At a Glance:
How Do Induction Cooktops Work?
Induction vs. Electric Cooktop: What's the Difference?
How Much Do Induction Cooktops Cost?
What to Consider When Buying an Induction Cooktop
Consider upgrading to induction if you're looking for a new cooktop. Today's best cooktop is quick, simple to handle, safe, and effective.
The responsiveness of gas burners is matched by the speed of an induction cooktop, which is even faster than electric elements. Furthermore, induction heat provides fine control over anything you're cooking, ensuring that your steak is cooked to the ideal medium-rare, your Hollandaise is smooth, and your ragu never burns. It is safer and simpler to clean because the surface remains cool. Induction also saves you money on your electricity bill and is better for the environment because of its energy efficiency.
In order to find the best induction cooktop for you, we studied hundreds of models from reputable brands, comparing each one's heat production and distribution, simplicity of cleaning and maintenance, and overall value. Today, we'll provide you a comprehensive breakdown of these appliances in addition to the best recommendations we have for Colder's induction cooktops for your Milwaukee house.
Discover Induction Cooktop Deals
Induction CooktopsWhat is an Induction Cooktop?
Let's begin with the fundamentals. On the surface, induction cooktops resemble conventional glass-top electric cooktops quite a bit. However, an induction cooktop heats cookware via electromagnetic waves, effectively converting your pots and pans into their own heat source.
➤ Favorite Frigidaire Induction Cooktop: Frigidaire® 36" Black Induction Cooktop
The technique is extremely effective, allowing for fine control and a quick rise or fall in temperature because the appliance surface heats cookware via electromagnetism. In general, faster heating results from this temperature control, particularly when more time-consuming operations, like boiling water, are involved.
When compared to their gas and electric equivalents, induction cooking surfaces are known to boil water 50 percent faster. Additionally, spills and boil-overs are much less common because they keep a constant temperature.
How Do Induction Cooktops Work?
Since induction cooktops don't utilize gas to produce heat, they are essentially electric. On the other hand, induction cooktops produce heat using coils buried beneath the surface. Food preparation accounts for about 90 percent of the energy utilized by induction electric cooktops. No energy is lost, resulting in immediate heating and temperature control.
The electromagnetic waves used in induction heating alternate an electric current as they travel through the ring and heat the cookware. Your food starts to cook as a result of the pot or pan heating up. Because the air between the cooktop and the pan is never heated, an induction cooktop has no residual heat.
➤ Favorite Electrolux Induction Cooktop: Electrolux 36" Induction Cooktop
Induction vs. Electric Cooktop: What's the Difference?
A clever and classic addition to a kitchen is electric and induction cooktops. Both cooktops have contemporary, digital features that make them simple to use and provide temperature precision. Child locks, timers, and pause buttons are among the extra features on most electric and induction cooktops. Additionally, their smooth surfaces make cleaning and maintenance simple.
Related: How to Clean Glass Stove Top
What precisely distinguishes these two cooking gadgets, then? The ceramic surface of an electric cooktop is heated electronically using metal coils positioned beneath the surface. The heat generated warms the pan, so it's ready to cook.
Electromagnets, rather than metal coils, are used in induction cooktops to heat the pan directly, not the surface. For induction cooktops to function, certain cookware must be used.
How Much Do Induction Cooktops Cost?
Induction cooktops typically cost between $1,000 and $2,500, though a high-end cooktop with custom materials and additional features can cost more than $3,000. For foodies looking for a deal, Colder's Furniture, Appliances, and Mattresses have a large cooktop catalog with top-brand induction cooktops starting at $1,000.
➤ Favorite Frigidaire Gallery Induction Cooktop: Frigidaire Gallery® 36" Black Induction Cooktop
Induction Cooktop Pros
There are many benefits to cooking on an induction cooktop. Here are some other arguments in favor of induction in the induction vs. electric cooktop debate. However, the fact that they consume far less energy to heat is the most crucial.
✅ Similar to gas, induction offers immediate temperature control. Induction cooktops use electricity; however, they are not the same as electric smooth top cooktops or slow-responding electric coil cooktops.
✅ Simply use a moist cloth to wipe it down to clean it. As opposed to gas cooktops, there are no bulky grates to manage.
✅ They offer the highest level of stovetop security. There are no gas leaks, and only the pan heats up.
✅ Most effective electric or gas cooktops take longer to heat water than induction cooktops do. Gas heat generation wastes more than half of its energy as it exits around the pan. Due to induction's up to 90 percent efficiency, heating and boiling durations are shortened.
Induction Cooktop Cons
For the majority of food lovers, the price of induction cooktops is a major consideration. Other than the price, a few drawbacks would prevent a renovating chef from buying one.
❌ The majority of cast iron and stainless steel cookware will operate with induction, but you might need to replace all of your aluminum or copper cookware. You're good to go if a magnet adheres to the cookware's bottom.
❌ The all-black glass offers a sleek contemporary look that might not go with a farmhouse or more traditional decor.
❌ At higher settings, you might hear a buzz or humming sound.
❌ The magnetic field has an effect on digital thermometers.
❌ Scratches are possible on the surface, especially when using heavy cast iron.
Best Induction Cooktops
Whether you are a newbie to induction cooking or consider yourself an induction cooking expert, our Colder's team has compiled a list of our top three recommendations to upgrade your cooking space.
