Built-In Gas Cooktops: A Sophisticated Cooking Solution

What are Built-In Gas Cooktops?

Built-in gas cooktops are sophisticated cooking appliances that are permanently installed into a kitchen countertop or island. Unlike freestanding ranges that include both a cooktop and oven, built-in cooktops only provide the cooking surface and must be paired with a separate wall oven.

Key Features of Built-In Gas Cooktops

  • Available in sizes ranging from 24″ to 48″ wide to suit different kitchen layouts.
  • Burners deliver heat output from 5,000 BTU for simmering up to 20,000 BTU for power boiling and searing.
  • Precision control knobs allow instantly adjusting the flame size.
  • Continuous cast iron grates enable sliding pots and pans between burners.
  • Automatic electronic ignition lights burners without matches.
  • Thermocouple flame failure sensors shut off gas if the flame goes out for safety.
  • Optional features include wok rings, griddle plates, and LED task lighting.

Premium Built-In Gas Cooktop Brands

High-end appliance brands offer built-in gas cooktops with professional-grade features:

  • Bertazzoni’s 36″ drop-in low edge cooktops have 6 brass burners, cast iron contour grates, and a seamless one-piece stainless steel worktop for easy cleaning.
  • ROBAM’s 30″ and 36″ models feature Italian-made DEFENDI brass burners with a pure copper core that deliver up to 20,000 BTU for powerful stir-frying and wok cooking.
  • GE Appliances offers 30″ and 36″ gas cooktops in multiple finishes with features like an 18,000 BTU Power Boil burner and precise simmer burners.

While gas remains popular, induction cooktops are an increasingly compelling alternative with faster heating, easier cleaning, and improved safety. Ultimately, the choice between gas and induction depends on the cook’s preferences and cooking style.

How Built-In Gas Cooktops are Made

Here is a more detailed description of how built-in gas cooktops are manufactured:

Fabricating the Cooktop Base

The manufacturing process begins with fabricating the cooktop base from high-quality stainless steel. The steel is cut, shaped, and welded to the desired dimensions, typically ranging from 24″ to 36″ wide. Openings are precisely cut out to accommodate the burners.

Installing the Burner Assemblies

Next, the brass burner assemblies are installed into the openings in the cooktop base. Each burner consists of several key components:

  • Burner cap: Distributes the flame evenly around the burner.
  • Venturi tube: Mixes the gas and air to the proper ratio before ignition.
  • Orifice: Controls the flow of gas to the burner.

The burners are securely fastened to the base to ensure stability and proper alignment.

Connecting the Gas Controls

With the burners in place, the gas control components are installed:

  • Burner control valves: Allow the user to adjust the flame size and heat output of each burner.
  • Gas manifold: Distributes gas from the main supply line to each individual burner.

The valves and manifold are connected to the burners with fittings and flexible gas lines.

Adding the Cooking Grates

Heavy-duty cooking grates, typically made from cast iron, are placed over the burners. These grates support the cookware and are designed to promote even heat distribution. Higher-end models often feature continuous grates that allow sliding pots and pans smoothly from one burner to another.

Installing the Control Panel

The stainless steel control panel is attached to the front of the cooktop base. This panel includes:

  • Control knobs: Allow the user to adjust the burner heat output.
  • Integrated igniters: Automatically light the burners when the knob is turned.
  • Optional features: Some models include LED lights to illuminate the cooking surface.

The control panel components are wired to the appropriate burners and igniters.

Testing and Inspection

Before packaging, each assembled cooktop undergoes rigorous testing and inspection to ensure proper operation and safety:

  • Burner performance: Each burner is tested to verify proper ignition, flame characteristics, and heat output.
  • Gas leaks: The unit is pressurized and checked for any gas leaks.
  • Electrical: Igniters and other electrical components are tested for proper function.
  • Cosmetic: The stainless steel surfaces are inspected for any scratches or blemishes.

Units that pass inspection are carefully packaged and shipped out, ready to provide years of reliable cooking performance in customers’ kitchens.

Key Features of Built-In Gas Cooktops

Sizing Options

Built-in gas cooktops are available in a range of sizes to suit different kitchen layouts and cooking needs:

  • 24″ wide cooktops typically have 4 burners and are suitable for smaller kitchens or apartments.
  • 30″ wide is the most common size, with 4-5 burners to handle most cooking tasks.
  • 36″ wide cooktops offer 5-6 burners and extra space for larger cookware or griddle plates.
  • 48″ wide models are the largest and may include 6+ burners, griddles, or other specialty cooking zones.

