The induction cooktop is hands down becoming the next big thing in cooking. With the power of electromagnetism looming over us for over a decade now, people are finally starting to move towards this new way of cooking.

Induction cooktops and cookware ranges are expensive. However, if you look at the overall value they add, you will realize that ultimately they are not only saving money in the long run but are convenient to use and definitely time-saving. 

While there are many reasons why you would want to switch from a normal electric range to an induction range for your cooking needs, the most important is that induction stoves are extremely safe to use. Because the stove does not use heat but magnets to heat up your cookware, there is less chance of you burning yourself on a hot stove. That being said, induction ranges can heat up your pots and pans faster so you have to be cautious that you don’t burn your food.

Better yet, induction cooktops usually offer an ‘intelligent’ way of cooking that is environmentally friendly, cooks faster, and uses less electricity. Definitely a win-win! 

Curious to know more? Keep reading!

What Are the Advantages of Using Induction Ranges?

  • Energy-efficient: With the environment at the forefront of everyone’s minds, it has now become a no-brainer for many of us to choose more energy-efficient ways of living. Cooking is no different. Inductions replace the conventional electric stoves that are extremely in-efficient with lots of heat loss with electromagnetic energy to deliver impeccable results. They are great for saving both energy and money, not to mention they help save our rapidly depleting fossil fuel reserves. 
  • Better quality ovens: Because induction ranges tend to be more expensive, they almost always come with better ovens that include convection fans, proofing settings and the heating elements are normally hidden making them easier to clean.
  • Faster pasta: What just about everyone loves about induction ranges is how quickly they can heat and boil water. One of the most annoying things about normal electric ranges is how long it takes for the surface to warm up. No need to worry about that with an induction range.

What Makes an Induction Cooktop So Uncommon?

If you are looking at buying an induction cooktop for your own home, the markets are flooded with choices for you to choose from. Almost every major home appliance company, such as L.G and Bosch, has their own set of induction cookware that are chef-approved choices and can be delivered straight to your home!

While the specs of induction cooktops sound awesome, there are still a considerable percentage of people who prefer using the traditional cooktop. Let’s find out why.

The technology and specs of the induction cooktop sound great, but did you know that only as little as 1% of people in the U.S prefer using induction stoves over traditional ones?

Induction ranges tend to cost more. You can buy a cheap electric stove for less than $600 but even a cheap induction range costs $1500 or more.

Induction ranges require you to change the way you cook. The cookware has to be touching the stove at all times unlike a normal electric where you can tip and move things away.

We can’t really move along without addressing the hassle associated with buying the right cookware for induction stoves. Because of the way induction stoves work, the cookware needs to be ferromagnetic. If a magnet doesn’t stick to it, then it won’t work on an induction range. 

For many years the selection of induction compatible cookware was not only rare but quite expensive as well. The good thing is many manufacturers are now making changes to their cookware to make it induction compatible. This includes using different kinds of stainless steel or even putting induction-compatible plates on the bottom of traditional aluminium pants.

However, regular cast iron kitchenware will work just fine on induction cooktops. Not to mention, they are safe. Whether you are new to the world of cooking or a master in the kitchen, the induction cooktop is your best bet because there is almost zero chance for you to burn yourself. Induction cooktops are simple technology at your service!

How Long Does Induction Cooktop Last?

Don’t get me wrong, purchasing an induction stove for your kitchen is an investment that you need to be absolutely sure of! Remember that before going in for the long haul, you should definitely weigh the pros and cons to figure out if this is the right purchase for you. Do your research, always ask the salesperson about the difference between the models available, check for any additional perks (like sales or glass thickness), and then make your call!

Without a doubt, induction technology is superior to traditional electric burners in many ways. Its advantages include, but are not limited to, convenience, safety, and affordability. But, let’s not forget that there are limitations to the induction cooktop. 

First, it’s important to know that the lifespan of induction should be measured in hours, not years. For example, saying that your induction can last up to 5 years is inaccurate. Instead, make sure to say that your induction has up to 10,000 working hours.

While a consumer-grade induction cooktop is designed to last for at least 10,000 operating cycles, a heavy-duty commercial-grade cooktop could last you for up to 30,000 cycles! The lifespan of induction depends on a variety of factors, such as:

  • Cookware used
  • Manufacturer
  • Built-in quality
  • Power usage 
  • Duration used in one day

Is There a Way to Increase the Lifespan of an Induction Cooktop?

