What are WindMax gas cooktops, and why should I have one? Everyone already knows that the benefits of a gas cooktop go far, but let’s look at what WindMax specifically brings to the table.
Gas stoves are a mainstay of restaurant kitchens. If professional chefs choose this type of cooktop, why not you? The control of heat from a real flame simply cannot be replicated.
In our intensive Windmax Gas Cooktop Review, you will find out the difference between the professional and the ordinary.
Why Get the Best WindMax Gas Cooktops for Your Kitchen?
Gas cooktops offer you ultimate control. You can closely regulate the temperature just by turning the knob. High heat on a gas stove means something quite different from high heat on an electric stove. On an electric, it means waiting a long time — in fact, changing the level in any direction takes longer on electric. But on the gas, change in heat is much quicker and easier to manipulate. You need that if you’re going to be a good cook.
Compared to regular electric stoves that take a while to heat up, gas cooktops heat up almost instantly. Plus, they provide even heat distribution throughout the bottom of whatever pot or pans you are using. There are practically no cool spots when it comes to cooking on a gas cooktop. They’re much easier to keep clean, too.
If you happen to live somewhere that experiences a lot of power outages, cooking on a gas cooktop is basically the only reliable way. There’s something about not relying on the electricity that feels more tried-and-true.
The Review
If you’re convinced that getting a gas cooktop is the right decision for you, you need to read this review to find out which model of Windmax gas cooktops to consider. Windmax is an emerging brand when it comes to kitchen accessories.
They offer high-quality gas and electric cooktops and are known for delivering the best products worldwide. Let’s take a closer look at the various models that the company offers.
* WindMax 30″ Tempered Glass 5-Burner Gas Cooktops
This amazing-looking tempered glass cooktop is a must-have for every modern kitchen. The black color is neutral but not boring. The highly-polished glass looks very elegant. The brushed-steel finish on the knobs adds to the sophisticated look.
This WindMax appliance model features 5 burners which allow you to cook a lot of dishes all at the same time. You can fry, boil, simmer, sear, and so much more.
This set is best for large families or people who love entertaining. The dimensions of this cooktop are very generous, measuring in at 30.5 x 20.5 inches. This is a more than sufficient surface area for you to cook on multiple pots or pans at the same time.
The only constraint is that the stove does not distribute the gas evenly. If you want to cook on more than 2 burners at the same time, a user claims that you have to use the middle ones because the ones on the side barely get enough gas. This is unfortunate since the point of having a 5-burner stove is so you can cook your dishes simultaneously.
It is designed to work with natural gas, but can be adapted to work with LPG, using the special kit that is also offered on most retail sites. You can choose to buy this as part of the set or separately.
The heat output of this particular WindMax gas stove tops reaches up to 11259 BTU/h or 3300W. This is important for cooking as many different recipes as possible. The higher the BTU, the higher the cooking temperature it can provide. This means you can heat a pan as hot as you need so you can sear meat effectively.
Because the top is made with tempered glass, it makes the system very easy to clean. You don’t have to worry about spills and splashes because all it takes is a few wipes using a damp cloth to make it clean again. The nooks under the knobs may be a little hard to clean if food debris gets in it, but you can always use a soft brush to work the nooks and crannies.
The manufacturer uses iron for the burner caps and the grates. These are pretty durable and provide heavy-duty support, so you need not worry about using heavy pots or pans.
There is a triple ring burner designed to be used with a wok. The wok holder does not come with the set, though. You have to buy that separately.
The knobs enable you to have precise control of the temperature. This is crucial for some recipes that require you to cook at a very specific temperature. The knobs are easy to work and turn smoothly.
This cooktop features an electronic ignition.
You can be assured that the flame starts up with just one twist of the knob. You have to plug it into a standard 110V plug though. This is a problem for people who lose electricity often, because, even though the stove runs on gas, you still need power to ignite it. On the other hand, you can also do it the old-fashioned way and use a match or lighter.
