What is an induction stove (and is it right for you)?

How do induction stoves work?

An induction stove is a type of electric stove that uses induction heat, which is a way to heat non-conductive materials, like plastic or glass, by subjecting them to electromagnetic energy. Traditional electric cooktops produce heat through electricity passing between heating elements. However, induction cooktops work by using a copper coil to create an electromagnetic field.

Because it doesn’t use a traditional external heat source, only your cookware will become warm due to the transferred heat. Your induction cooktop will remain cool to the touch, but your food will cook faster due to more precision.

Induction stove pros and cons.

Like any other kitchen appliance, owning and using an induction stove has pros and cons. These will help you decide if it's the best cooking appliance for your kitchen.

Pros of owning an induction stove:

• You can cook faster. You can boil water approximately 2-4 minutes sooner on an induction stove than on a gas stove. This quick cooking time is because induction stoves are more precise when heating cookware due to how they are made.
• You have easy temperature control. Need to heat something right away? Push a few buttons and watch as it heats the pan almost instantly. Too hot? Cool down your pot immediately by lowering the cooking temperature.
• The smooth tops are easy to clean. They usually come with ceramic-glass cooking surfaces, letting you wipe them down quickly. You also don’t need to wait long for an induction stove to cool down and clean it immediately.
• There's a built-in safety feature. If you turn on an induction stove without a pot on top, you don’t have to worry about anything because it won’t heat up. Unlike gas stoves with open flames, induction stoves only work when you place cookware on them because the heat is created within the cookware. When you remove a pot or pan from the burner, the stove stops producing heat.
• They are more energy efficient. Induction stoves are more efficient than both conventional electric stoves and gas stoves. They’re also better for indoor air quality.

Cons of owning an induction stove:

• They can get noisy. You may hear a buzzing or humming sound while cooking with your induction stove due to the cookware vibrating. When you turn it off, you’ll also hear the fan as it cools down the cooktop. If you are sensitive to sounds, this may be bothersome for you.
• It's a learning curve (if you're used to gas stoves). If you’ve cooked with gas stoves all your life, adjusting to how straightforward induction stoves are may take some time. Plus, you may need to take extra steps to ensure your kitchen is equipped with 220- or 240-volt outlets.
• You'll need the right cookware. You can’t use whatever pots and pans you may have — unless they are magnetic. Find out if your pots and pans are induction-ready by sticking a magnet to their bottom. If it sticks firmly, you can use them. If not, you may have to shop for induction-compatible cookware.
• It can be a little more expensive. When you compare costs, you may find that some induction stoves are more expensive than gas or conventional electric stoves. You also have to factor in operational costs, as electricity is usually slightly more expensive than gas in most places.

Related: Induction stove vs. electric – which one should you get?

Should you get an induction stove? Consider this.

Before getting an induction stove, you need to consider a few things.

How much do induction stoves cost?

While induction stoves used to be pricey, they have been getting cheaper. You may be able to find a four-burner induction range for approximately $1,000 and a single-burner appliance for as little as $70, according to the Department of Energy.

Of course, you must also consider running costs, such as the electricity needed to use an induction stove. Gas tends to be cheaper than electricity in most places. So, if you’re switching from gas to induction, you’ll need to adjust your budget, too.

Lastly, don't forget to factor in new cookware unless all your cookware is already induction-ready. If not, you’ll have to buy new pots and pans with a magnetic base for your induction stove.

Installation process.

Installing induction stoves is easy, especially if you get a freestanding range or have an existing electric hookup. The only challenge comes if your kitchen doesn’t have a 220- or 240-volt outlet for electric stoves. If you’re switching from gas to electric, you’ll need to hire a pro to install an outlet.

If you’re getting a four-burner induction stove, you may want to consider getting help from a pro to install it. If you are buying a one-burner stove and you already have a 220-volt outlet, you can simply plug it in and use it.

Efficiency and energy savings.

Induction stoves are one of the most energy-efficient kitchen appliances. Instead of relying on indirectly conducting heat to your cookware, it provides high power and instant temperature change. Because of this unique way of heating your cookware directly, you can save more energy at home.

According to the Department of Energy, induction stoves are up to three times more efficient than gas stoves. They are even up to 10% more efficient than traditional smooth-top electric stoves. This results in lower energy costs and lower rates of air pollution.

Related: Home improvement projects that may save you $2,500 a year.

Maintenance and cleaning.

Because the stove itself doesn’t heat up the way traditional electric and gas stoves do, you won’t have that big of a problem with food residue. You may get spills or splatters from frying, but you can easily wipe them up. Plus, you don’t have to wait that long for the induction stove to cool down.

With an induction stove, you also don’t need to use that many cleaning products to ensure your stove remains in top shape. Simply use a damp cloth and wipe down your stove after using it.

If you’d like to do a thorough cleaning to maintain a shiny-looking induction stove, you can use a ceramic glass cleaner once in a while.

Related: How to clean a glass stove top (without scratching it).

Hire a pro to install your induction stove.

Have you decided that an induction stove or range is right for you? Find professionals on Thumbtack to assist with installing your new appliance. Download the Thumbtack app today to see local pros and request free cost estimates.

FAQs.

Is the surface of an induction stove crack- or scratch-proof?

Induction stoves are made of ceramic glass, a sturdy material that can handle high temperatures. Nevertheless, if you aren’t careful enough with the way you use it, you may accidentally scratch or crack it.

What kinds of pots and pans work well with induction stoves?

The cookware you use for your induction stove must be magnetic for it to work. It needs iron or stainless steel and usually a coil spring at the bottom. You can always try sticking a magnet at the bottom of a pot or pan to see if it is magnetic. Some cookware is also labeled as induction-ready.

Consider also getting cookware with flat bases. Pots and pans with curved bottoms, like woks, may not produce good results or heat up enough to cook your food thoroughly. There are, however, flat-bottomed alternatives that may work with your induction stove.

Can I cook with a cast iron pot or pan on my induction stove?

Cast iron cookware will work on an induction stove. Just be careful when moving the pot from one burner to another so you don’t accidentally scratch the surface.

Are induction stoves easy to use?

Induction cooktops are pretty straightforward. They may, however, require a bit of a learning curve if you’re used to gas or conventional electric stoves. You can change the setting easily by turning a knob or tapping a button to suit your needs.