This cooktop buying guide is built for Australian homeowners who want to get the purchase right the first time. Whether you are comparing gas cooktops, electric cooktops, or ceramic cooktops, the decisions you make before clicking “buy” will determine how well the appliance fits your kitchen, your cooking habits, and your compliance obligations. Goldline has put together this practical checklist so every home cook can approach the process with confidence.
Quick checklist before you buy a cooktop in Australia
Before ordering a new cooktop, verify these items against the product listing or in-store spec sheet:
- Benchtop cut-out dimensions – confirm the exact width, depth, and corner radii from the manufacturer’s template. A 60 cm cooktop typically requires a cut-out around 560 × 490 mm, not the full 60 cm edge-to-edge width.
- Gas supply or electrical connection – check whether your kitchen has natural gas, LPG, or a dedicated hardwired electrical circuit at the correct amperage.
- Ventilation and clearances – ensure minimum distances to walls, windows, and overhead rangehoods meet both Australian standards and manufacturer instructions.
- Compliance marks – look for RCM (electrical) or correct gas-type labelling on the data plate.
Common Australian cooktop widths are 30 cm (domino), 60 cm (the standard size cooktop in most kitchens), 70–75 cm, and 90 cm. Standard cooktop sizes are 60 cm, 70 cm, and 90 cm, with cooktops as small as 30 cm available for compact spaces.
Goldline-specific must-checks:
- Ensure your benchtop has the correct cut-out dimensions for the cooktop.
- Ensure it is installed by a licensed technician to meet current compliance regulations.
- Research the cooktop before use to ensure you are familiar with its operation and functionality.
- Find videos and photos of the cooktop in operation to ensure it is the best fit for your home.
Buying Cooktop Checklist
This cooktop buying guide is built for Australian homeowners who want to get the purchase right the first time. Whether you are comparing gas cooktops, electric cooktops, or ceramic cooktops, the decisions you make before clicking “buy” will determine how well the appliance fits your kitchen, your cooking habits, and your compliance obligations. Goldline has put together this practical checklist so every home cook can approach the process with confidence.
Quick checklist before you buy a cooktop in Australia
Before ordering a new cooktop, verify these items against the product listing or in-store spec sheet:
- Benchtop cut-out dimensions – confirm the exact width, depth, and corner radii from the manufacturer’s template. A 60 cm cooktop typically requires a cut-out around 560 × 490 mm, not the full 60 cm edge-to-edge width.
- Gas supply or electrical connection – check whether your kitchen has natural gas, LPG, or a dedicated hardwired electrical circuit at the correct amperage.
- Ventilation and clearances – ensure minimum distances to walls, windows, and overhead rangehoods meet both Australian standards and manufacturer instructions.
- Compliance marks – look for RCM (electrical) or correct gas-type labelling on the data plate.
Common Australian cooktop widths are 30 cm (domino), 60 cm (the standard size cooktop in most kitchens), 70–75 cm, and 90 cm. Standard cooktop sizes are 60 cm, 70 cm, and 90 cm, with cooktops as small as 30 cm available for compact spaces.
Goldline-specific must-checks:
- Ensure your benchtop has the correct cut-out dimensions for the cooktop.
- Ensure it is installed by a licensed technician to meet current compliance regulations.
- Research the cooktop before use to ensure you are familiar with its operation and functionality.
- Find videos and photos of the cooktop in operation to ensure it is the best fit for your home.
Kitchen Layout and Cooktop Position
Your kitchen layout should reflect how you actually cook. The classic work triangle links prep, cook, and clean zones, while modern Australian kitchens often expand this into five zones: store, prep, cook, clean, and serve. The cooktop sits at the centre of that workflow.
- Above a built-in oven – the most common layout in standard Australian homes.
- On an island bench – popular in open-plan living; requires powerful overhead extraction or downdraft to extract steam effectively, plus safe clearances on all sides.
- On a separate run of cabinetry – keeps cooking away from the sink zone, suits contemporary designs.
