How does an induction cooktop work?

Induction cooking uses electromagnetic energy to heat directly. Gas and electric cooktops heat indirectly, using a heating element or burner, and passing radiant energy onto the food. Within the cooktop, there is a coil of copper wire. When a pot is placed on it, an alternating electric current passes through it. This creates an oscillating magnetic field and induces a magnetic flux, producing an eddy current in the pot. The eddy current that flows through the resistance of the pot is what heats it.

What kind of pots can I use on an induction cooktop?

Cast iron and stainless steel will work. Copper or aluminum pans will not unless they have additional layers added on the bottom that are magnetic. The best way to check that your pans will work with induction is to check if a magnet will stick to the bottom of the pan.

Can nonstick pans be used on an induction stove?

Yes, you can use nonstick pans providing they have a magnetic base..

Is induction cooking better than gas?

Gas and electric cooktops heat indirectly, using a heating element or burner, and passing radiant energy onto the food. Induction heats the pot or pan directly, which is a lot more efficient.

How long do induction cooktops last?

2500 hours, which is equivalent to 10 hours a day for about a year.

Do induction cooktop scratch easily?

Cast iron can scratch the glass surfaces induction cooktops typically have.

Why are induction cooktops so expensive?

They cost more because they're more complex than other types of cooktops.

Can you touch an induction stove?

The surface doesn't get hot, so you, or a curious child, can touch it without getting burned.

What are the advantages of induction cooking?

One advantage is faster meal prep due to the heat being transferred directly to your cookware. Another is consistency, as you can control the temperature more precisely than electric or gas. They're also easy to clean.

What are the disadvantages of induction cooking?

They are more expensive, and if there is a power outage, you can't use it.

In-Depth Product Guide

Induction Cooktop

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An induction cooktop uses electromagnetic induction to generate heat in the cooking pot or pan. The element itself is relatively cool to the touch. The pot or pan must be made of a material that is attracted to magnets, like cast iron or magnetic stainless steel.

Some cooktops are meant to be fixed into a countertop. Smaller induction cooktops, also called induction plates, are also available. They have one or two elements, sit on a countertop, and can be plugged into a standard wall outlet.

You will need induction-compatible cookware. Glass pots and pans don't work with induction, but cast iron and magnetic stainless steel work. Sometimes the bottom of the cookware will have an 'induction' label.

Induction elements offer fast cooking times and are safer because they are less hot to the touch than regular elements. Like all electric elements, they emit no combustion gases in your home and are more energy-efficient than gas cooktops. They also have a glass cover that is easy to clean.

Induction cooking has similar efficiency to electric coil elements (between 70% and 80%). Induction efficiency is not affected by the size of the pot on the element, while electric elements have drastically reduced efficiency if you use a pot that is smaller than the element. So if you tend to use pots that are much smaller than the element, induction cooking may be for you!