Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop
Good value for money
Compatible in all North American homes
Perfect for camping
Easy to clean
GE Induction Cooktop
Stylish
Easy to use
Digital timer
4 x cooking zones
AmazonBasics Portable Induction Cooktop
Portable cooktop
Lightweight
Bright LED display
3-hour timer
If you are considering buying an induction cooktop and would like to hear more about their benefits then keep reading. There are countless benefits to using an induction cooktop which we will explore in-depth in this article as well as answering the most frequently asked questions regarding how economic they are in comparison to electric cooktops, and exploring if you need special cookware with induction cooking. First, we will look at our top 10 favorite induction cookers so you can see the benefits for yourself and make a better-informed decision before you buy.
The Best Induction Cooktop
1
Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop
This made the cut for our best choice for many different reasons. Firstly, it provides really good value for money; at under $50, we felt that this induction cooktop stove offered a great choice for those looking for a highly-rated induction cooktop with pretty decent features. This particular cooktop works with 120V 15 amp electrical outlet, which means that it’s compatible with North American homes. It’s super lightweight and has a 5ft cable which is handy as it means that you can use it almost anywhere in your kitchen. The surface is easy to wipe clean and it has a digital timer that works in 1-minute increments up to 170 minutes. There are 10 temperature and power settings and an auto-pan detection which will shut the induction cooktop off if it doesn’t detect any cookware after 60 seconds. The stove works with cookware that has a magnetic bottom of minimum 5-inch diameter size.
120 Volts & 15 amps
Built-in count-down digital timer
5ft cord
Low & high voltage warning system
Easy to clean
2-year warranty
- BrandDuxtop
- ModelBT-180G3
- Weight6.53 Lbs
2
NutriChef Double Induction Cooktop
You just need to take a look at the reviews to see that most customers are really happy with this product. Two cooking zones are always better than one as they give you more cooking options if this is your only cooktop. With this particular product, you get the use of two circular top panel heating zones with independent temperature control settings. There are several in-built settings to make your cooking experience easier and these include: fry, steam, water, and warm mode, which gently keeps your food warm before serving. If you are looking for an induction cooktop with safety features then you will be pleased with the child safety lock which prevents children from using the product and having an accident. This is a heavy-duty induction hob which uses special electromagnets that ensure that no heat is lost between the stove and cookware. This particular model is compatible with the following pans: stainless steel, cast iron, steel, enameled iron with a pan size diameter between 12-26cm.
120 Volts energy efficient
Faster & easier cooking
Built-in child safety lock
Multiple cooking modes
Two ceramic tempered glass heating zones
Countdown timer setting
LCD display
- BrandNutriChef
- ModelPKSTIND48
- Weight12.35 Lbs
3
Frigidaire Gallery Series Induction Cooktop
This may not be the cheapest option on our list, but sometimes you have to pay a little more for the best quality. This 30-inch induction cooktop provides super-fast heat and promises excellent results every time – depending on how tasty your meal is of course! One of the main reasons that people buy inductions cooktops is because they are easy to clean and this model offers no exception; it’s super easy to clean and simple to use. Induction cooking works by transferring heat directly to your cooktop rather than just the surface and this Frigidaire model even has an auto-sizing pan detection feature that can detect the pan size and heat accordingly. Not only does this product cook like a dream but we think it looks pretty stylish too and is small enough to work in most kitchens.
Key Features
30-inch cooktop
Auto-sizing pan detection
Fast & even cooking
Four burners
Touch controls
Digital timer
- BrandFRIGIDAIRE
- ModelFGIC3066TB
- Weight43 pounds
4
Rosewill Induction Cooker
Again, we found that this induction cooktop provided great value for money, especially as it comes with its own compatible stainless steel pot. Induction cooking provides more control than electric hobs and gas cooktops as you can control the exact temperature. This is made even easier with a product like this that has five pre-programmed cooking settings: soup, warm milk, stir-fry, fry, and hot pot. The polished A-grade crystal plate surface has a large LCD display, eight heat settings, and a timer. This is an energy-efficient induction cooktop that uses magnetic properties to heat your food faster and more accurately.
