Ever looked at a row of gas cooktops and thought, “They all look good—but which one is actually right for my kitchen?” The answer goes beyond picking the best-looking model. Size, burner layout, cooking habits and even your kitchen setup can make all the difference.
This gas cooktop buying guide breaks down what really matters, so you can skip the guesswork and find a cooktop that fits your space and the way you cook.
1. Start With Your Kitchen & Cooking Habits
Before you compare brands or price points, take a moment to think about how you actually cook. Are you feeding a family of five on busy weeknights, or are you a weekend entertainer who loves stir frying and searing meat over an open flame? Your cooking habits should drive every decision that follows, from cooktop size to burner power to the type of cooktop surface under your pots and pans.
This gas cooktop buying guide covers three pillars: kitchen layout and fit, burner configuration and heat output, and the features and finishes that make daily cooking easier. If you are also weighing up electric cooktops, ceramic cooktops, or an induction cooktop, you will find a comparison section near the end. But our main focus is helping you guide gas cooktops decisions smartly.
2. Kitchen Layout, Cut‑Out & Gas Connection: Will a Gas Cooktop Fit?
Great cooktop buying starts with a tape measure, not a catalogue. Before falling for a sleek new cooktop online, confirm it will physically fit your bench and connect to your existing services.
Measuring up. External dimensions and cut-out dimensions are different. A 60 cm cooktop may need a cut-out of only ~570 mm wide × ~490 mm deep. Always download the manufacturer’s installation drawing, especially if you are replacing an older appliance whose sizing may not match current standards. Standard widths for gas cooktops range from 60 cm to 90 cm, though cooktops can range from 30 cm to 120 cm wide, covering everything from compact domino units to professional-grade models.
Location and workflow. The classic kitchen work triangle connects the sink, stove, and refrigerator to keep movement efficient. You might install a gas cooktop above an underbench oven, on a freestanding bench, or as part of an island. Island benches can incorporate cooktops for more workspace and a social cooking setup.
Gas and electrical. Consider existing gas connections when planning your kitchen layout. Check whether you have natural gas or LPG; many gas cooktops are configured for natural gas but include an LPG conversion kit. Even a gas stove needs a nearby power outlet for electronic ignition. Gas cooktops usually require a licensed installer to comply with safety regulations, so budget for a gasfitter and, if needed, an electrician.
If you are designing a new kitchen, decide early whether you want a gas on glass surface or a traditional stainless steel finish, because bench cut-outs and ventilation planning may differ.
3. Size of Gas Cooktop: Matching Width & Burners to Your Cooking Habits
Cooktop size is usually the first spec people check, but it should always be tied to how you cook and how much bench space you have.
Here is a quick guide to typical widths:
| Width | Burners | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 30–45 cm | 1–2 | Studio kitchens, granny flats, secondary cooking zones |
| 60 cm | 3–4 | Small to medium homes (the most common cooktop size, 60 cm wide) |
| 75 cm | 4–5 | A smart upgrade; many 60 cm cut-outs can be reused |
| 90 cm | 5 | Families cooking multiple dishes with large pots and a dedicated wok burner |
| 100–120 cm | 5–6 | Serious entertainers or semi-professional setups (cooktops can range up to 120 cm in width) |
The smallest cooktops start at 30 cm wide, while standard cooktop sizes range from 15 to 36 inches wide internationally. A 60 cm cooktop typically has four cooking zones, and some cooktops offer five cooking zones with a wok burner when you step up to 75 or 90 cm.
Quick self-test. Think about your largest dinner in the last three months. Did you run out of burner space? If you were juggling large pots of pasta, a sauce, steamed vegetables, and a wok all at once, a move from 60 cm to 75 or 90 cm is justified.
Keep in mind that more width does not always mean more comfort. On a narrow bench, a 90 cm cooktop can feel cramped and leave little room for prep. Sometimes a 60 cm model with a smart burner layout outperforms a squeezed 90 cm in a small flat.
