What determines the preparation quality of an electric cooktop?

• Type of heating: an induction cooktop is more energy-efficient, safer, and faster than ceramic or traditional electric.
• Child safety lock: this makes sure children can't turn on the cooktop or change settings while you cook.
• Maximum power largest cooking zone without boost function: the higher the power, the faster than pan heats up.
• Maximum power largest cooking zone with boost function: cooktops with a boost function have a higher power and heat up faster.
• Temperature control: sets the temperature of the cooking zone, so your meat doesn't burn.
• Auto heat-up: lowers the temperature of the cooking zone automatically when the water in the pan boils.
• Keep-warm function: keeps your meal warm without cooking it further.
• Overflow protection: turns off the cooking zone when it boils over.
• Temperature setting: some cooktops allow you to select a temperature or program.
• Flexible cooking zone: with flexible cooking zones, you can also use extra large pans and you can change the layout of your cooktop to you liking.
• Precision temperature control: the more settings, the more accurately you can cook.

Do you want to cook with as much comfort as possible, choose a high-end cooktop. This has more than 70% of the specifications above. For example, almost all high-end cooktops have a flexible cooking zone. This way, you can change the layout the cooktop as you like, and you can use long or large pans. With an average of 15 settings, you'll have many options. Not sure which setting you need? Choose a cooktop with pre-set heating functions. This way, the cooktop will determine the correct settings for your meal automatically.

The cooktops in this category are induction cooktops with a child safety lock. This prevents your children from turning on the cooktop or adjusting the settings. For extra safety, I recommend a cooktop with auto heat-up. This way, the cooking zone automatically switches back to a lower setting when your water starts boiling. It won't boil over anymore. Mid-range cooktops have as least 50% of the specifications above.

If you're looking for a cooktop without too many functions, the basic preparation quality is a good choice for you. The cooktops in this category have less than 50% of the specifications above. In this range, you can choose from traditional electric, ceramic, and induction. And if safety and speed are important to you, I recommend an induction cooktop. When you have a limited budget, traditional electric is a good option. This is relatively affordable compared to other types.