Electric Cooktops at Bray & Scarff

An electric cooktop trades the open flame for a flat, sealed surface that wipes clean in seconds and fits into almost any kitchen. Our electric lineup runs across two technologies, smooth-top radiant and induction, so you are really choosing by how you like to cook rather than by fuel alone. 

Bray & Scarff has helped homeowners across Maryland and Virginia pick the right appliances since 1930, and because we sell, deliver, install, and service what we carry, an electric cooktop is one kitchen appliance we can handle end to end rather than hand off. If you have not settled on electric yet, the main cooktops page walks through gas, electric, and induction together.

Radiant vs Induction Electric Cooktops

Every electric cooktop here heats in one of two ways, and they feel different enough in use that the label is worth understanding first. Radiant is the familiar glass top most people picture, while induction is the faster, cooler-running option that keeps winning cooks over.

• Radiant, Smooth-Top: Elements glow beneath a ceramic-glass surface and warm the pan from below. It works with any flat-bottom cookware, costs less to buy, and gives you that seamless glass look.
• Induction Cooktops: A magnetic field heats the pan itself while the glass around it stays relatively cool, so water boils noticeably faster and the response is instant. The trade-off is that you need magnetic cookware such as cast iron or magnetic stainless steel.

Both drop into the same style of countertop cutout, so the decision really comes down to your budget, your pots, and whether the speed and cool surface are worth the step up.

How to Fit an Electric Cooktop

Electric cooktops sit in a countertop cutout and pull from a dedicated 240-volt line, so two things decide most of the job: the size of the opening and the power behind it. A little planning here heads off the classic install-day surprise.

Sizes cover a wider range than most people expect. Compact 12-inch to 15-inch electric cooktops work as a modular unit for a bar, island, or a second cooking zone, and often sit side by side with another module. A 24-inch electric cooktop fits smaller kitchens, condos, and apartments where counter space is tight. From there, 30-inch electric cooktops suit most standard kitchens, while 36-inch electric cooktops buy extra elements and elbow room. 

Measure your cutout before you shop, since the smaller sizes may also draw less power. If you are coming from gas, there may not be a 240-volt circuit in place yet, which is an electrician's job to add. We install what we deliver, and if the cutout needs adjusting or you want a fresh surface, ask about a free countertop replacement quote so it can be handled alongside your cooktop instead of across two contractors.

Find Electric Cooktops on Sale

There is usually more than one way to bring the price down, and the savings are not limited to entry-level models. Between active markdowns, manufacturer rebates, and our outlet floor, it is worth a quick look before you buy.

• Electric Cooktops On Sale: Current price cuts on electric models across brands and finishes.
• Rebates Available: Select manufacturers pay cash back that often stacks on top of the sale price.
• Outlet Center: Check the Bray & Scarff Outlet for additional savings on select cooktops.

Find Your Electric Cooktop at Bray & Scarff

Once you have weighed radiant against induction, landed on a width, and checked what is on sale, the last step is seeing it in person. As a local company rooted in the DC metro since 1930, we keep working models on the floor at showrooms across Maryland and Virginia, from Alexandria and Fairfax to Rockville, Columbia, and Annapolis. 

Contact us with your measurements or questions, or visit an appliance showroom near you to compare surfaces side by side before you order.

 

Frequently Asked Questions: Electric Cooktops

Are induction cooktops considered electric?

Yes. Induction cooktops run on electricity like any electric cooktop, but instead of heating an element under the glass, they use an electromagnetic field to heat the pan directly. That is why you will find induction models here alongside smooth-top radiant electric cooktops.

What cookware works on an electric cooktop?

Smooth-top radiant electric cooktops work with any flat-bottom cookware. Induction cooktops need magnetic cookware, such as cast iron or magnetic stainless steel. A quick test: if a magnet sticks firmly to the bottom of the pan, it will work on induction.

Does an electric cooktop need a special outlet?

Most electric cooktops need a dedicated 240-volt circuit rather than a standard wall outlet. If you are replacing an existing electric cooktop, the wiring is usually already there; switching from gas may require an electrician. Our team will go over what your install needs.

Can I replace a gas cooktop with an electric one?

Usually, though it is more than a straight swap. A gas cooktop feeds off a gas line, while an electric one needs a dedicated 240-volt circuit, so you may need an electrician to run power and cap the old gas line, and the cutout size can differ.

What if my countertop cutout doesn't match the new electric cooktop?

If your new cooktop is slightly smaller or larger than your old one, the opening may need adjusting. Because we handle kitchen remodeling as well as appliance sales, our team can provide a countertop replacement or adjustment quote so your new unit fits seamlessly without having to hire a separate contractor.