A-Grade crystal plate surface
24-hour timer setting
Touch sensor control panel
Overheating detection
Stainless steel pot included
- BrandRosewill
- ModelRHAI-15001
- Weight8.6 pounds
5
Cuisinart Double Induction Cooktop
When we look for products to include in our list we like to always look at trusted brands. The type of brands that people return to again and again. Cuisinart is a brand with a great reputation for producing good quality products that do exactly what they’re supposed to do. This double induction cooktop provides a great example of simple, functional design. As with the others, this uses induction technology to heat your food quickly and efficiently. The cooktop has dual heating settings with x 8 temperatures on the larger stove and x 5 on the smaller. Each burner has its own timer and on/off switch too. The heat automatically turns off after a pan has been removed for 30 seconds.
Dual heat settings/touch controls
Uses 70% less energy than conventional cooktops
Bright LED display
- BrandCuisineart
- ModelICT-60P1
- Weight11.6 Lbs
6
NUWAVE Lightweight Induction Cooktop
This neat little portable induction burner is super lightweight, weighing just 9 lbs. It may be small but it certainly doesn’t lose any features and actually boasts 52 temperature settings from 100°F -575°F in 10°increments. There are also x 6 pre-programmed temperature settings for different types of cooking. Buying induction cooktops such as these is usually much more energy efficient too and this model is believed to use 70% less energy than a conventional oven. That makes this product pretty good value for money as you also get a 10.5″ hard anodized frying pan included too as well as a quick and easy cooking guide, cookbook, manual and instructional DVD. The addition of these extras makes it a great gift idea.
Lightweight induction burner
6 x pre-programmed cooking settings
Uses 70% less energy than conventional cooktops
10.5″ frying pan included
- BrandNuWave
- Model30242
- Weight9 Lbs
7
GE 30 Inch Induction Cooktop
What we like about this particular cooktop is that it has four burners and some pretty impressive cooking power with high heat. Cooktop features include digital LED touch controls, a kitchen timer, a control lock, and a hot surface indicator light. With the correct cookware, you will be able to use this to prepare full meals happy in the knowledge that you are using less energy than traditional ovens and your food will be cooked faster and more efficiently. This would make a functional and stylish addition to any modern kitchen.
Four burners
LED touch controls
Timer
Control lock
- BrandGE
- ModelPHP9030DJBB
- Weight44 Lbs
8
AmazonBasics Portable Induction Cooktop
We decided that the AmazonBasics induction cooktop was one of the best on the market offering great value for money. At under $50 we felt that this was a worthy winner for the Best Value section of our reviews! This portable stovetop has a range of features including voltage warning, overheat protection, and a pause button. There is also a timer, temperature control, and a child lock too, so you can safely use this in a family setting. The glass panel is easy to wipe clean, so messes and spills are simple to remove. There are numerous cooking controls including several pre-set cooking controls and power settings from 200-1800 watts.
Portable induction cooktop burner
Pre-programmed cooking settings
Easy to clean
Child safety lock
- BrandAmazonBasics
- ModelC18-RK18W01B
- Weight5.95 Lbs
9
Inducto Dual Induction Cooktop Counter
The large glass top cooking surface is simple to clean and easy to use. The 8″ burners provide a versatile cooking experience which is perfect for simmering. boiling water, steaming, and slow cooking. Each burner has independent temperature controls which allow you to select a specific temperature for each one. There are x 8 power settings between 140°F to 460°F; 200 to 2000 Watts at 120v and 7 cooking modes which guarantee cooking flexibility and high heat where needed. The induction technology in this product allows for fast and efficient cooking that is ETL compliant to North American standards. This model is said to use up to 90% less energy than traditional electric or gas stoves.
