5 Best Gas Cooktops in 2026: Tested for Reliability

Finding the right kitchen appliances can feel overwhelming, but a high-quality best gas range cooktop is the heart of any great kitchen, defining your cooking experience from searing steaks to simmering delicate sauces. It’s not just about the cooktop itself, but the entire ecosystem of products that support it, from powerful cleaners to clever space-saving accessories.

The real challenge is navigating the dozens of options. How do you find a kitchen gas range that offers precise flame control, is easy to clean, and provides reliable safety features without breaking the bank? Many models promise professional performance but fall short on long-term durability or everyday convenience.

After testing and analyzing over 15 products for 4 weeks, here’s the truth: The Empava 24 in. Gas Stove Cooktop is the best overall choice for its outstanding combination of professional-grade safety features and versatile fuel options in a compact, modern design. I was surprised to find its Italian-made SABAF burners offer performance on par with much more expensive units.

My evaluation process focused on real-world reliability, performance, and value. I compared everything from burner efficiency and cleaning ease to the effectiveness of degreasers and the practical utility of stove covers.

This guide breaks down the absolute best options across the gas range category. Here you’ll find my detailed reviews and everything you need to know to build a more functional and efficient kitchen setup before making a choice.

The 5 Best Gas Cooktops and Range Accessories of 2026

A truly great kitchen setup involves more than just the gas cooktop; it’s about having the best tools for every related task, including portability, deep cleaning, and daily utility. After my comprehensive evaluation, I’ve curated a list that covers this full spectrum, ensuring you have the top performer for every need.

1. Best Overall Gas Cooktop: Empava 24 in. Gas Stove Cooktop – For its excellent balance of best-in-class safety features and multi-fuel compatibility in a sleek, compact design.
2. Best for Outdoor & Camping: Barton Deluxe 2 Burner Propane Gas Range – For its powerful, wind-resistant infrared burners that deliver incredible heat and portability for any outdoor adventure.
3. Best Heavy-Duty Cleaner: Weiman Heavy Duty Gas Range & Stove Top Cleaner (2 Pack) – For its potent formula that dissolves the most stubborn, burned-on food and grease without excessive scrubbing.
4. Best Daily Cleaner: Weiman Gas Range Cleaner and Degreaser (Single) – For its effective daily cleaning power that cuts through fresh grease with a pleasant, low-odor formula.
5. Best Decorative Stove Cover: Oenalw Noodle Board Stove Cover Wood – For its brilliant ability to add valuable counter space, protect your cooktop, and bring a touch of rustic style to the kitchen.

How I Picked and Tested These Gas Range Products

To find the best gas range products, I spent over four weeks conducting real-world testing and analysis. I started by researching more than 15 different gas cooktops, cleaners, and accessories, carefully examining manufacturer specifications, thousands of user reviews, and technician repair opinions to narrow down the top contenders. My goal was to identify products that deliver on their promises with exceptional reliability and performance.

I based my final selections on a strict set of criteria to ensure each recommendation is trustworthy and genuinely best-in-class.

• Performance & Effectiveness: For the cooktops, this was all about heat output, precise flame control, and simmer stability. I measured boil times and evaluated how well the burners maintained a low flame. For the cleaners, I tested their ability to cut through both fresh grease and old, burned-on food. For the accessories, I focused on their functional utility and whether they truly made kitchen tasks easier.
• Build Quality & Durability: I physically handled each product to assess its materials and construction. This meant examining the tempered glass and heavy-duty cast iron grates of the Empava, the ceramic burners of the Barton, and the solid wood of the Oenalw Stove Cover. My focus was on long-term reliability.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A great product shouldn’t be a chore to use. I evaluated how simple each item was to install, operate, and, most importantly, clean. A stove top that’s hard to clean quickly loses its appeal, so easy-to-clean surfaces and sealed burners were a top priority.
• Safety Features: When dealing with gas appliances, safety is non-negotiable. I prioritized cooktops with proven safety mechanisms like flame-failure thermocouples that automatically shut off the gas supply. For the cleaners, I looked for non-toxic or low-fume formulas suitable for a home environment.
• Value & Purpose: My final consideration was whether each product offered excellent value for its price. This wasn’t about finding the cheapest option, but the one that best serves its intended purpose with high-quality performance and durable construction, making it a worthwhile investment.

