Are you thinking of switching to an induction cooktop from an electric or gas cooktop, or are you considering replacing your old cooktop with one with more Smart features? In either case, go through this guide. Here we have rounded up the best induction cooktops available on the market. Featuring everything from premium cooktops with advanced safety features to budget-friendly buys that are unbeatable, this list has top-rated options that are well worth every penny.
What Is Induction Cooking?
Find the Best Cooktop for Your Home
Shop Induction CooktopsInduction cooktops resemble smooth-top electric burners, but they don't actually have burners underneath. Induction cooking directly heats pots and pans using electromagnetic energy. And unlike gas and electric cooktops, which heat indirectly through flames or heating elements, gas and electric cooktops use radiant energy to heat food.
5 Best Induction Cooktops
1- KitchenAid KCIG550JBL 30"
With this 30-inch induction stovetop from KitchenAid, you can achieve a sleek and gleaming look in your kitchen that matches most decor. It comes in a stylish black finish, with the settings and features you need to meet your every cooking need.
With five powerful cooking zones, it is able to cook food of various sizes. This device claims to bring a quart of water to a boil in less than two minutes. Each zone detects your pan's size and turns off when the pan has been removed. For safety, this KCIG550JBL cooktop includes hot surface indicators, all-off functions, and a lock.
When it comes to cooking, the smooth glass surface is easy to wipe clean after mealtimes. You can also expect spills and splatters to be easily cleaned because heat is generated inside the cookware, not on the cooktop. In addition, smart features are not available, but we do not think that is a deal breaker.
2- LG Studio 36” Induction Cooktop
LG CBIS3618B induction cooktop is designed to meet the needs of home cooks. With five powerful burners and a 7” LCD touch display, this brings a whole new meaning to its slick look. This cooktop features what is called the Flex Zone. Where you can combine the left two induction elements to accommodate different sizes of pans. This cooktop brings the power of 6,000 watt dual induction burner at the center burner.
With a few simple touches, you activate your cooktop for a quick operation with no confusion on an LCD touch screen. It has a sleek and contemporary look and it’s easy to clean. It offers speed heating, precision for super fast water boils and scorch free simmering.
3- GE Profile PHP9036SJSS
There is no doubt that the GE Profile PHP9036SJSS is the best induction cooktop available in the market. Featuring five elements, this 36-inch model accommodates oversized cookware. Additionally, it features an intuitive touchscreen control system and an LED indicator light to display the status of the cooktop.
Whether you're a gourmet chef or an everyday cook, you'll appreciate the convenience of a cooktop with its five burners. Furthermore, with this cooktop, you can adjust the element to evenly heat your pan regardless of which element you use.
What is more? All functions of this cooktop can be controlled from a digital control pad located in the front and center. It may take some time to master some induction cooktops, but each element can be controlled individually with a push of a button. When cleaning the cooktop, a control lock is helpful to prevent elements from being turned on by mistake.
4- Frigidaire Gallery FGIC3066TB
Frigidaire's FGIC3066TB features a user-friendly interface, burner control knobs, outstanding cooking capabilities, and advanced features at an affordable price. It boasts excellent touch controls that are easy to use.
With its automatic pan detection feature, it detects the size of the pot you're cooking in and sets the heat accordingly. And the warming mechanism keeps your food warm without overcooking it. A power boost feature allows you to increase the temperature for ten minutes when you need to boil water quickly.
The Frigidaire FGIC3066TB cooktop has 4 burners, which provides enough power to prepare a variety of dishes, but is a standard range for these appliances. As for the sizes of the burners, they are standard, ranging from six to ten inches. For griddles and other oversized cookware, this cooktop has a multi-element option that combines two elements into one.
5- Samsung NZ36K7880UG 36-inch Induction Cooktop
The Samsung NZ36K7880UG has been rated as the best cooktop because of its innovative layout, which maximizes its width. An induction cooktop like this with a 36-inch diameter gives you more room to prepare your favorite foods. A unique Flex Zone is paired with three varying-size elements to accommodate cookware of all shapes and sizes.
