Empava Gas Cooktop Review 2025: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you tired of your old stove taking forever to boil water? Do you dream about cooking like a professional chef in your own kitchen? Empava gas cooktops might just be the answer you’ve been searching for.
These sleek, powerful cooking companions have been making waves in kitchens across America, and 2025 brings some exciting models that deserve your attention.
This review will take you through everything you need to know about Empava gas cooktops in 2025. We’ll explore the best models available on Amazon, break down their features in simple terms, and help you decide which one fits your cooking style perfectly.
Key Takeaways:
- Budget-Friendly Excellence: Empava gas cooktops deliver professional-grade performance at prices that won’t shock your wallet. Most models range between $300 to $400, which is significantly lower than premium brands while maintaining impressive build quality and features.
- Italian SABAF Burners: These cooktops feature world-class SABAF burners manufactured in Italy. This means you get precise temperature control, efficient fuel consumption, and exceptional durability that rivals cooktops costing twice as much.
- Multiple Size Options: Empava offers cooktops in 24-inch, 30-inch, and 36-inch configurations. This variety ensures you can find the perfect fit for your kitchen space, whether you have a compact apartment or a spacious cooking area.
- Dual Fuel Compatibility: Every Empava cooktop converts easily between natural gas and liquid propane. This flexibility makes them ideal for traditional kitchens, RVs, outdoor cooking spaces, and homes in rural areas where propane is more accessible.
- Safety Features Built In: Flame failure protection technology automatically shuts off gas supply if the flame goes out unexpectedly. This thermocouple protection system prevents dangerous gas leaks and provides peace of mind while you cook.
- Easy Maintenance Design: The tempered glass or stainless steel surfaces clean up quickly after cooking. The sealed burners prevent food and liquids from seeping underneath, making your post-dinner cleanup much faster and easier.
Empava 30 Inch Gas Cooktop with 5 SABAF Burners
The Empava 30-inch model stands out as the most popular choice among home cooks in 2025. This cooktop brings professional cooking power to your home kitchen without requiring a professional budget. The five burner configuration gives you incredible versatility for preparing multiple dishes simultaneously.
The centerpiece of this cooktop is the 18,000 BTU triple ring burner that delivers intense heat perfect for searing steaks, stir-frying vegetables, or rapidly boiling large pots of water. Two 12,000 BTU rapid burners handle your everyday cooking tasks with ease.
The 9,500 BTU semi-rapid burner works beautifully for simmering sauces, while the 6,000 BTU auxiliary burner provides gentle heat for delicate dishes that need careful temperature control.
Installation proves straightforward even for DIY enthusiasts. The cooktop measures exactly 30 inches wide and requires a standard cutout that fits most existing installations.
The stainless steel surface resists fingerprints and wipes clean with minimal effort. Continuous heavy-duty cast iron grates allow you to slide pots and pans across burners without lifting them, which makes cooking more comfortable and efficient.
Empava 36 Inch Gas Cooktop for Large Kitchens
When you need maximum cooking capacity, the Empava 36-inch gas cooktop delivers exactly what serious home chefs require.
This model expands your cooking possibilities with five powerful burners spread across a generous workspace. The extra width means you can use large cookware without crowding your cooking surface.
This cooktop features the same premium SABAF burner technology found in smaller models but provides more breathing room for ambitious cooking projects.
You can easily prepare complete holiday meals with multiple pots and pans working simultaneously. The tempered black glass surface creates a stunning visual statement in modern kitchens while providing excellent durability and easy cleaning properties.
The NG/LPG convertible design comes with included conversion kits and clear instructions. This means you’re not locked into one fuel type, which proves especially valuable if you move homes or decide to switch fuel sources in the future.
The burner grates distribute weight evenly and support heavy cookware without wobbling or shifting during use.
Empava 24 Inch Compact Gas Cooktop
The Empava 24-inch gas cooktop proves that smaller kitchens don’t require compromising on cooking performance.
This compact model fits perfectly in apartments, condos, small homes, RVs, and outdoor kitchens where space comes at a premium. Despite its smaller footprint, this cooktop packs four burners that handle most cooking tasks with confidence.
The four sealed burners include one high-output burner for rapid heating, two medium burners for everyday cooking, and one low-heat burner for simmering.
This combination covers all your basic cooking needs without wasting valuable counter space. The continuous cast iron grates create a stable cooking surface that accommodates various pot and pan sizes comfortably.
Installation flexibility makes this model popular among RV owners and outdoor kitchen enthusiasts. The compact dimensions fit standard RV cutouts, and the dual fuel compatibility means you can use readily available propane tanks for mobile cooking situations.
The tempered glass surface withstands temperature changes and resists scratching, chipping, and staining even with regular use.
Top 3 Alternatives for Empava Gas Cooktop
Understanding SABAF Burner Technology
SABAF burners represent Italian engineering excellence that has set industry standards for decades. These burners come from a company that specializes exclusively in manufacturing gas burners for cooking appliances.
When Empava includes SABAF burners in their cooktops, they’re choosing components that major premium brands also use in their high-end models.