Minimum clearances matter. For gas, AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 requires at least 650 mm from the trivet to the lowest part of the rangehood in new installations. Match your cooktop width with your rangehood – a 60 cm cooktop pairs best with a 60–90 cm rangehood to manage fan speed and smoke capture. Island cooktops in new Australian builds often need a high-extraction canopy or integrated downdraft system.
Choosing the Right Cooktop Size and Number of Cooking Zones
Cooktop size is defined by its nominal width and the number of burners or cooking zones it offers. Cooktop dimensions greatly influence kitchen design and cooking style. Most cooktops have three to five cooking zones to accommodate different cooking needs.
| Size | Typical zones | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 30 cm domino | One cooking zone to two cooking zones | Studio apartments, portable units, or a second cooking zone beside a main hob |
| 60 cm | Three cooking zones (a 60 cm cooktop typically accommodates three cooking zones) | 1–3 people, the most popular cooktops in Australian kitchens |
| 70–75 cm | Four cooking zones (a 70–75 cm cooktop can fit four cooking zones comfortably) | 3–4 people, room for larger pots |
| 90 cm | Five cooking zones or a large wok burner (a 90 cm cooktop can accommodate five cooking zones) | 5+ people, entertainers, serious wok cooking |
More cooking zones are not always better. If your cooking habits involve two or three pots and pans at once, cramped separate zones on a wide cooktop can make it harder to manoeuvre cast iron skillets or larger pots. Choose the size cooktop that genuinely matches how you cook.
Goldline checklist point: ensure your benchtop has the correct cut-out dimensions for the cooktop. Stone and engineered surfaces may need a licensed stonemason to modify – measure the existing cookware space and compare it to the product manual before ordering.
Energy efficiency and running costs
With rising electricity and gas prices across Australia in 2026, energy efficiency directly affects your household budget. Choosing an energy efficient cooktop can also keep your kitchen cooler during hot summers in Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth.
At a high level, induction cooktops are considered the most energy efficient option because they heat cookware directly, reducing energy loss. Modern ceramic electric cooktops follow, then gas cooktops, which lose more heat into the surrounding air. However, efficient burner design – such as Goldline’s focused gas burners – can narrow the gap for gas cooking.
Simple habits deliver real energy savings regardless of fuel type:
- Use the smallest burner or heating zone that matches your pan size.
- Cover pots and pans with lids when cooking rice or boiling water.
- Consider whole-of-life cost: purchase price, installation and power requirements, ongoing energy bills, and the potential to switch fuel types during a future renovation.
For a deeper comparison of running costs, see our guide on induction vs gas cooktops in Australia.
Key Cooktop Features and Controls to Look For
When browsing kitchen appliances on retailer sites or appliances online listings, focus on features that affect daily safety and convenience.
Gas cooktop safety:
- A flame failure device on each burner is mandatory in Australia – it cuts the gas if the flame goes out.
- Automatic re-ignition systems.
- Sturdy continuous cast iron trivets (iron trivets that span multiple burners) for stability when sliding larger pots.
Electric, ceramic, and induction safety:
- Residual heat indicators warn you when a heating zone is still hot.
- Child locks prevent accidental activation – induction cooktops feature child locks to prevent accidental use.
- Automatic shut-off timers: a safety cut-out switches off induction zones after 1–10 hours of uninterrupted use.
- Induction cooktops automatically turn off if cookware is removed, and have safety sensors to prevent overheating. These excellent safety features make induction cooking one of the safest options available.
Convenience features:
- Auto pan detection on most induction cooktops – zones heat only when modern cookware with a magnetic base is detected.
- Flexible cooking zones and flexible zones (bridge two zones for oversized cookware).
- Power boost and quick heating for high heat tasks.
- A pause function to temporarily suspend all zones.
- Power management to balance maximum power across active zones.
