What Is An Induction Cooktop?
An induction cooktop is an alternative, far more energy-efficient cooktop for those looking to change up their kitchen. Induction cooktops work in a pretty cool way! These cooktops use ‘magnetic induction’ as opposed to the more conventional ‘thermal conduction’ to heat and cook your meals. While this may sound technical and confusing, it’s actually easy to understand when broken down into steps:
- A copper coil is placed in the burner beneath your pot
- Alternating electric current is passed through the coil, causing the coil to start emitting a magnetic field.
- This magnetic field causes things called “eddy currents” to hit your pot. The higher setting you turn your induction cooktop to, the more eddy currents you’re unleashing on your pot!
- When eddy currents meet materials with extreme resistance (like stainless steel, what most of our pots and pans are made of), heat is created! How much? That depends on the amount of eddy currents and the exact resistance of your pot. Rest assured, it’s enough to bring water to boil in under 5 minutes!
Great…But Which Induction Cooktop Is For Me?
Finding the right induction cooktop can seem overwhelming at first, especially since most people aren’t entirely familiar with induction cooktops to begin with. However, this stressful and overwhelming feeling doesn’t have to be there. The first step is to identify what you plan on using your induction cooktop for, and what you want out of your new appliance. Once you have those things, you’re ready to start researching online and compare! Here are 5 of the top rated induction cooktops on the market to get you started:
Comparison Table of the Best Induction Cooktops
Frigidaire Professional FPIC3677RF 36-inch Electric Induction Cooktop with 5 Elements
This induction cooktop is one of the highest rated and best reviewed on the market. Parents are constantly praising it for its professional-grade controls, but far more people are talking about its remarkable cooking times. Most induction ovens will leave its electric and gas range counterparts in the dust, but this particular induction cooktop is as speedy as it gets. Thorough cooking in no time, this induction cooktop is for the serious cook who will be using it often. Cleaning is also extremely easy on this cooktop according to customer reviews.
FEATURES
FLEXIBLE COOKING
This electric induction cooktop features Frigidaire’s exclusive SpacePro Bridge Element which lets you cook different dishes all at once, without overworking the cooktop. You can also combine the elements in case you’re using a larger cookware or griddle. What’s most amazing about this feature is that it allows the cooktop to adapt to the size of the pot or pan you’re using at that particular moment.
PROFESSIONAL-GRADE CONTROLS
Have total dominion over your cooktop with the heavy-duty professional knobs that give you precise control of temperature to achieve maximum cooking services. It doesn’t matter if you’re boiling, simmering, or searing; the smooth-looking knobs will ensure that you achieve perfection!
COOKWARE COMPATIBLE
With some cooktops, you always have the fear of being restricted to the type of cookware you can put on them. However, the case is different with this cooktop as it is compatible with most iron-made and stainless steel pots and pans.
OTHER FEATURES
- Efficient use of power
- Simple clean-up
- Consistent results
Bosch NIT5068UC 500 30″ Black Electric Induction Cooktop
This range’s most oft-quoted perk is its consistent dependability. Many of the customer reviews are from people who have had this induction cooktop for years and it continues to serve them as faithfully as it did the day they bought it. The cooktop wipes off easily for an extremely convenient clean and the sleek, modern design is sure to impress anyone who passes through your kitchen. While this is one of the more expensive cooktops on our list, its many cool features like RapidBoil technology make it worth the investment.
FEATURES
RESIDUAL HEAT INDICATOR
This cooktop features a residual heat indicator that shows you the level of temperature at which your cooktop is operating. This way, you are in total control of what you’re cooking without putting yourself and your dish through unnecessary risk.
INDEPENDENT COUNTDOWN TIMER
Cooking can be so boring that one might lose track of time and there’ll be serious turns of events; best case being your food getting burnt (could be worse too). To prevent that from happening, an independent countdown timer is included in this cooktop to help you keep track of time.
OTHER FEATURES
- 4 cooking zones + SpeedBoost
- 2400 watts
Thermador CIT365TB Masterpiece Series 36-Inch Electric Induction Cooktop with 5 Cooking Elements
TheThermador CIT365TB is an electric portable induction cooktop perfect for those with a smaller home or those who need a dependable and quality cooktop on the go. Thermador is a smaller company but what they lack in market share they more than make up for in customer service. Their stoves are equally as impressive at a price most people can afford!
FEATURES
POWER BOOST
This PowerBoost is a wonderful feature that helps increase the elements of the cooktop by 50%; saving you time when boiling water or cooking things of large quantities.
TOUCH CONTROL
The cooktop features illuminated touch controls coupled with 17 different power settings which aid precise controls and make cleaning easier.
TIMER FOR ALL ZONES
We now live in a world where technology is inevitable; whether we like it or not, it’s already becoming a core part of our lives. This cooktop comes with a timer attached to each element, which means that you can easily cook multiple dishes and coordinate each element accordingly.
Viking VICU53616BST 5 Series 36-inch Electric Cooktop Induction with 6 Elements
This cooktop’s smooth ceramic glass cooktop is easy to clean. One washcloth wipe and this cooktop is going to shine like the first day you bought it. Viking has a policy of making their controls (for all their appliances!) simple and intuitive so that anyone can operate their new appliance with ease. The power maximizing technology truly highlights the cooking speed of most induction cooktops! The sole knock on this cooktop is the cooling fans are a bit noisy, so be aware of that if this cooktop seems like it could be for you!
FEATURES
MAGNEQUICK INDUCTION ELEMENTS
With the MagneQuick Induction system, you can easily convert electricity into a magnetic field such that it reacts well with the iron in your cookware.
FAST HEAT TRANSFER
Prevent heat loss with the cooktop. The cooktop transfers heat efficiently into your food, thus, increasing the rate at which your food is cooked by a considerable amount of time.
BLACKCHROME KNOBS
The knobs are built exclusively with CoolLit LED lights which Viking always integrates in its cooking options. When turned on, they indicate blue light.
OTHER FEATURES
- Power management
- Cooler Cooktop Surface
- Simmer Setting
- Instant Temperature Adjustments
Miele KM6377 42-Inch Electric Induction Cooktop with 5 Elements
This cooktop is for those typically cooking for one. The touch screen display is ultra high-tech and convenient for those with an aptitude for understanding technology. The fan and motor are constantly praised for their low level of noise, and consumers rave about this cooktops several top safety features. Just remember this cooktop has 5 heating elements, so it’s safe to say that it’s one of the best options for those who need to prepare large meals for families.
FEATURES
AUTO HEAT-UP
With this feature, the initial power boost is reduced to the lowest minimum to prevent your food from burning.
KEEPING WARM FUNCTION
In case your food comes out too early and perhaps you’re not ready for it to be served, this function helps you keep your food warm by controlling the temperature right at the bottom of your food.
FAULT MONITORING
The cooktop features a system that protects the cooktop, and perhaps, on the larger scale, your home by turning the cooktop off in case of extreme heat.
OTHER FEATURES
- Safety and system lock
- EasyClean ceramic glass
- Timer
- Cooking zone configuration
Putting Out The Flame
So, what is an induction cooktop? It could be the answer to your cooking needs. Although induction cooktops can sometimes seem expensive in comparison to their electric or gas counterparts, the outstanding energy efficiency will save you far more in the long run. Each of these outstanding induction cooktops can help you find a cheaper and more thorough way to create amazing dinners for you!
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