Induction cooktops are a revolutionary and exciting kitchen innovation that with a little practice, will likely speed up your cooking times and make you feel like a master chef. They are available in portable or full sized smooth top versions.
Induction cooking is faster, more precise, and more energy efficient than traditional gas or electric cooking. However, it’s going to need your best induction cookware to cook properly.
If you’re a first-time induction cooktop buyer, you may feel overwhelmed and wonder what to look for when purchasing.
In this guide, we’ll share what you need to know and review the top models to help you choose the best induction cooktop for you and your kitchen.
Top 7: Best Induction Cooktop Reviews
1. Frigidaire FGIC3067MB 30′ Induction Cooktop
The Frigidaire 30” induction cooktop has four burners and all the bells and whistles you’d expect, including hot surface indicators and express controls. As with the others included in our guide, this unit does need to be installed into a cooktop inset.
Unless you consider yourself to be pretty savvy, you’ll need a contractor to do the job.
One of the downfalls of a black cooktop is that it may show scratches easily and hold fingerprint marks. No matter how much you clean the cooktop, you’re bound to see fingerprints soon after.
This may not be a deal breaker, but will bother a neat-freak. However, this isn’t necessarily exclusive to the Frigidaire brand, with all black cooktops experiencing the same issue to some degree.
A common problem with induction cooktops and ranges is that some are quite particular on the size of cookware that you use with them. The Frigidaire cooktop is very forgiving, so you don’t have to worry about finding proper 10” cookware sets. You will find that even 8” pans will work perfectly fine.
We like this 30” induction cooktop because its four burners have a lot of cooking power, it’s from a reputable brand, and it will fit in to most cooktop insets.
2. Whirlpool W5CE3024XB 30′ Black Electric Smoothtop Cooktop
The four elements on this cooktop come in two different sizes, 6” (1200 watt) and 9” (2400 watt). All the normal extras are included such as surface indicators and dishwasher safe knobs.
Weighing 45 pounds, this will need to be installed in your kitchen. Instructions are provided which are easy to follow, so you may be able to do this yourself.
While the heating power is slightly less than some other models, the 6” elements are powerful enough that there should be no problem boiling water or searing steaks quickly.
The black surface is sleek, but like similar models, you’ll have the same issues with fingerprints and scratches. If cosmetic appeal is high on your agenda, you may want to go with a different model – this one may need to be handled with kid gloves to avoid chips and scratches.
For those on a budget, Whirlpool offers a lower priced option. It’s a 30” induction cooktop that shouldn’t break the bank and cooks well, although may not stay as clean as some chefs would like.
3. True Induction TI-2B Counter Inset Double Burner Induction Cooktop
This cooktop is constructed from ceramic glass that claims to be scratch and chip resistant. At 24 3/8-inches wide and 15-inches long, with only two burners, it’s considerably smaller than the others featured on our list, making it perfect for smaller kitchens, RVs, or tiny homes.
Safety features include a sensor that registers when cookware is placed or removed, turning off or on as required; and the maximum temperature of 450F cannot be exceeded.
Potentially a handy or annoying feature, depending on your viewpoint, is the ability to split the wattage. If you only use one burner, it can utilize the entire 1800 watts, but if you use two, the wattage is split between the two.
You won’t be able to use both burners at full power at the same time, but it’s totally fine to use both at a low to medium heat.
One minor complaint is that there are fans under each burner which come on every time the unit is heating – they can be a little noisy, but certainly not intrusive, and something you can learn to live with.
This compact unit is not only sturdy and stylish, it also cooks exceptionally well and gives you superb control over your cooking temperature. Ideal for a tiny kitchen, solo cooks, or small families, many people use this cooktop in their RV.
4. GE PHP9036SJSS Profile 36” Stainless Steel Electric Induction Cooktop
With no less than five induction elements and digital touch controls, this sleek and modern cooktop should be able to boil water within five minutes. The elements vary in size and power, from 6-inch (1800W) to 11-inch (3700 W).