Look for intuitive controls: front-mounted knobs on gas models, touch sliders on ceramic and induction, and clear zone markings. Heat control should feel responsive to every heat setting. Australian-compliant markings and a layout that suits both right- and left-handed cooks are worth checking. Cookware manufacturers often list compatible cooktop types, so verify before buying stainless steel pans or other items.
Benchtop Cut-out, Ventilation and Installation Requirements
The physical cut-out in your benchtop often determines which cooktop you can install. Measure your existing cooktop opening (width, depth, corner radii) and compare it to the manufacturer’s template from the installation guide.
Ventilation: rangehoods vented to the outside are best. For gas, maintain at least 650 mm clearance from trivet to rangehood in new installations. Apartments need particular attention, as ducting options may be limited. Induction cooktops need ventilation space underneath for a cooling fan.
Installation: installation of gas and electric cooktops must comply with Australian regulations. Gas cooktops must be installed by a licensed gas fitter. Hardwired electric and induction cooktops – which may require a 20 to 42 amp connection – must be installed by a licensed electrician. Induction cooktops require specific dimensions for installation. Inadequate ventilation or incorrect clearances can void warranties and may prevent Goldline from carrying out a service visit.
If you plan to change from gas to electric or vice versa, consult a professional first – new circuits, capped gas lines, or cabinet modifications may be needed.
Cooktop Surface, Cleaning And Everyday Care
The cooktop surface you choose – enamelled steel, stainless steel, or ceramic glass – affects how easy the appliance is to live with.
- A flat surface on ceramic, electric, and induction cooktops allows quick wipe-downs with a soft cloth. Cleaning efficiency varies by type, with induction being the easiest to clean because the glass surface stays relatively cool. However, glass can scratch or crack from dropped cookware or hardened sugary spills.
- Gas cooktops require more attention: removable burner caps and cast iron trivets should be lifted off regularly for cleaning underneath. Continuous trivets are easier to maintain. Learn more in our gas burner cleaning guide.
Quick care tips: avoid abrasive cleaners, wait until zones cool before wiping (watch for residual heat), and clean sugar spills immediately. A busy Melbourne or Sydney family cooking most nights might wipe surfaces after each meal and do a deeper clean of burner internals weekly. Proper care supports warranty validity by preventing misuse-related damage.
Safety, compliance and Goldline warranty/service checklist
Safety and compliance tie directly to Goldline’s service and warranty expectations. Cooktops should be installed by a licensed professional, and proof of licensed installation may be required when lodging a warranty or service request.
Goldline service request – things to understand:
- We will require proof of purchase and a clear description of the issue, supported by photographs or videos of the cooktop and the fault.
- If compliance regulations or warranty terms are not met (for example, unlicensed installation, non-compliant ventilation, or wrong gas type), the service may not be undertaken.
- A service may be discontinued if the regulations and expectations of these terms are not met.
Consumer guarantees in Australia may extend beyond the manufacturer’s warranty under Australian Consumer Law, but meeting installation and usage requirements remains essential. Familiarise yourself with the cooktop’s operation before first use – read the manual and watch product videos. Visit the Goldline warranty service page for full terms.
Recap of Goldline’s key service conditions:
- Licensed installation with certificate retained.
- Proof of purchase kept on file.
- Photos or videos provided with every service request.
- Compliance with ventilation, clearance, and gas-type requirements.
Where to research and buy cooktops in Australia
Research before purchase saves time and money. Australian buyers typically compare specifications on manufacturer websites, reputable online retailers, and independent review sites. Look for real-life photos and videos of the cooktop in operation – including Goldline demonstration content – to understand burner layout, control feel, noise levels, and whether it suits your cooking style, from high heat stir-fries to slow cooking rice.
Check delivery, installation, and old-appliance removal options. Remember that installation must always be carried out by licensed professionals. Keep digital copies of your invoice, compliance certificate, and installation photos for long-term warranty and service documentation.
Ready to find the best cooktop for your kitchen? Explore Goldline’s gas cooktop range or contact Goldline for help matching a model to your benchtop cut-out, cooking style, and Australian compliance requirements.