Gone are the days of exposed coils and the heyday of gas ranges. Induction and electric cooktops have come a long way, and are far more popular than cooking over an even flame.

But how do induction and electric cooktops work, and which is better for your modern kitchen? Here are the pros and cons for induction vs electric cooktops:

How Induction Cooktops Work

Induction cooktops have an electromagnetic field below the surface. They cut out the middleman that requires a burner to get heated up before it can heat up a pot. It also doesn’t have any residual heat, because the air between your cooktop and pot doesn’t get hot. Since heat doesn’t need to be transferred, induction cooktops provide instant heat and even temperatures.

Induction Cooktop Pros

●     They require less energy - According to cnet.com, induction cooktops are “capable of delivering as much as 90% of the electromagnetic energy generated of the food in the pan, compared to as little as 38% of the energy generated from gas ranges.”

●     Fast cooking time - Since heat transference is more efficient, cooking times are reduced.

●     Easier to clean - If you make a mess, you don’t have to wait until your induction cooktop cools to scrape it off. It won’t cook on the cooktop, so cleaning it is easier.

●     Safer to clean - Because the cooktop itself doesn’t get hot, messes are also safer to clean.

●     Easier to control temperature - Induction cooktops are more responsive to temperature control. If you need something cooked at a precise temperature, induction cooktops can deliver.

Induction Cooktop Cons

●     Cost - Because of their many benefits, induction cooktops tend to be more expensive than their electric cooktop counterparts.

●     Require specific cookware - Induction cooktops only work with ferromagnetic materials. In other words, your cookware needs to be made of cast iron, carbon steel, or stainless steel to work. If your pot or pan is magnetic, it’ll probably work with your induction cooktop, but you should test it before purchasing.

●     Noise - Your induction cooktop can be noisy at higher settings. Induction cooktop owners have reported hearing a humming or buzzing sound.

How Electric Cooktops Work

Electric cooktops are more common and therefore more widely used. Unlike their induction counterparts, their cooktops get hot to transfer heat to the pot or pan being used. Electric cooktops also have residual heat after they’re used, because they require a cool down time.

Electric Cooktop Pros

●     Reduced energy costs - Electric cooktops provide controlled and managed heat.

●     Ease of installation and use - Because they’re more common, electric cooktops are also easier to install and tend to be more user-friendly.

●     Don’t require special cookware - Unlike induction cooktops, electric cooktops don’t require your pots and pans to be magnetized.

●     More affordable - Electric cooktops’ broad appeal and variety also make them less expensive than induction cooktops.

●     Residual heat advantages - Electric cooktops’ residual heat can also keep food warm longer without expelling additional energy.

Electric Cooktop Cons

●     They are less safe - Residual heat from an electric cooktop keeps it warmer longer. While that benefits food, it can be a safety hazard. If you place your hand on an electric cooktop burner shortly after use, you will get burned.

●     Harder to clean - Spills on an electric cooktop will continue to cook and potentially burn while you’re preparing a meal. You have to wait until after your cooktop is cool before scraping off the remnants.

●     Longer cook times and uneven heat - Electric cooktops take longer to heat up. Also, their coils may not distribute heat evenly, which can make cooking more difficult.

Still trying to figure out which cooktop is right for you? Send us a message!