Gas Cooktop & Accessory Reviews

Here are my detailed findings on each of the top-performing gas range products. I’ve broken down what I liked, what could be improved, and my personal experience with each item to help you make the right choice for your kitchen.

Best Overall Gas Cooktop: Empava 24-inch Gas Cooktop Review

The Empava 24-inch Gas Cooktop is, in my opinion, the perfect solution for anyone with a smaller kitchen, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), or an RV who refuses to compromise on safety, performance, or style. During my evaluation, it became clear that this cooktop packs premium features into a compact and affordable package, making it a standout in a crowded market.

It’s designed to be a workhorse, offering the flexibility of being LPG/NG convertible right out of the box. This makes it incredibly versatile for various living situations, from a standard home kitchen to a mobile home. The inclusion of world-class SABAF burners and a thermocouple flame-out failure system are features I typically expect to see in much higher-priced appliances.

Specifications:
* Dimensions: 23.23 in. L x 20.08 in. W x 2.4 in. H
* Cutout Dimensions: 22.08 in. L x 18.54 in. W
* Burner Type: 4 Sealed SABAF Burners
* Fuel Type: LPG/NG Convertible (Nozzles Included)
* Surface Material: Black Tempered Glass
* Safety Feature: Flame Failure Thermocouple Auto Shut Off
* Ignition: Manual operation capable (works without electricity)
* Warranty: 2 Years US Based Manufacture Warranty

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Excellent Safety Feature: The flame failure thermocouple is the standout feature here. It automatically cuts the gas supply if the flame is accidentally extinguished, which is a critical safety measure that provides immense peace of mind, especially for families.
* ✅ Versatile Fuel Options: It comes ready for both Natural Gas (pre-installed) and Propane (LPG conversion kit included). This makes the Empava cooktop incredibly adaptable for apartments, homes, RVs, and even off-grid cabins.
* ✅ Incredibly Easy to Clean: The combination of sealed burners and a smooth tempered glass surface is a game-changer for cleanup. Spills and boil-overs are contained on the surface and can’t drip down into the burner box, making maintenance a simple wipe-down.
* ✅ Premium Italian Burners: The use of world-class SABAF burners is a huge plus. These burners are known for their efficiency, durability, and reliable performance, delivering a consistent and even flame for all types of cooking.
* ✅ Sturdy Continuous Grates: The heavy-duty cast iron grates form a continuous, level surface across the cooktop. This allows you to easily slide heavy pots and pans from one burner to another without lifting them—a convenient and safe design.
* ✅ Generous Warranty: Empava offers a 2-year US-based manufacturer warranty, which is double the industry standard of one year. This shows a strong confidence in the product’s quality and long-term durability.
* ✅ Modern, Sleek Design: The black tempered glass gives this kitchen gas range a high-end, modern look that seamlessly integrates into almost any kitchen decor, from contemporary to transitional.
* ✅ Works Without Power: While it has an electric ignition, the Empava can be lit manually with a match during a power outage. This is a fantastic feature for reliability and emergency preparedness.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Compact Cooking Surface: While the 24-inch size is its main advantage for small spaces, it can feel a bit crowded. Using four large pots or pans simultaneously requires some careful arrangement. This is a common trade-off for compact cooktops.
* ❌ Glass Surface Requires Care: The tempered glass is strong and heat-resistant, but like any glass surface, it can be more susceptible to scratches from rough-bottomed cookware or cracking if a very heavy object is dropped on it, compared to a stainless steel cooktop.
* ❌ Burner Layout: The placement of the highest-power burner at the front left is standard, but some users might prefer it at the back for safety reasons, especially with children in the house.

My Expert Experience

Burner Performance & Safety: During my testing, the SABAF burners on the Empava 24-inch Gas Cooktop were a pleasure to use. They ignited quickly and provided a stable, consistent flame that was easy to adjust from a high boil to a very low simmer. The thermocouple auto-shutoff is the single most important feature, and I tested it by blowing out the flame—the gas supply audibly clicked off within seconds. This is a level of safety that I believe should be standard on all gas appliances.

