Induction cooktops produce a high-frequency magnetic field. When you put cookware such as a steel-plated pan on to the magnetic field, energy is transferred into the metal.
The pan then heats up and cooks the food directly. And because the heat is generated inside the pan, the cooktop stays reasonably cool.
Induction cooktops are highly responsive – unlike a conventional radiant-ceramic cooktop. When you adjust the temperature, the change happens immediately.
You sometimes hear whistling or cracking sounds (especially if you’re using multi-layered saucepans), humming when you use high power levels, and clicking when zones turn “on” or “off” or change their power levels. This is all perfectly normal.
We knew induction cooking was fast – but to see just how fast, we boiled 1 liter of water on three cooktops: induction, radiant-ceramic, and gas.
The induction cooktop was at least three times faster at boiling water than the radiant-ceramic or gas models.
Approximate time to boil 1 liter of water:
- Induction: 2 minutes
- Radiant-ceramic: 6 minutes
- Gas: 8 minutes
Power management
The power supply to the cooking zones works in a way that takes some getting used to. The cooking zones are organized into pairs (usually arranged as one pair on the left side and one pair on the right side).
The maximum available power is shared between the two cooking zones in a pair.
When the “power boost” function is selected for one cooking zone, the additional power is made available by limiting the power of the other cooking zone in the pair.
For some cooktops, the power boost function can only be used if the other cooking zone in the same pair is switched off. If you want maximum power in 2 pans, use one cooking zone in each pair.
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For some induction cooktops, even when not using the “power boost” feature, if all cooking zones are in use at the same time, some cooking zones may be reduced in power. Check when buying whether the cooktop you want has any limitations.
- 5 Power Boost Burners: 9800W high power induction cooktop have 5 boost burners, including 2600W/3000W + 2000W/2400W + 2000W/2400W + 1600W/2000W + 1600W/2000W. Boost mode provides maximum power for a short period of 5 minutes, heats up faster, and quick cooking.
- Safety Insured for Cooking: The 36 inch induction cooktop 5 burners can be timed independently from 1-99 minutes. You can let the stove rest and enjoy the rare leisure time. The induction stove top also has multiple safety protections including child safety lock, auto shutdown, high-temperature warning, over-heat protection, residual heat indicator and keep warm function.
- 9 Power Levels & Sensor Touch: The 9800W induction stove top has 9 power settings for precise heating and can be used for braising, frying, deep frying, stir-frying, roasting, and even boiling water. Ensure precise cooking control for a perfect cooking experience. Sensor touch control is easy to use, suitable for everyone.
- Modern Induction Cooktop: 2-inch super slim black vitro ceramic glass modern design it takes up minimal space under the counter. The thermomate induction cooktop is compatible with magnetic cookware magnets that can be used to check the fit. If it is not compatible, " Uu " will be displayed.
- Easy to Install: Please verify the Built in Induction cooktop is the right size for you: Product Size: 35.4"W x 20.5"D x 2.3"H, Cut Out Size: 33.86 W x 19.5"D x 2"H. Requests 220-240V with 3ft power cable. A smooth microcrystalline panel makes stains easy to wipe away with a damp cloth.
- The USA & Canada ETL Certified Electric Stove Induction Cooktop designed and engineered in the USA by Empava Appliances with 2 Years US Based Manufacturer Warranty.
- The flawless Empava smooth vitro ceramic glass surface allows for effortless cleanup, manufactured without the release of hazardous metals into the ground and withstands intense heat without cracking or chipping. Compatible to install above any Empava 24/30 in. under-counter single wall oven. Most stainless steel and cast-iron cookware are induction compatible.
- Hot Surface indicator - An "H" will appear in the surface cooking area display let you know when elements are hot to the touch with just a glance. Pan size sensor heats the element to the size of your cookware and turns off when no pan is present for safety and more efficient cooking. With induction cooking, heat is generated directly in the cookware, so the cooktop stays cooler to the touch, with child control lock feature prevents unintended activation for added safety.