4. Burner Layout, Power & Special Burners: What You Really Need
A good burner layout is more important than the number of burners. This section helps you decide between 3, 4, or 5 burners and which special types are worth having.
Common configurations:
- 3 burners on compact models (often 1 large, 2 medium).
- Standard gas cooktops typically have four burners on 60 cm units.
- 5 burners on 75–90 cm models, often with a central two-ring wok burner.
Power ratings. Burners are rated in MJ/h (or kW in some markets). A typical wok burner runs around 14–17 MJ/h, while a simmer burner sits at 3–5 MJ/h. High-output burners range from 12,000 to 20,000 BTU, which is what you want for boiling water fast or searing meat over high heat. Highly responsive burner controls enable precise temperature adjustments, letting you drop from a rolling boil to a low simmer for melting chocolate without missing a beat. Gas cooktops provide instant heat control, which is one reason they remain favoured by professional chefs.
Specialised burners:
- Wok burner: Double or triple ring, delivering high-power heating for round-based woks. Essential for wok cooking and stir frying at restaurant-level temperatures. A wok burner provides high-power heating for woks and deep pans.
- Oblong shaped burner (fish burner): Fish burners have an elongated shape for rectangular cookware such as grill plates and roasting trays.
- Dual-ring burners: Inner ring alone for simmering, both rings for a rapid boil or sear. Some cooktops feature dual and triple elements for flexibility.
Teppanyaki plates are flat surfaces for grilling and searing that sit over your burners for even more cooking options.
Spacing matters. Make sure there is ample space between burners so a wide frying pan and a stockpot can sit side by side without handles clashing. This ergonomic advantage improves as you step up from 60 cm to 75 or 90 cm, giving you more room to easily control each flame.
5. Materials, Cast Iron Trivets & Design: Looks, Stability and Flat Surfaces
The day-to-day “feel” of a gas cooktop comes down to its surface material and pan supports.
Surface options:
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Enamel | Classic look, hides minor scratches, entry-level pricing | Can chip; harder to clean once glaze roughens |
| Stainless steel | Durable, professional feel, matches many ovens and range hoods | Shows fingerprints (brushed finishes help) |
| Gas on glass | Sleek flat glass surface, easy wipe-down | Vulnerable to thermal shock, needs non-abrasive cleaners |
Stainless steel is a common surface material for gas cooktops across many brands and models, offering a balance of durability and style.
Trivets and pan supports. Cast iron trivets are the premium choice: heavy, stable, and excellent for large pots. They are more durable than standard enamel trivets and often designed as continuous grates that allow easy sliding of heavy pots between burners, creating an almost flat surface across the whole cooktop. Enamelled steel iron trivets are lighter and cheaper but may show wear sooner. Sealed burners are known for easier cleaning compared to open burners, so look for sealed designs regardless of trivet type.
Design details. Pay attention to clearly marked burner zones, whether control knobs sit on the front or side, and knob material (metal vs. plastic). Side controls keep hands away from the open flame. Match the finish to your other kitchen appliances for a cohesive look: high-gloss black glass shows streaks more than brushed stainless but delivers a modern, minimalist aesthetic.
6. Safety, Ignition, Cleaning & Everyday Convenience Features
Modern gas cooktops pack safety features that were rare even 10–15 years ago. These are worth paying for.
Safety essentials:
- Flame failure device (FFD): This sensor will automatically shut off the gas supply if the flame is blown out by a draft or boil-over. Safety features include flame failure devices and control knob locks, and FFDs are mandatory on all burners for new Australian domestic cooktops under AS/NZS standards. A well-ventilated kitchen is crucial for gas combustion safety.
- Automatic re-ignition: Relights the flame if it goes out briefly.
- Control lock / child lock: Prevents accidental operation in open-plan kitchens.
Ignition. Gas cooktops use an electronic ignition system for instant heat: turning the knob opens the gas and triggers a spark. Battery-powered ignition keeps working during power outages, while mains-powered versions never need battery replacements.