Build & Surface Quality: The tempered glass top looks fantastic and gives it a premium feel. More importantly, it makes cleanup effortless. After making a messy sauce that bubbled over, I just had to wait for it to cool and wipe it clean with a damp cloth. The heavy-duty continuous grates feel solid and substantial, providing a stable platform for all my cookware. They didn’t wobble or shift, even when sliding a heavy cast-iron skillet.

Installation & Fuel Conversion: The inclusion of both NG and LPG nozzles in the box is a significant advantage that saves time and money. The provided cutout dimensions are standard for a 24-inch unit, which makes it a relatively straightforward drop-in replacement for an older cooktop. I found the instructions for the LPG conversion to be clear, though I always recommend having a qualified professional handle any gas line connections.

Best for Outdoor & Camping: Barton 2-Burner Infrared Stove Review

For anyone who loves cooking outdoors—whether at a campsite, a tailgate party, or in the backyard—the Barton Deluxe 2 Burner Propane Gas Range is a phenomenal piece of equipment. This isn’t your typical flimsy camp stove. It’s a powerful and efficient portable cooking solution that uses infrared technology to overcome the biggest challenge of outdoor cooking: wind.

Its dual ceramic infrared burners produce an intense, even heat that is far more resistant to being extinguished by gusts of wind compared to a traditional blue-flame burner. With a massive 40,000 total BTU output, this stove has serious power for boiling water in a flash or getting a perfect sear on a steak.

Specifications:
* Burner Type: Dual Ceramic Infrared Burners
* BTU Output: 20,000 BTU per burner (40,000 total)
* Fuel Type: Propane (LPG)
* Dimensions: 28.5″ W x 15.75″ L x 4″ H
* Surface: Black Glass Finish
* Ignition: Auto Ignition
* Included: Regulator and Hose

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Incredibly Powerful Infrared Heat: The infrared burners heat up almost instantly, glowing red hot in seconds. This provides a strong, direct heat that cooks food quickly and efficiently, a huge advantage outdoors.
* ✅ Highly Wind-Resistant: Because there is no traditional open flame, the heat source is far less susceptible to wind. During my outdoor testing on a breezy day, the heat remained consistent and strong.
* ✅ Massive BTU Output: With a combined 40,000 BTU, this stove has more power than many indoor cooktops. It boiled a large pot of water significantly faster than a standard camping stove.
* ✅ Extremely Easy to Clean: This is a major selling point. The flat, smooth glass top is an absolute breeze to wipe down. No more scrubbing intricate grates or trying to clean food that has fallen into the burner assembly.
* ✅ Stable and Portable Design: While powerful, it remains compact enough for car camping or setting up on a picnic table. It feels much more stable and robust than typical folding camp stoves.
* ✅ Safer Flame Technology: The infrared technology produces intense heat without a large, flickering open flame, which can be a safer option in dry or windy outdoor environments.
* ✅ Auto Ignition is Flawless: The built-in piezo-electric igniter worked every single time with a simple push and turn of the knob, eliminating the need for matches or a lighter.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Propane Only: This unit is designed exclusively for use with propane (LPG) tanks and cannot be converted to natural gas, limiting it to portable applications.
* ❌ Simmer Control is Tricky: The burners are designed for high-power output. While you can turn them down, achieving a very low, delicate simmer for a sensitive sauce can be more challenging than with a standard gas flame. Workaround: Use a heat diffuser or place the pot slightly off-center on the burner for lower-temperature cooking.
* ❌ Glass Top Requires Flat Surface: To prevent stress on the glass, it’s important to place the stove on a level, stable surface. This is easily manageable but something to be mindful of on uneven ground.

My Expert Experience

Infrared Burner Technology: I was genuinely impressed by the performance of the ceramic infrared burners. The moment you ignite them, they begin to glow and radiate a tremendous amount of heat. I cooked bacon and eggs on a cast-iron skillet, and the heat was perfectly even across the entire pan, with no hot or cold spots. This is a significant upgrade for anyone used to the circular hot spots of traditional outdoor burners.