Best Kitchenaid Induction Cooktop: KitchenAid® 36" Black Electric Induction Cooktop
This KitchenAid induction cooktop will fit well on your island countertop if you require a stove with lots of room for movement. It more than makes up for its lack of intelligent features with strength. Each of the five heating components offers exceptional heating power thanks to sensor induction technology. This function quickly heats and cools the cookware while operating with accuracy and precision thanks to digital controls. You can also make use of the extra features, such as the power boost option, to boil water quickly by surpassing the maximum heat setting for five minutes. The assisted cooking modes for a boil, fry, and grill can help perfect your high-heat cooking skills for your steak, pasta, or chicken dishes.
Best Beko Induction Cooktop: Beko 30" Black Glass Built In Induction Cooktop
To manage the four induction burners and nine cooking levels on its 30-inch cooking surface, this Beko induction cooktop's accessible, user-friendly front touch-slider controls with LED illumination are straightforward to use. With the help of the residual heat indicator, which employs a highly visible indicator alert when the cooking zone is too hot to touch, you can experience the superior technology of the induction cooking zones to cook food faster and more safely. With the XL 12-inch cooking zone on this 30-inch induction cooktop, you can boil broths, simmer sauces, and sauté veggies in any size pot or pan faster and more effectively without worrying that your dinner's main course and side dishes will burn.
Best Whirlpool Induction Cooktop: Whirlpool® 30" Stainless Steel Frame Electric Induction Cooktop
With this Whirlpool induction cooktop with a stainless steel frame, you can get the most value for your money while maintaining the efficiency of your kitchen. This model is the least expensive of the three induction cooktops at under $2,000; it was painstakingly created with you and your regular home life in mind and has four burners with features like quick boiling, melting, simmering, assisted boiling, and assisted pan-frying for picture-perfect meals. Use the keep warm function once the food has been prepared and the finishing touches have been added so that everyone can enjoy a hot, tasty dinner whenever they're ready.
What to Consider When Buying an Induction Cooktop
Here are some things to consider if you want to purchase an induction cooktop.
Size: The normal sizes for induction cooktops are 30 inches and 36 inches across, although there are smaller, single-burner portable variants and induction surfaces that are up to 45 inches wide as well. For accommodating many pots and pans simultaneously as well as for removing sheet trays from the oven and setting them on the cooktop while one or two of the heating elements are in use, we prefer the versatility of a 36-inch induction cooktop. However, a 30-inch induction cooktop will be needed in smaller kitchens. Pick the size that is ideal for you and your cooking preferences.
Number and variety of heating elements: It's critical to have a variety of heating element sizes since induction burners function best when they correspond to the size of the cookware you're using. Although not as slick appearing as cooktops with few indications, some elements contain many concentric rings allowing manual or automatic sizing to different pot sizes. These elements are especially handy on small cooktops. The majority of types contain three to five distinct heating components, which are usually matched to the size of the cooktop.
Bridge burners: The ability to lock or connect numerous burners so they operate as one is a feature of induction cooktops that we find to be quite useful. This is very helpful when using lengthy or unusually shaped cookware, like a griddle or grill pan. While bridge burners aren't necessary, if you frequently cook a variety of foods or host large gatherings, we suggest shopping for models with this feature.
Design and finish: Unlike gas cooktops and ranges, which are available in a variety of styles, most induction cooktops have a glossy black glass finish and a comparable appearance. You can attempt to select a cooktop that complements the design of your current kitchen by choosing one of the models that provide a number of finishes and frame possibilities. (Take Note: an induction cooktop could seem out of place in a kitchen with a strong vintage or classic design.) For a sleek, spick-and-span appearance, we also favor induction cooktops with few markings and covert digital control panels.
Noise: Induction cooktops' electromagnetic energy can occasionally produce a buzzing or humming noise. Having an empty pot or skillet resting on a burner that is in use usually makes this situation worse. Induction cooktops can also have a noisy fan. Keep an eye on reviews before purchasing because cheap alternatives typically have worse noise issues, but don't be concerned if you notice a slight humming when using your cooktop.
Special features: Many induction cooktops include a variety of unique features, including boost and simmer modes, sliding controls, "cooling zones," keep warm settings, and smart connectivity. While some of these alternatives might be helpful, be sure to put solid performance and a straightforward design that complements your lifestyle and budget before luxuries.
If you're prepared to switch to induction cooking, visit a Colder's showroom nearby Milwaukee or browse our induction cooktop collection online. You will keep returning to Colder's for all your appliance needs since we have a vast selection of premium kitchen appliances to offer our customers at great prices in Wisconsin.
Why Trust Colder's?
Since 1942, we at Colder's pride ourselves on offering value, selection, and service. Serving Southeastern Wisconsin with four showrooms that stock quality name-brand furniture, appliances, and mattresses, Colder's is sure to house exactly what you are looking for. And if you can't find it on our floors, chances are, we can order it for you. As a local, family-owned company, we are always doing our best to provide the highest value at the lowest cost to everyone who walks through our doors.
Colder's is committed not only to continuously offering can't-miss sales but also to working with each customer, making sure that you take advantage of every possible markdown — that's our best price guarantee.
Shop Induction Cooktops at Colder's
Don't put off happiness — and shop cooktops online for unbeatable prices at Colder's. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you discover your ideal induction cooktop for your kitchen, whether you call us at 414-476-1574 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our Colder's locations in West Allis, Oak Creek, Delafield, and Grafton, Wisconsin to touch, see, feel, and experience home products that fulfill your dreams. Visit us today!
Learn More: 36" Electric Cooktops: Most Popular Picks