It has the standard black surface but features a modern stainless steel trim and red LED display. Because it has a digital display and no knobs, cleaning is a breeze.
We love the SyncBurner function, where you can place a larger griddle on top of two burners and operate them simultaneously.
Some cool extras include a sensor that can not only detect if a pan is present, but also the size, and only utilize the required area. There’s also the standard safety shut-off feature – if no pan is detected the element will shut down after 25 seconds.
This GE cooktop with all the extras does come with a higher price tag. At this price, you would expect this to be a long-lasting investment; however, this isn’t always the case. We recommend with this kind of outlay that you purchase an extended warranty that will outlast the one year factory warranty.
5. Empava 36” Vitro Ceramic Glass Smooth Surface Electric Induction Cooktop
This tempered glass cooktop has five burners: two smaller 2100-watt, one larger 2100-watt and two 1500-watt. All burners are operated by a simple slide finger touch control which we find really user friendly.
There are nine different heat settings, from lower heat melting to high heat rapid boil, along with a warm and boost function.
Safety-wise, the hot surface indicator displays an H when the surface becomes too hot to touch, and there’s a pause feature and child lock.
The fans in this model are audible, but not annoyingly loud. However, the usual fingerprint complaints still apply with this black cooktop.
We think this is a great, budget-friendly choice. With a price far below other models, it doesn’t seem to sacrifice much in the way of quality, and should still provide you with all the usual benefits of an induction cooktop.
A good purchase for someone who wants to try out induction cooking without investing too much money. With a 30 day 100% money back guarantee, why not give it a go.
6. Wolf Black 30” Electric Unframed Induction Cooktop
One of the more premium manufacturers on our list, this sexy Wolf cooktop features four induction elements: two 1800-watt with a 3000-watt boost, and two 1200-watt.
One of the notable features is their “true simmer” setting, which allows you to leave your soups or sauces to simmer for long periods without burning. Another handy inclusion is the hi-flux induction elements which automatically sense your pan size.
As opposed to other models, the cooking panel is on the right-hand side. This is an illuminated touch control system.
Although Wolf is a premium brand, the price on this model isn’t outrageous. While users often complain about other models holding fingerprints and scratching or staining too easily, the Wolf seems to be a bit hardier, with the right care and maintenance.
This unit is suitable for those wanting to upgrade from an older induction cooktop, or invest in and care for a well-known brand, without the enormous price tag.
7. Thermador CIT365KM 36 in. Induction Cooktop
At the top end of the scale is this luxury Thermador cooktop that stands out for a wide variety of reasons.
Firstly, in contrast to the standard black veneer of the other cooktops, this one features a futuristic silver mirror finish, giving it a super-modern, clean look perfect for fans of the stainless steel, shiny kitchen. A bonus for those who can’t stand the fingerprints on their black cooktops!
Featuring five elements, this unit offers the largest cooking element on the induction market, at 13-inches. It’s also the cooktop with the most powerful burner, at an impressive 4,600-watts. Each burner has a total of 17 different heat settings and each can be timed to turn off automatically.
As befits a cooktop of this caliber, there are a plethora of features on offer, including triple zone heat elements which only heat the area directly in contact with the pot surface, pan recognition, keep warm function, spill detection (with alarm and auto shutdown).
The blue-lit touch panel has an intuitive two-step control which you should pick up quickly.
Admittedly, it’s hard to find a fault with this Thermador model. Although it’s expensive, bear in mind that Thermador are kitchen pioneers, responsible for the first ever wall oven, warming drawer and many more innovations.
If you’re a connoisseur who wants only the best appliances in a high-class kitchen, this should be your top choice.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
Do Induction Cooktops Scratch Easily?
Because your induction cooktop is crafted from glass, it will likely scratch more easily than other cooktops. You may have to make a few adjustments to your cooking style and general kitchen habits to keep it pristine.
