Best Induction Cooktops

What are induction cooktops and how do they work?

An induction cooktop turns your pan into a cooker itself by using electromagnetism to create heat energy inside the pan instead of applying external heat to it. This cooks your food more quickly, evenly, efficiently and safely when compared to other types of cooktops.

How exactly does this work compared to gas or electric? 'Induction' in the title stands for electromagnetic induction which means electricity is generated using magnetism. Under the stovetop is a magnetic coil that generates a fluctuating magnetic field. When a compatible (ferromagnetic) cooking instrument is nearby, it is heated up via the magnetic field.

In theory, if you were to place your hand on top of an induction stove, you will not feel any heat. (Warning: do not do this after cooking as the stovetop may still be hot from your cooking pan being on top of it).

The other types of cooktops to choose from include gas, electric and a combination of both induction and gas cooktops. These include 2 induction surfaces and 2 gas, enabling you to have the advantages of both.

Pros and cons of induction cooktops

Are you considering an induction cooktop for your kitchen? Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of using this type of cooker.

Induction cooktops are great for those who want to take their cooking seriously - the extremely reactive surface makes cooking much more precise and efficient. However, for many, this costly installation will require buying a whole new host of compatible pots and pans. Induction stovetops are also easily scratched by sliding pans. However, if you take care of them, they can be a valuable addition to your kitchen that can save you in electricity costs in the long run.

It's important to note that if you have a pacemaker (which works by monitoring electrical activity in your heart), it may be safer to choose a non-induction cooktop as it can interfere with your pacemaker. Keeping a safe distance of at least 60cm/2ft is recommended, but remember to consult with your doctor before making your purchasing decision.

Induction cooktop sizes and cooking zones

Extremely versatile, induction cooktops can range from having 1-5 cooking zones depending on your need.

Portable induction cooktops allow you to cook anywhere with an electrical outlet including a dorm room, an RV or at a table to keep your hotpot warm. They can also work as an extra burner for a busy or small kitchen.

In case you want the advantage of an induction cooker without committing to installing one, portable induction cooktops offer a more compact, affordable and easier to use solution than a fitted benchtop induction cooktop.

Induction cooktops that can be fitted into the kitchen typically come in four sizes. 30cm is usually the smallest size and can accommodate two cooking zones. It's suitable for single or couple households.

The most common sizes include 60cm and 90cm. 60cm can hold three heating zones quite comfortably and possibly four, although this might be cramped. 70-75cm can fit four zones very comfortably and 90cm can have up to five zones. This may be useful for large households or recipes that require a lot of multitasking.

Every kitchen and household is different so the size you choose should take into account the space you have available and how many people will be cooking at once.

It's useful to have a choice of large and small cooking zones depending on what you'll be cooking. It's recommended that the large cooking zone has a diameter of 21cm or larger for the most efficient and even heating when using large cookware. Induction cooktops with defined cooking zones will be easier to use than those without.

Features to look for in an induction cooktop

Now that you've decided to make the switch to an efficient induction cooktop, here are some handy things to look out for in your cooktop model:

Safety features

Safety is a very important feature to consider when buying a stovetop unit as many accidents occur when a stovetop is left unattended. Similarly, if you have children running around the house, it's useful to invest in some safety features.

Safety sensor: This feature monitors the temperature at the bottom of the cookware and adjusts the power output automatically to avoid both cookware and cooktop damage through overheating.

Power on light: These lights should be bright and obvious enough to indicate when the stovetop is on so there are no accidents, and an additional 'residual heat' light can inform you of when the cooktop is still hot after use so you do not touch it.

Auto switch-off: When your stove goes unused for long periods, this feature will automatically switch it off, making it safer and more energy-saving than other cooktops.

Timer: For stock-making, steaming and other slow-cooking tasks, having a cooktop with a timerthat shuts the stove off automatically after the desired amount of time could not only save you from accidental fires but is also a convenient feature to have.

Pan detection: With a pan detection feature, there is no need for an on or off switch. Simply placing your pan on the cooktop will activate the heating element and removing it will switch it off so you never forget.

Child lock: For those with toddlers running around, you won't need to worry about them hurting themselves with a child-lock that can be activated and deactivated before and after use.

Ease of use

Above all else, you'll want a cooktop that is easy to navigate and heats your food efficiently. Look for these features to ensure you get the best product:

Power rating and requirements: Most induction cooktops range in power from 1000-2000W, with those on the higher end heating up quicker and being more expensive. Depending on how quickly you'd like your pot of water to boil will depend on what power you require.

Since they use a lot of energy, some models may require special power connections. Check the wattage requirements before purchasing. For reference, an everyday plug has a 10Amp connection whereas induction stovetops may require a 20A, 32A or 42A connection which has to be hard-wired by an electrician.

Controls: You'll want to know how to control your new cooktop, therefore it's useful to take into account the positioning of the controls and how reactive they are - especially if your model comes with touch control. Some models have the controls on the front and others, in different locations but make sure they are not too close to the elements. Touch controls also offer the extra luxury of being very easy to clean.

Automated cooking: Many features automate elements of cooking so you don't have to do much work or pay much attention. An auto-heat up/booster setting will allow you to heat food quickly to a high temperature and then automatically reduce the heat after a set amount of time - without you having to do any of the work. Similarly, you can set a timer to have the stove turn off after 10 minutes so you never over boil pasta again. A keep warm function then allows your food to stay at a constant warm temperature as you and your guests go back to get seconds.

Cost: Induction stovetops tend to range from $60 (portable) to $5000 with those in the higher range offering convenient additional features such as an integrated and quiet cooling fan, a pause button that temporarily locks your heating settings as you clean around it, digital readouts of temperature, a framed vs edgeless design, booster heat up modes and more cooking zones.

You can read reviews on the best induction cooktops on our website today!