Here are the pros and cons of buying the WindMax 30″ Tempered Glass 5-Burner Gas Cooktop:
Pros:
- Sleek and elegant design
- Wide surface
- Runs on natural gas but can work with LPG as well
- Easy to clean
- Durable
Cons:
- Doesn’t distribute gas evenly
- Part under the knob can be difficult to clean
- Requires electricity for ignition
* WindMax 35.5″ Checked Pattern Coated Glass Gas Cooktops
If you’re looking for something that is a little bit wider, this cooktop model is definitely up your alley. Very similar to the model above, the WindMax 35.5” checked-pattern 5-burner cooktop looks sophisticated and modern.
The checked pattern on the surface of the cooktop adds something interesting to your cooking surface. The knobs are black plastic with a brushed-steel exterior. It looks a little futuristic and suits a more modern kitchen theme.
This cooktop measures in at 35.5 X 20.5 inches, which is a little bit wider than the previously mentioned model. It gives you more space to maneuver your pots and pans. You can even utilize all the burners without having to worry about your pots banging into each other.
There are heavy-duty, cast-iron pan supports that are designed to hold up the heaviest pans. The set also comes with a wok holder so you can cook your fried rice and other stir-fried dishes.
This cooktop uses natural gas and comes with all the connecting screws and pipes required to connect the stove to the gas line. If you have an LPG tank in your kitchen and wish to use that, you will have to purchase the LPG gas regulator separately.
The hob panel of the cooktop is made of thick-coated glass. The coating makes the glass resistant to breaking. This makes the panel very durable.
Plus, it makes the unit very easy to clean.
Spills and splashes don’t stick to the glass. You don’t have to worry too much if you choose to cook something that will splatter a lot because keeping the cooktop clean is easy — just use a non-abrasive cloth and mild detergent.
Unfortunately, since it is glass, dropping something hard on its surface can cause it to break. This is something that buyers should consider. If you find yourself dropping things often, then you might have to look for another kind of cooktop.
It comes with five burners. Again, just like the previous model mentioned, the cooktop pumps more gas into the middle burners. You can decide to use the middle ones more often. If you are planning to use multiple burners at the same time, plan to cook a dish that doesn’t require high heat on the side burners.
The igniter for this particular cooktop is electrical. You will need a power source to start using the cooktop. Alternatively, you can buy a stove lighter if you don’t want to have to plug it in. Be warned that lighting the stove manually takes practice and can be daunting for beginners.
Here are the pros and cons of buying the WindMax 35.5″ Checked Pattern Coated Glass 5-Burner Gas Cooktops:
Pros:
- Sleek and futuristic design
- Wider surface than other models
- Runs on natural gas but can work with LPG as well, requires additional attachment
- Easy to clean
- Durable
Cons:
- Doesn’t distribute gas evenly
- Requires electricity for ignition
* WindMax Premium 24″ Electric Tempered Glass Gas Cooktop
If the 5-burner version is too much for you or your family, you can always opt for the smaller model offered by WindMax: the 24” tempered glass, 4-burner gas cooktop. This smaller cooktop looks exactly like the WindMax 30” except for the number of burners and the width. It measures 24 x 20.5 inches.
The black tempered glass makes the cooktop look very elegant and goes with any kitchen theme or decor. It would look great with your granite or marble countertop.
The WindMax 4 burners gas cooktop is just right for people who prepare a moderate amount of food on a regular basis. It lets you cook four different things all at once. With fewer burners, gas distribution is better than their 5-burner models. This means you can fire all the burners on high and not have to worry about one or two of the burners faltering.
The burner grate and support are both made from cast iron. The material is very durable and can support your heavy pans and pots. The shape of the supports is meant to cradle any type of cooking pot or pan.
There is also a wok burner to allow you to do stir-fries. There are some complaints that the supports are not very stable, so be very careful when you are cooking a large batch of soup, for example. You don’t want to spill boiling liquid on yourself if the pot suddenly tips.
The tempered glass is nice to look at and makes the surface very easy to clean. No need to scrub it. Seriously, don’t scrub it! You can abrade the glass with a rough brush, and that won’t look very pretty. Best to clean the cooktop with a soft cloth and some mild detergent mixed with water. Don’t get it too wet, as the liquid might seep underneath the knobs.
Another benefit is that the tempered glass is resistant to heat and cracking. If you do accidentally drop something hard and heavy on the panel, you won’t have to worry about the glass exploding on you.
