Should you put a cooktop on your kitchen island? Experts weigh in on whether this appliance belongs at the center of your space

There is no 'one layout fits all' with kitchens, especially when it comes to deciding where to locate your various appliances. But one area that seems to divide opinions the most is the kitchen island – specifically whether or not features like the cooktop belong on it.

In most kitchen layout ideas, the kitchen island is a key factor. Whether you're adhering to the work triangle or working with a small footprint, where you choose to locate your cooktop will impact the flow and functionality of your kitchen, so it's a decision that needs some thought.

So, should you put a cooktop on your kitchen island, or is it better placed elsewhere? Here, kitchen experts weigh in on where they would recommend locating your cooktop for optimum style and function.

Should you put a cooktop on your kitchen island?

Every kitchen needs a cooktop. It's one of the most used cooking appliances in the home. For so long, countertops have been the go-to location for a cooktop rather than the island, but should you reconsider?

'A cooktop can work well on a kitchen island, as long as careful consideration is given to areas such as ventilation, as well as ensuring adequate distance between the cooktop and seating arrangements,' says Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport.

A cooktop can only be successful if you have the right amount of space on the island, especially if it's a multifunctional feature. If you also want to incorporate kitchen island seating, it needs to be wide enough that each use has its own zone, especially as one of the main benefits of a cooktop on an island is the social aspect.

'One of the main draws of having a cooktop on the kitchen island is that it allows those cooking to see out into the rest of the kitchen and interact with those who may be seated at the island or just stood in the kitchen. This is why we are often asked for this option when designing kitchens for people who love entertaining,' he adds.

It's not just the improved configuration to see and socialize with people around you; a cooktop on your island can hugely improve your view as you cook. After all, who wants to spend hours cooking if you're stuck looking at a wall?

'Many people who have big open-plan spaces with seating and views out into the garden can locate their cooktop into the island and face the action,' says Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL. Looking towards a large window, patio doors, or even a view into the rest of your home will always be more appealing.

However, as many benefits as there are to adding a cooktop to your kitchen island, there are some practical things you'll need to consider. 'If you do wish to go with this option, you’ll either need to invest in built-in extraction or look at options for hood extraction, potentially even with a fake bulkhead roof,' warns Richard.

These changes can become expensive, and in some cases, have a big impact on the overall design of your space. If you don't like the idea of a hood at the center of your kitchen, you should consider a cooktop on your perimeter countertops instead.

You also need to think about prep space. If you've opted for a small kitchen island, there might not be enough space for the cooktop and adequate countertop space around it for organized cooking.

But, on the other hand, if you're limited on countertop space elsewhere in the kitchen, a large island is the perfect place to maximize your prep and cooking space surrounding your cooktop. 'There is often a significant amount of worktop space around the cooktop in this configuration, and so allows for food prep and other items to be close at hand,' adds Richard.

So, the verdict? Adding a cooktop to your kitchen island is a good idea in most kitchens, depending on the size of your island and how well you can ventilate it. An island cooktop is a far more social option and makes cooking more enjoyable, especially if your island benefits from ample countertop space.

Where you choose to put your cooktop will depend on your kitchen size and layout, but under the right circumstances, experts recommend the kitchen island as a good place to create a more social and spacious cooking environment.