Gas, electric, induction? Which cooktop should you choose?

It's the workhorse of your kitchen – the appliance you probably use the most.

Plus it often sits as a focal point of your kitchen design.

It's your cooktop, and it comes in three options – gas, electric or induction.

We asked five Trends Design Council members what cooktop they currently have in their kitchen ... and why.

And if they would switch if they were planning a new kitchen for themselves today.

Here's what they said ...

Kitchen designer Kyla Potter, Carlielle Kitchens

In my kitchen, I have the Fisher & Paykel 900mm wide Induction Cooktop

I like Induction cooking because you get the same speed as gas if not faster, a very controlled heat and easy surface for cleaning.

The cleaning factor is very important, to me after having a gas cooktop for the last 2 years that was terrible to clean!

Induction is also a great option if you have children – because it works on magnetic fields, when you remove a pot/pan from the surface it instantly turns off.

Kitchen designer Colleen Holder

I currently have a gas cooktop, which is fast and efficient to use.

But if I was planning a new kitchen for myself I would change to induction. I'd like to experience induction because as well as being fast and efficient, it's also a very safe way to cook.

Designer Jason Bonham

I have an induction cooktop in my own kitchen – it's more energy efficient and more responsive than gas.

I'd still specify an induction cooktop if I was designing a new kitchen for myself.

Architect Frans Kamermans

We have an electric cooktop in our kitchen, because induction wasn't widely available when we designed it.

But if I was planning a new kitchen, I would change to induction because it's energy efficient and I prefer cooking using electricity rather than gas.

Designer Ingrid Geldof

There's an induction cooktop in my own kitchen.

It's very easy to use, and the other big advantage is it's so easy to clean.

Kitchen designer Melanie Craig

I have induction and love it.

It's particular good for ageing owners or for families. A mother can relax and let younger family members cook, as there is no worry about the danger of flames.

On the other hand, a gas cooktop is good for cooks that mean business. In Europe, you see a lot of kitchens with gas. It's for the educated client who understands how best to use it and doesn't mind the cleaning involved.

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Find out more about induction in 5 reasons why you should have an induction cooktop

The six designers here are all members of the Trends Design Council.

See more advice and ideas from Trends Design Council members.

Story by: Paul Taylor