Large surface
7 x cooking modes
8 x power settings
Uses 90% less energy than gas and electric stoves
1-year warranty
- BrandInducto
- ModelDUALInductoV2
- Weight17.6 Lbs
10
GASLAND Induction Cooktop
This induction cooktop has x 9 power levels for the ultimate precision in cooking. The digital sensor touch controls are simple to use and provide different presets such as boil and simmer. Another feature that we like is that is has a child safety lock, protection against overheating, and automatic shutdown protection. This is a fantastic piece of kitchen equipment for those who like ultimate control when it comes to cooking where you can set the temperature to the exact heat required, put a timer on and clean it afterward with ease.
9 x power levels
Digital sensor touch controls
Child safety lock
Auto shutdown
- BrandGASLAND
- ModelIH60BF
- Weight21.2 Lbs
Best Induction Cooktop Buying Guide & FAQ
If you are still toying with the idea of buying an induction cooktop and have questions and queries that need answering then read on. We'll talk about the best features to look out for and look at the major differences between induction, electric, and gas ovens.
What to Look for in an Induction Cooktop
- Portable or Not?
Before taking the plunge and buying one of the latest induction cooktops you will need to think about how you plan to use it. Is this going to be a new addition to your kitchen? Will it be your main cooking surface? Do you plan to use this in an RV or take it elsewhere? A portable cooktop makes a great choice for people who are looking for an additional piece of kit for their kitchen or a safer option for their motorhome. If you are looking for a more permanent fixture then it's definitely worth spending more money on induction cooktops which contain four burners and are robust enough to deal with day-to-day cooking.
- Number of Burners
What type of cooking are you planning to do? Will you need to use more than one pan at a time? Do you need accuracy for all of your dishes? Another thing to consider is the space in your kitchen - how much room do you have for a glass surface?
- Safety Features
Many of the best induction cooktops provide some excellent safety features that are well worth looking out for. Some induction cooktops have child safety locks that prevent little hands from turning on the oven. Others have automatic switch-off functions that turn the cooktop off when the heating elements or power is too high.
- Compatibility with Cookware
Special cookware is needed for almost all induction cooktops. Due to the nature of the oven, the cookware has to be made from a type of ferrous metal such as stainless steel or cast iron. So bear in mind that when you purchase an induction cooktop you will likely need a new set of pans.
Types of Induction Cooktops
There are quite a few different types of induction cooktops that are available on the market - each serving a very different purpose. Here are a few induction cooktops you will find available to buy:
- Single Element
There is just one burner or cooking zone on this type of cooktop. They normally provide good value for money and are portable - which makes them popular for people with motorhomes. They can be used together with a different type of cooking unit and can be used commercially at food markets. In terms of power, they normally have a maximum wattage of 1800W.
- Multiple Element
Still relatively portable, multiple element inductions cooktops have multiple cooking zones which makes it easier for preparing dishes using different methods of cooking. Each cooking zone usually has its own temperature setting and some cooktops even provide presets such as boiling water, simmering, and frying. They normally operate at 220V and the wattage can reach 3600W.
- Built-In Unit
A modern and stylish choice for many homes. A built-in unit may look good with its sleek glass surface but certainly isn't cheap. The induction cooktops are installed on kitchen countertops and usually contain between one and six cooking zones.
- Freestanding Countertop Induction Unit
This doesn't have to be built into your countertop as it stands alone and is usually the best choice for people using them for outdoor cooking or for updating your kitchen appliances without any installation required.
Benefits of Using Induction Stovetops
- Quicker Cooking
Using an electric oven can be a frustrating experience, it takes a long time to heat and then even longer to cool down. When using induction cooktops, you are guaranteed a faster cooking method as the pans heat up quicker and the heat is concentrated on the pan itself. Through the use of electromagnetic activity, the pan heats up faster and therefore it takes less time for the food to heat up.
