ElectraHob Calc

Electric Cooktop Calculator

Find out what a radiant, ceramic-glass or coil cooktop will cost to run, which breaker it needs, and how long it takes to boil a pot of water – before you buy.

Your cooktop and habits

Printed on the rating plate or spec sheet. 30-inch cooktops are often 5–9 kW.

Simmering ≈ 20–30 %, frying ≈ 60–80 %, boiling ≈ 100 %.

Boil test

Your results

Estimated cost per month–
Cost per year–
Energy used per month–
Cost of one cooking hour (one burner)–
Current draw at full load–
Conservative breaker size (125 %)–
Time to boil the water–
Electricity for that boil–

Estimates only. Always confirm circuit and wire size with a licensed electrician and the cooktop's installation manual.

How to choose an electric cooktop

An electric cooktop converts electricity into heat with resistance elements. It is simple, affordable to buy and works with any flat-bottomed cookware. The trade-offs are slower response than gas or induction and lower energy efficiency. This calculator helps you turn the spec sheet into real numbers: running cost, circuit requirements and everyday performance.

Radiant, coil and solid plate compared

TypeTypical efficiency*StrengthsWatch out for
Smooth radiant (ceramic glass)≈ 74 %Easy to wipe clean, modern look, many sizes and dual-zone elementsGlass can scratch or crack; slow to cool after cooking
Exposed coil≈ 70 %Lowest purchase price, replaceable elements, tolerates rough cookwareDrip bowls and gaps are harder to keep clean
Solid cast-iron plate≈ 65 %Durable and very even once hotSlowest to heat and cool; heavy

*Share of the electrical energy that reaches the food. Actual values depend on pot size, lid use and how well the base sits flat on the surface.

How much power do you really need?

Most households are well served by one large element of 2,000–3,000 W for boiling and searing, one or two medium elements of 1,200–1,800 W and a small 1,000–1,200 W element for sauces. A bigger total rating does not mean higher bills – you only pay for the energy you actually use – but it does mean a larger breaker and thicker wiring. Compare the boil time in the calculator for the burner you will use most often; that single number is a good indicator of how the cooktop will feel in daily use.

Electrical requirements

Many 30-inch electric cooktops draw roughly 30–50 A at 240 V when every element runs at full power. The calculator divides total power by voltage and adds a 25 % safety margin to suggest a standard breaker size. Real installations may use demand factors allowed by local code, so treat the result as a planning aid and ask an electrician before you order a unit. If your kitchen currently has a smaller circuit, upgrading it can cost more than the appliance, so it is worth checking early.

Ways to lower your running cost

  • Match the pot to the element: a pot at least as wide as the element wastes less heat.
  • Use lids and bring water to the boil with a kettle first for large pots.
  • Switch off a few minutes early – ceramic and coil elements stay hot.
  • Choose flat, heavy-bottomed cookware so the base touches the surface.

Buying checklist

  • Cutout dimensions and depth under the counter.
  • Rating plate power, voltage and required breaker.
  • Number of dual- or triple-zone elements for flexible pan sizes.
  • Hot-surface indicator lights and child-lock controls.
  • Warranty length and local availability of replacement elements.

Frequently asked questions

Is an electric cooktop expensive to run?

For a typical household cooking about 1.5 hours a day, the electricity cost is usually modest – often a small fraction of the household bill. Use the calculator with your own tariff to see the exact figure.

Why is my cooktop slower than gas?

Resistance elements must heat themselves before they heat the pot, so response is gradual. Induction cooktops heat the pot directly and respond faster.

Can I use any cookware?

Yes, as long as the base is flat and clean. Warped or very rough pans transfer heat poorly and can scratch glass.

How accurate is the boil time?

It is a physics estimate for an open pot at sea level. A lid shortens the time; a heavy pot or altitude lengthens it.