Whether you want to upgrade your kitchen appliance or replace your old model, you will appreciate an induction cooktop. This cooktop comes with outstanding features that set it apart from the typical gas and electric models and justify the price. However, as the induction cooktops industry is growing, it’s hard to find the best induction cooktop for your kitchen.
However, allow us to introduce you to plenty of induction cooktop options available on the market to help with your selection.
Best Induction Cooktop: Summary
1. Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner
2. GE 36-Inch Cooktop with 5 Induction
3. Elite Gourmet ESB-301F Countertop Single Cast Iron Burner
4. Frigidaire FGIH3047VF 30″ Gallery Series Induction Range
5. Samsung- 30″ Induction Cooktop with WiFi and Virtual Flame- Black Stainless Steel
6. AMZCHEF Single Induction Cooker
7. CUSIMAX 1800W Portable Induction Burner with Timer
How Do We Choose the Best Induction Cooktop Brands?
With so many induction cooktop brands in the market, finding one that guarantees impressive results in the kitchen can be overwhelming. In this article, we have reviewed models from top brands like Duxtop, GE, CUSIMAX, AMZCHEF, and Elite Gourment. Moreover, all induction cooktops on the list are based on the following criteria:
Functionality: We dedicatedly review product functionality, including products’ multifunctional features.
Materials and design. We don’t consider those products that have a bulky design. We pick a product that saves space on your countertop. We include products that contain safe and durable materials.
Customer Reviews: There are plenty of customer reviews on retail sites, the brand’s websites, and others. These comments are a way of knowing what to expect with these products. How accurately they work, mechanism, and effectiveness. Moreover, we didn’t only look at the customer’s experience with the product but also with the company.
Also, popular kitchen appliance brands like Samsung, Frigidaire, and GE are included in our list. These brands have been in the industry for a while and offer some of the best cooktops.
With these high-end brands, you can expect advanced features, exceptional performance, and a stylish design. Nevertheless, this will mean digging deeper into your pocket.
However, budget buys like Duxtop and CUSIMAX may be worth considering if you have a tight budget. These models come at an affordable price without compromising on value.
Best Induction Cooktop for 2022: Reviews
We compared these models based on their power output, variety of temperature settings, safety functions, automatic heat-up function, ease of use and cleaning, and more. We’ve reviewed the pros and cons of each model to help you find the most suitable option for your needs.
1. Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner
If you are in the market for a portable and affordable induction cooktop, this model from Duxtop may be worth considering. This is a standalone model with one burner that cooks quickly and evenly.
It is reasonably priced and light enough to take on the go. The built-in digital control panel allows you to adjust the power and temperature settings. It offers ten power levels, and you can increase them from 200 to 1800 watts. You can also set the temperature from 140 degrees to 460 degrees F.
There is a timer that you can set up to 170 minutes. This is good if you need to cook something for more than 2 hours and still handle other tasks.
The pan detection feature allows the cookpot to detect the presence and absence of a pan automatically. If no pan is detected, it will automatically shut down the model after 60 seconds. It also offers peace of mind with the high and low-voltage warning system.
Generally, you should consider this induction model if you are seeking a small model that won’t break the bank and still delivers a decent performance. However, you can’t do much one single time because it only has one burner.
Pros:
- Compact and portable design
- Easy to use and clean
- Intuitive control panel
- Affordable
- Ideal for small spaces
Cons:
- Includes only one burner
- Not powerful like other models
- It can be noisy
2. GE 36-Inch Cooktop with 5 Induction
With a 36-inch design and five burners, this induction cooktop heats cookware quickly and offers precision control while cooking. It has two smart heating elements that measure 7 inches, making it ideal for heating large pans and pots.
Through 5 heating elements, it can adjust to the heating area to accommodate different pan sizes and cook food evenly. It features powerful touch controls that allow you to tweak the settings to your desired mode. The design is easy-to-use, and the digital control panel is quite responsive. Plus, using its lowest heat settings you can keep your food warm and boil water in a minute.
GE 36-inch cooktop offers the perfect combination of performance and value for money. Its diversity of heating elements makes it stand out as the best induction cooktop among other models in the market.
Pros:
- Accommodates different heating element sizes
- Available in several distinct finishes
- Fits well in most kitchen decors
- 5 heat elements
- Has bridge burner
- Controls are lockable
- Easy-to-clean surface
Cons:
- Controls are difficult to see
3. Elite Gourmet ESB-301F Countertop Single Cast Iron Burner
This feature-packed single burner countertop may be what you need if you want to enjoy faster cooking. This is made possible by its high-power output of 1000watts.
