Induction cooktops are quickly replacing traditional gas cookers and electric coil cookers. With their super-fast heating and on the spot response to temperature changes, more and more people have started realizing how convenient induction cooktops have become.
As such, more and more options have become available in the market making it hard for most people to decide on which cooktop best fits their need.
In this article, we will review the top seven best induction cooktops as well as the factors you’ll need to consider when selecting the best cooktop.
Our Top 7 Picks
1. True Induction TI-2B Counter Inset Double Burner
Is your kitchen small? Are you operating on a tight budget? Don’t worry. The True induction TI-2B Counter Inset Double burner can accommodate the best of both.
Unlike most budget-friendly cooktops, the True TI-2B double burner can be inset into your kitchen countertop giving you a more seamless look.
What’s more, the cooktop’s design allows it to be used as a portable option, which means that you can place it wherever you like for example in your dorm room or RV. All you need is a power outlet of 110V and you’ll be all set.
The unit uses patented power sharing technology that allows the burners to split wattage between them. This means that the unit can run at full power on one side when the other one is off; or share the wattage 50/50, 60/40, or 70/30 when both burners are in operation.
For added safety, the unit includes several safety features and a built-in turn-off feature that detects when the cookware is placed or removed from the burner.
Furthermore, the unit is designed with ceramic glass surface that makes it easy to clean any food spills with a damp cloth.
2. NutriChef PKSTIND48 Double Induction Cooktop
The NutriChef PKSTIND48 is another induction cooktop that delivers excellent results.
The unit boasts 1800 watts of power and comes with a choice of four preset modes. These presets include the Fry mode, Steam mode, and water mode for easy cooking and the Warm function for keeping your food warm for later serving.
Each mode has its default temperature range and maximum timer setting. For the fry mode, the default temperature is 300oF, which can be adjusted to eight other temperature levels of your choice. The same applies to steam (390oF) and water (460oF). However, the default temperature for Warm mode is 140oF and cannot be changed.
In terms of design, NutriChef is an outright winner. Firstly, each burner has its own control panel with a digital LCD display screen with touch sensor controls. On top of that, its surface is made using scratch proof ceramic tempered glass, which makes it easy to clean.
What’s more, the unit is equipped with a built-in child safety lock that locks all the buttons when the cooktop is in operation. The safety feature also includes an auto pan detection which senses incompatible cookware or when there’s no cookware on the burner.
Best of all, you can use this cooktop with induction friendly pans or pots with a base diameter 12-26cm. Because of its minimal weight and compact nature, you can also use it for outdoor cooking.
3. Cosmo Portable Electric Induction Cooktop COS-YLIC1
If you haven’t found a portable induction cooktop that you’d use in your dorm, RV, or any limited space, then you haven’t met the COS-YLIC1.
Weighing just about 6 pounds, the COS-YLIC1 features a compact design that makes it easy to store and handle. Besides that, the cooktop can accommodate any induction friendly pan with a base diameter of 10.5 inches.
The unit’s power rating of 1800 watts enables the burner to complete cooking tasks faster than most standard electric burners. Although it’s high powered, COS-YLIC1 manages to remain efficient when it comes to energy use. This is because it includes nine power settings and ten preset temperatures for preparing different dishes.
Notably, the unit boasts a remarkable safety system that stays cool to touch until cookware is placed on it. More to this, the device adds a touch lock feature that locks down the controls from children along with preventing any accidental presses.
4. Secura 9100MC 1800W
The Secura 9100MC is the latest addition by Secura in their induction cooktop line up. Just like all induction cooktops, Secura 9100MC uses the power of induction to generate heat.
With a power rating of 1800 Watts, this cooktop delivers reliable and consistent heat that you’d require for your cooking needs. Aside from that, it has 15 different power levels and temperature ranges that you can select from depending on the kind of food you are preparing.
It also features a digital control system with a built in timer as well as an automated diagnostic error message system that helps you establish any problems with the cooktop with minimal effort.
Likewise, the cooktop adds an auto-pan detection feature that helps detect when an induction-ready pot is placed or removed on the cooker.
While it’s only compatible with Duxtop and other induction ready cookware, it’s compact and versatile design allows it to serve all of your cooking needs both indoors and outdoors.
5. Duxtop 8100MC 1800W
The Duxtop 8100MC is the best-selling induction cooktop model in the Duxtop line-up.
With a power rating of 1800 Watts, this good-looking single burner portable cooktop comes with 10 preset power levels that range from 200 Watts to 1800 Watts. Likewise, it includes 10 temperature ranges that range from 140o F to 460oF which is appropriate for most cooking needs.
The cooktop also features a versatile and compact design, which makes it easy to handle and move around. What’s more, its top is absolutely flat and is made from ceramic glass which makes it super easy to clean since its non-stick.
The cooktop’s top also includes a digital control panel that’s neatly designed for quick access to controls. On top of this, there is also an inbuilt digital timer that provides time increments of 1 minute up to 170 minutes.
As with most induction cooktops, the Duxtop 8100MC comes with an auto-pan detection system. This system is designed to detect the presence of cookware on the cooking zone. If no cookware is detected after 60 seconds the auto-pan detection system automatically shuts-off the unit.
The auto-pan detection feature together with the built-in timer helps minimize energy wastage that might arise due to negligence saving you a few bucks in your monthly electric bills.
