5 Best Induction Cooktops

Buying Guide for Best Induction Cooktops

We have given you glimpses of our best picks in an induction cooktop range. Now, let’s move on to more detailed descriptions that value your choices, budget, appliance efficiency, and preferences. If you plan to buy, explore below.

How does an induction cooktop work?

Let’s say in induction cooking technology, there is no use of thermal conduction of flame or electrical heating. Instead, we use the power of electromagnetism- the combination of electric and magnetic. The heat is being generated using electricity and magnetism to enable induction cooking.

What exactly is the phenomenal feature of an induction cooktop?

The heat transfers from the glass to the cooking ware via conduction. A traditional flammable burner is way riskier to cause burns and blisters when not careful. But, with an induction cooktop, as soon as the vessel is removed, the glass surface stops transferring heat and thus never gets hot. It is safe for everyone in the kitchen. Fast cooking is another key advantage.

Great advantages of an induction cooktop

Induction cooktops are popular choices for homeowners. They present great benefits for every household.

Best cooking technology as compared to gas and electric

Electric cooktops are convenient to manage, while gas cooking stoves evenly distributes the heat across vessels. And the best part of induction cooktops is they can give you the best of both worlds. Convenience and efficiency- both are great features of induction cooktops.

Great temperature control and consistent cooking

You can easily take more control of the temperature on the induction cooktops than electric or gas ranges. With induction cooking, you can have precise temperature all the way through to more controlled cooking. As soon as the stove is switched off, heat does not transfer, which prevents over or undercooking while also maintaining taste every time.

Hygienic and cleanliness are substantially well thought off

Induction cooktops have a glass surface on top of them, making them faster and easier to clean. Unlike traditional cooktops with burners, induction cooktops cool down fast. As a result, you can clean any boil-overs, spills, and splatters quite faster and have a clean kitchen in minutes.

Energy-efficient and money saver

Most induction cooktops are designed with pan detection technology, which allows your vessel to adjust to the heating source at the right proportion and hence enables cooking at the right time. This hi-tech feature is tough on energy being wasted and you can easily save money on electricity bills.

Best Induction Cooktop with Pan-Detection Technology — Havells Insta Cook QT Induction Cooktop

Safe to cook for everyone

Induction cooktops are always safe for cooking. Electromagnetism is the key element to allow cooking. There is no room for gas to leak out or any fire to break out. Even a beginner who has just learned cooking can feel safe just because the glass plate of the induction cooktop cools off instantly.

Are all vessels perfect to the cooking standards of the induction cooktop?

When you look to buy an induction cooktop, you must take into consideration that not every cookware is compatible. Since electromagnetism is the key source of heating, it does not fit cookware made of aluminum, copper, or glass, and also pyrex. Any cookware which is magnetic-based such as iron or stainless steel with a flat surface can easily meet the cooking condition.

Is carbon steel ideal for induction cooking?

Carbon steel is nothing but the lighter version of cast iron. And magnetism being the base of induction cooking, it can easily work on the induction cooktops. All carbon steel cookware is just the right fit for your need, but keep in mind, they should have a flat base.

Cookware with enameled cast iron works.

Cookware made of enameled cast iron is easily compatible with the induction cooktop. And the best part is the enamel base. This cookware does not induce any scratch on the cooktop. At the same time, enameled cast iron cookware with a dimpled base cannot comply with the induction cooktops.

You can bake cakes on an induction cooktop

When you use a baking pot that is induction-based, you can find it quite comfortable and easy to bake a cake. The first thing is it heats up fast and distributes perfect heating across the pan. The cooking processes speed up fast and you can finish it quickly.

If larger pots can easily be placed on the induction cooktop.

You need to make sure you can create an even temperature across the cookware. So, the size of the pan must adjust to the size of the burner. If the size of the pan is not perfect, the temperature may remain under 100 degrees and cooking does not happen.

Best induction cooktop with a large capacity- Philips Viva Collection Induction Cooktop

Best features of an induction cooktop

Cooktop size

For the Indian kitchen, the stand-alone and portable models are best suited. Countertop models are preferably the best choices for most Indian kitchen sizes. However, you should prefer one with a big body size that can encourage proper air circulation and a longer life.

Best induction with proper air circulation – Philips Viva Collection Induction Cooktop

Control panel

In general, you can find inductions with three control panel types. The most common these days are touch sensors and press button controls. Touch panels are built with different power buttons, temperature control, and preset settings. You can prefer induction cooktops that can have user-friendly temperature control settings.

All our top picks showcase press-button control panels.

Power capacity

Portable models are either high power-built or low power-built. Induction cooktops with higher power consumption capacity can have 2100 W and lower ones can have a power range between 1500 W and 1700 W. Generally, low power models are built to offer energy efficiency. However, low power takes a long time to cook while high power offers fast cooking without affecting the taste of the food.

