Induction cooktops can boil water faster compared to traditional gas stoves or electric cooktops. This is primarily because induction cooktops use electromagnetic fields to directly heat the cookware, rather than relying on a flame or a radiant heat element to transfer heat. This direct transfer of energy to the pot or pan results in faster heating and, consequently, quicker boiling of water. Additionally, induction cooktops offer precise temperature control, which helps maintain a consistent level of heating, further enhancing their efficiency in reducing boiling times. However, the actual time taken can vary based on factors like the power of the induction cooktop, the size and material of the pot, and the volume of water being boiled.
Best Induction Cooktops of January 2025
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
Nuwave Double Induction Cooktop, Powerful 1800W, 2 Large 8” Heating Coils, Independent Controls, 94 Temp Settings from 100°F to 575°F in 5°F Increments, 2 x 11.5” Shatter-Proof Ceramic Glass Surface
-
MAKE ADJUSTMENTS ON-THE-FLY – Want hotter temperature or need to cook it longer? No problem. Simply adjust on-the-fly any time. No need to start over. Double’s intuitive digital controls are easy to operate, and the response is immediate.
-
94 PRE-PROGRAMMED TEMPS - Select from the 6 convenient preset temperature settings or fine tune your own temperature from 100°F to 575°F in 5°F increments. You can also add or deduct cooking time at any time.
-
PRECISE TEMPERATURE CONTROL – With 94 precise temperatures at your fingertips, you can keep delicate sauces warm at 100°F to grilling a juicy steak with serious grill marks at 575°F.
-
INDEPENDENT CONTROLS - With two control panels, you can independently adjust the settings on each side. With large 8” heating coils and weight capacity of 25 pounds per side, you can boil pasta on one side and simmer sauces on the other.
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
AMZCHEF Double Induction Cooktop with Removable Iron Cast Griddle Pan Non-stick, 1800W 2 burner Portable Induction Stove With Sensor Touch 9 Power Levels, 99 Min Timer, Iron Grey
-
[2 COOKING ZONES] With a 120V/1100W (left plate) and 1100W (right plate) power supply, this portable stove has two separate cooking zones with individual controls using a "Knob + Touch" control design. When both burners are working simultaneously, the maximum power will not exceed 1800W in total.
-
[Easy To Clean] The induction burner surface is made of black polished crystal glass, which is shiny and resistant. Simply wipe it with a damp towel. The all-cast iron grill pan surface is covered with a non-toxic, non-stick coating that leaves no frying residue and is dishwasher safe.
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop Burner, Induction Hot Plate with LCD Sensor Touch 1800 Watts, Silver 9600LS/BT-200DZ
-
Choose from 20 preset power levels (100 to 1800 W) and 20 preset temperature level settings (100 °F to 460 °F). With an 83% energy efficiency, induction burner is more efficient than traditional gas or electric stoves
-
DIGITAL LCD SENSOR: Touch control panel: child safety lock keeps the cooking and timer settings from being accidentally changed once they have been set; fast boil button; keep warm button (for 1-30 minutes at 140 °F); up to 10-hour timer button
-
Although induction itself is a noiseless process, there may be high pitched sounds from the cookware due to multiple layers of metals sandwiched together. Please allow the induction cooker to cool down before cleaning
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
ChangBERT Induction Cooktop, Commercial Grade Portable Cooker, Large 8” Heating Coil, 18/10 Stainless Steel Countertop Burner with NSF Certified, 10 Hours Timer, Powerful 1800W Professional Hot Plate
-
HIGH EFFICIENCY - ChangBERT induction cooktop offers 10 preset power levels (200-1800W) and 11 preset temperature settings (120-460℉). With an 83% energy efficiency rating, the induction cooker is more efficient than traditional gas or electric stoves, providing quick heat-up and faster cooking times.
-
LARGE COOKING AREA - Features an expanded magnetic coil design that optimizes the winding structure to enhance the transfer of electromagnetic energy directly to the cookware, significantly improving heating efficiency and ensuring more even heat distribution across the bottom of the cookware.
-
MULTIPLE SAFETY PROTECTION - Equipped with built-in auto-pan detection, over-heat protection, hot surface indication, small article detection, auto shutdown protection, and circuit failure protection. With no hot coils or open flames, it significantly reduces the risk of burns.
-
EASY TO CONTROL & CLEAN - The Key-Press-Control Panel allows easy control, even with gloves or wet hands. With no open flame or heating element, food does not burn onto the glass cooktop, making it easy to clean greasy dirt.
-
10-HOUR TIMER FOR LONG-TIME COOKING - The built-in countdown digital timer, up to 10 hours, meets various cooking requirements.
