When it’s time to replace your kitchen hot plates there are a couple of things to consider.
The most important factor in a successful cooktop replacement is ensuring the new hot plate unit will fit the existing hole in the bench top. Older style hot plates were often a rectangular shape while most new cooktops are almost square.
The model number of the existing unit and an accurate measurement of the cut out in the bench will help you when selecting a new cooktop.
You need to ensure that any new glass top has a sufficient overlap and is properly supported by the bench. Cooktops without enough overlap are more likely to shatter.
If you are replacing your cooktop because the ceran glass top has broken, don’t forget to check your insurance policy as you may be covered for the breakage.
Our advice would be to stick with Australian brands and avoid imported units, due to the cost and difficulty of obtaining spare parts in the future.
Also avoid the linked units where the hotplate controls are on the oven. In the event of a major fault you will be forced to replace both items rather than just the oven or just the hotplates.
If you have spare cash to splash on your kitchen upgrade, consider installing induction hot plates. Stay tuned, as we will be epxploring the advantages and features of induction hotplates in an upcoming blog post.
