The Maytag MGC5430BD gas cooktop makes for an impressive upgrade in any kitchen. For the budget-conscious shopper, Maytag's MGC5430BD gas cooktop keeps the cost contained while still being a functional and sleek model.

The MGC5430BD is available in black, white or stainless steel; we prefer the more expensive stainless steel model for the up-to-date look it brings to a kitchen. The burners are sealed for easy cleanup and although they offer less versatility than more expensive cooktops, the varying outputs are sufficient for typical day-to-day cooking. The burner with the highest output offers 12,500 Btu to provide enough flame for a moderately fast boil; there are two 9,200-Btu burners that are on par with most models; while our favorite is the 5,000-Btu Flex-Choice burner, which holds a simmer with an output as low as 600 Btu.

Appropriate for a 30-inch cutout, the Maytag MGC5430BD fits easily into most kitchen layouts. The controls are offset to one side and take up a fair amount of room, which has the potential to make it feel as if the burners are crowded together -- especially when you're cooking with a number of large pots. If you don't often prepare soup, while separately making a large quantity of meat, spaghetti and sauce, this shouldn't pose too great an inconvenience.

The Maytag MGC5430BD is quite easy to keep clean, thanks to sealed burners and a sunken porcelain enamel surface that collects spill-overs. Each knob is also removable, so soil can be quickly and thoroughly removed with a cleaning cloth. Those who haven't upgraded their cooking equipment in a while will appreciate the pilotless electronic ignition with Flame Chamber that eliminates the gas pilot light once and for all. Cast-iron burners grates will also be a treat because they're heavy, stable and durable as are the DuraClean lift-off burner caps.

Offered at a painless price, Maytag's MGC5430BD is a good way to stay within your budget while moving up from a range to a combination of cooktop and wall oven.


Pros: Budget-friendly price tag, sealed burners in common 30-inch width, most attractive in stainless finish
Cons: Design of controls crowds burners, only moderately high gas output

Warranty
1 year