Burner Performance

Gas cooktop burners are designed to deliver a wide range of heat output for different cooking techniques:

  • Simmer burners produce around 5,000 BTU of gentle heat for delicate tasks like melting butter or warming sauces.
  • General purpose burners generate 9,000-12,000 BTU, ideal for everyday cooking like sautéing and simmering.
  • Power burners crank out 18,000-20,000 BTU to rapidly boil water, sear meats, or stir-fry in a wok.
  • Dual-ring burners have two concentric flame rings that can be controlled separately for maximum versatility.

Precise Controls

The burner knobs on gas cooktops allow instant, precise control over the flame size and heat output. Turning the knob adjusts the flow of gas to the burner, letting cooks visually fine-tune the flame for the perfect sear, simmer, or sauté.

Continuous Grates

Many gas cooktops feature continuous cast iron cooking grates that cover the entire surface. These heavy-duty grates allow sliding pots and pans smoothly from one burner to another without lifting, making it easy to handle multiple dishes at once.

Automatic Ignition

Modern gas cooktops are equipped with electronic ignition systems that light the burners automatically when the knob is turned, eliminating the need for matches or lighters. This convenient feature ensures reliable lighting every time.

Safety Features

Cooktops with sealed burners include thermocouple flame failure sensors that instantly shut off the gas supply if the flame goes out unexpectedly, preventing dangerous gas leaks. This critical safety feature provides peace of mind and protection for your family and home.

Optional Enhancements

High-end gas cooktops may include specialty features like:

  • Wok rings that provide stable support for round-bottomed woks.
  • Integrated griddle plates for cooking pancakes, bacon, or grilled sandwiches.
  • LED task lights that illuminate the cooking surface for better visibility.

These optional upgrades expand the cooktop’s versatility and make cooking more enjoyable. With powerful burners, precise controls, and thoughtful features, built-in gas cooktops are a popular choice for serious home cooks seeking restaurant-quality performance.

Advantages of Cooking with Gas

Instant Heat and Precise Temperature Control

One of the biggest benefits of gas cooktops is the ability to instantly adjust the heat. When you turn the knob, the flame immediately responds, allowing you to quickly raise or lower the temperature as needed. This level of responsiveness is crucial for techniques like stir-frying, searing, or simmering where precise heat control is essential. With gas, you can also visually judge the heat level from the size of the flame. Experienced cooks know how to control the heat just by looking at the flame, from a low flicker for gentle simmering to a roaring flame for rapid boiling.

Versatility with Cookware

Gas cooktops are very versatile and can accommodate a wide range of cookware shapes and sizes. The open flame allows heat to reach the sides of curved pots and pans like woks or stir-fry pans. You can also use any type of cookware material on a gas cooktop, including cast iron, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, and ceramic. With induction, you are limited to ferromagnetic cookware like cast iron or certain stainless steels.

Cooking Techniques

The open flame of a gas cooktop enables unique cooking techniques not possible with electric or induction:

  • Charring: Peppers, tortillas, and other foods can be charred directly in the flame for smoky flavor.
  • Flambéing: Igniting liquor in a pan to create impressive flaming dishes.
  • Roasting: Marshmallows or other items can be toasted right on the burner.
  • Wok hei: The “breath of the wok” seared flavor that comes from cooking in a wok over high heat.

These special techniques are prized by chefs and enthusiastic home cooks who want to expand their culinary repertoire.

Reliability

Gas cooktops continue to function even during a power outage, providing a reliable cooking source when electricity is unavailable1. If you live in an area prone to storms or blackouts, a gas cooktop offers peace of mind that you can still prepare meals.

Drawbacks to Consider

While gas has its advantages, there are some potential drawbacks compared to induction cooktops:

  • Safety concerns with open flames, especially around children.
  • Harder to clean due to crevices and grates.
  • Potential for gas leaks if not properly installed and maintained.
  • Less energy-efficient than induction cooking.
  • Combustion can impact indoor air quality if ventilation is inadequate.

Ultimately, the choice between gas and induction depends on your cooking style, the types of dishes you prepare, and your personal preferences. Many serious cooks love the power, control and versatility of gas, but induction is increasingly popular for its speed, safety and efficiency.

Leave a Comment