Need To Install A New Electric Cooktop In Your Melbourne Home?
Thinking about upgrading your kitchen? Replacing an old cooktop or installing a new one is an exciting step toward creating the kitchen of your dreams. If your current cooktop is damaged, slow to heat, difficult to clean or just doesn’t suit your space anymore, upgrading it to an electric cooktop can make all the difference.
However, you can’t just plug in your new electric cooktop and be done with it - there are a few factors to consider, like your switchboard, existing electrical wiring and circuits. Depending on the age of your home, your electrical system might not be able to handle the power of your new electric cooktop.
Luckily, WP Electrical is here to help. Our licensed team of insured electricians provide professional electric cooktop installations across Melbourne, including new installations and replacements. We’ll assess your existing electrical wiring and circuits, connect your new cooktop correctly and ensure all electrical work is completed safely and complies with the latest Victorian requirements.
For expert advice and guidance, as well as a free quote, contact our team on (03) 7036 1065 or fill out our online enquiry form today.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Installing your new electric cooktop yourself might seem like a good idea, especially if you’re replacing an existing appliance. But just because it’s being installed in the same place doesn’t mean it’s straightforward.
Different electric cooktops have different electrical loads. A modern induction cooktop can put significantly more pressure on your circuits than an older ceramic cooktop.
Before connecting your new electric cooktop, our electricians will assess:
- The electrical load of your new electric cooktop
- Existing wiring and cabling
- Circuit protection
- The condition and capacity of your switchboard
- Whether the electric cooktop has an appropriate dedicated circuit
- Whether your current wiring can be reused safely
- If there is any additional electrical work that needs to be done before installation
Types of Electric Cooktops We Install Throughout Melbourne
Ceramic Electric Cooktops
Ceramic cooktops use electric heating elements beneath a flat glass-ceramic surface. They provide a clean, modern appliance and are common throughout Melbourne homes. Ceramic electric cooktops are often used to replace older and inefficient models.
Induction Cooktops
Induction cooktops have become increasingly popular in kitchen renovations and remodels since they offer fast, precise cooking without flames or an exposed heating element. As they are high-powered appliances, induction cooktops can have significant power requirements. This means upgrading to induction isn't always a straightforward process, especially in older homes.
Built-In Electric Cooktops
Built-in electric cooktops are designed to sit directly into your kitchen benchtop, creating a seamless cooking experience. This gives you flexibility over your kitchen layout and they are available in both cermaic and induction models.
Electric Cooktop Vs. Freestanding Electric Range: Which One Should You Choose?
An electric cooktop and a freestanding electric range perform similar cooking functions, but they are installed differently and therefore have different electrical needs.
A built-in electric cooktop is a good option when you’re renovating your kitchen and want to pair it with a separate oven. It gives you more flexibility over the positioning and design of your cooking space.
A freestanding electric range combines the cooktop and oven into one appliance, making it useful where you’re replacing an existing freestanding cooker without changing your overall layout.
Before choosing an appliance, you need to consider:
- Your available kitchen space
- Your existing cabinetry and benchtop
- Whether you want to install a separate oven
- The appliance’s electrical load
- Your home’s existing electrical circuit and switchboard capacity
Does My Electric Cooktop Need Its Own Dedicated Circuit?
If you’re replacing an electric cooktop in the same place, it might be possible to use the existing cabling if it's safe to do so. If your home’s electrical cabling is damaged, frayed or outdated, our electricians will recommend:
Our Electric Cooktop Installation Process
Every installation is completed in accordance with the latest Victorian safety standards. While every installation is different, our electricians follow these steps:
Isolate the Power
To perform the installation safely, we first isolate the power and electrical supply. This allows the existing cooktop to be disconnected and removed safely.
Remove the Old Cooktop
When needed, we’ll disconnect and remove your existing cooktop so we can install the new one. If you’re replacing a gas cooktop with an electric or induction model, the gas connection is separate and should be dealt with by a professional gas fitter.
Check the Existing Electrical Installation
Before connecting your new cooktop, we’ll check your home’s existing electrical connections and see whether you need to upgrade or change anything to accommodate the appliance.
Check the Cooktop Cut-Out
For a built-in electric cooktop, the appliance needs to fit the existing benchtop opening correctly.
Cooktops that appear to be the same size aren't necessarily interchangeable. Manufacturer specifications can differ, so the cut-out should be checked before the appliance is secured.
Install the New Cooktop
Once the electrical and physical requirements have been confirmed, we'll install and connect the new electric or induction cooktop according to the manufacturer's requirements.
Secure the Cooktop
The cooktop is positioned and secured properly without the benchtop opening.
Restore the Power and Test
We’ll quickly restore your electrical supply and test the cooktop to make sure it’s working safely and properly.
Clean Up
There's nothing worse than tradespeople leaving your house messy after a job. Our team treat your property with the utmost respect and always cleans up after themselves.
Do I Need To Upgrade My Switchboard If I Live In An Older House With Ceramic Fuses?
If you have an older switchboard with ceramic fuses, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to upgrade your switchboard. However, it is an important factor that needs to be considered before installing high-power appliances like induction cooktops.
Many older Melbourne homes in suburbs like Fitzroy have switchboards that weren’t designed for modern kitchens and lifestyles. Our electricians can assess whether your existing switchboard and electrical infrastructure can handle the extra load of an electric cooktop.
We Install All of The Leading Electric Cooktop Brands
WP Electrical’s team of professional and certified electricians have years of experience installing electric and induction cooktops from all of the major brands such as:
- Westinghouse
- Bosch
- Smeg
- Fisher & Paykel
If the brand you're looking for isn't on this list, our team are happy to help.
Why Choose WP Electrical To Install Your Electric Cooktop?
Our dedicated Melbourne electricians are committed to providing our customers with the best possible service
- Local Expertise: As true locals, our team understands the different needs of Melbourne homes and businesses.
- Same Day Service: We offer same-day services for all urgent and emergency jobs so you can get back to your life quicker.
- Highly Trained and Skilled: All of our electricians are fully trained, licensed and insured. They also offer a 100% workmanship guarantee.
- Comprehensive Service: From simple repairs to complex electrical wiring projects, we cover all of your electrical needs.
Your Trustworthy & Qualified Electric Cooktop Installers Melbourne
Replacing your cooktop is the perfect opportunity to make sure the electrical system behind your kitchen is ready for your new electric cooktop to be installed. Whether you’re replacing your existing electric cooktop or upgrading to induction, WP Electrical can assess your existing wiring and install your new electric cooktop safely.
Our Melbourne electricians are highly trained and experienced in determining whether your existing circuit and wiring are appropriate, identifying any switchboard issues and installing your electric cooktop with ease and confidence.
For a free quote, contact our electricians on (03) 7036 1065 or fill out our online enquiry form today.
