The Best Induction Cooktop

Buying Guide

If you’re looking for a high-energy, safe and easy-to-use cooking surface, an induction cooktop is the way to go. With better performance than electric or gas stoves, induction cooktops are the most effective way to make a meal. How do they work? Induction cooktops use electromagnetism to heat pots and pans on its surface. Unlike other types of cooktops, induction cooktops are incredibly safe to use because the only part that gets hot is the part of the stove where the pots and pans sit. The rest of the surface is still cool enough to touch.

There is a metal coil underneath the surface of the cooktop that creates a magnetic field. When you place a pot or pan made from magnetic metal onto the cooktop, an electric current is generated which heats up the pan without heating up the rest of the cooktop. One of the biggest benefits of this type of cooktop is safety, along with keeping the rest of the temperature in the kitchen cool.

When deciding what kind of induction cooktop you’re looking for, the number of heating zones is an important factor to consider. You can find induction cooktops with one, two, three and four heating zones. Consider how often you cook, how many people you cook for at one time and the size of your pots and pans when deciding how many heating zones you require. If you want more flexibility in the cooking zones, opt for a flexible induction zone cooktop. While they are significantly more expensive than regular induction cooktops, the entire surface of the cooktop is a heating zone so you have more flexibility in how you use it.

• An important buying factor to think about is whether you want a portable or stationary induction cooktop. Portable induction cooktops are smaller than stationary ones and typically only have one or two heating zones. They are small in size so they can easily be transported to another location. Some people also use portable induction cooktops in addition to their stationary ones when they need an extra cooking surface. Of course, if you’re planning to use a portable induction cooktop, you need adequate counterspace and an electrical outlet.
• A great setting to have on an induction cooktop is the food warming setting. This keeps the heat on a consistent low so that food can be lightly simmered without being overcooked. It’s ideal for large parties where you are making multiple dishes and need to keep food warm before it’s ready to serve.
• If you’re not always sure what temperature to set your induction cooktop at for cooking certain items, some induction cooktops actually come with pre-set temperature settings. This way, you can use those to get the stove to heat up to the right temperature.
• Safety is of the utmost importance when it comes to cooktops of any kind. Be sure to look for an induction cooktop that has an automatic shut-off feature. Typically, the feature engages when there is an overflow or spill or another issue that makes it unsafe for the cooktop to be on. Some induction cooktops will also turn off automatically if another object aside from the pot is placed on the surface.