Best induction cooktop with higher maximum power-

• Philips Viva Collection Induction Cooktop

Best induction cooktop with lower maximum power-

• Havells Insta Cook QT Induction Cooktop
• Pigeon by Stovekraft Induction Cooktop
• Usha Cook Joy Induction Cooktop
• Prestige PIC 20 Induction Cooktop

Timer settings

The basic feature of an induction cooktop is a timer. This is a feature that enables you to take control of temperature and adjust the heat according to a particular food type. You can use the timer to increase or decrease the heat capacity by pressing the + or – sign button.

Preset cooking features

Preset cooking menus are the most desired feature of any induction models. They are meant to handle different temperature levels required for specific cooking types. The preset cooking menus save you time by enabling you to use the right temperature and power for specific cooking styling, for say- grill, milk, stir, boil, and many. If you need, you can also find induction cooktops with five or more preset cooking features.

Best induction cooktop with multiple preset cooking menus –

• Usha Cook Joy Induction Cooktop
• Prestige PIC 20 Induction Cooktop

Automatic pan detection

Yes, this is probably the best feature of an induction cooktop for busy homemakers or those who are working and stay alone. Automatic pan detection enables the glass top to sense the vessel to evenly distribute the heat. Soon after it is removed, the auto-power off technology turns the induction off in 60 seconds of interval, saving you energy costs to some levels.

Best induction cooktop with auto-off power and pan detection technology –

• Usha Cook Joy Induction Cooktop
• Havells Insta Cook QT Induction Cooktop
• Philips Viva Collection Induction Cooktop

Child lock

Child lock safety features in most induction cooktops ensure you can cook safely without having to worry about your child’s safety. When cooking is still running, it can lock the induction. Even if it is locked, the cooking operation is still underway.

Best induction cooktop with child lock safety feature- Usha Cook Joy Induction Cooktop

Pause the cooking

Pause button is an efficient function of an induction that can put every setting to stop from responding. You can use a pause button midway of the cooking, check temperature control or avoid any spillovers. Once everything is set, you can continue cooking.

Each of our models has a pause button feature.

Significant Considerations to buy the best induction cooktops

Pocket -friendly

After you consider everything, you must decide if the price suits your budget or not. There are various models in the market with different pricing ranges between INR. 1,500-25,000. However, you can prefer one that matches your budget as well as needs.

Best low-budget induction cooktop –

• Pigeon by Stovekraft Induction Cooktop
• Usha Cook Joy Induction Cooktop
• Prestige PIC 20 Induction Cooktop

Best high-performing and slightly costly induction cooktop –

• Havells Insta Cook QT Induction Cooktop
• Philips Viva Collection Induction Cooktop

Kitchen space

According to the space available in your kitchen may determine what type of your induction cooktop you can buy. If you have space constraints, go for a portable and compact one. They are handy and they can serve your purpose.

Cooking capacity

How faster you can cook on the induction cooktop this is something which is important to consider. Pay attention to burner output. Keep in mind that higher burner wattage can give you the maximum efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How many types of induction cooktops are there?
A. You can find three types of induction cooktops that depend on your preferences. Their prices also vary based on the models, designs, and performance.

• Built-in stovetops – Embedded within the kitchen platform, it is convenient and easy to access.
• Freestanding induction – Freestanding induction can be used for a range of cooking zones. This accommodates perfectly in between counters.
• Portable induction cooktops – This is the most common one and best suited in the Indian kitchen set. They are portable and easy to use.

Q. What is the electrical requirement for induction cooktops?
A. You need an optimal power supply to run your induction oven. It needs 240 volt power capacity that features 40-50 amp breakers. For better recommendations, you can talk to your electrician.

Q. Is old house wiring compatible with an induction cooktop?
A. Sometimes, it is yes. And in most cases, it depends on the condition of the wiring and the age of the house. You can also refer to the manufacturer’s manual.

Q. What is the minimum time to boil eggs on an induction cooktop?
A. Induction cooktop easily decreases the time of boiling eggs. Therefore, the cooking time is extremely short. It takes 1.5 minutes to boil eggs.

Q. How to cook rice on an induction cooktop?
A. When it comes to cooking rice, the temperature slightly differs from the traditional gas stove. To cook rice perfectly, you need to raise the temperature on the induction cooktop. However, keep an eye on the overall process as temperature adjusts automatically.

Q. Does a 30 amp circuit work with a 40 amp induction cooktop?
A. It is a big no. If you have power capacity that runs at 30 amp, the wiring has to be performed again by a professional. Many old models have a 30 amp capacity, but new ones come with laden with a 40 amp circuit capacity.

Q. Is it possible to replace the cooktop glass after crack?
A. Yes, you can easily replace the induction cooktop glass after it is cracked. The price may vary depending on the range of the models. The same goes for the replacement pricing.