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
Nuwave Precision Induction Cooktop Gold, 12” Shatter-Proof Ceramic Glass Surface, Large 8” Heating Coil, Portable, 51Temp Settings 100°F to 575°F, 3 Wattage Settings 600, 900, and 1500 Watts
-
51 PRE-PROGRAMMED TEMPS - Select from the 6 convenient preset temperature settings or fine tune your own temperature from 100°F to 575°F in 10°F increments. You can also add or deduct cooking time at any time.
-
SHATTER-PROOF CERAMIC GLASS – There are no open flames or hot coils that can cause burns. Unlike the competition, Gold’s heating surface is heavy-duty shatter-proof ceramic glass, which was rigorously tested to withstand intense heat without shattering. It is one of the safest cooktops in the market.
-
MAKE ADJUSTMENTS ON-THE-FLY – Want hotter temperature or need to cook it longer? No problem. Simply adjust on-the-fly any time. Starting the cooking process over is not necessary. Gold induction cooktop’s intuitive digital controls are easy to operate, and the response is immediate.
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
Nuwave Flex Precision Induction Cooktop, 10.25” Shatter-Proof Ceramic Glass, 6.5” Heating Coil, 45 Temps from 100°F to 500°F, 3 Wattage Settings 600, 900 & 1300 Watts, Black
-
MAKE ADJUSTMENTS ON-THE-FLY – Want hotter temperature or need to cook it longer? No problem. Simply adjust on-the-fly any time. No need to start over. Flex’s intuitive digital controls are easy to operate, and the response is immediate.
-
45 PRE-PROGRAMMED TEMPS - Select from the 6 convenient preset temperature settings or fine tune your own temperature from 100°F to 500°F in 10°F increments. You can also add or deduct cooking time at any time.
-
PRECISE TEMPERATURE CONTROL – With 45 precise temperatures at your fingertips, you can keep delicate sauces warm at 100°F to grilling a juicy steak with serious grill marks at 500°F.
-
SHATTER-PROOF CERAMIC GLASS – The heating surface is heavy-duty shatter-proof ceramic glass. It was rigorously tested to withstand intense heat without shattering. It is one of the safest cooktops on the market.
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner, Gold 8100MC/BT-180G3
-
Requires induction compatible cookware. If a magnet sticks well to the bottom of the pan and is at least 5 inches in diameter, it should be compatible
-
Duxtop Induction Cooktop uses 120 V 15 amp electrical outlet - standard in all North American homes; lightweight and compact for easy handling and storage
-
Digital control panel. Built-in count-down digital timer with 1 minute increments up to 170 minutes; 10 temperature range from 140 °F to 460 °F; 10 power levels from 200 to 1800 Watts
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
Duxtop LCD Portable Double Induction Cooktop 1800W Digital Electric Countertop Burner Sensor Touch Stove, 9620LS/BT-350DZ
-
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
-
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
9
Rating is 4.2 out of 5
Nuwave Gold Precision Induction Cooktop, Portable, Powerful with Large 8” Heating Coil,100°F to 575°F, 3 Wattage Settings, 12” Heat-Resistant Cooking Surface
-
MAKE ADJUSTMENTS ON-THE-FLY – Want hotter temperature or need to cook it longer? No problem. Simply adjust on-the-fly any time. Starting the cooking process over is not necessary. Gold induction cooktop’s intuitive digital controls are easy to operate, and the response is immediate.
-
51 PRE-PROGRAMMED TEMPS - Select from the 6 convenient preset temperature settings or fine tune your own temperature from 100°F to 575°F in 10°F increments. You can also add or deduct cooking time at any time.
-
FAST and EFFICIENT – Gold heats the pot directly transferring 85% to 90% of its electro-magnetic energy to heat energy! Traditional stovetops only convert about 30% of their heat for cooking. Cook faster without wasting energy and money.
10
Rating is 4.1 out of 5
Mueller RapidTherm Portable Induction Cooktop, Hot Plate Electric Stove Top Burner 1800W, 8 Temp Levels up to 460°F, Auto-Off & Pot Detection, LED Display, Child Lock, 4 Programs, Burners for Cooking
-
Practical and Portable: The highly versatile RapidTherm Induction Cooktop boasts 1800W of cooking power, and many smart features at your fingertips. ETL approved and operating at standard 120V, the lightweight electric cooktop is easy to handle and store and is the ideal size for RV’s, small apartments or anywhere you need an extra cooktop. With no hot coils or open flames, it’s the hassle-free way to create sumptuous dishes.
-
Energy-Friendly: Suitable for induction cookware only with flat ferrous bases (test with a magnet) such as cast iron, enameled steel, or magnetic stainless steel with base diameter between 4.8”-10.2”. The powerful induction burner only heats the diameter of the pan, so no energy is wasted. Plus heat is instant and evenly distributed, cooking your food 50% faster than conventional gas or electric cooktops.
