahead of you. The first, the classic one, so to speak, is changing yes but remaining anchored to tradition with the downdraft cooktop.

The second choice leads to the most modern induction models, which, however, run on electricity, and therefore the bill could be affected.

It is not always easy to choose when there are many variables to consider, those who compare prices will have noticed that the variations also depend on the materials used.

Right here we had selected some of the best downdraft cooktops that are listed below.

Things to Consider Before Buying Downdraft Cooktops

Size Matters

If there usually are four burners, larger models with five or six burners can be found on the market. This allows you to have more game to cook multiple courses at a time.

Usually, the central stove is the one capable of heating the pan quickly because it is equipped with a double halo of fires, ideal for rapidly boiling water in huge pots or for using the wok at a maximum temperature as this tool should be used.

The dimensions are always standard so that they can be easily recessed on the work surface, these are shelves of a minimum of 30 cm, with two burners, while the most common are those of 60 cm, and you can reach the hobs 75 or 90 cm.

Compatible with Any Pan

There are no limitations regarding the type of pot or pan, all are fine, from grandmother’s cauldron to modern double-bottomed banks.

The only precaution to follow to avoid maximizing the dispersion of the heat of the flame in the air is to choose the stove of the same diameter, or just lower than the pan to be used.

This serves to concentrate the heat just below the pan and, in this way, to limit the waste of money and time, even if the price of gas usually is lower than that of the consumption of electric cookers.

Steel, stainless steel or enamel, is the most prevalent material, the second offers the advantage of being easier to wash and less prone to scratches or to remain streaked after cleaning, you can also choose between different colors, which is not sorry.

Another solution present in the ranking of the best materials used is the tempered crystal, elegant and refined, has the advantage of not overheating while the fires are at work.

Safety Regulations

Every self-respecting review must put the safety aspect in the right light. While many advise against the use of gas because of the risks involved in carelessness, the technology has made available various control systems to prevent accidents.

Long gone are the times when the ignition of the flame took place with the match, today the electronic ignition is by button, which requires two hands, one that rotates the knob and one that triggers the spark, or directly under the knob, then with one hand can light the stove.

The best brand is the one that also pays attention to details. Still, the thermocouple is now widespread in the vast majority of models for domestic use, and it is a system that automatically stops the emission of gas in the absence of a flame.

Our guide ends by taking a look at what you imagine will be the future for gas hobs, namely the spread of direct flame burners.

Unlike traditional radiant models, these direct the flame that comes out of the micro-holes exactly vertically under the pot, reducing cooking times by 20% and thus limiting heat dispersion as much as possible.

Number of Fires

Regardless of whether your choice falls on a gas or induction hob, you must evaluate the size and, in particular, the number of fires.

The most widespread floors have four fires, but there are also five fires, with the central one usually much larger than the others. Some models also have an electric hotplate, useful to use if you suddenly run out of gas.

The Distance Between the Fires

But the numbers of foci aside, the distance between one and the other is also important. The speech is as follows: having so many fires available does not necessarily allow you to place more pots.

If, for example, the pans are large, there may not be enough space. Remember, also, that for good cooking, it is essential that the fire is in the center of the pot so that the heat spreads evenly.

The Pots to Use

As for the pots to use, one of the advantages of the gas stove is that there are no limitations: any model is fine, regardless of the material; therefore, the green light to stainless steel, copper, terracotta, aluminum, good quality pans, poor quality pans. There is room for everyone.

Attention to The Flame

Cooking with a gas hob requires some attention. The flame must be adequate for the food being prepared. Using it to the maximum, maybe the bigger one does not mean cooking faster, but, on the contrary, you risk burning the food, perhaps with the mockery that the inside remains raw.

For example, imagine a large piece of meat: in this case, the flame must be moderate, you must allow time to cook well, even inside, without the steak drying out. Also, it is a good safety rule to close the gas cylinder or the methane key when going to sleep.

The Induction Alternative

But the hobs can also be induction, as mentioned a little further on. It’s a whole other world, starting with the pots that must be specially made for this type of product.

You have to pay attention to the temperature, which is quickly reached; this is why the most “sensitive” products to high heat must be carefully monitored because they could burn in no time.

For this reason, we prefer those models with the function that allows you to set a certain temperature and keep it constant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Installs the Cooktop?

Generally, the hob is installed by the vendor by hiring specialized personnel for the operation. The seller may or may not ask for a supplement for the service.

Who Repairs the Cooktop?

There are specialized assistance and maintenance centers to contact. Generally, but not always, they repair all types of household appliances. Also, in most cases in these shops, they can repair not only the classic gas hob but also induction or electric hobs.

What Does the Induction Cooktop Mean?

A hob that, instead of gas, uses electromagnetic induction to heat the pots that must be specifically indicated for this cooking method. Such a hob does not produce flames or gas. It also guarantees uniform cooking because the heat is distributed evenly.

Why Does the Hob Spark Continuously?

This is one of the most common problems: the electric ignition activates itself continuously. The main cause is the water, which is probably poured where it should not.

For this reason, when cleaning the hob, you should use a sponge or cloth, damp, not soaked. The solution is simple: just unplug it for 24 hours and wait for the humidity to dry.

How to Clean the Various Types of Cooktop?

To clean common gas hobs, just use one of the many products available on the market. If the hob is particularly greasy, it is better to use a degreaser to be sprayed and leave to act for a few minutes, then clean with a damp cloth.

In the case of the induction hob, one must be more careful in choosing the products. If the top is in glass-ceramic, aggressive products are not recommended. Better to use dish soap with a non-abrasive sponge. Alternatively, you can use paper towels.