Cleaning. Cleaning and maintenance requirements should be considered when choosing a gas cooktop. Removable burner caps and trivets can go into warm soapy water, but note that cast iron trivets are not dishwasher safe and can rust if not dried well. Glass and ceramic-style surfaces offer quicker wipe-down but need gentle, non-abrasive cleaners.
Convenience extras:
- Integrated timers and auto shut-off on premium models.
- Step-level flame control with numbered settings for precise control instead of guesswork.
- Accessories like griddle plates and espresso rings that extend your cooking options.
Prioritise at least flame failure protection and reliable ignition as non-negotiables in any new cooktop, even on a tight budget.
7. Gas vs Electric, Ceramic & Induction: Is a Gas Cooktop Still the Best Choice?
Many home cooks in 2025–2026 are comparing gas with other cooktops due to energy efficiency and indoor air quality discussions.
Quick comparison:
- Gas cooktop: Instant visual flame, works with almost any cookware, very responsive heat and temperature control, can operate during blackouts. Requires gas supply and good ventilation. Gas cooktops are favored for their fast heat-up times.
- Ceramic cooktops (electric radiant): Glass-ceramic flat surface, easier cleaning, slower response, retains heat after switching off.
- Induction cooktop: Fastest heating, most energy-efficient (around 85% thermal efficiency vs ~40% for gas), safest surface, but requires magnetic field-compatible cookware (magnetic-base pans) and often higher upfront cost.
Some households choose hybrid solutions: a main gas cooktop plus a portable induction unit, or a mixed-fuel cooktop with two cooking zones of each type.
Air quality note. Gas cooktops can produce higher indoor air pollutants than electric alternatives. Research from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found measurable nitrogen dioxide and ultrafine particle spikes during gas cooking. Swapping gas for electric reduces nitrogen dioxide levels by 51%. If you choose gas, always use a range hood, ensure good ventilation, and keep burner jets clean.
Gas remains the best cooktop choice for home cooks who:
- Rely heavily on wok cooking, charring, and flame-based techniques.
- Want compatibility with existing cookware without upgrades.
- Live in areas with frequent power outages but a stable gas line.
- Prefer the cost effective running costs where natural gas is cheap.
Gas cooktops are often preferred by professional chefs for good reason: nothing else gives you the same tactile, visual feedback of a live flame. This buying guide is about choosing smart within the gas category while remaining aware of alternatives if you ultimately prefer a flat induction or ceramic cooktop surface.
7.1 Ventilation & Range Hoods for Gas Cooktops
Every gas cooktop, regardless of size or how many food dishes you prepare, should be paired with effective ventilation for comfort and safety.
Ventilation options:
- Wall-mounted or under-cabinet range hoods directly above the cooktop.
- Island range hoods for cooktops on an island bench.
- Downdraft systems integrated into the benchtop where overhead hoods are impractical.
Sizing rule of thumb: The range hood should be at least as wide as your gas cooktop and installed at the height specified in the cooktop’s manual for gas flames.
Choose a ducted exhaust to outside where possible, especially for powerful gas cooktops used daily. Recirculating hoods with carbon filters are an alternative but less effective at removing combustion gases. Factor range hood noise, filter cleaning, and operating costs into your overall cooktop buying decision, not as an afterthought.
You may be interested in the ff read:
Buying Separately or Buying a Kitchen Appliance Package: Which Is Better?
How to Match the Right Rangehood to Your Cooktop: The Australian Buyer’s Guide
Find the Right Gas Cooktop for Your Kitchen
Choosing the right gas cooktop comes down to what works for your kitchen and the way you cook. Consider your available bench space, gas connection, preferred burner layout and everyday cooking needs before making your final choice.
Ready to find your fit? Goldline offersgas cooktops in bothnarrow andstandard sizes, giving you options whether you’re working with limited bench depth or a more traditional kitchen layout. Explore our range of gas cooktops and find a model designed to make the most of your kitchen space.
