Induction cooktops look nearly identical to standard smooth-top ranges but there's much more to them than meets the eye. Functionally, there's a big difference between induction cooktops and ordinary electric cooktops, making induction cooktops safer, more environmentally friendly, and even faster than other ranges. There are freestanding, slide-in, and drop-in models so you can choose the best induction range that perfectly fits your space.
Below, we've explained what an induction cooktop is, how it functions, and laid out the pros and cons, so you can decide if an induction range is right for you.
What Is an Induction Cooktop?
An induction cooktop is a cooking surface with an electromagnetic field situated beneath the surface. When turned on, the electromagnetic field reacts with magnetic cookware to create heat through energy transfer.
How Does Induction Cooking Work?
While an induction stove uses electricity to create heat, it doesn't do so in the same manner as an electric stove. Electric cooktops use electricity to heat an element, either beneath a glass top or directly on the cooktop in the form of a coil.
This cooktop then gets extremely hot. When a pot or pan is placed on the cooktop, heat is then transferred into it, with much of that heat being lost in the process.
An induction cooktop doesn't use electricity to heat the cooktop itself. Instead, the electricity is used to power an electromagnetic field beneath the glass. When a magnetic pan is placed on the cooktop, the magnetic reaction causes the pan to heat up. This direct connection efficiently heats the pan without ever heating the cooktop itself.
To cook on an induction cooktop, you must use induction-compatible cookware. This is because the magnetic field the induction cooktop uses to create heat must have magnetic cookware to react to.
Cookware made from materials like aluminum, copper, and glass won't work with induction, as these materials aren't magnetic—however, traditional cookware like stainless steel, cast iron, enameled iron, and nickel will.
Pros of Induction Cooktops
Like any other style of cooktop and range, there are both advantages and disadvantages associated with induction cooktops.
Here are some of the notable pros of induction cooktops:
- Safety: Since an induction cooktop's magnetic field heats the pan itself rather than the cooktop, you don't have to worry about the cooktop getting hot if you forget to turn it off after removing your pan.
- Energy-Efficient: Induction cooktops are more energy-efficient than both electric ranges and gas ranges, which saves you money while being environmentally conscious.
- Easy to Clean: Induction cooktops have a solid glass cooktop, much like that of a glass or ceramic electric range. This solid surface is much easier to clean than a gas range or a traditional electric stove with coil elements. Plus, because the cooktop itself doesn't heat up, there's much less room for food to burn on.
- Cooking Speed: The heat creation from the magnetic reaction of an induction cooktop is second to none. Induction-compatible pans heat quickly and evenly, making cooking quick and easy.
Cons of Induction Cooktops
Induction cooktops may also have some downsides, here are some must-know cons:
- Lacks the Feel of Gas: The flame, itself, of gas stoves is a favorite among chefs. It's easy to read and react to, which is a major part of cooking. Induction cooktops lack a flame or even a glow, which leaves some users wanting a visual representation of heat.
- Requires Specific Cookware: If you switch to induction but don't already have the appropriate cookware, prepare to shell out additional money for induction-compatible cookware.
- Expensive: Induction cooktops and ranges are typically more expensive than their direct competition of electric and gas ranges. Furthermore, switching from gas to induction will likely require you to hire an electrician to run the proper electrical line.
Installation and Costs of Induction Cooktops
Most induction ranges use the same electrical connection as a standard electric range. So, if you're going from electric to induction, you simply unplug the old stove and plug the new stove in.
However, going from gas to induction will require you to install a dedicated electrical line if one isn't already present, which likely is the case as it's unnecessary for a gas stove. If this is the case, you will have to hire an electrician, which is estimated to cost $50 to $100 per hour plus material costs.
- How do I know if my cooktop is induction?
The easiest way to tell if your cooktop is induction or not is to turn it on and note what happens. If it gets hot and glows, it isn't induction. If it gets slightly warm with no glow, it likely is induction. However, some modern induction cooktops feature lights to emit a glow.
What is the difference between an induction cooktop and a regular cooktop?An induction cooktop utilizes an electromagnetic current to transfer heat to magnetic cookware, whereas a regular cooktop simply uses electricity to heat the cooktop itself.
What are the disadvantages of an induction cooktop?One of the main disadvantages of induction cooktops is that, while they perform well, they lack the feel of a gas cooktop and can be uncomfortable to use until you get used to them. This is mainly due to the fact that the heat production of an induction cooktop is very uneventful, whereas gas cooktop has a direct visible representation of how much heat it's producing.
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