Furthermore, the cooktop can be monitored from your smartphone thanks to its Wi-Fi connectivity. One of the unique features of the NZ36K7880UG 36 inches cooktop is its dual-control setup. You can adjust the elements individually with the digital controls, or you can attach a stylish magnetic knob for a more tactical look.
No matter which element you prefer, both offer quick, responsive heat adjustments. In PowerBoost mode, the biggest burner produces 4,800 watts of power for searing at high temperatures and quick boiling. Cookware items such as griddles, skillets, or large pans can be evenly heated using the Flex Zone elements, which provide the ability to heat at both the top and bottom of the pan.
There have been some complaints about the controls being tricky, mainly centered around the laggy response of the digital controls. So, when you buy a Samsung NZ36K7880UG induction cooktop, the controls may take some getting used to, but it is powerful and versatile.
How to Choose the Best Pan for an Induction Cooktop
Induction only works with pots with magnetic bottoms, such as steel and iron, because it relies on electromagnetism to transfer heat. However, you will be able to use induction on pots and pans if you can stick a magnet to their bottoms. Keep the following things in consideration while choosing the best pan for a cooktop:
- It is essential to have flat bottoms. In order for a pan to heat evenly, you need to consider that the entire bottom must be in contact with the glass ceramic surface. Place a ruler across the bottom of your cookware and turn it upside down to ensure it is perfectly flat on the bottom. There should be an even touch between the edge and the pan's surface. The bottom of cookware with a solid disc is generally flatter and works better.
- Make sure the pan fits the burner. Cook with a pan that's bigger or smaller than the circle on the cooktop that defines the burner. You'll have to stir constantly if you don't heat any part of the cookware that's not on the burner.
- Use only pretreated cast iron cookware. It is possible for cast iron's rough surface to scratch glass's surface. When the bottom of the pan is smooth, cast iron coated with porcelain enamel can be used.
- It is best to avoid glass and stoneware. No matter how safe the stovetop manufacturer says it's a piece of glass or stoneware, you shouldn't use it on your smooth top. In addition to scratching the surface, they won't provide even heating.
- Verify induction compatibility. If you have an induction cooktop, you'll need special cookware. Use this method to check for compatibility: If a magnet sticks to the bottom, you're good to go.
Benefits of Induction Cooktops
With an induction cooktop, you can cook at higher temperatures and boil water in a much shorter amount of time than with an electric or gas cooktop. A bonus is that the cooktop itself stays cool, so you won't have to worry about burning your hands. The smooth glass surface helps prevent splatters and boil overs from burning and being hard to clean off. You can clean them up quickly with a wet sponge or paper towel. It's also less likely that you'll burn yourself on the cooktop.
Additionally, induction cooktops cool down quickly, making them an excellent choice for families with small children or pets. Several cooktops have smart features, including the ability to control your cooktop from a distance using your phone.
Moreover, cooking appliances that use induction technology are the most energy efficient. Their energy efficiency is 5 to 10 percent higher than electric cooktops and three times higher than gas ones. It costs less to operate the cooktop and heating system. Induction cooktops may save you less money than gas or electric cooktops at home, but they save the environment more at the national level, as well.
Why Trust Johnnie’s Appliances?
Johnnie’s Appliances has been providing Signal Hill and Downey, California areas with incredible customer service and expert appliance support since the 1950’s. You are not a customer, but family, from the moment you step into the store. The family-owned business made a commitment years ago to have the most knowledgeable professionals assist you with your appliance purchases.
From sale and delivery to installation and service, Johnnie’s Appliances is your one-stop appliance store in California. Specializing in scratch and dent appliances and clearance items, Johnnie’s Appliances can help you find your favorite appliances for sale so you can get them at a discount. The best part? They service what they sell, so any breaks, appliance repairs, or issues can be resolved at Johnnie’s!
Shop Induction Cooktops at Johnnie’s Appliances
Stop by the Signal Hill or Downey, CA appliance store locations to see what a difference buying local with an experienced staff can make. Or shop our induction cooktops online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find all you need for your kitchen appliances — whether you call us at 562-861-3819, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
Learn More: Do I Need a Double Wall Oven?