When it comes to stovetops, there are two main types of burners to choose from – coil burners or flat top burners. Coil burners have been around for decades and use round coils that heat up when electricity passes through them. Flat top stovetops have a smooth, flat ceramic or glass surface that is heated by burners underneath. Both have their pros and cons in terms of heating performance, ease of cleaning, durability, and aesthetics. Here we will examine the key differences between coil and flat top stove burners to help you decide which is better for your cooking needs.
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How do coil burners work?
Coil stovetop burners consist of a circular metal coil that sits on top of a metal base. When the stove is turned on, electricity runs through the coil, causing it to heat up. This allows pots and pans placed on top of the coil to conduct that heat and cook food. The coil’s exposure on top gives it direct contact with cookware for quick, even heating.
Coil elements tend to heat up and cool down faster compared to flat tops. This responsiveness allows more precise temperature control. The round shape also lets cookware sit securely on top of coils. Many coils have slightly raised edges to prevent pots and pans from sliding off.
Underneath the coils are the burner bases. These contain the electrical components and circuitry needed to power the coils above. Turning a stove’s knob activates the circuit to send electricity to the corresponding coil. The more electricity flowing through, the hotter the coil gets.
How do flat top burners work?
Flat top stovetops use flat, smooth cooking surfaces instead of exposed coils. Beneath the surface are burners that generate heat. Electric flat tops have round burners made of coiled metal or ribbon heating elements. Gas flat tops use rows of small flames from gas jets.
The burners heat up the solid surface above them to temperatures up to 500°F. Cast iron or enamel coated steel flat tops retain heat well for even cooking. Glass-ceramic flat tops use high tech material that has great thermal conductivity. This transfers burner heat efficiently to cookware for quick heating.
With flat tops, temperature is adjusted by controlling the burner output rather than the cooking surface itself. The solid surface takes longer to heat up and cool down than exposed coils. But flat tops tend to maintain more even temperatures over time. Their smoothness also allows easy sliding of pots and pans from one burner to another.
Heating Performance
Heat Distribution
Coil burners channel heat directly into the bottom of cookware. Their exposed coils can create hotspots if pans don’t have totally flat bottoms. The round shape also leaves cooler gaps between smaller pans and the edges of the coil.
Flat tops distribute heat more evenly across their surface. This provides consistent cooking temperatures, especially for larger pans. Flat bottoms allow cookware to sit flush and make full contact with the surface. There are minimal cooler spots or gaps.
Temperature Control and Responsiveness
Coil burners respond rapidly to temperature adjustments. Their coils quickly fire up to high heat or cool down to low temperatures within seconds. This makes coils ideal for tasks needing precise temperature changes like simmering delicate sauces or searing meat.
Flat tops are slower to heat up or cool down due to their thicker material storing heat energy. Once at temperature, they tend to maintain it steadily. Their even heat distribution also minimizes hot and cold spots. Flat tops work best for longer cook times at consistent desired temps.
High Heat Output
Coil burners can generate a lot of concentrated heat. Large or specialty coils designed for high output can bring water to a rapid boil much quicker than flat tops. Coils reach maximum heat faster, which is useful for tasks like stir frying in a wok that need intense heat energy.
Flat tops usually don’t get quite as hot as high-powered coil elements. But they can still reach up to 500°F for quick cooking and searing. Their burners produce enough heat for most home cooking requirements. Commercial flat tops often have very high BTU outputs for restaurant use.
Low Heat Simmering
Coil burners can adjust down to very low temps, making them great for delicate simmering or melting chocolate. Their responsiveness lets you maintain a steady low temperature for cooking things slowly without burning.
Flat tops don’t go quite as low as some coil elements. But they can still simmer or melt at sufficiently low heats. Their even heat distribution prevents localized hot spots that can burn food. You may just have to stir more frequently if simmering near the burner’s lowest setting.
Ease of Cleaning
Coil Burners
Coil burner drip pans catch most spills and drips during cooking. But the exposed coils can allow some food debris and liquids to get through onto the base below. These can bake on over time and be tricky to remove if not cleaned regularly.
To clean coils, lift out the center burner parts including coils, bases and drip pans. Scrub coils with steel wool or a coil cleaner brush. Avoid submerging coils in water which can damage their electrical components. Clean the bases and drip pans in hot soapy water, using an old toothbrush to scrub stuck-on grime.
Caution must be used when cleaning around coils to not harm their wiring or electrical contacts. Avoid getting the range bottom too wet. Make sure all components are fully dry before carefully replacing them in the proper positions.
Flat Top Burners
Flat tops are easier to wipe clean after cooking is finished. Their smooth solid surface keeps spills contained. Once cool, just use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe away grease and food debris. For stubborn residue, a ceramic or glass cooktop cleaning cream usually does the trick.
A razor blade scraper can also help scrape off any hardened spills. Take care when doing this to avoid scratching the surface material. Avoid abrasive scouring pads or powders which can also scratch. Vinegar, bleach, oven cleaner and other harsh chemicals should not be used on flat tops.
The burners under flat tops are not exposed, so they don’t require cleaning like coil elements. Just keep the surface clean and you won’t have to worry about grime building up where you can’t reach it. Proper maintenance keeps flat tops looking like new for longer.
Durability and Longevity
Coil Burners
Coil burners are susceptible to damage from liquid spills seeping beneath them or lack of cleaning. Their frequent expansion and contraction from heating and cooling can eventually cause coils to warp, crack or split. Continued use after damage can be a fire or shock hazard.