It is suitable for making several dishes, and you can adjust the temperature setting as required on the knob control. The temperature setting offers options for Off, Warm, Low, Medium, and High.
Cooking will become efficient and convenient with this countertop in your kitchen. The flat heating element ensures even heat distribution for well-cooked meals.
It has a space-saving design and is light enough to carry around when you want to enjoy meals outdoors. Although this model is made from plastic, the heating plate features heavy-duty cast-iron construction. Cleaning it is a breeze, and the base remains cool to the touch. Other useful features include indicator lights and non-skid rubber feet to prevent wobbling. The most surprising part is through this cute little cooktop induction, you can use any type of cookware! So, for the price, this burner is worth the investment.
Pros:
- Compact and space-saving design
- Offers faster cooking
- Adjustable temperature settings
- Easy to clean
- Even heat distribution
- Great price
Cons:
- Can get quite hot
4. Frigidaire FGIH3047VF 30″ Gallery Series Induction Range
Frigidaire has built this induction model with power and performance in mind. It is an outstanding purchase with a freestanding design and stainless-steel construction. Like most induction cooktops its size, this 30-inch model has four burners.
The burners have ring markings and can hold pots and pans of three different sizes. Something that sets this induction range apart is its ability to bring water to boil really fast.
Not to mention its excellent heat control. The digital controls allow you to adjust the temperatures and cook different dishes like sauces easily.
With this unit, you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen cleaning it after cooking. This is thanks to its self-clean and steam clean option.
Ultimately, there is a lot to be desired in this Frigidaire induction range. Its versatile design, digital touch control, self-clean, and other useful features will blow your mind.
Pros:
- Flexible freestanding design
- Boils water fast
- Customizable digital controls
- Self-clean option
- Excellent heat control
- Sliding touch controls are easy to use
Cons:
- Lacks burning syncing
- Ring markings can be unappealing
5. Samsung- 30″ Induction Cooktop with WiFi and Virtual Flame- Black Stainless Steel
Samsung has a reputation for producing high-quality products, and this induction cooktop is no exception. This high-end model comes with plenty of modern features to give you an exceptional cooking experience.
Perhaps this model is one of the stylishly designed induction cooktops which supports Wi-Fi-enabled connectivity. This lets you monitor and control your cooking from anywhere you are. Additionally, it is Bluetooth-enabled, allowing you to sync the lights and fans in the room with your cooktop.
Like gas cooktops, this model has virtual flames, making it stand out and earn a spot on our list. This flashy feature displays flame images underneath the cookware, giving the impression that it is being heated by the element below.
If you are after flexibility and convenience, then you will be pleased by the digital touch controls. However, you can still use the removable magnetic knob for a more traditional feel.
Like other models in its price range, this model has extensive safety features, including a safety shutoff function. The control panel is highly sensitive and changes based on the heat settings.
There is also a flex zone area that facilitates flexible cooking. So, whether you have small, large, or uniquely-shaped cookware, the flex zone can accommodate them. Conceivably one of the best cooktops for an exceptional cooking experience.
Pros:
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Features both digital and analog controls
- Promotes flexible cooking
- A large cooking area
- Boils water fast
Cons:
- Expensive
6. AMZCHEF Single Induction Cooker
The AMZCHEF single induction cooker is a stylish hob with a single burner for home cooks. Despite its small size and compact design, this cooker has ten power settings, and you can easily adjust the power between 300W and 2000W.
The temperature setting can also be adjustable between 60 to 240 degrees C to meet your cooking requirements. It has a fast-heating speed and could shorten the cooking time, allowing you and your family to enjoy dinner in no time. As for the timer, you can set it up to 180 minutes in one-minute increments.
When it comes to the design, it has a sleek and stylish black crystal glass surface. It is also designed with large touch buttons, which are quite sensitive and intuitive.
This single induction hob stands out because of its safety features. If no pot is detected, the auto shutoff function will power it off in one minute. You also won’t have to worry about the safety of your child with this model, thanks to the child safety lock function.
Pros:
- Intuitive control panel
- Compact and portable design
- Sleek and stylish look
- It has outstanding safety features
- Includes pan detection feature
- Fast heating design
Cons:
- Uneven heating
- It can get too hot
7. CUSIMAX 1800W Portable Induction Burner with Timer
This is yet another portable induction burner for easy storage and transportation. Crafted with ceramic glass, this cooktop has one heating element suitable for frying, simmering, boiling, and stir-frying.