Other features include the low and high voltage warning system and diagnostic error message system that helps you identify any faults within the unit.
6. hOmeLabs Portable Induction Cooktop
There are not so many induction cooktops that can give you a promise of durability and reliability. However, the hOmeLabs Portable induction cooktop promises both.
This unit comes with some really neat and interesting features. First, the unit weighs about 8 pounds and measures 17.2 inches by 13.5 inches wide and 5.1 inches in height. This means that it’s quite lightweight and portable and hence you can carry it with you anywhere.
In terms of temperature control, the unit allows you to accurately control cooking temperatures with 10 heating levels. You can choose between 120 Watts (Level 1) to 1500 Watts (Level 10).
Moreover, the unit comes with six user modes. These modes include boil mode, simmer mode, fry mode, boost mode, warm mode, and timer mode. All of these modes help control the cooking according to your needs.
The digital control panel is also well placed for quick access on one side. This is a major design boost compared with most cooktops because you are not going to go through the trouble of having to search for the controls.
The non-stick smooth glass surface also cools down almost instantly after you are done with your cooking. Apart from that it’s easy to clean. All you need is a damp cloth, some soapy water and a few swipes.
The hOmeLabs portable induction cooktop is a really convenient option for individuals with limited kitchen spaces or always on the go.
7. Rosewill Induction Cooker 1800 Watt RHAI-13001
The Rosewill RHAI-13001 is another serious contender on this list.
This decently designed and powerful cooker boasts a power rating of 1800watts and comes with 8 temperatures settings ranging from 150oF up to 450oF. With this temperature range, the device allows you to select the best temperature to cook just about anything.
The cooker also comes with a superior-quality polished crystal surface that’s an excellent heat insulator, easy to clean, and scratch resistant.
What’s more, the cooktop adds a pleasant LED display with easy to read touch controls that make it a breeze to control this unit.
Additionally, it has an inbuilt timer that prevents you from overcooking or undercooking your dishes. This is a great advantage especially when you want to undertake other tasks and have limited time of having to keep checking your food every minute.
It’s compact and versatile design allows you to carry it wherever you go including camping trips. It’s also a good choice for college students to use in their dorms.
How to choose the best induction cooktop
Here are some factors you should consider when buying an induction cooktop.
Auto-pan detection
By default, induction cooktops are designed to automatically detect compatible cookware. This means that the pan will not work if there’s no compatible cooking ware placed on the heating zone. The same applies when the cookware is removed from the heating zone.
In-built timer
Look out for a cooktop with an automatic timer. The timer feature lets you program your cooktop to turn-off or lower the temperature after a specified duration. This frees you from the hassle of checking your dish after every now and then.
Automatic safety shut-off
Although most cooktops come with this feature, ensure that yours has it too. This feature switches off your cooktop if it detects that the cooking zone has been on for an extended period of time without any alteration in temperature or when there is overheating. However, it’s important to note that the shut-off period is dependent on the temperature setting. The higher the setting, the quicker the shut-off and vice versa.
Child lock
Although induction cooktops do not pose a great danger as gas or radiant cooktops, having this feature is vital as it protects you and your little ones from unforeseen occurrences.
Cleaning
Of course you do not want a cooktop that sticks spills on the cooking zone or on the controls. Consider buying a cooktop with an easy to clean surface such as a ceramic glass surface.
Framed or edgeless design
While design is a preferential feature, it’s important to keep in mind that framed designs are more prone to dirt build up in the frame crevices. On the other hand, edgeless cooktops are less likely to contain any spills and are easy to clean. However, they are prone to cracks especially along the edges.
Other considerations include the size of the cooking zone, LED control readings, and power management.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does an induction cooktop work?
Induction cooktops use induction technology. This means that they generate an electromagnetic field between the cooking zone and the base of your cookware. The electromagnetism causes the molecules in your cookware to vibrate rapidly, which in turn cause heat to be generated in the cookware and not on the cooktop’s surface. This process is very energy efficient than using the traditional electric ranges or gas stoves.
Why are induction cooktops only compatible with specific cookware?
Well, induction technology is based on the principles of magnetism. As such, the cookware used must have an iron based (ferrous) bottom. Cookware made from cast iron and high-quality stainless steel are examples of cookware’s compatible with induction cooktops. Aluminum, copper, and glass cookware are not compatible with induction cooktops unless they have a thin layer of ferrous metal sandwiched at the base.
Can I touch the induction cooktop’s cook zone?
You can only touch when there’s no pan placed on it. Induction cooktops only work when a compatible cooking pan is placed on the cook zone. Otherwise, it should remain cool even when switched on. However, you should not touch the cooktop after you’ve just removed a hot cookware from the surface.
Can I get cancer from using induction cooktops?
No, you cannot get cancer. Induction cooktops produce very low-frequency radiation signals that are in-adequate to affect your health.
Do induction cooktops produce flames?
No, induction cooktops do not produce any open flames. So, you should not worry about your cooktop causing a fire. Besides, most cooktops comes with an auto-shut-off system that turns-off the device when it starts to overheat.
Wrapping up
As you can see, induction cooktops come with different features. Now it’s up to you to discern which one best fits your needs. We hope that you’ll find this guide useful.
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