Abstract: A top cooking appliance is provided having a cooktop with a surface heating unit and a thermally-responsive control device that can include a temperature-sensing thermal switch for controlling the operation of the surface heating unit. When the thermal switch senses that the cooking temperature exceeds a first, predetermined upper threshold temperature, the device can cause an interruption in the operation of the surface heating unit. The thermally-responsive control device can then restore the operation of the surface heating unit when the thermal switch senses that the cooking temperature falls below a second predetermined, lower threshold temperature. The thermally-responsive control device for cooktop burners of the present disclosure can be incorporated in both electric and gas-operated top cooking appliances.