This item has a high power of 1800W, and it can effectively make meals within a short time. It also boasts a high-temperature speed ranging from 140 degrees C to 464 degrees C. This is suitable for fast cooking and saving energy.
Furthermore, it has advanced safety options to give you peace of mind if you have children, pets, or aged individuals in the house. Besides not emitting gas or an open flame, the cooktop has a child lock safety function that is easy to use.
Additionally, the pan detection feature can sense the unit’s absence or use of improper cookware. In this case, it will send an error and shut down the cooktop within one minute.
It also has a three-hour long timer. So, if you are looking for the best induction cooktop that is something portable and affordable that heats up quickly, then this CUSIMAX 1800W Portable Induction is the win-win choice for you!
Pros:
- Offers quick heat-up
- Ideal for different cooking needs
- Portable design
- Safety settings
- Efficient and convenient
- Easy to use and clean
Cons:
- It can be a bit loud
What is an Induction Cooktop?
An induction cooktop is a cooking surface powered by electricity through a copper coil under the glass. This cookware heats the surface directly instead of heating the cooktop burner.
It contains a metal coil that generates a magnetic field in the cooktop. When a ferromagnetic cookware is placed on this field, it gets heated without the cooktop getting hot to the touch. The induction cooktop heats up quickly and is very energy efficient.
Types of Induction Cooktops
Induction cooktops are typically categorized into three types: portable, built-in, and freestanding. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice will depend on your cooking needs.
- Portable Cooktops
As the name may suggest, these induction cooktops are designed to be compact and lightweight. This makes them ideal for when you want to move the cook from one place to another.
This option will suffice if you want to prepare a meal outdoors or sell food in a truck. You will enjoy fast cooking on the go as long you have a power source.
- Built-In Induction Cooktops
These are fixed induction units that are usually installed on a countertop. It can also be installed in the front or back kitchen in a professional setting. However, it is not portable and requires careful consideration during installation to ensure that it is placed where it best suits your needs.
- Freestanding Induction Cooktops
Are you in the market for a flexible unit that can fit anywhere in your kitchen? If so, then a freestanding induction cooktop can be an excellent choice.
This unit is designed to stand on its own and can be hard-wired on the wall or set as a plug-and-play. You don’t need a counter work or cabinetry for this cooktop.
How Does the Induction Cooktop Work?
We must first understand its heating method to know how an induction cooktop works. Instead of generating thermal conduction like your typical gas or electric cooktop, this cooktop heats the cookware directly through magnetic conduction.
This cooktop provides an electromagnetic field through a coiled copper wire embedded under the glass surface. An electric current is passed into the pot or pan, and heat is generated to cook food evenly through conduction and convection.
For this method to work, you must use cookware crafted from magnetic material only. The electromagnetic current can only pass-through ferromagnetic metal such as stainless steel and cast iron. It, however, does not transmit current on non-ferromagnetic materials like glass and ceramic.
Usages of Induction Cooktop
Induction cooktops have a wide application and can be used to meet cooking needs at home and in professional settings. They are powerful enough to fry, deep fry, simmer and stir dishes to give the best results.
Of course, this will depend on the variety of temperature settings. A model with multiple temperature settings will enable you to cook different types of dishes with ease.
Benefits of Induction Cooktop
As induction cooktop comes with several unique features, it has numerous benefits. Some are given below in detail:
- Faster Cooking
Thanks to electromagnet activity, an induction cooktop can heat the pan in no time. It generates heat directly to the cookware since you don’t have to heat other elements first. As a result, it will take you very minimal time to cook your favorite meal than other cooktops.
- Energy Efficient
Induction cooktops are more energy-efficient than gas and electric models. They use a direct method of heating that heats the pan instead of the heating surface. Consequently, it takes a shorter time to generate heat in the cookware.
This significantly lowers the energy consumption and translates to lower energy bills. Overall, this makes it an eco-friendly option.
- Easy-to-Control Temperature Settings
Induction cooktops have a wide range of temperature settings that you can adjust depending on the meal. It’s pretty easy to control your cooking with precise temperature control.
You can set it to a higher setting if you want to cook for a shorter duration. On the other hand, lower settings work best for cooking for longer periods.
- A Safer Option
Induction cooktops fit the bill if you are looking for a safer way to cook. This cooktop doesn’t produce flames or emit gas into the air like other cooktops. This means little risk of fire accidents in your kitchen.