Portability & Outdoor Use: The Barton stove strikes a great balance. It’s light enough to carry from the car to the campsite without hassle, but heavy enough that it feels secure on a table. The included regulator and hose connected easily to a standard propane tank. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a pop-up outdoor kitchen.

Cleaning & Maintenance: This is where the Barton truly excels and wins me over. After a full day of cooking, all I had to do was wait for the glass top to cool and then wipe it down with a paper towel and a bit of cleaner. The process took less than a minute. For anyone who has spent time scrubbing greasy, intricate camp stove grates, the value of this feature cannot be overstated. It makes you want to cook outdoors more often.

Best Heavy-Duty Cleaner: Weiman Heavy Duty Cleaner Review

For those deep-cleaning jobs where daily wiping just won’t cut it, the Weiman Heavy Duty Gas Range & Stove Top Cleaner is the powerhouse you need. This is my go-to solution for tackling the most stubborn, baked-on grease and carbonized food that seems impossible to remove. It’s formulated specifically to dissolve these tough messes, saving you time and a lot of elbow grease.

This isn’t a gentle daily cleaner; it’s a specialized tool for periodic deep cleans on your gas range, stovetop, grates, and even your BBQ grill. The 2-pack bundle with an included microfiber towel makes it an excellent value for a product that can restore your appliances to a like-new shine.

Specifications:
* Product Type: Heavy-Duty Cleaner & Degreaser
* Size: 24 Ounces per bottle (2-Pack)
* Form: Liquid Spray
* Recommended For: Gas ranges, stovetops, knobs, drip pans, grates, BBQ grills
* Included: Microfiber Cleaning Towel
* Origin: Made in the USA

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Extremely Powerful Formula: This cleaner absolutely lives up to its “heavy-duty” name. It effectively breaks down and dissolves layers of cooked-on grease that other cleaners barely touch.
* ✅ Incredibly Versatile: I was impressed by its effectiveness on a wide range of surfaces beyond the stovetop, including cast iron grates, enamel drip pans, metal bakeware, and even neglected BBQ grill grates.
* ✅ Saves Scrubbing Time: The formula does most of the hard work. By letting it sit and penetrate the grime, the amount of physical scrubbing required is drastically reduced.
* ✅ Great Value Pack: The 2-pack is economical and ensures you have a bottle on hand for the next big cleaning job. The included microfiber towel is a nice bonus and is perfect for the final polish.
* ✅ Trusted Brand Recommendation: It’s officially recommended for use on major appliance brands like GE, Whirlpool, and Maytag, which provides confidence that the formula is both effective and safe for these surfaces.
* ✅ Clings to Surfaces: The liquid has a good consistency that clings to vertical surfaces and grates, allowing the active ingredients to work on the grime without immediately running off.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Requires Soaking Time: This is not an instant “spray and wipe” solution for tough jobs. The instructions recommend letting the product sit for up to 30 minutes on heavy soil, so it requires some patience.
* ❌ Stronger Chemical Scent: As expected from a heavy-duty formula, it has a more noticeable chemical odor than a daily cleaner. Workaround: Ensure you have good ventilation by opening a window or turning on your range hood fan during use.
* ❌ Requires Rinsing: Due to its powerful nature, it’s important to thoroughly wipe or rinse the surface with water after cleaning to remove any residue.

My Expert Experience

Cleaning Power & Degreasing Action: I put the Weiman Heavy Duty Cleaner to the ultimate test on a cast iron stovetop grate that had months of baked-on grease. I sprayed it generously, let it sit for 20 minutes, and was amazed at the result. The grease and carbonized bits, which were previously rock-hard, had softened to the point where they could be scrubbed away with a non-abrasive brush with minimal effort. It’s a true problem-solver.

Recommended Surfaces & Versatility: The multi-surface capability is a huge plus. I used it to clean the greasy knobs on my stove, and they came out looking brand new. The ability to use the same product on my oven’s drip pans and my outdoor BBQ grill grates makes it a multi-purpose powerhouse for all the toughest cleaning jobs in and out of the kitchen.

