You use a considerable amount of energy when cooking your holiday meals. This increases your monthly energy bills while at the same time it takes a long time to boil a teakettle or cook soup. This is where the best induction cooktop comes in.
The stovetops found in most kitchens uses either a gas option and an electric option. The electric form of cooking typically has a ring-like design that slowly heats up whatever’s placed on it.
But, with the help of an induction cooktop, you have the ability to speed up the heating process while cutting down on energy consumption as well.
Of course, there are a number of different induction cooktop options, so you need to consider all the different brands and designs available if you’re considering a new induction cooktop for your kitchen.
What Is An Induction Cooktop?
An induction cooktop looks in many ways similar to an electronic cooktop. It has a flat, smooth surface and circular cooking spaces within the cooktop. However, this is where the similarities end.
An induction cooktop does not use an electrical current to heat up. Instead, it uses a magnetic field to heat, instead of the electrical element which is used on electric stovetops (or a gas flame).
An induction cooktop is also different in that as it works with magnets, you do not need to place the pot directly on top of the burner. The burner will adapt to your pot.
This way, you won’t have the problem of a pot that is too large for the burner, nor will you have the issue of accidentally placing the pot off-center, which with the other kinds of cooking methods will cause problems with how evenly it cooks.
- Duxtop Induction Cooktop uses 120V 15 amp electrical outlet - standard in all North American homes; lightweight and...
- Digital control panel. Built-in count-down digital timer with 1 minute increments up to 170 minutes; 10 temperature...
- With no open flame or heating element, food does not burn-on the glass cooktop so this induction burner is easy to...
- PORTABLE INDUCTION BURNER Duxtop induction cooktop uses 120V 15 amp electrical outlet–standard in all North American...
- HIGH EFFICIENCY Choose from 15 preset power levels 200W to 1800W and 15 preset temperature level settings 140 F to 460...
- EASY TO CLEAN & VIEW With no open flame or heating element, food does not burn on the oversized glass cooktop, making...
- MAKE ADJUSTMENTS ON-THE-FLY – The digital controls are easy to operate, and the response is immediate. Select from 6...
- PRECISE TEMPERATURE CONTROL – With 45 precise temperatures, you can keep delicate sauces warm at 100°F to grilling a...
- FAST & EFFICIENT – Flex heats the pot directly without heating up the cooking elements first. Gas stovetops use open...
- 【PORTABLE INDUCTION BURNER】Duxtop induction cooktop uses 110/120V 15 amp electrical outlet–standard in all North...
- 【HIGH ENERGY EFFICIENCY】 Choose from 20 preset power levels (100W to 1800W) and 20 preset temperature level settings...
- 【DIGITAL LCD SENSOR】Touch control panel: child safety lock keeps the cooking and timer settings from being...
Benefits
Saving Money
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There are several important benefits associated with an induction cooktop. The first is you’ll save a considerable amount of money on energy bills thanks to just how energy efficient the cooktop is.
It uses 60 percent less energy than a gas stovetop and 40 percent less energy than an electric stovetop. This way, by upgrading to an induction cooktop you’ll instantly see dramatic savings in your energy bill.
Safety
The next benefit is cooktop safety. With a gas stove, you run the risk of gas fumes bleeding off into the air. If the gas line is not connected correctly, it will leak into the house, and with a single spark, the gas will erupt, causing an explosion.
Gas is also susceptible to fires while cooking. If you have oil in a pot that boils over and it strikes the flames the oil will burst into flames. You can’t put this out with water as water will only spread the fire. Instead, you need to have baking soda on hand to put out the fire. This isn’t a problem with an induction cooktop.
Safety is a major benefit behind an induction cooktop if you’ve ever burned your hand on a stove you know just how painful it is.
If you have a child, you might worry about them putting their hand onto the top of the burner. Younger children often cannot see whether a burner is on, so if they try to reach up to grab something they may burn their hands, which can result in you taking them to the emergency room.
Induction cooktops cook with magnets, so there is not the chance of burning the skin.
Cleaning
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When cooking with an induction cooking surface cleaning is substantially easier. For starters, it is a smooth surface, so you won’t need to worry about working in and around the burners. Additionally, if you spill while cooking the spill will not bake onto the surface. This way, all you need to do is wipe it clean. This saves much time cleaning up the cooking surface.
Speed
Another benefit associated with the induction cooktop is speed. You’ll cut down on the amount of time to heat up and cook something.
For example, if you attempt to boil five gallons of water using a 12,000 BTU gas burner, it will take around 36 minutes. With an induction cooktop, this amount of time is cut down to 22 minutes. By switching the cooktop, you have you’ll cut down on your cooking time by nearly half.
On top of this, an induction surface turns on right away, so there is no heating up, which is required of an electronic burner.
How To Choose Yours?
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Before selecting an induction cooktop, it is important to know your current kitchen pots and pans may not work with the cooking surface.
This is because as the induction surface uses magnets to cook, you need cookware that is designed specifically to work with an induction surface. This means you need something that is constructed with ferrous metal. This includes cast iron and steel. If you have aluminum, glass, and ceramic cookware (such as Dutch ovens) these will not work.