For example, avoid using it as a workspace or chopping on it, use cookware with a smooth bottom, and avoid sliding your cookware across the surface.
Cast iron cookware can quite easily scratch your induction cooktop. The simple solution is to use a paper towel or silicone mat between your cookware and the surface. Because induction cooks with magnetic fields and not heat, the paper won’t burn.
Any light scratching should be fixable with baking soda and water or a specialized polishing cream – make sure to only use cleaners that are designed for ceramic/glass cooktops.
If you spill anything sugary, clean it up as soon as possible while the cooktop is still warm. If it cools down, the liquid can stick to the glass and cause pitting. This also goes for salty and gritty mixtures.
To be extra safe, purchase a glass stove top cover to protect your cooktop when not in use.
Are Induction Cooktops Safe?
Because induction stoves create heat by generating an electromagnetic field, the stovetop itself doesn’t heat, meaning it’s a lot safer with regards to minimizing burns and kitchen fires.
However, it seems the jury is still out on whether the electro-magnetic fields (EMF) created by induction stoves are dangerous. There have been no definitive findings that EMF cause health issues, with most experts insisting that any radiation created will dissipate anywhere from between a few inches to a foot from the element.
There are warnings about pacemakers; certain models of pacemaker can be affected and people that have a pacemaker fitted are advised to check with a doctor before using an induction cooktop.
Do All Induction Cooktops Make Noise?
While we are not talking freight train or jet engine noise levels, the short answer is yes, an induction cooktop is likely to make some kind of sound when in use.
Most commonly, it’s described as a low hum or a buzz. At times, the cooktop, in conjunction with your cookware, can cause a rattle or even a high-pitched whistle. All these noises are normal and no cause for concern.
Lighter stainless steel pans are said to produce more noise than heavier metals like cast iron, with pot size and the weight of the contents also playing a role. Pots or pans that completely cover the element will create less noise.
Certain sounds can be reduced or eliminated by raising or lowering the heat of your burner, so experiment a little if this is an issue for you.
Can An Induction Stove Cause A Fire?
Your induction stovetop itself can’t cause a fire, simply because it creates heat in the pan without flame or a direct heat. As such, food spilled on your cooktop won’t burn and you can safely use newspaper as a liner between cookware and stovetop to protect from scratches.
As with any cooking, there is heat involved, which has the potential to start fire if used incorrectly.
SEE ALSO: Induction vs Electric Cooktop
The magnetic fields used to heat your induction compatible cookware are super-fast and efficient, meaning whatever you’re cooking gets hotter faster. If you’re not used to this style of cooking and allow things to get hot without paying attention, things like oil potentially can reach ignition temperature.
Having said that, the potential for fire is greatly reduced with an induction stovetop: while things can get hot quickly, they also cool instantly the minute you turn off the heat, and you will only need to use low to medium heat with an induction stove.
Is Induction Cooking More Energy Efficient?
Induction cooking is faster than both gas and electric ovens. You can boil water in under five minutes, about half the time of an electric oven. This means you are reducing the amount of time you need to use your cooktop – that’s your first concrete energy saving.
Data from the US Department of Energy showed that induction ovens are markedly more energy efficient than electric ovens, and slightly more so than gas ovens.
Because induction elements heat your cookware directly, there is no wasted heat, as opposed to gas and electric stovetops, where a large amount of heat is lost to air.
You’ll also save energy over a gas oven, as there’s no need to have a ventilation system.
Final Thoughts
We love the luxury and supreme style of the Thermodor Induction Cooktop. However, for many of us, the Empava 36″ Vitro induction cooktop is a more budget friendly option that provides 5 burners and a few extra options needed for someone getting started with induction cooking.
Induction cooktops deliver the control and speed of a gas cooktop, but are easy to clean and use a fraction of the energy used by gas or electric cooktops.
With some slight adjustments to your cooking techniques and cookware, you’ll enjoy the speed and convenience of using a modern induction cooktop.
