How To Customize Your Modular Cooktop

When weighing the pros and cons of cooking fuel types, option paralysis can set in. Maybe you want the eco-friendly performance of an induction cooktop, but don’t want to sacrifice the reliability of gas in a power outage. Why settle for one when you can have them all with modular cooktops? A cooktop module is a slimline appliance, usually 12-in. with one or two burners/elements, that can be paired with others like it from the same brand to create your own custom cooktop suite.

As your appliance authority, AjMadison not only wants to offer you the best cooktop modules for your home, but also empower you to shop our wide selection of cooktops like an appliance pro! Let’s go through all there is to know about modular cooktop designs and their various pairing options before checking out what our top picks have to offer.

What Are the Different Types of Cooktop Modules?

Arguably the biggest advantage of a modular cooktop suite is the ability to mix and match fuel types and cooking surfaces ideal for various dishes. Different brands offer different options, but your new cooking suite can include any of the following depending on which you choose:

Gas Burners – Power burners, simmer burners, and even wok burner options are available for modular cooktop suites. Gas cooktops provide instant ignition and precise heat controls that can quickly boil pots of water and sear meat.

Radiant Coils – Budget-friendly cooktop modules have radiant coil options which heat up with electricity and are very durable to support heavy cookware. Keep in mind that coils can be harder to clean than smoothtop surfaces and likely do not have even heat distribution.

Smoothtop Electric Elements – Smoothtop glass modules have no gaps for spills to fall in and generate less ambient heat than gas.

Induction Hobs – Modular induction cooktops use electromagnetism to directly heat metal cookware detected on their smoothtop surfaces, keeping them cool to the touch and eliminating the potential for burnt-on spills. The best induction cooktops can even heat up cookware comparable to the speed of gas, making them an eco-friendly alternative.

Teppanyaki – These Japanese-style flat iron griddles utilize high heat and minimal oil to let you prepare fried rice, marinated meats, shellfish, vegetables, eggs, and other favorites from your local hibachi steakhouse.

Electric Grill – Get barbecue-style sear marks on thick cuts of meat and fresh fish! These modules include grease collection trays that minimize splatters on your surrounding countertops.

Boilers/Fryers – These dual-purpose modules can boil pasta or deep fry chicken wings without having to buy a dedicated fryer that can make your countertops messy.

Downdraft Vent Hoods – Select brands, such as the Gaggenau modular cooktop suite, have slimline downdraft hoods that can be interspersed between your modules. These can be a convenient alternative to installing a full-length hood behind or above your cooktop suite.

Where Can You Put a Modular Cooktop?

A modular cooktop suite can be installed anywhere a standard cooktop can. Put them along your normal countertop or on a dedicated kitchen island for a designer look. For a truly high-end kitchen aesthetic, select brands like Pitt Cooking and Tulip Cooking can even integrate burners directly into your countertop. Others separate the cooktop controls from the unit and place them along the front of your counter.

Are Modular Cooktops Expensive?

Since modular cooktops are customizable, they tend to carry a higher price point. Specialized modules like induction hobs, grills, and fryers are almost exclusively carried by luxury brands such as Miele, Gaggenau, and Fisher & Paykel. However, if all you want is a mix of gas and electric cooktops, there are select brands like Summit which carry budget-friendly pairings.

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