Not Samsung, Not Frigidaire: The Cooktop Appliance Brand That Tops Consumer Reports' Test

Consumer Reports has decades of experience helping shoppers find the most reliable products for their homes, especially when it comes to everyday essential appliances like cooktops. If you're in the market for a new cooktop, an important decision to make is whether you're interested in a gas or electric/induction model. Thankfully, Consumer Reports findings show that LG earned the highest score in both categories.

Before shopping, it's important to know the differences between stove types and which is best for your budget. Electric and induction cooktops look similar, but they differ in how they generate heat. While electric ones have elements under a glass surface that radiate heat, induction cooktops use copper coils to produce electric pulses that heat up compatible cookware. Meanwhile, gas cooktops have a noticeably different design and use either propane or natural gas to create an open flame under a set of grates.

When comparing cooktop appliance brands, Consumer Reports considers factors like performance, reliability, price, and owner satisfaction. LG's electric and induction cooktops earned very high scores for brand reliability and received positive feedback when it comes to owner satisfaction. Frigidaire and Samsung ranked second and third, respectively. For gas cooktops, LG again scored the highest, followed by Samsung and GE. While the brand's overall score for gas stoves was lower than in the electric and induction categories, you could definitely consider LG if you're looking for the top kitchen appliance brand for gas stoves, too.

LG's cooktops offer a range of features that can be especially attractive to buyers. According to Consumer Reports, the brand's top-rated electric cooktop is the 30-inch Electric Cooktop with UltraHeat (CBEW3017BE), which features 2-in-1 dual elements that let you adjust the burner to the size of your pot or pan and can connect to the ThinQ app. The LG 30-inch Induction Cooktop (CBIH3017BE)  also comes with a compatibility indicator, so you'll know if your cookware will or won't work with the cooktop. The brand's highest-rated gas cooktop on Consumer Reports is the LG Studio 36-inch UltraHeat Gas Cooktop (CBGS3628S), which includes cast iron grates and stainless-steel framing.

If you're considering an LG cooktop, it's important to note your warranty options, including whether an extended warranty is worth the money. LG offers a one-year limited manufacturer's warranty on appliances. Currently, some LG cooktops may also qualify for a warranty extension lasting up to three years. If you decide to purchase a cooktop from LG, you can receive free in-home delivery, and for an added fee, LG will haul away your old cooktop when they deliver your new unit. The company also offers free returns within 14 days of delivery in case you change your mind.