On average, coil elements last around 5-10 years with proper care before needing replacement. Signs of wear include slow heating, uneven cooking, or coils visibly sagging or separating. Thankfully, replacing worn individual coils as needed is a simple DIY fix for minimal cost.
Flat Top Burners
Flat tops stand up well to daily cooking use without the same thermal stresses as coils. Their enclosed burners are protected and rarely need replacement unless an electrical component fails. But the cooking surface itself can gradually deteriorate.
Ceramic or enamel coatings may chip, discolor or lose their smoothness over time. Glass-ceramic can develop scratches or cracks that require total flat top replacement. With gentle, regular cleaning and avoiding surface impacts, a flat top can last 8-15 years or more before needing a new cooktop.
Aesthetics and Design
Coil Burner Styling
Exposed coils have a distinct retro look that fits well in vintage styled kitchens. Their utilitarian open design showcases the working burner components. Various colors like black, white, chrome and porcelain coated finishes are available to match different aesthetics.
But coils appear less sleek and modern compared to the streamlined minimalism of flat top ranges. Their utilitarian look can also make kitchens appear more dated over time rather than contemporary.
Flat Top Styling
Flat top ranges provide a seamless, modern look with their smooth glass or ceramic surfaces. Without visible burners, they appear much cleaner and sleeker. Their minimal, streamlined aesthetic fits great in contemporary designed kitchens.
A wider range of color and finish options are available for flat tops to coordinate with cabinetry and kitchen decor. Matte finishes help minimize smudging and fingerprints on the cooktop. Flat tops visually blend in more neutrally rather than standing out.
Other Comparison Factors
Safety
Coils’ exposed heating elements pose a contact burn hazard, especially for children. But their quick on/off responsiveness can also be beneficial for safety. If something boils over or needs to be quickly stopped from cooking, coils cool down faster when turned off.
Flat tops’ surfaces stay hotter longer after burners are turned off. But their enclosed design helps avoid accidental contact burns. Smooth surfaces with no gaps or edges allow easier sliding of pots and pans during cooking with less risk of being caught and tipped.
Efficiency
Coils tend to be slightly more energy efficient than flat top electric models. Their direct heat transfer to cookware means less energy is lost heating adjacent areas. Coil stovetops also use less electricity for low-heat simmering compared to flat tops.
Modern induction flat tops are the most energy efficient overall. Their burners use up to 90% less energy than electric coil or standard flat top ranges by directly heating cookware. Gas flat tops can also be very efficient by providing instant on/off control.
Cookware Compatibility
Coils work with all cookware as long as pots and pans are magnetic (for electric ignition). Flat bottoms sit best to maximize contact with coils. Heatproof glass, ceramic or porcelain pans should have raised feet to prevent cracking from direct coil contact.
Flat tops require cookware with perfectly flat bottoms to make full contact with their surfaces. Curved or uneven pans will rock and not heat evenly. Only induction compatible pans work on induction flat tops. Cookware material and size also affect flat top performance.
Repairs and Maintenance
Coil burners are easy to access and replace individually as needed. DIY coil repairs are simple with widely available, inexpensive parts. Their open design makes periodic deep cleaning easier too.
Flat tops must be accessed from underneath to repair burners or heating elements. Cooktops often need full replacement if the surface becomes damaged. Professional service is recommended for any repairs to avoid damage. Routine light surface cleaning is all that’s required.
Price
Coil stovetops are generally the most affordable type. Individual replacement coils are also inexpensive. Basic electric coil ranges start around $300, with higher-end models around $700.
Solid flat top ranges start around $800 and go up from there. Smoothtop and high-end induction flat top models can cost anywhere from $1,500 up to $5,000+. Replacing the entire cooktop is also very costly if needed.
Conclusion
Coil burners and flat top ranges each have their pros and cons. Coils heat up quickly, allow better temperature control and work with most pans. But they don’t distribute heat as evenly and require more frequent cleaning. Flat tops have even heating across their surface, easier wipe-down cleaning and sleek aesthetics. But they are slower to adjust temperatures, pricier to purchase and replace, and require compatible cookware.
Consider your cooking style, budget and kitchen setup to decide which is better for you. Frequent canners or wok users may prefer coils. Those who mainly simmer sauces for longer periods may like flat tops more. Both can get the job done, so go with the burner type that best fits your needs.
Here is a comparison table summarizing some of the key differences:
| Factor | Coil Burners | Flat Top Burners |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Distribution | Can have hot and cold spots | Even across surface |
| Temperature Control | Very responsive | Gradual, steady heat |
| High Heat Output | Very high max heat | Moderate max heat |
| Low Heat Simmering | Excellent | Moderate |
| Cleaning | Coils require scrubbing | Easy wipe-down |
| Durability | Coils may need replacement | Surface may need replacement |
| Style | Retro, utilitarian | Streamlined, modern |
| Cookware Compatibility | Works with all pans | Requires flat-bottom pans |
| Affordability | Less expensive | Higher cost |
Finding the Right Stovetop for You
When selecting a new range, deciding between coil vs flat top comes down to weighing your priorities. How you cook day to day and what features matter most should guide your decision. If quick heating and temperature precision are vital, coils may be the winner. For more even heating across pots and an easy-clean surface, flat tops can’t be beat.
Many models offer a mix of coil and flat top burners to get the best of both worlds. High output coils where cooking intensity is needed combined with flat elements for simmering or griddles give you flexibility. Evaluate your cooking habits and kitchen needs to pick the right stove burner type or combination.