Cooking on a cooktop can be really fun, and having the right tools makes it even better. There are all sorts of accessories out there like griddles and wok rings that make cooking more exciting and let you do more with your cooktop. These tools are made to help your cooktop work better for you, letting you whip up dishes that could impress any chef right in your own kitchen.
In this blog, we’re going to look at some of the best cooktop accessories every home chef might want to think about getting. Whether you’re into making pancakes on a chill Sunday morning or love putting together real-deal stir-fry meals, there’s something for everyone. We’ll talk about how great griddles are, why wok rings rock, what simmer plates do best along with grill pans and drip pans among others – all aimed at boosting how well you can cook.
By the time we wrap up here today, you’ll know exactly which essential accessories will take your cooking game up a notch. So come along as we dive deep into discovering these cool add-ons for our cook tops that promise to turn our everyday food into something extraordinary.
Essential 8 Cooktop Accessories for Every Kitchen
In the world of cooktop accessories, there are certain items that every kitchen really needs. These tools do more than just make cooking easier; they open up a whole new world of culinary possibilities, letting you try out various styles and dishes from around the globe. Here’s a glimpse into some key accessories your cooktop shouldn’t be without, including the essential appliance hood for trapping grease and managing splashes.
1. Griddles for Versatile Cooking
A griddle is a flat cooking surface that fits over a burner on your cooktop. It provides a versatile cooking surface for a variety of foods and cooking methods. Here are some key benefits of using a griddle:
- Increased cooking space: A griddle expands the cooking surface of your cooktop, allowing you to cook multiple items simultaneously.
- Even heat distribution: Griddles provide consistent heat distribution, ensuring that your food cooks evenly.
- Versatile cooking options: With a griddle, you can cook everything from pancakes and eggs to burgers and grilled sandwiches.
- Easy to clean: Most griddles are non-stick, making them easy to clean after use.
2. Wok Rings for Authentic Stir-Fry Dishes
If you love cooking authentic stir-fry dishes, a wok ring is an essential accessory for your cooktop. Here’s why:
- Stability: A wok ring provides stability to your wok on the burner, ensuring that it doesn’t tip over during cooking.
- Even heat distribution: The wok ring helps distribute heat evenly around the wok, allowing for proper stir-frying.
- Versatility: Wok rings are compatible with a variety of cooktops and can be used with different sizes of woks.
- Authentic cooking experience: Using a wok ring allows you to achieve the high heat necessary for authentic stir-frying.
3. Simmer Plates for Delicate Sauces
When it comes to cooking delicate sauces or simmering dishes, a simmer plate can be a game-changer. Here’s why you should consider adding one to your cooktop accessories:
- Heat control: Simmer plates help distribute heat evenly, allowing for precise temperature control when simmering.
- Protection for glass cooktops: Simmer plates provide a buffer between the cookware and the glass surface of your cooktop, preventing scratches and damage.
- Enhanced flavor development: The slow, gentle heat provided by a simmer plate allows flavors to develop and meld together, resulting in rich, flavorful sauces and stews.
- Versatility: Simmer plates are suitable for use with a variety of cookware, including stainless steel, cast iron, and ceramic.
4. Grill Pans for Indoor Barbecuing
If you love the flavor of grilled food but don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a grill pan is the perfect solution. Here’s why you should consider adding one to your cooktop accessories:
- Grill marks and charred flavor: Grill pans create grill marks on your food, giving it a visually appealing and charred appearance.
- Versatility: Grill pans can be used to cook a variety of foods, including meats, vegetables, and even sandwiches.
- Healthier cooking option: With a grill pan, excess fat and grease can drain away from the food, resulting in healthier meals.
- Easy to clean: Most grill pans are non-stick and dishwasher safe, making them easy to clean after use.
5. Drip Pans for Easy Clean-Up
Cleaning up after cooking can be a tedious task, but with drip pans, it becomes much easier. Here are the benefits of using drip pans:
- Protection for your cooktop: Drip pans catch any spills or drips, preventing them from damaging your cooktop’s surface.
- Easy to clean: Drip pans can be easily removed and cleaned, saving you time and effort.
- Reduce odors: By catching grease and food particles, drip pans help minimize odors in your kitchen.
- Extend the life of your cooktop: Regularly using drip pans can help prevent stains and build-up on your cooktop, extending its lifespan.
Enhancing Your Cooking Experience
Besides the must-have accessories for your cooktop, there are some extra ones that can really make cooking a lot more fun. Let’s dive into what these accessories are:
6. Pot Fillers for Convenient Water Access
A pot filler is a convenient accessory that allows you to fill large pots with water directly at the cooktop. Here’s why pot fillers are worth considering:
- Convenience: With a pot filler, you no longer have to carry heavy pots filled with water from the sink to the cooktop.
- Time-saving: Pot fillers provide a faster way to fill large pots, saving you time and effort.
- Versatility: Pot fillers can be installed near the cooktop or on the wall, offering flexibility in kitchen design.
7. Knob Covers for Safety and Style
Knob covers are a simple yet effective accessory that can enhance safety in your kitchen. Here’s why you should consider using knob covers:
- Childproofing: Knob covers help prevent young children from accidentally turning on the cooktop.
- Style and aesthetics: Knob covers are available in various designs and finishes, allowing you to add a touch of style to your cooktop.
- Protection from accidental adjustments: Knob covers prevent knobs from being bumped or accidentally turned, ensuring that your cooking settings remain unchanged.
8. Spill Protectors for Keeping Cooktops Clean
Spill protectors are a practical accessory that can help keep your cooktop clean and free from spills. Here’s why spill protectors are worth considering:
- Easy to clean: Spill protectors can be easily removed and cleaned, preventing spills from seeping into hard-to-reach areas of your cooktop.
- Protection from stains and scratches: Spill protectors provide a barrier between your cookware and the cooktop, preventing stains and scratches.
- Heat resistance: Spill protectors are designed to withstand high temperatures, ensuring that they do not warp or melt during cooking.
Conclusion
Boost your cooking game with the best cooktop accessories around! With griddles, you can mix up what you’re making, and wok rings let you whip up genuine stir-fry meals right at home. For those tender sauces, simmer plates are key, and grill pans bring the barbecue indoors. It’s time to step up your accessory game on the cooktop and transform how you prepare food. Curious about keeping your cooktop in tip-top shape? Our upcoming blog, “Viking Cooktop Repair: DIY Solutions You Need To Know,” is packed with professional tips just for that. Enjoy your culinary adventures!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Cooktop Accessories Are Essential for Beginners?
If you’re just starting out, there are a few key accessories for your cooktop that can make a big difference. With griddles, wok rings, and drip pans in your kitchen arsenal, cooking becomes more flexible and stable. Plus, they help with cleaning up afterwards. These tools cater to different types of meals you might want to whip up on your cooktop.
How to Choose the Right Accessories for Your Cooktop?
When picking out accessories for your cooktop, think about whether they’ll work well with the model you have. Also, consider what kind of cooking you like to do and if there are any special safety features you need. On top of that, take a look at how your kitchen is styled and choose accessories that will make it look even better.
Are There Universal Accessories for All Types of Cooktops?
There are all sorts of accessories for cooktops, no matter if yours runs on gas, electricity, or induction. With things like griddles, wok rings, burner covers and cleaning kits that fit most models out there. These extras help your cooktop work better and do more stuff.