The key advantage of SABAF burners lies in their precise flame control and fuel efficiency. These burners mix gas and air more effectively than cheaper alternatives, resulting in cleaner combustion and better heat distribution.
You’ll notice this difference immediately when cooking with an Empava cooktop. The flames respond instantly to control adjustments, and the heat spreads evenly across your cookware bottom.
Durability stands out as another major SABAF advantage. These burners resist warping from repeated heating cycles, maintain consistent performance over many years of use, and require less maintenance than economy burners.
The brass construction prevents corrosion even in humid kitchen environments, and the sealed design keeps food particles and liquids from clogging internal components.
Dual Fuel Convertibility Explained
Every Empava gas cooktop ships ready to connect to natural gas lines that exist in most urban and suburban homes.
However, the included conversion kit allows you to switch to liquid propane within about 30 minutes using basic tools. This flexibility solves several practical problems that homeowners face with gas appliances.
Natural gas provides the most economical fuel option when available through municipal utility lines. You never run out of fuel, and the cost per BTU typically runs lower than propane. However, natural gas isn’t available everywhere, especially in rural areas where homes rely on propane tanks for all their gas appliances.
Propane conversion becomes essential for RV installations, outdoor kitchens, and homes without natural gas service. The conversion process involves replacing the burner orifices with smaller ones designed for propane’s higher pressure.
Empava includes these orifices with every cooktop purchase along with clear instructions that walk you through each step.
Safety Features That Matter
Flame failure protection represents the most critical safety feature in any gas cooktop. Empava installs thermocouple sensors on every burner that constantly monitor flame presence.
If wind, boil-overs, or other factors extinguish the flame, the thermocouple immediately signals a valve to shut off gas flow to that burner within seconds.
This protection prevents dangerous gas accumulation that could lead to explosions or carbon monoxide poisoning. While this feature has become standard on quality cooktops, cheaper models sometimes skip it to reduce costs.
Empava includes it on every burner as a non-negotiable safety requirement, which demonstrates their commitment to user protection over profit maximization.
The electronic ignition system eliminates the need for standing pilot lights that waste fuel and generate unnecessary heat. You simply turn the control knob, and a spark automatically ignites the gas.
This system proves more reliable than piezo ignition found on some economy cooktops, and it works consistently even after years of regular use.
Installation Process and Requirements
Installing an Empava gas cooktop requires basic DIY skills and common tools, though many homeowners choose professional installation for gas connections.
The process begins with measuring your existing cutout or creating a new one according to the provided template. Empava designs their cooktops to fit standard dimensions, which simplifies replacement installations.
The cutout dimensions vary by model size. The 24-inch model requires roughly a 22-inch cutout, the 30-inch needs about 28 inches, and the 36-inch demands approximately 34 inches.
Always check the exact specifications in your product manual before cutting any holes in your countertops. Most installations fit standard granite, quartz, laminate, or butcher block countertops without special modifications.
Gas connection represents the most critical installation step. Local building codes typically require licensed professionals to make gas connections, and this requirement exists for good reason.
Improper gas connections can cause leaks that create serious safety hazards. Most installations connect through a flexible gas line that provides some movement tolerance and makes positioning easier.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Daily cleaning becomes simple with Empava’s smooth tempered glass or stainless steel surfaces. After the cooktop cools completely, wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild dish soap.
The sealed burners prevent spills from seeping underneath, so surface cleaning usually handles most cleanup tasks. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads that could scratch the finish.
The cast iron grates require different care than the cooktop surface. These grates can go in the dishwasher for easy cleaning, though hand washing with hot soapy water works perfectly well too.
After washing, dry the grates thoroughly to prevent rust formation. Occasional light coating with cooking oil helps maintain the finish and prevents food from sticking during future use.
Burner maintenance involves periodic removal of the burner caps and cleaning any debris that accumulates around the burner ports. Small particles of food or mineral deposits from water can clog these ports and affect flame quality.
Use a small brush or toothpick to clear any blocked ports, being careful not to damage or enlarge the openings.
Performance Comparison with Other Brands
Empava competes directly with brands like Frigidaire, GE, Bosch, and Samsung in the mid-range gas cooktop market. The primary difference shows up in pricing, where Empava typically costs 30% to 50% less than these established brands for similar specifications.
This price advantage makes Empava attractive to budget-conscious shoppers who still want quality features and reliable performance.
Burner power matches or exceeds many competitor models. Empava’s 18,000 BTU maximum output compares favorably to premium brands, and the range from 6,000 to 18,000 BTU provides excellent cooking versatility.
Some luxury brands offer higher BTU ratings, but most home cooking rarely requires more than 18,000 BTU even for high-heat techniques like wok cooking or searing.
Build quality represents an area where opinions vary. Established brands benefit from decades of reputation building and extensive quality control systems. Empava, as a newer brand, focuses on delivering value through smart engineering and material choices rather than extensive brand marketing.
Customer reviews suggest that Empava cooktops perform reliably, though long-term durability data remains limited compared to brands with 50-year track records.
Best Uses for Empava Gas Cooktops
Home kitchen renovations represent the most common use case for Empava cooktops. These units deliver professional cooking performance at prices that fit moderate renovation budgets.