Additionally, induction models are smart appliances and will turn on automatically when induction-ready cookware is placed in the cooking zone. Most will automatically turn off in the event of a boil-over, overheating, or when the pot is removed.
Some also include a child-lock safety feature to give you peace of mind if you have inquisitive children or pets. It also minimizes the chances of accidents in the kitchen. This is because its surface is designed to remain cool to the touch. What’s more, other models include a residential heat indicator that lets you know when a cooking zone is hot.
- Easy to Install
Installation of an induction cooktop is quite easy, particularly for portable ones. They come in many shapes and sizes, making it easy to fit them on your desired countertop wall.
- Easy to Clean
Finding an easy-to-clean cooktop can be a good thing for people who enjoy cooking. You don’t have to worry about intensive cleaning with an induction cooktop since food seldom gets burnt or boiled over. Plus, burnt-on foods rarely stick to the surface because it remains cool throughout.
If there is a spill, you can easily clean with a damp sponge or paper towel without needing heavy scrubbing. This means that your cooktop will look new and last a long time.
Drawbacks of Induction Cooktop
Moreover, apart from benefits, there are several downsides noticed while using an induction cooktop. Such as:
- Requires Special Cookware
Not every pot and pan will work on an induction cooktop. You need special cookware with a magnetic base to work on the induction. This requires performing the magnet test by placing a magnet on the bottom of the pot/pan to see if it sticks.
Also, not every cookware material is suitable to use on this cookware. Some common induction-ready materials include stainless steel, enameled steel, and cast iron. However, you’ll want to avoid materials like copper, aluminum, and glass.
- Frustrating at First
Induction cookpots can be frustrating at first. They have a hard learning curve, requiring time to get used to them. You must know how to fit the pan and pots properly at the center of the cooking zone for best results.
It can also be a bit frustrating when the appliance shuts off prematurely. Furthermore, it is advised to be careful with this cooktop and avoid abrasive cleaning since its prone to scratching.
- Expensive
Considering their benefits, it is no surprise that induction cooktops are significantly more expensive than their counterparts. They come at a hefty initial price that can make a hole in your wallet.
Plus, you will need to invest in induction-ready cookware, which costs more than traditional cookware. Nevertheless, they are still worth the investment if you are after an appliance upgrade or you are doing a high-quality remodel.
- Noisy
You may notice noises when using an induction cooktop. Usually, these noises can sound like a hum or buzz, depending on the type of cookware. For instance, cast iron, which is ideally heavy, will make fewer sounds than stainless steel.
- Dependence on Electricity
A major con of induction cooktops is their heavy dependence on electricity. These models require electricity to work, meaning you can’t cook during a power outage.
Comparison Among Induction Cooktop vs. Gas vs. Electric
Gas, electric, and induction are the three common types of cooktops available. But how do they differ, and which one should you choose?
Electric cooktops are similar in appearance to induction cooktops. They have a glass-ceramic surface and use electricity as the power source. Nevertheless, they differ in many ways, including the method of cooking.
Electric cooktops have radiant elements that heat up and radiate the heat on the pan or pot. The cookware may take a while to get hot and heat your food. Although these cooktops are more energy efficient than gas models, their efficiency can’t surpass that of induction cooktops.
Like induction, gas cooktops offer great control over the heating level during cooking. Nonetheless, induction cooktops provide the ultimate temperature control precision. Gas cooktops are also quite responsive and can continue cooking even during a power outage.
Induction is the fastest way to cook and boil water. It is also, hands down, a safer option than both electric and gas cooktops. The induction element is placed beneath the glass surface and won’t heat up unless cookware is placed on top.
The other major benefit compared to the other two options is energy efficiency. Induction cooktops can help you save significantly in terms of energy bills. Unfortunately, it is the most expensive option of the two. Plus, it requires specific cookware, which is not an issue for gas and electric models.
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Induction Cooktop
You must consider several things when choosing the best induction cooktop for your needs. They include the following:
- Preset Cooking Menus
If you love experimenting in the kitchen, a cooktop induction with preset cooking menus may be worth considering. The preset cooking menu can offer options for frying, boiling, grilling, stir-frying, or boiling milk.
It will adjust the temperature depending on what you intend to cook. This feature offers convenience and faster cooking.
- Power and Temperature Settings
A good cooktop should have controllable temperature settings, allowing you to decrease or increase the temperature as desired. Moreover, some cookers have different power levels that are easy to adjust depending on the dish you are cooking.
