Keeping up with the latest trends in kitchen cooktops is important. When a client contracts you to come up with a great design for her kitchen, you have to be ready to impress. Stay knowledgeable about different styles and options so you're ready to give your clients what they're looking for.

Popular finishes for kitchen cooktops include the standard white, black and bisque as well as the newer, trendy stainless steel. You also have options as far as power source, plus a nearly endless number of design options for the burners and controls.

To get started:

1. Talk to your clients about their cooking habits. Different kitchen cooktops appeal more to certain groups of people. For example, a bachelor has more limited needs while a cooking enthusiast will want a more versatile cooktop.

2. Analyze the color scheme, whether you're just helping your client choose a new cooktop or if you're redesigning the entire room. Each kitchen cooktops provider offers multiple colors from which to choose.

3. Measure the space you have to work with. Kitchen cooktops generally range from 30 to 42 inches wide.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Offer your clients traditional electric kitchen cooktops

Electric cooking appliances are probably the most common, due to the fact that all homes are wired with electricity but not all are equipped for gas appliances. Electric cooktops most often come in the smooth style, that is, the elements are recessed under a glass or ceramic surface. They are quite attractive and are simple to wipe down.

I recommend: Check out the high-end electric cooktops at Wolf Appliances. For the homeowner on a budget, Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center has some economical Bosch models.

Go pro with kitchen cooktops that are heated using gas

The advantage to gas, as opposed to electric, is that the burners heat and cool much faster, leading to quicker cooking time and a more efficient cooling-off period. There are no cold spots to worry about, ensuring even cooking. Homeowners who cook gourmet meals will most likely prefer this type of cooktop over an electric one.

I recommend: Suggest one of the Frigidaire gas cooktops at US Appliance, which offers four different colors that are sure to match your client's kitchen. Check out the top-notch gas models at Dacor.

Recommend the newer induction kitchen cooktops

Electric induction cooktops are the latest in culinary technology. These cooktops only heat the pan, not the cooking surface, which is a great safety feature. Moreover, water can be boiled in as little as a minute and a half, and the temperature controls are very sensitive. This type of cooktop is a bit pricey, but for homeowners who love to cook and want to do it efficiently, the price is well justified. Aside from the cost, the only downside is that they are not compatible with all types of cookware.

I recommend: Find kitchen cooktops at AJ Madison, which offers a great selection of reputable brands. You can also find a quality selection at The Great Indoors.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure you have your kitchen cooktops information correct: It's important to note that a cooktop is not the same as a rangetop. Rangetops have the controls on the side of the unit and resemble traditional ranges. On the other hand, kitchen cooktops have their controls on the top surface of the unit.
• •  As a licensed interior designer, you have access to design centers that showcase new and up-and-coming appliances and styles. Design centers can be rather large but most have directories and maps posted at each entrance. Locate the kitchen cooktops directory listing and head over to check out the offerings. Each manufacturer should have a kitchen cooktops list you can take with you, detailing the specific products it offers.