Induction cooktops are really powerful and precise thanks to the electromagnetic field below the glass surface. This field is able to transfer the current directly to the cookware, allowing it to heat up.
More precisely, what induction does is cut out that intermediate step of heating up a burner and transferring the heat to your pot.
As a result, the food cooks faster and the cooktop itself also responds much quicker whenever you need to dial back the temperature, making sure that you never ruin your dish!
It may not sound like it but the change is significant, which is why more and more professional chefs are choosing induction cooktops rather than the traditional ones.
Furthermore, as opposed to typical glass-top electric models, induction cooktops do not create a glow so you don’t usually even know it’s on!
Of course, to avoid accidentally leaving it on for a long time, many manufacturers are adding a variety of lighting cues such as virtual flames to signal that they are indeed on or off.
Usually, they don’t actually get hot on their own but you should still be careful since the heat can transfer from the pot to the glass through conduction, just like a countertop gets hot whenever you place a hot pan on it.
What this means is that not too long after taking the cooking pot off, the induction cooktop will also cool down even when it’s still on.
Normally, however, the heat goes straight to the pan, so the glass surface will never get as hot as it normally does with electric cooktops.
But if you accidentally turn it on and there is nothing on it, the cooktop will never get hot, which is a pretty neat safety feature, especially if you have kids running around, wreaking havoc and you’re constantly worried about them escaping your supervision and causing an actual disaster to happen.
The only slight inconvenience is that induction cooktops actually need special cookware so you’ll have to get those as well!
Just make sure to look for pans and pots that are marked “induction-compatible.”
Of course, some of the pans and pots you already own might work as well and the way you can check is by using a magnet!
If the magnet sticks to the bottom of your cookware really well, it means they are compatible with an induction cooktop.
Another thing you should know is that the magnetic field of the induction cooktop can interfere with your digital thermometer – if you tend to use one of those – so make sure you use an old-fashioned analog thermometer instead.
Now that you know all about induction cooktops and what they can do for you, here are some of the best models on the market in no particular order!
Duxtop Induction Cooktop Model 9600LS
The Duxtop Induction Cooktop Model 9600LS offers no less than 20 different power and temperature settings that range from 200 to 1800 watts and 100 to 460 degrees F, respectively, making it a model that offers more heat control than pretty much any other out there!
Not only that, but it’s also great at regulating its temperature without spiking at first and possibly burning your food.
Instead, this product is able to adjust really fast, not only initially but also whenever you need to reset the temperature down, which you usually do when adding ingredients in hot oil so it does not splash and burn you.
But even though it has so many features, The Duxtop still has a really simple interface, featuring an easy to read LED display, a timer you can set for as long as 10 hours and other safety features such as the child lock button.
Besides, this cooktop will automatically turn off after 2 hours if you don’t set the timer for longer.
While all induction cooktops feature this whirring sound, the Duxtop is one of the quietest out there, so if you don’t like the noise, this might be the best choice for you.
Furthermore, it’s super easy to clean as well since there are no crevices and the glass surface can be wiped down quickly without leaving streaks.
This product comes with a two-year warranty which is a year more than most other models.
KitchenAid KICU509XSS
The power of this product ranges from 1,400 watts to 3,700 watts and also features 12 temperature settings that allow you to cook very precise dishes without an issue.
If no pan is placed on the burner, it turns off automatically as a safety precaution.
It’s one of the simpler models so if you are looking for something without all the bells and whistles that still does a great job, this might be the best for you.
It features 4 heat elements that range from 6 to 11 inches in diameter, the latter being one of the biggest on any cooktop!
There is even a bridge element able to connect 2 heat elements into a larger one.
This is ideal whenever you need to use bigger cookware pieces such as a griddle.
Other useful functions are the control lock and pan detection ones that ensure the cooktop only heat up whenever you need to use it.
The function that does not exist for this one, however, is the warming one, although you most likely won’t have any trouble assessing the right temperature to warm up your already cooked food without burning it.
A neat function it does have, however, is one specifically made for melting things like chocolate or butter.
The control is done touch controls, making adjusting everything really straightforward and easy.
The safety features will make sure to protect you and your household from fires and other similar accidents and the lock control prevents the device from being turned on by accident.
When the cooktop is turned on, you can turn off all the controls but when it’s off, the touchpad does not work.
If you forget to turn it off at the end of your cooking session (after removing the pan) it will give you a 1 minute warning before turning off automatically.
Furthermore, the “H” on the cooktop will light up to let you know when the surface is hot after cooking.
GE Profile PHP9036SJSS 36 in. Built-In Electric Induction Cooktop with 5 Elements
This is one of the more popular induction cooktops thanks to being so easy to operate, having a quick-cleaning surface and being efficient in every way.