The sleek appearance complements modern kitchen designs, and the variety of sizes ensures proper fit for most standard cabinet configurations. Homeowners upgrading from electric to gas cooking appreciate the instant heat control and superior cooking results.
RV installations have made Empava cooktops increasingly popular among the mobile living community. The 24-inch model fits perfectly in RV kitchen spaces, and the propane convertibility works seamlessly with RV fuel systems.
The robust construction withstands the vibrations and movement that come with mobile living, and the sealed burners prevent messes during travel.
Outdoor kitchens benefit from Empava’s weather-resistant construction and propane compatibility. While not specifically designed for fully exposed outdoor use, these cooktops work excellently in covered outdoor cooking spaces.
The powerful burners handle high-heat grilling and cooking tasks, and the easy-clean surfaces simplify maintenance in outdoor environments where dust and debris accumulate more readily.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Ignition problems occasionally occur with any gas cooktop. If your Empava burner won’t light, first check that the burner cap sits properly centered on the burner base.
Misaligned caps prevent proper ignition. Also inspect the electrode for food buildup or grease that blocks the spark. Cleaning the electrode with a small brush usually resolves ignition issues quickly.
Uneven flames suggest clogged burner ports or improper gas pressure. Remove the burner cap and examine the small holes around the burner ring. Use a toothpick or thin wire to clear any blocked ports.
If all ports look clear but flames remain uneven, the gas pressure may need professional adjustment. This requires a qualified technician who can test and adjust pressure regulator settings.
Yellow or orange flames instead of blue indicate incomplete combustion that produces dangerous carbon monoxide. This problem usually stems from incorrect orifice installation after fuel conversion or inadequate air mixture.
Verify that you installed the correct orifices for your fuel type. If flames remain discolored after confirming proper orifices, contact customer service for technical assistance before continued use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Empava gas cooktops safe to use in homes with children?
Yes, Empava gas cooktops include important safety features that protect families. The flame failure protection automatically shuts off gas if flames extinguish unexpectedly. However, all gas cooktops require adult supervision around children since open flames and hot surfaces create burn hazards. Keep young children away from the cooking area, and teach older children proper safety practices before allowing them near the cooktop.
How difficult is converting from natural gas to propane?
The conversion process takes about 30 minutes using basic tools like a wrench and screwdriver. Empava includes all necessary orifices and detailed instructions with every cooktop. Most homeowners with basic DIY skills complete the conversion successfully. However, always have a licensed professional verify your gas connections after any conversion to ensure safe operation and compliance with local codes.
Can I install an Empava cooktop myself or do I need professional help?
You can perform the physical cooktop installation yourself if you have basic DIY skills and tools. This includes measuring, cutting the countertop opening, and positioning the cooktop. However, most local codes require licensed professionals for gas line connections. This requirement exists for safety reasons, as improper gas connections create serious hazards. Plan to handle the physical installation yourself but hire a licensed plumber or gas fitter for the connection work.
How long do Empava gas cooktops typically last?
Properly maintained Empava cooktops should provide 10 to 15 years of reliable service, which matches industry standards for mid-range gas cooktops. The Italian SABAF burners are particularly durable and often outlast the cooktop’s other components. Regular cleaning, proper use, and avoiding harsh impacts extend cooktop life. The extended two-year warranty provides protection during the early ownership period when manufacturing defects would typically appear.
Do Empava cooktops work with all types of cookware?
Yes, Empava gas cooktops work with all cookware materials including stainless steel, cast iron, copper, aluminum, and enameled pots and pans. Unlike induction cooktops that require magnetic cookware, gas burners heat any pot or pan placed on the grates. The continuous cast iron grates accommodate various cookware sizes from small sauce pans to large stock pots. However, flat-bottomed cookware performs best because it maintains better contact with the grates for stability.
What should I do if I smell gas around my Empava cooktop?
Immediately turn off all burner controls and do not operate any electrical switches or create sparks. Open windows to ventilate the area, evacuate everyone from the home, and call your gas company or 911 from outside the house. Do not attempt to locate the leak yourself or use any ignition sources including light switches, phones, or appliances. Gas leaks require professional emergency response. After the emergency resolves, have a qualified technician inspect and repair your cooktop before using it again.
Can I use a wok on an Empava cooktop?
Yes, Empava cooktops work excellently for wok cooking, especially models with the 18,000 BTU triple ring burner that provides the high heat essential for proper stir-frying. However, flat-bottomed woks work better than traditional round-bottomed woks on these cooktops. The continuous grates support flat-bottomed woks stably and position them close to the flames for optimal heat transfer. Some users purchase wok rings for additional support, though these accessories aren’t necessary for good results with flat-bottomed woks.
How much does it cost to run an Empava gas cooktop?
Gas cooktops generally cost much less to operate than electric models. Exact costs depend on local natural gas or propane prices, but typical estimates suggest $30 to $50 annually for moderate cooking use. This compares favorably to electric cooktops that might cost $80 to $120 yearly in electricity. The efficient SABAF burners maximize heat output while minimizing fuel consumption, which helps keep operating costs low throughout the cooktop’s life.
