Cooktops

Thinking it might be time to update your kitchen setup? A new kitchen stove top can completely revitalise your space. Whether you love to cook or can think of nothing worse, a brand new cooktop will make preparing dinner easier and more enjoyable.

Browse Factory Buys’ broad range of stove tops today for inspiration. We’ve got electric induction stove tops, ceramic cook tops and classic gas stove tops to choose from, all of which are of excellent quality and at an affordable price point. 

Electric And Induction Stove Tops

What Should I Look For In An Electric or Induction Stove Top?

When shopping for an electric stove top, there are a few key features and functions to look for. 

An electric induction cooktop is a great option if you're looking for even heat distribution and quick cooking times. Consider our Electric Induction Cooktop 60cm — the perfect size and surface to cook your favourite meals on. Speaking of, another advantage of an electric induction cooktop is it provides a flat cooktop surface, which can make the job of cleanup far easier.

If, on the other hand, you're searching for an electric stove top with a more traditional feel, look for one with coil heating elements. These stove tops typically have good heat retention and heat distribution.

Lastly, consider the size of the stove top and how many burners you'll need. If you have a large family or entertain often, consider an electric stove top with multiple burners.

Can You Damage An Induction Hob By Using The Wrong Pans?

Many people believe you can damage an induction hob by using the wrong pans. While you won’t technically damage the induction hob, you will struggle to actually cook anything. 

If you use a normal pan — and by that we mean one made of glass, copper or aluminium — on an induction hob, no heat will be produced. Induction hobs don’t work the same way as regular pots, which transfer heat via thermal conduction. Instead, copper wire found beneath the ceramic plate creates a fluctuating magnetic field that generates heat. The pot must contain a ferromagnetic metal, like iron or stainless steel, to facilitate this field. No metal equals no heat.

So while you won’t damage an induction hob by using the wrong pans, you’ll be waiting quite a long time for your food to cook! Keep this in mind should you choose to go down the pathway of an induction hob — you may need to also purchase speciality pans.

Gas Stove Tops

What Should I Look For In A Gas Stove Top?

There are a few key features and functions you should look for when shopping for a gas stove top. First, consider the fuel type. Gas stove tops can run on either natural gas or liquid propane gas (LPG). If you have a natural gas line in your home, then a natural gas cooktop is a good option — like. If you don't have a natural gas line, then you'll need to choose an LPG gas cooktop. Many of Factory Buys’ cooktops are compatible with both fuels — including our popular Comfee 90cm Gas Cooktop — so you don't need to concern yourself with this factor. Ensure you do your research before making a purchase.

Another important consideration is the number of burners. If you do a lot of cooking, then you'll want a 4 burner gas cooktop — consider our Comfee 60cm Gas Cooktop, for example. But if you don't do much cooking, then a 2 burner gas cook top will suffice and is probably preferable, as you won’t need to spend as much time cleaning. We recommend you check out our Devanti 30cm Gas Cooktop if a 2 burner gas cook top is your preferred option. 

Finally, take a look at the layout of the burners. Some cooktops have the burners arranged in a linear fashion, while others have them arranged in a circle. There is no right or wrong answer; it's simply a matter of preference.

With these considerations in mind, you're sure to find the perfect gas stove top for your needs.

Which Gas Stove Top Is Easiest To Clean?

The first thing to know about keeping your gas stove top clean is spills should be attended to as soon as possible. Clogged burners will significantly impact your ability to cook food evenly and the longer you leave food stains, the harder they will be to remove.

With that in mind, when deciding on a gas stove, consider how easy it will be to clean. Gas stove tops with fixed iron trivets or many parts can be very difficult to navigate. Food will get stuck underneath locked fixtures, grease will build up, and the quality of your food will suffer! Keep in mind that the greater the number of burners, the more time you will need to spend cleaning, too. 

Cleaning your gas stove top shouldn’t require anything more than warm soapy water and a microfibre cloth. 

Which Type Of Stove Top Is Best?

When it comes to choosing a stove top, there are three main types to consider: gas, electric induction, and ceramic. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Gas stove tops, like our Comfee 90cm Gas Cooktop, are one of the most popular varieties. They're affordable and easy to use, and they offer good heat control. However, gas stove tops can be hard to clean, and they're not as energy-efficient as other types of stove tops.

Electric induction cooktops are becoming more popular in recent years, including our 60cm Ceramic Cooktop. They're very energy-efficient and easy to clean, but they can be expensive. Induction cooktops also require special cookware, so it's important to make sure you have the right kind before you buy one.

Ceramic cook tops — like our Devanti 90cm Ceramic Cooktop — are arguably the most energy-efficient type of stove top, but they can be costly. They're also difficult to clean, so keep that in mind if tidying up your kitchen at the end of a meal is not your favourite thing to do!

No matter which type of kitchen stove top you choose, make sure you read the instructions carefully before using it and maintain it as required to maximise its life. 

How Do You Install A Stove Top?

Once you’ve selected the perfect stove top, it’s time to install it. Unless you have prior experience carrying out this type of work, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. However, there are a few steps you can take care of before putting a call to the electrician.

To start with, ensure you have enough room in your kitchen to fit your chosen stove top. Stove tops tend to come in a few standard sizes — the most common of which is 60cm wide. However, you can buy cook tops as small as 30cm and as wide as 90cm. If you have a pre-existing stovetop in your kitchen, the simplest thing to do is purchase a new cook top exactly the same size. Keep in mind, too, that you will need to remove and dispose of your old cook top. Some electricians will do this for you but others will request you take care of this step yourself. 

Factory Buys — Leading Suppliers of Stove Tops 

Treat yourself to a brand new stove top with Factory Buys. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes to the quality and taste of your food. Take your time doing your research and feel free to contact our friendly team with any questions you may have. 

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