What if every meal started with a flame you could see, feel and adjust in an instant? From a gentle Saturday simmer to a roaring weeknight stir-fry, gas gives you control over the heat.
Gas cooktops offer quick heat adjustment and clear visual feedback from the flame. That’s why they remain a popular choice in Australian kitchens. Let’s cover what matters when choosing one.
Types, Sizes and Layouts of Gas Cooktops
Gas cooktops come in a range of sizes, burner layouts, and surface materials – and the right combination depends on your kitchen space, cooking style, and design preferences.
- Widths: Compact models (30–45 cm) suit tight benchtops with 1–2 burners. Standard 60 cm units offer 3–4 burners, while 75–90 cm cooktops with 5–6 burners are ideal for a busy family kitchen.
- Burner layouts: Some place the wok burner centrally for symmetrical access; others mount it to the side, freeing space for wider pots. Gas cooktops are compatible with all types of cookware, so layout flexibility matters more than material restrictions.
- Surface finishes: Stainless steel is durable but shows fingerprints. Glass and tempered glass deliver a sleek, easy-wipe surface. Enamel resists impact but can chip over time.
- Trivets and pan supports: Continuous cast-iron grates allow sliding heavy pots across burners easily – a real advantage during multi-dish cooking. Separate trivets are lighter and simpler to clean individually.
- Installation: Choose between a standard drop-in cooktop or a flush-mount design that sits level with your benchtop. Either way, a licensed gas fitter is legally required in Australia for any gas installation.
Goldline offers multiple layout options from compact panels to wide-format 90 cm models, helping you select a cooktop that maximises usable cooking area on standard benchtops.
Key Features to Look for in a Gas Cooktop
Think of this section as your checklist. These are the features that actually impact day-to-day cooking and should be front of mind when you compare models.
Power and Burner Range: Output is measured in megajoules per hour (MJ/h). High-power burners provide intense heat for tasks such as searing and boiling. Look for at least one burner rated between 15–19 MJ/h. Low-heat control is equally important. Gas cooktops can reach high temperatures quickly, but they should also maintain a gentle, steady flame for simmering.
Dedicated Wok Burner: Many gas cooktops feature a dedicated wok burner with dual-ring flames for concentrated, high heat. This is non-negotiable if you love stir-fries or fast Asian-style cooking. Goldline’s GLAGCC9053L-D 90 cm model features 5 powerful burners with one being wok. This gives you flexibility for everything from gently simmering sauces to high-heat cooking.
Controls and Ignition: Gas cooktops can be lit with a spark or pilot light when the knob is turned, and electric ignition systems are common in modern gas cooktops, making one-hand operation effortless. Gas cooktops often have easy-to-use controls for convenience – front-mounted knobs are the most accessible and keep your hands away from open flames. Look for child-resistant push-turn knobs.
Safety Features: Some gas cooktops include safety features like flame failure devices, which cut the gas if a flame blows out. These have been mandatory on all burners in Australia since July 2017 under AS/NZS 5263.1.1:2016.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Sealed burners contain spills better and simplify cleaning on gas cooktops. Removable trivets and spillage bowls reduce grime, and smooth glass surfaces wipe down faster than textured stainless.
Gas Type Compatibility: Most cooktops ship configured for natural gas but include an LPG conversion kit – always have a licensed fitter handle the swap.
Safety, Regulations, and Running Costs
Safety and correct installation are important when choosing a gas cooktop. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
- Professional installation: Gas cooktops should be installed by a suitably licensed gas fitter in accordance with applicable Australian requirements and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
- Flame Failure Device: This safety feature is designed to automatically stop the gas supply if the flame is accidentally extinguished.
- Ventilation: Good kitchen ventilation is important when cooking with gas. Choose a suitable rangehood for your cooktop and follow the appliance and rangehood installation requirements.
- Power requirements: Some gas cooktops may allow burners to be manually lit during a power outage, depending on the model. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before doing so.
- Compare specifications: Before purchasing, check important details such as burner output, safety features, gas compatibility, dimensions and installation requirements to make sure the cooktop suits your kitchen.
Why Choose a Goldline Gas Cooktop (with Wok Burner Options)
This is where Goldline’s products truly shine. Goldline offers gas cooktops designed for the way Australians cook. They’re practical and versatile, handling everything from everyday family dinners to larger meals.
- High-output wok burners rated no less than 18 MJ/h with dual-control inner and outer rings, so you get intense high heat for searing and fine low-flame control for simmering – all from one burner.
- Design for real kitchens: Burner spacing accommodates large stockpots alongside a wok at the same time. Finishes in black glass, white glass, and stainless steel match contemporary cabinetry. Front-knob placement keeps controls cooler and within easy reach.
- Robust build: Heavy cast-iron trivets with detachable wok stands, toughened bevelled glass edges, and spillage bowls that simplify cleanup after every meal.
- Safety and reliability: Flame failure devices on all burners, ISO 9001:2015 accredited components sourced from Italy, and a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty with an optional Care+ extension to 5 years.
Ready to upgrade your everyday cooking? Explore the current Goldline gas cooktop range online or visit an authorised retailer to find the model that fits your kitchen, your cooking style, and your budget.