The controls are digital touch and allow the owner to adjust the heat settings separately for each burner.
Another function allows you to control two burners at once if you need to use oversized cookware.
The biggest burner measures 11 inches and features no less than 3,700 watts of power, while the smallest burner is only 6 inches and also has a low temperature which is ideal for melting butter or chocolate for baking.
Furthermore, if you are worried about safety in the kitchen, this cooktop will give you some peace of mind since it has many safety features such as the surface itself, which remains cool to the touch most of the time as well as the lock button, which is meant to disable all the controls while you clean it, to make sure you don’t set any of them off by accident.
Just like many other induction cooktops, this one heats up very quickly as well and also offers you very similar control to cooking with gas, which is ideal for anyone who loves cooking, whether professionally or just for themselves or family!
Frigidaire Gallery Induction Range FGIH3047VF
The Frigidaire Gallery delivers in every way so it’s definitely worth the investment!
It is designed with an induction cooktop and steam-clean features which will not only cut the cooking time in half but also reduce cleaning time in the same way!
Furthermore, the 30-inch range is the first of its kind with an air fry right in the oven, which is more than perfect for those who are planning on eating healthier but still delicious meals at home.
The oven measures 5.4 cubic feet and features a multi-rack space, a convection fan to disperse the heat optimally as well as a fast steam-cleaning setting that will make maintenance of this device as easy as possible for you!
It has a built-in range look thanks to the digital front control style.
As for safety, one of the main features is the auto pan sizing to heat the stove surface that’s in contact with the pan only!
For organizational purposes, there is even a lower storage drawer – the perfect storage for all your cookware!
The total measurements are 25.75 inches in depth, 29.88 inches in width and 36.625 inches in height,
Finally, this stove’s surface features 4 heating elements – two 7-inch ones, one 8.3-inch one and a 5.5-inch one!
iSiLER Portable Induction Cooktop
If you are looking for a sleeker, more minimalist design, this might be more your style.
The iSiLER Portable Induction Cooktop has accurate temperature settings and it is easy to use.
There are 17 total temperature settings and the surface is smooth and flat, allowing you to clean it easily, especially since it seems to be a little smudge-prone.
Frigidaire Gallery FGIC3066TB
The Frigidaire Gallery FGIC3066TB has a bridge element for griddles and the pan size detection feature automatically adjusts the burner’s size in order to fit your pan perfectly!
This product is ideal for people who don’t have a lot of space or don’t tend to cook as much since it’s smaller and has fewer temperature settings than most other cooktops out there.
The interface is easy to use thanks to how simple it is and there are separate controls meant for each burner.
There is also a warming feature made to keep your food warm without the risk of overcooking it.
Another great feature is the power boost, which raises the temperature for ten minutes for when you need something done fast, like boiling water.
It has four burners with power ranging from 1,450 watts to 3,400 watts, which is more than enough power to cook all kinds of foods even though they are rather average among induction cooktops.
The burner sizes are average as well, ranging from 5 inches to 10 inches!
Samsung NZ30K7880UG
If you want a more high-end induction cooktop, this model from Samsung might be exactly what you are looking for!
It comes with all kinds of tech features that will make cooking not only a breeze but also more fun than usual!
One of its best features is the magnetic dial attachment that offers you some more tactile control of all the temperature settings (15 of them.)
There is also a bridge element for griddle cooking and the biggest cooking element measures 12 inches across.
But the high-tech capabilities of this model lay with its connectivity to your phone via an app and WiFi!
This means that you are able to monitor it from afar and make sure safety is ensured.
Speaking of safety, there are two phases – the first warns you when the cooktop is still warm after using it, while the second is able to detect when you’ve accidentally left your food unattended for more than it has to be.
Empava EMPV-IDC24 24 in. 4 Elements Black Induction Cooktop
The Empava EMPV-IDC24 24 in. 4 Elements Black Induction Cooktop is 24 inches wide and features 4 burners that range in diameter from 6 to 8 inches.
Just like many other induction cooktops on the market, it has a clean and sleek look.
There are 9 power levels and a power boosting mode that will help you prep meals fast if that is a necessity.
Kenyon B81335 Silken 21 in. 240V Induction Cooktop with 2 Burners
Another great option for those who lack the kitchen space for a more clunky cooktop, this one Kenyon only has two burners!
It’s perfect for all compact kitchens, be it on boats, in RVs or suites!
It only measures 21 inches wide and has two 6.5-inch burners each of them being able to hit up to 1,300 watts of power.
The device also has 16 temperature settings as well as a timer for each of the two burners.
Since the cooktop is made of ceramic glass, it’s also super easy to clean.
Not only that but it even comes with a silicone mat meant to protect against any food spills as well as to keep your pots and pans from sliding off the smooth surface.