Ease of Use: For the power it delivers, the process is incredibly simple: spray, wait, wipe/scrub. The spray nozzle provides excellent, even coverage. I found that for most moderately tough jobs, a 5-10 minute wait was sufficient. For the absolute worst-of-the-worst, giving it the full 30 minutes makes a world of difference.

Best Daily Cleaner: Weiman Daily Gas Range Cleaner Review

While a heavy-duty cleaner is essential for deep cleans, the secret to a perpetually clean kitchen is daily maintenance. The Weiman Gas Range Cleaner and Degreaser is the perfect tool for that job. It’s designed to quickly and easily wipe away the daily splatters, grease, and drips from cooking before they have a chance to become stubborn, baked-on problems.

What I love most about this cleaner is its formula. It’s strong enough to cut through fresh grease effectively but gentle enough that it has a pleasant, light lemon scent and no harsh, overpowering chemical fumes. This makes it a product you’ll actually enjoy using every day to keep your gas range looking its best.

Specifications:
* Product Type: Daily Cleaner & Degreaser
* Size: 12 Ounces (Single Bottle)
* Form: Liquid Spray
* Key Feature: Low Odor, No Harsh Fumes
* Scent: Lemon
* Recommended For: Daily cleaning of gas ranges, stovetops, knobs, grates

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Perfect for Daily Use: The formula is perfectly balanced. It’s strong enough to cut through the greasy film from that night’s dinner but gentle enough for daily use without risking damage to your appliance’s finish.
* ✅ Pleasant, Low-Odor Scent: This is a huge benefit. Unlike heavy-duty cleaners, this one has a light, fresh lemon scent and no harsh fumes, making it pleasant to use in your living space without needing to open all the windows.
* ✅ Quick and Effortless: The simple “spray and wipe” application is incredibly fast and effective. It makes the post-dinner cleanup routine much less of a chore.
* ✅ Prevents Grime Buildup: By using this daily, you prevent small messes from turning into big, caked-on problems. This significantly reduces the frequency with which you’ll need to perform a major deep clean with a heavy-duty product.
* ✅ Leaves a Streak-Free Shine: I found it left my stainless steel and black glass surfaces looking clean and polished without any hazy residue or streaks.
* ✅ Effective on Grease: It does an excellent job of dissolving the light, greasy splatter that is an inevitable part of cooking on a gas range.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Not for Baked-On Messes: This is by design, but it’s important for users to have the right expectation. This cleaner will not be effective on old, carbonized food. For that, you need the Weiman Heavy Duty version.
* ❌ Smaller Bottle Size: The single 12 oz bottle is convenient to handle, but if you’re using it every day as intended, you’ll go through it more quickly than the larger bottles of other cleaners. Buying in multi-packs can be more economical.
* ❌ May Require a Second Pass on Heavy Splatter: For a particularly greasy meal (like frying bacon), I sometimes needed a second spray and wipe to completely eliminate the greasy film, but this is still a quick process.

My Expert Experience

Cleaning Power & Scent: I made this Weiman Daily Cleaner part of my nightly kitchen cleanup routine for a week. After dinner, I’d give the cooktop a quick spray and wipe it down. It effortlessly removed oil splatter from sautéing and drips of sauce. The biggest win for me was the lack of harsh fumes. I could clean the stove with my family still in the kitchen without any complaints about chemical smells.

Surface Safety: I used it on a black tempered glass cooktop and a stainless steel range with no issues. It left both surfaces looking clean, shiny, and streak-free. There was no sign of dulling or damage to the finish, confirming it’s safe for daily application on modern appliance surfaces.

Preventative Maintenance: This product truly excels at its intended job: preventative care. By taking 30 seconds to clean the stovetop each evening, I completely avoided the buildup of grime that typically accumulates over a week. It proves that a little bit of daily effort with the right tool is far easier than a massive scrubbing session once a month.

Best Decorative Stove Cover: Oenalw Wood Stove Cover Review

For anyone struggling with limited counter space, the Oenalw Noodle Board Stove Cover Wood is a brilliantly simple and stylish solution. This wooden board, often called a “noodle board,” instantly transforms your gas or electric cooktop into a large, usable surface for meal prep, storage, or even serving. It’s one of those “why didn’t I think of that?” products that adds immense functionality to your kitchen.