If you’re considering an induction option but want to know if your current equipment will work the best way is to take a magnet and place it on the cookware. If it sticks, you’re good to go. If it doesn’t then it won’t work.
Look
After testing to see if you have the right cookware or if you need to go to the store to pick up more, you must decide what kind of cooktop is right for you. This is broken down into three different options: slide-in and freestanding.
With the slide-in, the cooktop has a built-in design. Designed to slide on top of an oven, this is designed to give you a custom appearance. These are usually more expensive but will give you a great looking option.
The second option is a freestanding cooktop. With this kind of design, you’re basically plugging it into a wall outlet and set it down onto a countertop. When you don’t want to spend a lot of money but still want the benefits, this is the way to go.
The third option is a built-in induction cooktop. This is where the cooktop is constructed into the counter itself. This offers a great design and looks beautiful. It is an option to consider if you’re looking at upgrading or renovating the kitchen. If you’re not planning such an upgrade, you must cut into the current countertop which may cause problems.
- 5.4 Cu. Ft. Capacity
- Air Fry
- Self Clean W/Steam Clean Option
- Made In Italy - Gorgeous, Unique Slate Gray Induction Range Oven with 5 Elements Smoothtop Cooktop, Freestanding , 304...
- Stainless Steel Oven Handle, Chrome Finish Knobs, Beveled Door, Soft Close Hinge, 2 Interior Halogen Lights
- EZ Clean Porcelain Oven Surface, Dual Convection fans, Color Matched Control Panel, Clock & Timer, Racks (2) 1 Glide...
- Frigidaire FGSS2335TF 33" SBS Fridge
- Frigidaire FGIF3036TF 30" Freestanding Range
- Frigidaire FGMV176NTF 30" Over-the-Range Microwave
- Width: 29.875" Height: 36.625" Depth: 25.75"
- Total Capacity: 5.4 cu. ft.
- Fuel Type: Electric
Finish
Once you know the look of the cooktop, you must decide what kind of finish you want. If built into the countertop, this won’t be an issue.
However, if you’re going with another option (especially one built into the range), you must decide if you want a stainless steel or black stainless steel design. The black stainless steel won’t give off fingerprints as easily as the more traditional stainless steel option.
It really comes down to a personal preference here.
Size
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Last, how much space do you have to work with? This will probably impact most other variables when choosing the right cooktop for your home. If you are looking to replace the oven as well, your best option is to purchase an oven with the induction cooktop built into it.
This will be easiest, and you’ll only need to buy a single appliance instead of two. However, if you’re not looking to replace the oven and you want the induction to standalone, look at your counter space and decide how much room you have to work with.
Do you want something that can cook a single large pan or do you want something that allows you to cook multiple dishes at the same time? It may depend on the size of your family.
If you are preparing meals for a large family or cook for the holidays, you’ll likely want a larger amount of countertop space dedicated to the induction cooktop.
However, if you don’t, you may not want as much space and instead will want a plug-in variation that has enough space for a single pot.
The smaller options are good when you have little space in an apartment (such as a studio where there limited room) or if you’re in a dorm.
The amount of space you have to dedicate to your cooktop may dictate the other factors of the induction cooking surface.
- [Skillets Nonstick with Lids]: Pots and pans set include a 10-inch frying pan, a 10-inch saute pan and a 3 QT saucepan...
- [Oven safe up to 450°F]: Suitable for all type of cooktops, You can use this skillet on a cooktop and then put it in...
- [Healthy Nonstick Coating]: 100% PTFA, PFOA, CADMIUM free, Ideal for use with little oil or butter for a healthy diet....
- ALL STOVETOP AVAILABLE: The pan set works on all stoves, including gas, induction, electric, glass, ceramic, halogen,...
- PREMIUM NONSTICK COOKWARE: the cookware features advanced tri-ply nonstick coatings, ensuring that food slides right out...
- EXTRA-STURDY ALUMINUM CONSTRUCTION: Made of high-grade aluminum, these pots and pans are designed for durability....
- SET INCLUDES: 1.5-Quart Saucepan with Lid, 3-Quart Saucepan with Lid, 6-Quart Stockpot with Lid, 11.25-Inch Grill Pan,...
- EVEN, CONSISTENT HEAT: Thick, forged base is designed to heat evenly for experimenting with new recipes and getting...
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Crafted from durable hard anodized aluminum, these premium-quality pots and pans are built for...
Conclusion
An induction cooking surface is a fantastic upgrade for your kitchen. You’ll be able to cook foods faster while cutting down on energy consumption. You’ll also improve the level of safety within your kitchen.
With all of these benefits, there’s a reason why so many people are making the switch to induction. Before you do, though just make sure you know what kind of cooking surface works for you, the style that best fits, and the kind of space you have available.
With this in mind, you’ll be able to pick out the best induction cooktop for your cooking needs.
I began my writing career writing for various content firms, but it was under the tutelage of the editors here at SavantMag.com that I grew as a writer and editor. I love the content we write here and bringing solid reviews to consumers is rewarding beyond what I can even describe.