FAQ Cooktops
Cooktop or range: which should I choose?
A cooktop is built directly into the countertop and pairs with a wall oven installed at the height you prefer — the go-to configuration for custom kitchens and islands. A range combines the cooking surface and oven in a single appliance, which is simpler and usually more affordable. If you're renovating with a central island or want to separate your cooking zones, a cooktop is the right choice.
What's the difference between an electric, induction and gas cooktop?
An electric smooth-top cooktop heats with radiant elements: affordable and easy to clean. An induction cooktop heats the cookware directly through a magnetic field: faster, more precise and safer since the surface stays relatively cool, but it requires magnetic-bottom cookware. A gas cooktop offers a visible flame and instant heat control, a favourite for pro-style cooking, but it needs a natural gas or propane connection.
What cooktop width should I choose: 30 or 36 inches?
The 30-inch cooktop (4 to 5 zones) is the most common format and fits most kitchens. A 36-inch cooktop offers 5 to 6 zones and more space between pots — ideal for large families and island kitchens. Compact 24-inch models are also available for condos. The countertop cutout must match the manufacturer's template exactly, so check the installation specs before buying.
What is a downdraft (integrated ventilation) cooktop?
It's a cooktop that pulls cooking vapours down at surface level through a ventilation module in the centre or at the back of the cooktop. It eliminates the need for a hood above — a perfect solution for islands and open-concept kitchens where a suspended hood would block the view. Venting can go outside or recirculate through filters, depending on your kitchen's configuration.
Will my cookware work on an induction cooktop?
Induction requires magnetic-bottom cookware: cast iron, magnetic stainless steel or enamelled steel. The test is simple: if a magnet sticks to the bottom of the pot, it's compatible. Aluminum, copper and glass won't work unless they have a built-in magnetic base. Most recent cookware sets display the induction symbol underneath.
What installation does a cooktop need?
An electric or induction cooktop connects to a dedicated 240 V circuit — have an electrician confirm if your counter didn't have one. A gas cooktop must be connected by a certified technician, in compliance with Ontario and Quebec regulations. In all cases, the countertop cutout must follow the manufacturer's template and required clearances around the appliance.
How much should I budget for a cooktop?
Entry-level 30-inch electric smooth-top cooktops start around $800 to $1,000. Induction cooktops generally run between $1,200 and $2,500, with 30 to 36-inch gas cooktops in a similar bracket. High-end and downdraft models (Bosch, Miele, JennAir, Fisher & Paykel) can exceed $3,000. Keep an eye on the Corbeil flyer for current discounts.
Does Corbeil deliver and install cooktops?
Yes. Corbeil Appliances delivers across Ontario and Quebec, free on orders of $799.99 or more. With over 30 stores, including Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Sherbrooke, Ottawa and Toronto, our appliance specialists can help you choose the right size and technology for your countertop, in-store or by appointment.
