1. Things To Consider When Buying Induction Cooktops

Performance and Cooking Power: The power output of electric appliances is measured in watts, and induction cooktops are no exception (even if induction heating is significantly different than traditional electric cooktops). The total wattage of an induction cooktop is divided among the individual heating elements.

Stellar Jackson, an electrical engineer, advises shoppers to “look for appliances that feature energy-efficient induction elements, which distribute power effectively to the cookware. Additionally, consider models that are Energy Star-certified, as this indicates reduced energy consumption.”

Size and Installation Considerations: Just as you would with any other home appliance, ensuring that the induction cooktop you buy is a good fit for your kitchen space is important. In the case of induction cooktops, which nestle within a countertop cutout, the “measure twice, cut once” rule applies. You also need to make sure that the area designated for your cooktop can provide access to electrical wiring and sufficient ventilation.

Given the complexity of installing an induction cooktop and the handiwork involved, we recommend consulting with an electrician to confirm that your home and kitchen can support an induction cooktop and handle the installation and setup. Jackson adds, “Professional electricians can ensure that the electrical connections are in line with your home's circuit requirements and safety protocols. This is critical to prevent electrical issues and guarantee that the appliance operates efficiently and safely.”

Types of Heating Elements: Most standard 30-inch induction cooktops have four heating elements, while larger ones often include a fifth. These can range from low-wattage elements for keeping food warm to high-powered burners capable of 2,300 watts of power or even more if the cooktop features a “boost” mode for faster cooking.

Induction burners also vary in width for the cooktop to accommodate various cookware. Some advanced induction cooktops feature burners that can be bridged, meaning you can combine them to form a larger, single heating area for larger pans or griddles.

Cooking Features and Settings: In addition to varying sizes, heating elements vary in wattage and temperature settings to handle different cooking tasks. One of the main advantages of induction heating is shorter heating times. The best induction cooktops offer handy features like power boosting that let you crank up the wattage temporarily to quickly handle tasks that are typically time-consuming, such as boiling a pot of water. Other cooking features may include specific heating settings for simmering or melting ingredients or keeping cooked food warm.

Extra Features: Aside from the basic specs of the cooktop, such as its size, the number of heating elements, and cooking power, there are some additional features you may want to look for. Modern appliances increasingly offer smart features such as mobile app controls and Wi-Fi connectivity, which can add convenience to your daily meal prep. With Wi-Fi, you can connect a smart induction cooktop to your home’s wireless network and then monitor and control the cooking process using a companion app from a compatible mobile device.

Some other extras to look for on the best induction cooktops include safety features like auto shut-off, which automatically turns off the heating element when you remove cookware. Since induction requires contact with the cookware to transfer heat, this is standard on induction cooktops and ranges. Other safety features include things like child locks, hot surface indicators, and automatic temperature control.