-
Superior Quality With Mueller - We are here to offer you only the best quality products designed to make your life easier. If you need any help, please feel free to contact us. Our unparalleled 24/7 live telephone customer support is ready and waiting to assist with anything you need!
How to clean an induction cooktop without scratching it?
Cleaning an induction cooktop without scratching it involves using the right materials and techniques. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Allow It to Cool: Before cleaning, ensure the cooktop is completely cool to avoid burns and potential damage.
- Gather Supplies:
Soft microfiber or soft cloth
Non-abrasive sponge
White vinegar
Baking soda
Warm water
A dedicated glass cooktop cleaner (optional)
Plastic or silicone scraper
- Initial Wipe Down:
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle.
Spray the solution on the cooktop to remove any loose dirt and grease.
Wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth.
- Removing Stubborn Residue:
For tougher stains or burnt-on residues, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the areas.
Drizzle a small amount of warm water over the baking soda to create a paste.
Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to break down the residue.
- Scrub Gently:
Use a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth to gently scrub the stains. Avoid using excessive pressure to prevent scratching the glass surface.
- Use a Scraper if Necessary:
For really stubborn spots, use a plastic or silicone scraper at a 45-degree angle to carefully remove residue. Avoid using metal scrapers, as they can scratch the surface.
- Rinse and Dry:
Wipe away the baking soda and residue with a clean, damp cloth.
Dry the cooktop with a microfiber cloth to avoid water spots and streaks.
- Buffing:
For added shine, apply a few drops of vinegar or a special glass cooktop cleaner to a cloth and buff the surface.
- Regular Maintenance:
Clean up spills as they occur to avoid them becoming baked on and hard to remove.
Perform a gentle cleaning on the cooktop after every use to maintain its appearance and performance.
These steps should help ensure your induction cooktop remains clean and free from scratches.
What is the science behind induction heating?
Induction heating is a process that leverages electromagnetic induction to heat materials, typically metals. The fundamental science behind it involves several key principles:
- Electromagnetic Induction: This principle is based on Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction, which states that a time-varying magnetic field induces an electromotive force (EMF) in a conductor situated within the field. In an induction heating system, an alternating current (AC) passes through a coil, creating a changing magnetic field around it.
- Eddy Currents: When a conductive material is placed within the changing magnetic field, eddy currents are induced within the material. These are swirling currents that flow perpendicular to the magnetic field lines. Because these currents flow within the bulk of the conductive material and have their own associated magnetic fields that oppose the original field, they are responsible for heating the material.
- Resistive Heating: The eddy currents encounter resistance as they move through the material, and this resistance causes localized heating due to the Joule effect. The power of the heat generated is proportional to the square of the current and the resistance of the material (P = I²R).
- Skin Effect: At the frequencies typically used in induction heating (often in the radio frequency range), the skin effect becomes significant. This effect causes the induced currents to be concentrated near the surface of the conductor, thereby confining most of the heating effect to the surface layers of the material.
- Material Properties: The effectiveness of induction heating depends on several properties of the material being heated, including electrical conductivity, magnetic permeability, and thermal conductivity. Ferromagnetic materials, for instance, are often heated more efficiently due to their high magnetic permeability.
Induction heating is used extensively in industrial applications such as metal hardening, soldering, and brazing, as well as in domestic appliances like induction cooktops. The advantages include precise control, rapid heating, and energy efficiency, since energy is directly transferred to the material being heated without needing a direct flame or external heating element.
What is the importance of induction hob size?
The size of an induction hob is an important consideration for several reasons:
- Kitchen Space: The size of the induction hob should fit within the available counter space in your kitchen. If it's too large, it may not fit or could make the space feel cramped. Conversely, a very small hob may not utilize the space efficiently.
- Cooking Needs: Larger induction hobs usually have more cooking zones, which can be advantageous if you often cook multiple dishes simultaneously. However, if you typically cook for one or two people, a smaller hob may suffice.
- Cookware Compatibility: The size and number of cooking zones should match the size and type of pots and pans you use. Larger hobs can accommodate larger cookware or multiple pieces of cookware at once.
- Power and Efficiency: Larger hobs typically have higher power settings, which can improve cooking efficiency, but they may also consume more electricity. Balancing hob size with power consumption can affect energy usage.
- Aesthetics: The size of the hob can affect the overall look and design cohesiveness of your kitchen. A hob that is proportionate to your kitchen design can enhance aesthetics.
- Budget: Larger hobs with more features often cost more, so your budget may influence the size of the hob you choose.
Overall, selecting the right size induction hob ensures it fits your cooking habits, kitchen space, and budget while providing convenience and efficiency in your cooking tasks.
What is the average lifespan of an induction cooktop?
The average lifespan of an induction cooktop is typically around 10 to 15 years. This can vary depending on the brand, model, usage, and how well the cooktop is maintained. Regular cleaning and proper use can help extend the life of an induction cooktop.
