What determines the build quality of a gas cooktop?

• Maximum power of the most powerful cooking zone: this says something about the maximum power of the largest cooking zone.
• Quick-start function: you won't need matches or a lighter to turn on the cooking zones.
• Material pan supports: cast iron is sturdier, doesn't wear as soon, and lasts longer than plastic buttons.
• Automatic restart: when the flame goes out, the cooktop will automatically restart to prevent a gas leak, for example.
• Material cooking surface: a cooking surface of glass is easier to clean, a surface of stainless steel doesn't damage as soon.

If you want a cooktop with a long lifespan, choose a high-end build quality. The cooktops in this category always have a powerful wok burner. The advantage of this is that the appliance has a lot of power and can heat up your pan fast. The cooking surface is made of glass or stainless steel. A glass surface is easier to maintain, while a stainless steel surface won't damage as easily. That's why one of these cooktops has a longer lifespan than cooktops with an enamel surface.

A cooktop with mid-range build quality always has a quick-start function. Thanks to this, you won't have to use matches or a lighter to turn on the cooktop. You can ignite the burner by turning the button. Most cooktops in this segment have plastic control buttons. These don't last as long as metal control buttons. For extra power, you can choose a cooktop with a wok burner. Thanks to this, your pan heats up faster.

When a low price is important to you, choose the basic build quality. The cooktops in this category fall into the lowest price range. That's why the lifespan is shorter than with cooktops from the mid-range or high-end category. Many basic cooktops don't have a quick-start or restart function, and have plastic buttons and less power. If you want extra stability for cooking, choose a cooktop with cast iron pan supports. That way, your pans won't move while cooking.