- Enjoy minimal cleanup with stain and heat discoloration resistant spills can’t burn onto the surface, easy-to-clean vitro ceramic smooth surface glass will provide you with a reliable cooktop for years to come.
- 9 heat level settings allow range from melt to rapid boil, accurate and easy temperature changes at the touch of a button, boil, stew, fry, stir fry, switch from one mode to another as needed, get amazingly fast heat with induction that boils water 50% faster than an old school radiant cooktop.
- Modern ceramic glass stovetop for a sleek kitchen theme and multi-functional cooking capability; Model: UI72358, weighs 12.87 pounds
- 4 different burners for cooking with induction-safe cookware, sized from 6.88 to 11.02 inches in diameter; 9 heat level settings operated by the touch control with quick boil booster function
- Digital timer times up to 99 minutes for perfectly cooked meals; Cooling fan and air vent for high-functioning operation
- Heat protection functions with over-heat protection, residual heat indicator, child lock, and auto shutdown
- Works great with stainless steel and cast iron cooking pots and saucepans; Electric operation / 240 Volts; USA ETL & FCC certified
- 5 Different Burners Meet Your Needs: 8500W high power electric cooktop has 4 burners, including triple 2300W/1600W/800W (9.1in/6.9in/4.7in) + dual 2000W/1100W (10.6in/6.5in) + 1800W (7.9in) + 1200W (6.5in) + 1200W(6.5in), heating faster and cooking quickly. The 5 simultaneous burners of the ceramic cooktop use radiant heat to cook food, which means they heat quickly and evenly, saving time and energy.
- 9 Level Sensor Touch Control: The drop-in electric cooktop has 9 power levels for precise heating. This ceramic cooktop can heat from low heat to a rapid boil, and switch between stewing, frying, sautéing, roasting and more with one touch. Sensor touch control is easy to use for all family members, making cooking enjoyable.
- Timer and Safe Cooking: 5 burners can be timed independently from 1-99 minutes. You can let the stove do the rest and enjoy the rare leisure time. Electric stove top also has multiple safety protection including child safety lock, auto shutdown, high temperature warning, over-heat protection, residual heat indicator, no electromagnetic radiation.
- Compatible with All Flat Cookwares: This 36 inch electric radiant cooktop is suitable for any cookware, such as aluminium, copper, glass, ceramic, cast iron pans and non-magnetic stainless steel pans. Smart cooking area layout ensures there is enough space between burners, allowing you to use multiple pots at the same time.
- Easy to Install: Built-in design saves space in your kitchen. Product Size: 35.4" W x 20.5"D x 2.0"H, Cut Out Size: 34.3" W x 19.3"D. Requests 220-240V, hard wired. The easy-to-clean and smooth-surface glass will provide you with a reliable cooktop.
- DUAL HEATING ZONES: This professional digital countertop induction cooktop by Duxtop is equipped with two independent heating zones that allow you to set each one separately using the LCD display screen
- SAFE & EASY TO USE: Child safety lock system helps protect from injuries such as scalding. Touch control panel is simple to operate, and the rapid heating of the cookware makes cooking fast and easy
- CHOOSE POWER MODE OR TEMPERATURE MODE: There are 20 preset levels per mode so you can select the perfect one for your cooking task. TEMPERATURE MODE is recommended to fry, steam and saute. Try POWER MODE to keep warm or to bring water to a boil quickly
- Induction stoves rely on cookware to heat, so it’s essential to choose magnetic bottom cookware with a minimum diameter of 5 inches. Cooktop will not operate without compatible cookware
- WIDE RANGE OF APPLICATIONS: Lightweight and attractive design makes it great for home and outdoor cooking. Low and high voltage warning system; ETL approved and built to North American electrical standards
Suitable cookware
Cookware used on induction cooktops must be made of ferrous (iron) materials. Induction cooktops won’t work unless you use magnetizable cookware.
