Cooktop: meaning, definitions and examples

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cooktop

[ˈkʊkˌtɒp ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in the kitchen

A cooktop is a flat cooking surface with burners or heating elements, typically built into a kitchen countertop.

Synonyms

hob, stovetop.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cooktop	Used in a general sense to refer to the flat surface of a stove where pots and pans are placed to cook. The new apartment has a modern cooktop. She cleaned the cooktop after making dinner.
stovetop	Typically used in American English, referring to the top part of a kitchen stove where cooking is done. She left the soup simmering on the stovetop. Be careful not to spill water on the stovetop.
hob	Commonly used in British English, refers to the same as 'cooktop' but specifically a segment of the stove where you place pans or cooking pots. Place the pan on the hob and heat the oil. The electric hob heats up very quickly.

Word

Description / Examples

cooktop

Used in a general sense to refer to the flat surface of a stove where pots and pans are placed to cook.

The new apartment has a modern cooktop.
She cleaned the cooktop after making dinner.

stovetop

Typically used in American English, referring to the top part of a kitchen stove where cooking is done.

She left the soup simmering on the stovetop.
Be careful not to spill water on the stovetop.

hob

Commonly used in British English, refers to the same as 'cooktop' but specifically a segment of the stove where you place pans or cooking pots.

Place the pan on the hob and heat the oil.
The electric hob heats up very quickly.

Examples of usage

The cook was preparing dinner on the cooktop.
She turned on the cooktop to boil water for pasta.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term combines 'cook,' referring to preparation of food, and 'top,' indicating its position on a stove.
The first use of the word in print appeared in the early 20th century as kitchens started to modernize.

History

Early cooktops were made from cast iron and were primarily used in wood-burning stoves in the 19th century.
Gas cooktops became popular in the early 20th century, significantly changing home cooking practices and efficiency.

Technology

Modern cooktops can be electric, gas, or induction, with induction technology using magnetic fields for efficiency.
Some advanced cooktops now feature smart technology that allows users to control heat settings from mobile devices.

Culture

In many cultures, the cooktop symbolizes home and family, where meals are prepared and shared with loved ones.
Reality cooking shows have popularized the image of professional-grade cooktops, inspiring home chefs everywhere.

Science

Cooktops utilize different heat transfer methods: conduction in electric models, convection in gas, and radiation in induction types.
The choice of cooktop can affect the cooking process; for example, induction cooktops heat pans directly, making them faster and more efficient.

Translations

Translations of the word "cooktop" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fogão de mesa

🇮🇳 कुकटॉप

🇩🇪 Kochplatte

🇮🇩 kompor tanam

🇺🇦 варильна поверхня

🇵🇱 płyta grzewcza

🇯🇵 クックトップ

🇫🇷 plaque de cuisson

🇪🇸 placa de cocina

🇹🇷 ocak

🇰🇷 요리용 스토브

🇸🇦 موقد الطهي

🇨🇿 vařič

🇸🇰 varná doska

🇨🇳 炉灶台

🇸🇮 kuhalna plošča

🇮🇸 eldavél

🇰🇿 плитка

🇬🇪 ქურას დაფა

🇦🇿 ocaq səthi

🇲🇽 parrilla