If you're looking for a cooktop that delivers solid performance and cleans up with ease, you’re in the right place. An electric cooktop, especially radiant glass models, is a favorite for homeowners who want sleek surfaces, fewer nooks and crannies for food to hide, and overall low-maintenance cooking. In this post, we compare electric cooktops against induction options, explore the features that make the best electric cooktops stand out, spotlight top models available at Arnold’s, and help you figure out which suits your cooking and cleaning style.
Explore Cooktops at Arnold's Appliance
Ready to upgrade your old electric cooktop? Browse options from leading brands including GE, KitchenAid, Bosch, and more at Arnold's Appliance, today!
Shop Cooktops→ Learn more: The Complete Guide to Viking Ranges
Electric vs. Induction Cooktops
When choosing between an electric cooktop and an induction cooktop, there are a couple things to consider. Both run with electricity and offer streamlined glass surfaces and simple cleanup when compared to coil or gas top stoves.
Induction generally wins points for cleaning because the surface doesn't heat up as much, meaning spills don't bake onto the glass the way they can on radiant surfaces. But modern radiant electric cooktops are still very easy to clean. If you just wipe away spills before they burn in, you’re good. The main difference when you are considering an induction cooktop vs. electric cooktop is speed and safety: induction heats faster, cools quicker, and stays relatively cool to the touch. But if you prefer flexibility in cookware and a more accessible price point, radiant electric models offer nearly the same cleaning benefits.
Features of the Best Electric Cooktops
What makes the best electric cooktop great beyond having a smooth surface?
- Glass‑Ceramic Radiant Surface: Look for sleek, flat tops—no coil parts—enabling the easiest wipe-down cleanup.
- Power Boil & Melt Settings: Elements with dedicated high-heat and low-heat zones for quick cooking and gentle melting.
- Hot Surface Indicators: Safety features like lights to warn if a zone is still hot.
- Precision Control Knobs or Touch Controls: Responsive heat control without overshoot.
- Flexible Element Sizes: Dual‑ring or bridge zones allow for various pot sizes.
- Downdraft Venting (if built in): Ideal for kitchens without overhead ventilation.
- Durable, Scratch-Resistant Surface: Especially important if you use heavy cookware—it keeps the surface looking new.
These features come together to deliver both cooking performance and easy cleanup.
→ Learn more: Arnold's Induction Cooktop with Downdraft Installation Guide
6 Best Electric Cooktops
Here are a few of our favorite electric cooktops that we have at Arnold’s Appliance.
GE® 30" Stainless Steel Electric Cooktop
Shop this GE® 30" Stainless Steel Electric Cooktop
If you are looking for a reliable and budget-friendly choice that keeps things simple and effective, look no further than this GE electric cooktop. This 30-inch electric cooktop includes four radiant heating elements, including a powerful 8-inch Power Boil element for rapid water boiling and a low 6-inch Melt element for more delicate tasks like melting chocolate or butter. The controls are traditional knob-style, which many users find more intuitive than digital options. Cleanup is easy thanks to the smooth ceramic-glass surface, and hot surface indicator lights ensure you know when you can touch the surface. If you want a cooktop electric 30 inch model with no-frills usability and a clean look, this GE option fits the bill without breaking the bank.
KitchenAid® 30" Stainless Steel Electric Cooktop
Shop this KitchenAid® 30" Stainless Steel Electric Cooktop
The KitchenAid #KCES550HSS brings both performance and polish. This 30-inch electric cooktop features a glass-ceramic surface framed by sleek stainless steel trim, offering a slightly industrial look that works well in modern kitchens. It includes two double-ring elements that let you adjust to different pot sizes, giving you more flexibility when cooking multiple dishes. The control knobs are solid-feeling and front-mounted for easy access and offer precise temperature control. Cleanup is smooth and straightforward, spills stay on the surface, and the glass wipes clean with minimal effort. This is a great pick for home chefs who want the best electric cooktop that’s stylish, practical, and built to handle real cooking.
JennAir® 30" Stainless Steel Electric Downdraft Cooktop
Shop this JennAir® 30" Stainless Steel Electric Downdraft Cooktop
If your kitchen lacks overhead ventilation, the JennAir #JED3430GS gives you a built-in solution without sacrificing aesthetics. This electric cooktop with downdraft includes JennAir’s powerful JX3™ downdraft ventilation system, which pulls smoke, steam, and odors downward before they can escape into your kitchen. The four radiant cooking zones include a dual-element for pot-size flexibility and a warm zone to keep dishes hot without overcooking. The sleek glass surface with stainless trim adds a luxurious touch, and the integrated vent makes it a great solution for island installs or minimalist kitchens. It’s an excellent pick if you’re looking for a compact solution that blends beauty and function.
→ Learn more: How to Switch to a 36" Cooktop
Wolf® 36" Black Electric Cooktop
Shop this Wolf® 36" Black Electric Cooktop
The Wolf #CE365T/S/208 is a high-performance powerhouse wrapped in sleek black glass. This 36-inch model gives you five distinct cooking zones, including a powerful dual-zone element for fast boils and a True Simmer setting that holds low temperatures perfectly, ideal for sauces or melting delicate ingredients. Wolf is known for its rock-solid build quality, and this cooktop is no exception. The durable glass surface resists staining and scratching better than many competitors, making cleanup a breeze. Its sleek stainless trim and premium knob controls round out the design. If you’re investing in a luxury kitchen and want a Wolf electric cooktop 30 inch or larger, this is the one to beat.
