Glass Cooktops Vs. Coil Element Burners

Glass Top or coil element? – One of the most common questions is “Do I want a glass top or coil top range?” The answer for the most part is usually that a glass top range is recommended for easier cleanup, faster heating, etc. Coil for tenants, glass for yourself. Better yet, Viking gas counter top with a griddle. :) :)

Glass cooktops typically cost $400 to $1,200 more than coiled cooktops. If you have some flex in your budget, look at both glass and coil options. If funds are tight, shop for a coil-burner stove, available in both gas and electric models. Electric coil and glass/ceramic cooking surfaces have some significant differences in handling, daily use and cleaning.

Fagor VFA78S 30-Inch Beveled Ceramic Glass Radiant Cooktop. This is a good stovetop. I like the versatility of the burner configurations.

Depending on the demands of your lifestyle and your style preferences, one may suit your kitchen better than the other. However, many people aren’t aware that there are some minor restrictions in regards to the type of cookware that can be used with them.  It is recommended that you use stainless steel flat bottom cookware and avoid using cast iron or glass, as those two items can potentially scratch or damage your cooktop.

If you’re in a situation where the vast majority of cookware you own is made up of either of these two materials, you may want to select a coil range instead. Coil burners heat rapidly, reaching the set temperature faster than glass burners. But heat is more concentrated on the glass burners, creating an efficient cooking process.

Coils remain hot longer than the glass burners and pose a burn risk if you bump the coils that protrude from the surface. A coil burner plugs into a power source beneath the stove surface. The connection may come loose, causing the burner to fail. Glass cooking surfaces do not experience this problem. Electric coil surfaces are more durable than glass/ceramic surfaces when you need to place things on top of them. For example, you can place grocery bags on the coil surface without risking any damage to the cooking area. If you place the bags on a glass/ceramic surface, however, it can scratch or otherwise damage the top.

Top Pick

GE PHP900DMBB Profile 30" Black Electric Induction Cooktop
"When I saw the induction concept I was somewhat sceptical at first and bought a single burner induction cooktop to try the concept. I quickly became a convert. The induction cooktop will bring water to a boil in less than half the time of my old radiant cooktop and, more importantly, the temperature can be reduced immediately."

Fagor VFA78S 30-Inch Beveled Ceramic Glass Radiant Cooktop 
"I just had my cook top installed and it operates like a dream. Smooth surface, heats up fast and I love the complete flat surface (no knobs to clean around).  Each of the burners have a power rating, so read the manual. The front right has the most power. As with any black glasstop, it is easy to get dirty. They provide you with a razor scraper for cleaning it. I also found that the glasstop cooker cleaner is a very good investment. If you are a messy cook, you'll want to get the scraper out ASAP and not let everything harden on the surface."

Maintenance is where you'll find the most difference when it comes to coil element versus smoothtop cooktops. Your choice of cooktop can be either decor and high tech driven, or based purely on budget considerations.

Some will choose a smoothtop glass/ceramic stove because the top will be easier to keep clean and that is true if proactive with care. You might however, find yourself changing how you do things. Read my smoothtop cooktop care tips to make this trendy top easier to manage.