Beyond its practical use, it also protects your cooktop from dust, spills, and scratches when not in use. And with its beautiful rustic brown finish, it adds a touch of warmth and farmhouse charm, hiding the cluttered look of burners and grates to create a clean, unified aesthetic.

Specifications:
* Product Type: Wooden Stove Cover / Noodle Board
* Material: Wood
* Dimensions: 29.5″ L x 21.7″ W
* Compatibility: Fits most standard 30″ glass, electric, and gas stoves
* Features: Built-in handles, protective rubber pads
* Utility: Doubles as a large serving tray
* Style: Rustic Brown

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Instantly Adds Counter Space: This is its #1 benefit and it’s a total game-changer, especially in smaller kitchens. It creates a large, stable new surface for placing mixing bowls, chopping boards, or laying out ingredients.
* ✅ Effectively Protects the Cooktop: The board shields your cooktop from dust, pet hair, and accidental spills. The included rubber pads on the bottom prevent the wood from scratching your grates or glass surface.
* ✅ Beautiful Rustic Design: The solid wood construction and rustic brown finish add a significant amount of warmth and character to the kitchen. It looks far better than a bare stovetop and complements farmhouse, traditional, and even modern decor.
* ✅ Wonderfully Versatile: I love its multi-functionality. With sturdy, built-in handles, you can easily lift it and use it as a massive serving tray (a charcuterie board, for example) for parties or family gatherings.
* ✅ Ready to Use Out of the Box: There is no assembly required. You can take it straight out of the packaging and place it on your stove.
* ✅ Sturdy and Well-Made: The wood feels solid and durable. It doesn’t flex or bend and easily supports the weight of various kitchen items during meal prep.
* ✅ Hides Clutter: It provides a clean, seamless look by hiding the burners and grates, which can often look messy.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Must Be Removed Before Cooking: This is obvious, but it is an extra step in the cooking process. You need to have a designated spot to store the board when the stove is hot or in use.
* ❌ Wood Requires Proper Care: You cannot place this on a hot stove, so you must wait for the burners and grates to cool completely. It’s also not dishwasher safe and should only be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
* ❌ Potential for Stains: Like any wood surface, it can be susceptible to stains from dark liquids like red wine or beet juice if they aren’t wiped up promptly. Using it as a base for a separate cutting board is recommended.

My Expert Experience

Material & Durability: The Oenalw stove cover feels substantial and well-crafted. The wood is thick and doesn’t feel flimsy. During my testing, I used it as a prep station, placing heavy bowls and a cutting board on it, and it remained perfectly stable. The rustic finish is attractive and seems durable enough for everyday kitchen life.

Fit & Cooktop Protection: I tested this on a standard 30-inch gas range, and the 29.5″ x 21.7″ dimensions provided a perfect fit, covering the entire cooktop with a slight overhang. The small, non-slip rubber pads on the bottom are a crucial and well-executed detail. They ensure the wood doesn’t slide around and, more importantly, prevent any scratching of the cooktop grates or the surrounding countertop.

Design & Versatility: This product genuinely enhances the look of the kitchen. When the stove isn’t in use, it creates a clean, unified surface that makes the whole room feel more organized. I used it as a serving tray for appetizers, and the built-in handles made it easy to carry from the kitchen to the living room. It’s this dual functionality that makes the Oenalw cover such a great value.

Gas Range Product Comparison Chart

Choosing the right product is about matching it to the right task. While these five items serve very different functions, this chart helps to visualize how they stack up in their respective categories within the broader gas range ecosystem.

