Cooktops are sometimes confused with the tops of stoves (which are more correctly referred to as stovetops). In other cases, the term "cooktop" is used to refer to any type of cooking device that is mounted into a countertop. Cooktops, however, slot into a counter directly and have controls that are parallel to the surface, unlike range tops which also install into the counter. In contrast, range tops slide into place like a peninsula rather than being installed into a closed recess within a countertop. They have an exposed front lip panel with front control knobs.
There are three types of electric cooktops:
Electric coil: Cookware is heated directly by electric coil heating elements made of ceramic. This is both the most conventional and least expensive type of Electric Cooktops available today.
Smooth top: Ceramic glass covers the whole stove surface to provide a smooth top with a clean, contemporary appearance that requires no maintenance.
Induction: Induction cooktops use electricity to power electromagnetic waves that heat cookware, despite being classified as a separate category.
Moreover, Electric Cooktops sizes range from 15 inches to 36 inches, and they can have two to six heating zones.
