How does a "smoothtop" cooktop on an electric stove compare with the traditional coil-and-drip bowl ones?

Question

I am looking to purchase a new electric stove, traditional white in color...but wondering if I should go non-traditional with a "smoothtop" cooktop. I know why the smoothtop appeals to me: the infinitely greater ease in cleanup. But are there some downsides? Has anyone used both, and offer me some of their comparative experiences? Thank you.

Answer 1

Cleanup is not always easy. Depends on what was spilled on it and how hot the unit was at at the time. I would never own one. I contribute to many DIY Forums and see many problems with them. Main problem is people dropping a heavy pan on them and breaking the top surface. Scratching can also be a problem. You must also make sure the top and any pots or pans you use have very clean bottoms since this will scorch the tops and require heavy duty cleaning.

Answer 2

Cleanup on smooth tops is not easier, in my opinion. They're usually black, which shows everything. You're supposed to use special cleaners, though I have found that a microfibre cloth works as well as anything else for general cleaning. If something boils over or spills, you can't clean the top till it cools down, by which time whatever it is might be cooked on. They will etch from some foods and get permanent stains/burn marks which I've found no way of removing. They can crack. I clean in a house which has one. It's only about 2 years old, looks like h**l, I cannot clean everything right off which is a problem you very rarely get with a traditional top, and I have tried everything including a metal razor blade which you're not supposed to use in case you scratch the top. There are some cooking pots you're not supposed to use on them. I would never buy one. I think they're designed by people who don't actually cook.