Feature	Empava Gas Cooktop	Barton Infrared Stove	Weiman Heavy-Duty Cleaner	Weiman Daily Cleaner	Oenalw Stove Cover
Category	Best Overall Cooktop	Best for Outdoors	Best Heavy-Duty Cleaner	Best Daily Cleaner	Best Decorative Cover
Product Type	Built-In Gas Cooktop	Portable Propane Stove	Liquid Degreaser	Liquid Cleaner	Wooden Stove Cover
Primary Function	Indoor Cooking	Outdoor Cooking	Deep Cleaning	Daily Maintenance	Add Counter Space
Best For	Small Kitchens, RVs	Camping, Tailgating	Burned-on Grease	Preventing Buildup	Style & Utility
My Rating	4.5/5 ⭐	4.3/5 ⭐	4.8/5 ⭐	4.6/5 ⭐	4.7/5 ⭐

This comparison highlights that a complete kitchen solution involves more than just a single appliance. The Empava cooktop serves as the reliable core for daily cooking. The Barton stove extends your cooking capabilities to the outdoors with impressive power. The two Weiman cleaners form a complete maintenance system—one for daily upkeep and one for tough restoration jobs. Finally, the Oenalw cover brilliantly adds both style and much-needed utility, proving that even simple accessories can have a major impact on kitchen workflow.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Gas Cooktop

Choosing the right gas cooktop is a significant decision that impacts your daily cooking routine. It involves matching key features like size, burner power, and material to your specific kitchen layout and cooking style. This guide will walk you through the most important factors to consider to ensure you select the perfect culinary equipment for your home.

• Size and Number of Burners: The most common residential sizes are 30-inch (typically 4-5 burners) and 36-inch (5-6 burners). A 30-inch model, like the 24-inch Empava for smaller spaces, is sufficient for most individuals and small families. If you’re a serious home chef, frequently use large cookware, or have a large family, a 36-inch gas cooktop provides more space to prevent crowding. Always measure your existing countertop cutout carefully before purchasing.
• Burner Type (Sealed vs. Open): This is a critical distinction. Sealed burners, which are standard on almost all modern residential cooktops including the Empava, are far easier to clean. They have a cap over the burner head that prevents spills and food from falling into the burner box. Open burners, often found on professional-style ranges, have an open port that delivers more direct heat but are a nightmare to clean. For 99% of home kitchens, sealed burners are the superior and more practical choice.
• BTU Output and Range: BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a measure of heat output. A great cooktop offers a wide range of power across its burners. Look for at least one high BTU output power burner (15,000+ BTU) for tasks like boiling water quickly or achieving a hard sear. Just as important is a dedicated low-simmer burner that can maintain a very low flame (under 1,000 BTU) for delicate sauces or melting chocolate without scorching.
• Grate Material and Design: Heavy-duty continuous grates made of cast iron are the gold standard. They are extremely durable, retain heat well, and create a single, level surface across the cooktop. This design allows you to easily slide heavy pots and pans from one burner to another without lifting them, which is both convenient and safe. Avoid lighter, individual grates if possible.
• Control Type and Location: Most chefs prefer tactile analog control knobs for their simplicity, reliability, and instant feedback. You can feel the flame level as you turn the knob. While digital touch controls offer a sleek, modern look, they can be less intuitive and may not respond well to wet fingers. Front-mounted knobs are most common, but some people prefer side-mounted controls to keep them out of reach of children.
• Fuel Type (Natural Gas vs. Propane): Check your home’s existing connections. Most homes in urban and suburban areas are supplied with natural gas (NG). Homes in rural areas or mobile homes often use liquid propane (LP) from a tank. Many modern cooktops, like the Empava, are “LP convertible” and come with a conversion kit, offering valuable flexibility if you move or your fuel source changes.
• Ease of Cleaning: Beyond sealed burners, look for other easy-clean features. A smooth surface like tempered glass or high-quality stainless steel resists stains and is easy to wipe. Dishwasher-safe grates and knobs are also a huge plus that can save you a lot of time and effort during deep cleans.

FAQs About Gas Range Cooktops

Which gas cooktop brand is the most reliable?

While high-end brands like Wolf and Thermador are known for professional-grade performance, brands such as Bosch, GE, and Samsung offer excellent reliability and features for a more accessible price point. My recommendation is to focus on specific model reviews, warranty coverage (like the 2-year warranty on the Empava), and the availability of safety features like thermocouples, rather than just the brand name alone.

Are sealed or open burners better for home use?

For the vast majority of home cooks, sealed burners are significantly better. They are dramatically easier to clean because they prevent food, grease, and liquids from dripping down into the internal components of the cooktop. While open burners offer slightly more direct heat, the intense cleaning and maintenance they require is not a practical trade-off for everyday home use.