Compared to traditional radiant electric stoves, induction cooktops are less susceptible to damage because they are powered by electromagnetic energy.

That being said, there are a few extra ways you can help increase their lifespan:

  1. Choose the right cookware: The cookware you use can significantly increase or decrease the performance of your induction cooktop. For instance, for a 5KW you need cookware with a 250mm diameter. Anything less than that will decrease the performance of the induction stove. 
  2. Choose a good service and warranty period: The market is filled with options when it comes to induction cooktops. To help you make your decision, create a list of your own preferences based on budget, durability, warranty in your area, and after-sale service. For instance, Whirlpool has great service in the area I live, so I went for KitchenAid, which is a Whirlpool brand. Also, because there are more computer components involved, it is possible for control boards to go bad and need to be replaced. When you buy a new range, it’s possible to buy an extended warranty, and I normally recommend it for induction ranges with at least 5 years warranty. 
  3. Choose the right brand: To make your search easier, I have put together a list of a few really good options.
  • Cafe 30″ is a great option for those of you who are more high tech. This cooktop seamlessly connects to your WiFi in order to make your cooking experience smoother and better.
  • Bosch 800 is both full of features and aesthetically pleasing, meaning it  can fit anyone’s lifestyle perfectly. 
  • Samsung 36″ is a smart induction cooktop that uses their signature Flex Zone technology. This not only makes the induction more durable but allows you to use a variety of pot sizes while cooking. 
  • Whirlpool induction cooktops come in a 30” and a 24” variant. Both work exceedingly well and come with glass touch controls and a boost feature for faster and uniform heating.
  • KitchenAid 90 cm 5-Zone Induction Hob is one of the bestsellers. It comes with a new touch interface with a slide control that lets you heat and cook your food effortlessly.
  • Electrolux 90cm 6 zone maxisense InfinitePro induction cooktop lets you control your cooktop with your fingertips, thanks to its intuitive touch technology. It also comes with pan detection features that allow you to cook in large pots with absolute ease. 
  • Frigidaire Gallery 30” Freestanding Induction cooktop comes with an air-fryer that lets you make healthy and delicious meals with absolute perfection. 
  • Thermador Freedom Induction features the ultimate way to cook a delicious and wholesome meal with its 56 inductors that recognize your pot almost instantly. This gives you a lot of room to play around with the size of the pot. 

Tips on How to Use an Induction Cooktop Perfectly

I’ve been singing praises about all the great things that induction cooktops stand for, but honestly, they do take a certain amount of learning time to actually get a hang of it. There is absolutely no way you can burn yourself, considering that they use electromagnetic waves to heat the cookware, but there are certain under-the-table rules on how to use them effectively.

Firstly, remember to pay close attention to the model you are using and read the manual carefully. Make sure that the cooktop is placed on a steady surface that is heat resistant.

Make sure you have enough power to run the induction range. Most require a 50 amp circuit. Some older homes only run a 40 amp circuit, so you may need an electrician.

Check out our whole set of instructions and guidelines on how to clean your induction cooktop. Just to help you get a general understanding, let’s get you started with a few ways to get that stain off your beautiful cooktop.

  • Use a cleaning kit to polish off those stains. You can get your hands on the cleaning kit from Affresh.
  • Use a soft microfibre cloth or a simple scrubber like the one you have in your kitchen to gently scrape off the most stubborn stains.
  • It doesn’t take too much effort or muscle power to clean a cooktop, so don’t apply unnecessary pressure. Take the polish, take the cloth or the scrubber, and move in circular motions to clean the top.

If you’re interested in learning more about induction cooktops, here’s a video! This video will take you through all the steps on how to make the most out of your induction cooktop. 

Conclusion

Induction cooktops are the future! Yes, it does depend on your personal choice and preference whether you choose an electric cooktop or an induction, but if you like faster, better and safer cooking options, then induction cooktops are just the right pick for you. 

Besides being better for the environment, they are also convenient and hassle-free to clean and use as compared to regular electric stoves, so go for it, and you’ll know why I’m such a big fan of this revolutionary way of cooking.