So, you’ve started researching the market for your new cooktop; Make sure you choose the product that will fully meet your needs. There are induction, ceramic, easy-to-clean cooktops in various sizes. This guide will help you choose the best cooktop for your own needs and preferences.

1. Type of Hobs

There are 4 main types of hobs, based on their construction and power source, i.e., whether they operate with electricity or gas.

• Induction hobs: In this type of hob, the cooking surface is heated only under the cookware, using less than half the energy compared to standard hobs. Cooking on an induction hob provides faster heating, improved thermal efficiency, and more precise control. Compared to conventional hobs, induction hobs can even halve the cooking time while consuming significantly less energy.

However, don't forget that special cookware for induction hobs is required.

• Ceramic hobs: These hobs use heating elements under a glass-ceramic surface, which heat up and transfer the heat to the selected cooking zone. In terms of performance, ceramic hobs are a very good choice. They produce heat instantly and respond quickly to temperature changes. This results in faster cooking times and lower energy consumption.
• Enamel hobs: These are a "traditional" solution as they are quite durable. However, they require thorough and careful cleaning and consume more energy compared to other types. This is because they need more time to reach the required temperature and to heat up.
• Gas hobs: Gas hobs are an ideal choice for pan cooking and especially for recipes cooked in a wok pan. Changes in heat intensity are visible from the size of the blue flame. This helps with cooking safety, and the gas supply shuts off every time the flame goes out. To operate, they require a hose, regulator and connection to a gas cylinder.

2. Power & Performance

The power of hotplates is measured in Watts or kW. Taking into account both the type of hotplate you choose and the number of hotplates, the Watt rating affects performance, speed, and overall efficiency. 

If you are interested in a single hotplate and want, for example, to cook, 1000W+ is probably a good choice, while if a device has 2 hotplates, choose the 2000W+ filter, and if you plan to turn on both burners at the same time, even more! 

Larger and more time-consuming preparations will require a hotplate with greater power in order to be prepared quickly and efficiently.

For example:

• Hotplates with power up to 500 Watt can brew Greek coffee, boil water for tea, etc.
• Hotplates with power 501-1500 Watt are suitable for boiling foods, such as pasta, rice, potatoes.
• Hotplates with power 1501-2000 Watt are an ideal choice for preparing sauce or omelet.
• Hotplates with power from 2001 Watt and above prepare stews and oil-based dishes easily and quickly.

3. Temperature Range

When choosing a stove, pay attention to the temperature range that can be adjusted. Most stoves offer a wide range from 70-80 degrees to 220-260 degrees. This is sufficient for a wide range of preparations, such as cooking in a pot, boiling, etc.

4. Size, Diameter & Number of Burners

Size matters! Since a photo can be misleading, make sure you find out the exact dimensions of the burner you’re interested in, so you can be sure it fits in your space or in your luggage, in case you want to take it with you, e.g. for camping. 

Also, pay attention to the diameter of the burners. Is it suitable for the size of the cookware you plan to use? You may need a smaller or larger burner to do the job you want!

Finally, depending on your needs and the number of people your new appliance will serve, you will need to choose how many burners it has. 

• Indicatively, 1 burner can cover the needs for brewing coffee or preparing one meal. 
• 2 burners are ideal for cooking 2 dishes at the same time.
• 3 burners can meet the daily needs of 2 people.
• While 4 burners and above is a very good choice for families.

5. Cleaning

Induction Hobs: Known for their extremely easy cleaning! They only require a wipe with a damp cloth. And because only the cookware heats up, if something spills on the surface of the hob, it won't burn.

Ceramic Hobs: They are easy to clean and have a modern finish, but you may need a special cleaner for stubborn stains.

Glass Hobs: They are relatively more demanding and require good and thorough cleaning.

Gas Hobs: Cleaning may take more time, as the grates and burners need to be removed each time

6. Additional Features

Timer: It is very useful for programming the cooking time.

Temperature Indicators: Usually a bright indicator that warns if a surface remains hot even after cooking. They warn of hot surfaces even after the device is turned off.

7. Use

Wondering where you can use a tabletop stove and if your purchase will be worth it? Let's see some of the situations and ideal locations where you can use a tabletop stove:

• Camping & outdoor activities: Ideal choice for preparing meals during camping, picnics, or a mountain excursion, where there is no access to a regular kitchen.
• Balcony, garden, or patio: Whether it's a barbecue with friends, a party, or a family meal, a tabletop stove is a good choice for preparing and keeping appetizers warm while the rest are cooking.
• Small apartments or guesthouses: A student house or a small rental apartment are suitable spaces to add a tabletop stove, which can meet the needs of 1-2 people.
• Country house: There is no more suitable place to use a tabletop stove than a country house that you visit a few weeks a year. It is the right solution to have a cooking device and not spend a lot of money.
• Power outage: A portable gas stove can be very useful during power outages, so you never run out of food.
• As extra cooking equipment: If you cook a lot because there are many people in the house or due to a table with many guests, a tabletop stove will help to have everything ready at the same time.

Don't forget! Many times there may be a difference in a product, based on its overall characteristics and construction. Before you decide, read the reviews of other users to see their opinion too!

You can also take a look at the guide to the best countertop hobs on the market, where you will find the best options based on user feedback.