If you are planning to upgrade your kitchen, you may need to choose between an induction cooktop versus an electric cooktop. You won’t be able to tell much of a difference by looking from one glass cooktop to another, but if you opt for induction, it offers an alternative heating technology that will affect the overall performance and versatility of your stove.
Before you start browsing for a The best electric rangesyou need to consider whether you are better off paying more for this feature.
What is the difference between these types of stoves, and why should you consider upgrading? Here, we break down the differences between induction and standard electric cooktops, as well as the pros and cons behind each. So you can decide for yourself what is best suited to your cooking routine, preferences, and budget.
Stuck between electric and gas stoves instead? Verify Domain Buying Guide to help you decide.
What is the difference between induction cookers versus electric cookers?
First, we should make it clear that induction hobs technically fall under electric stoves, because they also run on electricity. So, when we say we’ll be comparing induction versus electric stovetops, we’re referring to electric ceramic stovetops that lack the induction technology of the latter category.
An induction hob uses an electromagnetic field to heat pots and pans. The hob will not operate until an induction-safe pan is in place, and the hob itself will not get hot during use because heat is generated inside the pan.
An induction hob primarily uses an electromagnetic field to heat pots and pans. This means that any cookware you use with this type of stove must be made of magnetized material to be compatible. The stove will not operate until a safe pan is in place, and the stove itself will not get hot during use because heat is being generated inside the pan, excluding any residual heat generated by the cookware.
A standard electric burner, on the other hand, heats the surface of the burners themselves using electric coils or a heating element. This heat then travels to the underside of pots and pans in the traditional sense. This means that this type of stove will heat with or without the cookware.
The controls are generally the same between these two types of stoves, and there’s very little visual difference either, other than the lack of a glowing burner with the induction models.
Advantages of induction cookers
1. Safer to use – First, induction hobs are naturally the safer option of the two. It will only generate heat when the compatible pan is in place and the surface itself won’t get too hot when it’s off. Keep in mind that there will still be some heat left from the underside of the pan.
2. Quick Response – The induction hob will respond instantly and heat your cookware on contact. It’s much faster compared to standard electric stovetops, which need to heat the surface as well as the pan before it gets to the ingredients. This also means that it’s quick to respond when the temperature drops, too.
3. Easy to clean – Because induction hobs feature a flat glass top, they are relatively quick and easy to clean with a microfiber cloth. For complete instructions, see How to clean a glass stove.
4. Increased energy efficiency – Induction hobs heat cookware directly. This means there is less heat loss versus heating the hob surface first. Furthermore it , energy star (Opens in a new tab) It states that induction hobs are approximately 5-10% more efficient than traditional electric resistance units. Given this, induction is a more energy efficient option.
5. Better Control – Since the induction technology is very responsive, this means that it gives the user better control as well. Once you change the settings, the temperature will adjust accordingly.
Cons of induction cookers
1. The most expensive – This technology is an expensive addition, with induction cooktops starting at around $800, and going up to $6,000. There is not a huge range of models to choose from as these are still getting more and more popular.
2. You need to buy suitable cookware – You may need to purchase all new pots and pans to work with an induction hob, which can be quite expensive. You can tell if your cookware is induction-safe because it should be marked on its underside, or have a logo with four wire rings.
3. The surface can be scratched – Unfortunately, because it’s made of glass, induction hobs can scratch easily. Although if you want to keep it looking pristine, here it is How to prevent scratches on your glass stove.
Advantages of electric stoves
1. Cheaper – Standard electric stoves are generally more affordable and more widely available versus induction. They start at around $200 and can cost up to $3,000 for more premium brands. There tends to be more choices in terms of sizes and design as well.
2. You can use any kind of cookware – No need to invest in expensive cookware, you can use any old pots and pans with a standard electric stovetop, including one The best cast iron skillets.
3. Easy to clean – As with induction, electric hobs are made of glass with a smooth, flat design. This means they are easy to clean.
Cons of electric stoves
1. Slow response – Every time you use this type of stove, you need to wait for the stove to heat up, as well as the pot itself. This means that it is normal for cooking to take longer with this type of stove.
2. Lack of control – Unfortunately, with a slower response rate, the control also becomes less. It will probably continue to cook for a few seconds after you lower the heat. In fact, the stovetop can retain heat so well that you may have to remove the pan to reduce the temperature quickly. This means that it is very easy to overcook the ingredients.
3. Not very safe – If you accidentally turn on an electric stove, it will start to heat up, with or without cooking utensils. Since the surface heats up during use, it will also stay hot for some time once you turn it off. This naturally makes it the less secure option of the two.
4. Less energy efficient – A standard electric stovetop will lose heat as it transfers from the stovetop to the pan. This means that they are less energy efficient than induction, which transfers heat instantly to the cookware.
5. The surface can be scratched – Since it is made of glass, scratches are inevitable on the surface of the electric ceramic hob. Try to keep the pans on the stove top to avoid this, and don’t drag them through the glass.
Induction vs electric stove: which is better?
In the end, there are clearly more pros to upgrade to an induction hob. It’s safer, faster to respond, easier to control, and better in terms of energy efficiency too. However, it will add to the price and finding the right one for your kitchen can be challenging. You need to balance your budget with your preferences to decide on the type of stove you want to purchase.
Given the benefits, the popularity of induction hobs is likely to continue to grow. We hope that this technology will become affordable in time to reflect the growing demand.
For more cooking tips, tricks, and how-tos, check out How to Clean Your Oven, 5 Pros — and 5 Cons — of Cooking with an Air Fryer and Dishwasher vs. Washing by Hand — Which Is Cheaper?