Just like the previous models, this one uses natural gas by default. The LPG connector must be purchased separately, as it is not included in the kit. The knobs control the flame really well. You can adjust it to the perfect temperature based on the recipe.
All you have to do is twist the knob and the automatic igniter will light it up. Then you can adjust the size of the flame to your needed setting.
Here are the pros and cons of buying the WindMax Premium 24″ Black Electric Tempered Glass Gas Cooktop:
Pros:
- Sleek and elegant design
- Smaller panel is perfect for smaller family
- Runs on natural gas but can work with LPG as well, requires additional attachment
- Easy to clean
- Durable
Cons:
- Requires electricity for ignition
- Burner support is not very stable
* WindMax 34″ Titanium Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop
If you need the reliability of a gas cooktop but want a more durable surface, then this next model might be the one for your kitchen. This WindMax 34” titanium stainless steel cooktop is designed to be durable and efficient.
It is pretty compact.
It only measures 34 x 20 inches, but there’s definitely still sufficient space for you to move around multiple pots or pans using all five burners.
The panel is made of titanium stainless steel. While it is not as delicate as glass, it still looks elegant and stylish. It will fit perfectly into any type of kitchen, even a professional one.
The durable panel material combined with the tough iron used for the pan supports means you can bang pots and pans onto the cooking surface and not worry about breaking it.
The cooking surface is still easy to clean, although it may not be as easy as if it were made from glass. The pan supports sufficiently cradle most pots and pans. There is also a wok holder.
The 5-burner model offers a lot of versatility. You can simmer soup on one hob and deep fry something on another. This cooktop will help you quickly prepare an entire meal in a short time. But, just like the other 5-burner models from this brand, there is a tendency for the gas not to be distributed evenly.
There are even some complaints that if a side burner is put on low while a middle burner is on high flame, there is a tendency for the low flame to go out. That is why it is important to check on what you are cooking from time to time. You don’t want to wait for hours only to find out that the flame has gone out and the food is uncooked.
The main burner, just like all burners of WindMax cooktops, is said to generate up to 10235BTU/h. This seems standard for gas cooktops and is sufficient to properly sear meat with the use of the right pan. You can control the size of the flame easily by turning the knob.
These knobs come in a finish of brushed stainless steel, adding style to an already sleek-looking piece of kitchen equipment. Turning the knob activates the electronic igniter, lighting the gas. The igniter requires you to plug the cooktop to a 110V power source. The cord is almost 2 meters long.
A user is happy about the fact that this cooktop has rubber feet. If your kitchen doesn’t have a place for installing built-in cooktops, you can opt to just place this one on the counter. As long as it is connected to the gas line, you will be able to cook on this WindMax stainless steel gas cooktop.
Here are the pros and cons of buying the WindMax 34″ Black Titanium Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop:
Pros:
- Space-efficient design
- Easy to use and clean
- Body is very durable
- Can run on natural gas or LPG (gas regulator is not included)
Cons:
- Panel is more difficult to clean than glass
- Requires electricity to ignite
Conclusion
Choosing from the four models featured here is easy. The first thing you need to know is how many burners you will need. If you are only cooking for a few people and do not require a lot of pots or pans simmering simultaneously, then the 4-burner model is sufficient.
If you require a bigger area to cook on, the 5-burner models pretty much offer the same performance in terms of ease of use.
If you want a glass top, you can choose either the checked panel or the tempered-glass model of WindMax appliance. If you want something that looks unique, go for the checked model. If you want something that is more durable than glass but is still easy to clean, go for the titanium stainless steel model.
Hopefully, this WindMax Cooktop Review helps you make your mind up regarding which model to buy. Get excited, as you are about to start cooking in style!
1 Comment
Bought my 6-burner 5 years ago from Amazon. Loved the low price and good looks. My knobs and the rubber seal around them can be removed for cleaning of the glass top. The cast iron grates were fine except the pot supports were a little too widely spaced so smaller pots sometimes can tip when moving them around. All burners work ok with a little unevenness in the flame distribution. Unfortunately the painted graphics on the stainless steel control panel gradually lost the WindMax label and the knob high-low markings because of wiping the surface with cleaner. I thought this was a sign of a bit lower quality of fit and finish from this Chinese maker than from an American brand. But at one-third the price I really will buy another one when the time comes!