Most cooktop units with a high wattage feature a power management system. This system divides the power between the cooking zones- one with a high-power level and the other with a low power level.
- Single or Multi Cooking Zones
You must decide whether you want a single or multiple cooking zones model. Of course, this will depend on what you want to prepare and how often you intend to cook.
Generally, cooktops with multiple zones do well for professional use, although they are more expensive. On the other hand, a single-zone induction cooktop can meet your family’s cooking needs. 2 and 3 heating zones are more common for standard-sized homes.
- Safety Features
The safety of an induction cooktop is worth considering when making your selection. Nowadays, many models come with safety sensors to monitor the cookware temperature. If you forget the empty cookware on the cooktop, the appliance will adjust the power output to prevent further damage.
The other useful safety feature is the auto-pan detection feature. This feature ensures that the cooktop is turned off once the pan is removed from the heating zone and displays a symbol. When the pan is placed back on the cooktop, it will power on and continue cooking with the preset power level. It also shows a symbol if the wrong cookware is used.
Other valuable safety features to look out for when selecting include overflow sensors, item detection, and a lock button. These features will allow you to prepare the perfect dish without worrying about causing fire-related accidents in the kitchen.
- Design and Finish
While this may not be the most important factor to consider, the design of your cooktop induction should complement your kitchen décor. For something sleek and easy to clean, go with an edgeless design. Framed designs are less prone to damage, although they promote dirt and grime build-up.
You also need to decide the best finish for your needs. Here, you can choose between a traditional and modern stainless-steel option.
- Size of Cooking Zone
The size of the cooking zone differs from one cooktop to another. All cooktops have a small and large cooking zone. Others also include an extra-large option to accommodate a variety of cookware.
When making your selection, ensure that you consider the size of the pan for better efficiency. Otherwise, the appliance may not heat if you use cookware that is small than the cooking zone.
- Size of Cooktop
The size of the induction cooktop will depend on the size of the available space. These cooktops come in different sizes, ranging from 30cm to 90cm wide for those with multi zones. It, therefore, helps to know how much available space you have before making a buying decision.
- Portability
Do you intend to move the cooktop from one place to another? If so, a portable induction cooktop will work better than a fixed cooktop.
- Timer
Many cooktop inductions in the market come with a timer setting. With this feature, you can set the time for cooking a particular dish.
Once the preset time is over, the appliance will automatically shut down. Not only is this feature energy-saving, but it also helps to prevent accidents.
- Automatic Switch Off
This safety feature automatically turns off the induction cooktop in case of overheating. This feature can also be helpful if you remove the pan and forget to switch it off.
- Safety Cut-Off
Every induction cooktop is designed with this safety feature. Ideally, the appliance will be cut off if the cooking zone is turned on for a long time with the temperature remaining unaltered.
The safety cut-out period will depend on the preset heat. For instance, a cooktop set to a high setting will have a shorter cut-out time than one set to a low setting for longer cooking.
- Compatibility with Smart Technology
Ultimately, all induction cooktops feature advanced technology compared to conventional models. However, other models have smart induction technology for convenience when preparing dishes.
For instance, some models are compatible with apps that let them adjust the temperature setting through a smart device. This means you can tweak the settings from the comfort of your couch.
FAQS
1. Does an induction cooktop use more electricity?
No, an induction cooktop is an energy-efficient option. An induction cooktop is estimated to use between 1500 watts and 3000 watts on average. While this may be higher than the consumption of most household appliances, induction cooktops are still more energy efficient than their gas and electric counterparts. They use a magnetic element to heat the cookware directly, producing about 85 to 90% for the cooking.
2. Does an induction cooktop affect pacemakers?
Yes, induction cooktops can affect pacemakers due to the strong electromagnetic fields generated during cooking. This device increases your exposure to EMF radiation which can put your health at risk.
Therefore, if you have a pacemaker, ensure it doesn’t get close to your induction cooktop. Placing it at least 60cm away is recommended to prevent the pacemaker leads from generating electric current.
Final Thoughts
Induction cooktops are quickly gaining popularity in the kitchens of cooking enthusiasts and professional chefs. This is no surprise considering this cooktop’s benefits as opposed to electric and gas cooktops. Moreover, as there are already plenty of induction cooktops available on the market, it’s hard to choose the best induction cooktop, which actually works and evenly cooks your food. So, bringing unique and high-quality induction cooktops will be best for your crazy kitchen. In this case, we hope this article proves valuable when making your selection. So, what’s your favorite cooktops induction?