Cast-iron cookware – including ceramic- or porcelain-coated cast iron – is fine. Some stainless-steel and multi-layered cookware are also suitable.
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But copper or aluminum pans won’t work unless they’ve got multi-layered bases with an outer layer of suitably ferrous material.
Non-stick pans without an outer layer of iron won’t work either.
Most cookware will say whether it’s suitable for induction cooktops.
Tip
Take a magnet with you when shopping for cookware. If the magnet sticks to the base of a pan, the pan will work on an induction cooktop.
For induction cooktops to perform most efficiently, a pan’s base must cover at least 60 to 75 percent (depending on the model) of the cooking zone and be no more than the recommended maximum diameter. The cooktop’s manual will tell you the recommended maximum diameters.
Safe with pacemakers?
The area around an induction cooktop is electromagnetically charged. It’s unlikely to affect pacemakers or other implanted electronic devices.
Still, some brands come with a recommendation that you get advice on any possible safety concerns from the manufacturer of your pacemaker or from a doctor.
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Features to look for
If you are buying an induction cooktop, here’s what to consider.
Safety sensors
These monitor the temperature of the bottom of the cookware. So if an empty pan’s left sitting on a zone that’s “on”, the sensor adjusts the power output to avoid damaging the cookware or the cooking zone.
Automatic switch-off
If a zone’s not in use, this feature switches it off after a preset time.
Power boost
A “boost” feature heats food or liquid quickly at the highest setting and then automatically reduces the heat to a pre-selected lower setting.
Residual-heat indicator
This is a light that stays on until the temperature gets down to a safe level.
Protection against overflows
The hob may shut down with a “beep” if a pan overflows on to the buttons. Remove the overflow, then begin cooking again.
Pan detection
When you remove a pan from the cooking zone, the zone stops operating – and a display symbol appears, telling you what’s happened (when you put the pan back, the symbol disappears, and cooking resumes).
If you try to use cookware that’s not suitable, yet another display symbol lets you know what you’ve done (and after a short period, the zone switches itself off).
See Suitable cookware for more about cookware.
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Timers
For each cooking zone. Some models have separate timers for general kitchen use.
Memory
Allows you to program the full cooking cycle for a particular preparation.
Auto heat-up
Allows the cooking zone to heat to a higher setting, then automatically turn down to a preset setting after a certain amount of time.
This is handy if you’re cooking rice using the absorption method and want to bring it to the boil initially and then simmer.
Keep warm function
A very low simmer setting can be used to keep food warm.
Other considerations
Installation issues
Induction cooktops need to be specially installed. The electronics shouldn’t be exposed to significant amounts of heat during cooking – and so they usually come with fan-cooled “heat sinks” to disperse the heat.
(You may hear some noise from the heat-sink fans during and after cooking.)
Adequate ventilation space is also essential. The manufacturer’s installation dimensions must be carefully followed.
Not all induction cooktops can safely be installed above every brand of under-bench oven. Check the installation instructions to see which combinations are acceptable.
Tip
Be aware that manufacturers may try to steer you towards using one of their ovens, even though other brands would work fine.
Because they heat so quickly, these cooktops draw plenty of energy. A normal power socket has a 10-amp connection, but an induction cooktop may require a connection of 20, 32, or even 42 amps.
This must be hard-wired by a licensed electrician (the cost will depend on how difficult it is to install a dedicated circuit between the main power board and the kitchen).
Before buying an induction cooktop, we recommend getting a quote for installation costs.
How cheap to run?
The sales talk highlights induction cooktops’ efficiency and cost savings – but when we compared them with a ceramic cooktop, they weren’t any cheaper to run over the same period of time.
Because it boils water in seconds, an induction cooktop may save a little energy. But the purchase price is high. And if you don’t have suitable cookware, there’s the added expense of new pots and pans.
Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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