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by Trisha Berendt
Many kitchens feature gas ranges for cooking that combine both burners and an oven in one unit. Recently, separate gas cooktops have risen in popularity because they fit into a countertop while allowing storage cupboard space underneath. Gas cooktops are especially popular with chefs because they allow more precise control over temperature and cooking time.
Cooktop widths: You have several choices for the width of your gas cook top. Standard ranges are 30 inches wide, which can accommodate four burners. This standard size doesn't take up a lot of counter space. If you want more space for cooking, though, you may want to consider a 36-inch-wide gas cook top. For professional kitchens or for those who cook many items at once, special 48-inch gas ranges are also available and feature more burners. Measure your space ahead of time to be sure that the cook top you choose can fit in your space.
Burner options: As you choose a gas cooktop, there are many options when it comes to burners. A standard gas cooktop comes with four burners. At least one of these burners should have high heat output of around 15,000 BTU. A burner with a high heat output will allow you to sear and stir-fry foods or quickly boil water. If you often simmer sauces and soups at a low heat, consider purchasing a gas cooktop with a special simmer burner that can maintain low heat. If you're concerned about cleanup, pick a cooktop that has sealed gas burners that prevent food particles from getting trapped under a burner.
Ventilation: Proper ventilation is an important feature to consider when you're choosing a gas range. In most cases, you'll install your gas cooktop on a counter underneath a ventilation hood. The hood will suck out heat and smoke to keep the air in your kitchen clean. In cases where you're installing the gas cooktop on a kitchen island or you don't want to install a range hood, choose a cooktop with downdraft ventilation. This is built into some gas cooktops. Instead of allowing a range hood to handle the ventilation, there are self-ventilation systems that suck air down through the bottom of the unit, freeing up space above the cooktop.