Bosch® 800 Series 36" Black Electric Cooktop
Shop this Bosch® 800 Series 36" Black Electric Cooktop
Bosch as a brand is known for offering that classic European refinement with top-tier performance. At 36 inches wide, this cooktop provides five cooking elements, including a powerful center burner for large pots and a bridge element that accommodates griddles or oversized pans. The touch-sensitive controls are super responsive and keep the surface free of crevices, making it simple to wipe down and keep clean. Bosch’s signature sleek black glass matches beautifully with their wall ovens, making this model a strong pick for seamless integration into a Bosch suite. If you're looking for a 36-inch electric cooktop with premium styling and pro-level flexibility, this model delivers.
Viking Professional 5 Series 36" Stainless Steel Electric Radiant Cooktop
For home chefs who want pro-grade power and a bold design, the Viking #VECU53616BSB is a serious contender. This 36-inch electric radiant cooktop offers five burners, including a 12-inch extra-large triple-element zone and a bridge element for use with griddles or roasting pans. The stainless steel trim adds a rugged, restaurant-style feel, while the smooth glass top keeps cleanup easy after a heavy cooking session. The knobs are heavy-duty, precise, and ergonomically designed for confident control. It’s a high-performance option for anyone who wants to combine commercial strength with home-cook practicality.
→ Learn more:: 36 Inch Electric Cooktops: 6 Best Reviewed Models
How to Choose the Best Electric Cooktop
When choosing your electric cooktop, here are a few things to consider, especially if easy cleanup is a priority:
- Surface Material: Choose glass‑ceramic radiant models—not coil cooktops. Flat surfaces help spills glide off with a sponge or cloth if cleaned promptly.
- Control Type: Touch controls seal more cleanly than knobs, but knobs can be easier to operate and clean around. Prioritize models with removable knobs or sealed top panels depending on your preference.
- Element Layout: Dual-ring and bridge zones increase flexibility and allow large pans to sit evenly—perfect for multitasking and avoiding messes.
- Specialized Burners: Look for Melt or Simmer settings to avoid overboiling.
- Ventilation Needs: Models like JennAir’s electric cooktop with downdraft eliminate overhead vent maintenance and keep surfaces clean.
- Scratch Resistance: Black diamond glass surfaces (Wolf) resist impacts and maintain shine, reducing scratches or dull spots.
- Size & Depth: Make sure cooktop depth fits standard countertop space and power wiring is capable (typically 240 V for built-ins).
In terms of cleanup, heating coil stoves are a no‑go—sticks, drips, and hard-to-clean drip pans make them messy and harder to clean. Electric glass cooktops behave like induction surfaces in terms of cleaning ease—once cooled, wipe with safe cleaner and microfiber cloth, and avoid abrasive pads.
→ Learn more: Comparing Cooktops vs Rangetops for Your Kitchen
Choosing a top-notch electric cooktop means focusing on glass‑ceramic radiant surfaces, flexible zones, and easy-to-clean design. Whether you’re drawn to trusted performance, versatility, or clean aesthetics, Arnold’s Appliance has standout options for every budget and cleanup style.
Electric Cooktop FAQs
Always let the cooktop cool fully before cleaning; heated glass cleaners may crack the surface or burn. Use a non-abrasive cleaner or vinegar with a microfiber cloth. For stubborn residues, a cooktop scraper kit helps, but only use it gently. Wipe in a circular motion until the surface sparkles—spots are easiest to remove before they are baked on.
If your kitchen has adequate airflow, a radiant electric cooktop doesn’t always need a vent hood. But if you use pots that boil over or create steam frequently, some venting—whether overhead or downdraft—is recommended to manage smoke, steam, and odors.
Induction cooktops heat pans directly using magnetic energy and the cooktop remains mostly cool, which makes cleaning easier and increases energy efficiency. Electric radiant cooktops heat through glass surfaces that radiate heat—but still deliver a smooth, wipe-clean surface, though spills can bake on more than on induction.
For electric cooktops in Bellevue, head to Arnold’s Appliance. We stock all the models discussed above and more, offer professional installation, and deliver personalized support.
Why Trust Arnold’s Appliance?
Arnold's Appliance started in the summer of 1956 when it opened its doors as Lakeshore Appliance in Redmond, Washington. John Arnold and his family have since grown the store from just a few brands to the large appliance store it is today and moved to Bellevue in 1999 in search of a larger building. Arnold’s Appliance now offers high-end innovative products from over 45 manufacturers.
In addition to extensive product knowledge, Arnold’s has been providing fine appliances to Northwest builders, remodelers, designers, architects, and developers for over 47 years. Arnold's supplies products and installation to many of the finest custom and spec home builders in the Pacific Northwest. Along with single-family housing, Arnold's has also supplied products for some of the largest multi-unit projects in the area. Arnold’s, now the third generation of the Arnold Family, is dedicated to bringing the best quality products, delivery services, and installation to customers for years to come.
Shop Cooktops at Arnold’s Appliance
Stop by Arnold’s Appliance Bellevue, WA location to see what a difference buying locally with an experienced staff can make. Or shop electric cooktops online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find a cooktop — whether you call us at 425-454-7929, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
→ Learn more: 5 Best Gas Cooktops Under $1000