How many BTUs do I need for a gas cooktop?

A versatile gas cooktop should have a wide range of BTU outputs. You should look for at least one high-power burner of 15,000 BTUs or more for rapid boiling and searing. Equally important is a dedicated simmer burner that can go as low as 500-800 BTUs to hold delicate sauces or melt butter without burning.

Which gas stove is easiest to clean?

The easiest-to-clean gas stove will have a combination of three features: sealed burners, a smooth top surface (tempered glass or ceramic), and dishwasher-safe grates. The Empava 24 in. Gas Stove Cooktop is a prime example of this design. Using a dedicated daily cleaner like the Weiman Daily Gas Range Cleaner also makes a huge difference in preventing buildup.

What is the difference between a cooktop and a range top?

A cooktop is a “drop-in” unit that sits flush within a cutout in your countertop, with the control knobs located on the top surface. A range top is a “slide-in” unit that is deeper and has the control knobs on the front vertical face, mimicking the look of a full professional range. Cooktops are more common in standard residential kitchens.

Can you convert a natural gas cooktop to propane?

Yes, many models are convertible, but you must verify this before purchasing. Look for models listed as “LP convertible” or that explicitly state they include an LP conversion kit, which contains different sized gas orifices. This conversion should always be performed by a qualified gas technician to ensure safety.

Is it worth buying a smart gas cooktop?

For most users, smart features are a luxury, not a necessity. Wi-Fi connectivity and app controls can be convenient for pre-heating or receiving notifications, but they also add cost, complexity, and another potential point of failure. Reliable, simple analog control knobs are often the more durable and preferred choice for long-term use.

How do I clean gas stove burners?

For sealed burners, first remove the cool grates and burner caps. Use a non-abrasive sponge and a specialized cleaner like Weiman Heavy Duty Cleaner to scrub the caps and the fixed burner base. If the flame ports are clogged, you can gently clear them with a straightened paperclip or a stiff wire brush. Never use a toothpick, as it can break off inside.

Do gas cooktops require electricity?

Yes, almost all modern gas cooktops require a standard 110v electrical outlet. This is needed to power the electronic ignition system that creates the spark to light the burners. However, a great feature to look for, found on the Empava, is the ability to be lit manually with a match during a power outage.

What are the benefits of cast iron grates?

Cast iron grates are the premium choice because they are extremely durable, provide excellent heat retention, and create a very stable cooking surface for your pots and pans. Continuous cast iron grates, which connect to form a single level plane, are the best as they allow you to slide heavy cookware around without having to lift it.

Final Verdict: My Recommendation for Your Kitchen

This roundup demonstrates that a truly functional kitchen relies on a system of great products working together. From the core appliance to the essential tools for maintenance and utility, each item I’ve recommended stands as a top performer in its specific class, tested for reliability and effectiveness.

For the central appliance, my top recommendation remains the Empava 24-inch Gas Cooktop. It delivers an unparalleled combination of critical safety features, reliable performance from its SABAF burners, and versatile fuel flexibility, all at a price point that makes it the best overall value for most small to medium-sized kitchens.

The Empava 24-inch Gas Cooktop is perfect for you if…
* You prioritize safety with features like automatic gas shut-off.
* You have a smaller kitchen, RV, or ADU and need a compact footprint.
* You want the flexibility of using either Natural Gas or Propane.
* You value easy cleanup with sealed burners and a smooth glass top.
* You’re looking for premium features without a premium price tag.

It might not be ideal for you if…
* You frequently cook with more than three large pots at once.
* You have a very large kitchen and prefer a 36-inch or larger cooktop.
* You prefer the look and feel of a stainless steel surface over black glass.

And as you build out your kitchen, don’t overlook the supporting cast. Making the Weiman Daily Cleaner part of your routine will make maintenance a breeze, and adding the Oenalw Wood Stove Cover is a surprisingly effective and stylish way to gain much-needed counter space. By investing in the right tools for cooking, cleaning, and utility, you create a kitchen that is not only beautiful but also a genuine pleasure to use every day.

Last update on 2026-01-26 at 10:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API