- Energy Efficient
Faster cooking times means less time that the cooktop is switched on, this will inevitably use less energy. Gas releases heat around the pan - much of which gets wasted, and electricity emits radiant heat around the pan. Heat generated from induction technology reaches straight to the center of the pan so less energy is required.
- Safety
With no gas flame and no hot surfaces, induction cooktops are much safer to use. Some have child locks too, so little fingers cannot switch on the stove. No gas flame also means no risk of gas leaks.
- Control
When you cook with electricity it's almost impossible to control the heat as it takes a long time to heat up and a long time to cool down - changing from a boil to a simmer can take a long time. Gas is often the preferred option with cooks, but the problem here is that it can be difficult to get a gentle temperature change - it can be either hot or not. Induction cooktops allow for more precise temperature control and smaller temperature increments, meaning complete control with cooking.
- Easy to Clean
Fewer spillages mean less mess to clean. Induction cooktops are far easier to clean as you normally can just wipe and go.
How to Clean an Induction Cooker
Although it's relatively easier to clean induction cooktops, there are still considerations that should be made.
- Regular Cleaning
You should always wait until the cooktop heating elements have cooled down before cleaning. You'll need a damp sponge to gently wipe away any spills. You can then use a cooktop cleaner on the surface and gently wipe with a paper towel until clean. wipe dry afterward.
- Heavy Cleaning
You can use white vinegar and clean water to remove stubborn food spots from the surface. Hardened residue can be removed using a specific ceramic cooktop cleaner and a special cooktop cleaner pad. Avoid scratching the surface at all costs. Finish with a dry cloth to ensure a polished surface.
Cleaning Materials to Avoid
Avoid using products that contain chlorine bleach and flammable materials. Powdery cleaners, dishwashing agents, caustic cleaners, scrub sponges, and metal scouring pads can all cause serious damage too.
Best Induction Cooktop FAQ:
Q: What’s the difference between an induction cooktop and an electric cooktop?
A: There is plenty of differences between induction cooktops and electric cooktops and the best way to explain the differences is to look at how they both work.
An electric cooktop uses either a coil element or a ceramic glass surface to heat a cooking zone. The coil element features exposed heating coils where you place your pan whereas a ceramic glass cooktop contain heating elements embedded inside. These are also referred to as radiant cooktops. These coils heat up slowly and generally cannot maintain a level heat; they also take a long time to cool down.
Induction cooktops use electromagnetic coils under a glass surface to transfer energy into metal objects. In simple terms, this means that your pans heat up whilst the surface itself remains cool. Higher temperatures can be achieved in a much faster time.
Q: Do I need special cookware for an induction stove?
A: Yes! Due to the nature of the electromagnetic heating element, you will need to use cookware which has a flat bottom and is magnetic. Copper, aluminum, glass, and Pyrex will not work. You will need to use magnetic-based cookware such as cast iron or magnetic steel. You can test this by sticking a magnet to the bottom of your pan to see if it's magnetic - if it is then it will likely work with induction cooktops.
Q: What are the most common sizes for induction hobs?
A: Induction cooktops are available to buy in a number of different sizes and this largely depends on if you choose a single element stove or opt for multiple-element induction cooktops.
Q: Do induction cooktops require more power than electric?
A: The wonderful thing about induction cooktops is that they are much more energy-efficient than gas or electricity. With an induction cooktop between 85-90% of the heat energy generated is used just for cooking. When you compare this to gas and electricity which only uses between 65-70% of the heat energy generated for cooking you can see how induction cooking comes up top.
Our Top Pick
The cooktop that we chose as our best choice was the Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Countertop Burner which we felt really good value for money at under $50. It's compatible with North American homes and works with a 120V 15 amp electrical outlet. Not only is this lightweight but it also has a 5ft cable which means that it is perfect for use in a motorhome, RV, and caravan. It's super easy to clean and has a digital timer that works in 1-minute increments up to 170 minutes. There are 10 temperature/power settings and an auto-pan detection which will shut the induction cooktop off if it doesn't detect any cookware after 60 seconds.
