Whether you’re considering adding a new range or just looking for a solid, reliable stove, you’re probably deciding whether to choose between an induction or electric cooktop. Both methods offer ultimate cooking power, performance, and precision when delivering cooktop heat and harness superb, precise heat control. However, knowing the key differences between an induction vs electric cooktop will ultimately help you make the best decision for your home’s culinary arrangement. To make your decision less stressful, follow along in our latest guide filled with our expert’s insight on both cooking methods as well as some of the best induction and electric cooktops available that will instantly enhance your culinary performance and kitchen’s overall aesthetic.
At a Glance:
Induction vs Electric Cooktops: Our Top Picks
Electric Cooktops: A Guide
Electric cooktops are especially popular amongst households everywhere, offering a sleek look with centralized heat for pans, pots, and other assorted dishware. Underneath the glass or ceramic surface, an electrical current flows through a metal coil, which then glows hot and transfers heat through the top surface using the produced infrared energy. This infrared energy helps evenly distribute heat from the burner to the pot or pan, which then transfers directly into the food you’re preparing. A key difference between induction cooktops vs electric cooktops is that when you turn off an element on an electric cooktop, the surface will still continue to be hot, even after the electrical current stops transferring heat. The element will still give off residual heat for an undetermined amount of time, whereas induction cooktops will cool down almost instantly.
Pros & Cons of Electric Cooktops
Pros
✓ Easy to install and user-friendly intuitive controls.
✓ Energy efficiency is roughly 34 percent better than gas cooktops.
✓ Electric cooktops are less expensive compared to gas and induction models.
Cons
☒ Residual heat can leave you with a surface that is too hot after cooking, which may pose a potential hazard.
☒ Cooktop may take longer to heat up compared to gas or induction.
☒ Heat sometimes isn’t distributed evenly through the coils.
Induction Cooktops: A Guide
Let’s start with probably the most asked question when it comes to this newer method of cooking: “What is an induction cooktop?” Induction cooktops are a hybrid kitchen appliance that combines the power of a gas stove and the appearance of an electric cooktop to produce heat directly to the pan or cookware with electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic field then passes the heating energy straight to the food being prepared, and since the cookware is directly being heated, you’ll have more precise control over the temperature and heating power.
Despite their similar appearances, induction vs electric cooktop efficiency is a crucial factor when deciding which type of stove is best for your kitchen. To give you an idea, up to 90 percent of the energy produced by an induction cooktop is transferred directly to the food, which is quite impressive considering that the heat transfer for gas and electric cooktops is estimated to be 40 and 74 percent, respectively. Another factor to note about induction cooktops is that they all require induction-compatible cookware. Compatible cookware options include cast iron and most types of stainless steel; however, all-copper, glass, and aluminum pots and pans (unless the bottoms have a magnetic layer) must all be excluded from induction cooktops.
Pros & Cons of Induction Cooktops
Pros
✓ Energy efficiency is extremely proficient, with 90 percent of heating power being transferred to food.
✓ Food is heated more quickly than on an electric cooktop.
✓ The cooking surface becomes cooler after turning off elements for safer use and quick cleanups.
✓ Induction cooktops are more responsive to temperature control changes.
Cons
☒ Must use induction-compatible cookware.
☒ Loud buzzing is a common side-effect at higher settings.
☒ Induction cooktops are, on average, more expensive than electric models.
Induction vs Electric Cooktops: Our Top Picks
Now that you’re aware of the many benefits and characteristics that these two types of kitchen appliances have to offer, our experts have picked out their top induction and electric cooktop models that will be sure to serve as the perfect complement to your existing cooking repertoire.
Whirlpool® 30" Stainless Steel Electric Cooktop (WCE55US0HS)
For a seamless cooking solution that will continue to provide delicious results time and time again, this Whirlpool electric cooktop is just what you need. The simple setup of this 30 electric cooktop is perfect for the proficient home cook, featuring four powerful heating elements, including a FlexHeat Dual Radiant element that expands up to 10 inches to make room for larger cookware. And when all the meal prepping is finally done, minimal elbow grease is required to clean the easy-wipe ceramic glass surface that makes every after-meal cleanup an absolute breeze.
Key Features:
- FlexHeat dual radiant element
- Easy-Wipe ceramic glass cooktop
- ADA compliant
KitchenAid® 30" Black Electric Induction Cooktop (KCIG550JBL)
Regularly dazzle your friends and family with this elegantly designed induction cooktop from KitchenAid. With this KitchenAid induction cooktop, you’ll be able to enjoy cooking up scrumptious meals with rapid and precise heating on five versatile heating elements. From simmering to boiling, the capabilities of this KitchenAid induction cooktop will help meet your every culinary need. Plus, standalone cooktops like this model provide flexibility to your kitchen’s overall design since they can be placed inside an island or sit flush anywhere along a countertop to help complement a wall oven or provide additional cooking space.
Key Features:
- Five cooking zones
- Digital touch controls
- Lock control
GE® 36 Black Electric Cooktop (JP5036DJBB)
If you’re looking for a kitchen appliance that doesn’t compromise cooking performance or value, this 36 electric cooktop from GE is right up your alley. You’ll have the ultimate peace of mind when cooking thanks to a tri-ring element that produces perfectly even heat distribution to your cookware. The sleek black ceramic glass surface on this GE electric cooktop is extremely easy to keep clean and is equipped with five radiant burner elements, including a 3,000W flexible element that produces rapid heat and helps get meals served to the table faster.
Key Features:
- 12"/9"/6” tri-ring element
- 8"/5" Power Boil Element
- Digital touch controls
Frigidaire Gallery® 36" Black Induction Cooktop (FGIC3666TB)
Induction cooking is extremely quick and efficient, and with this Frigidaire Gallery induction cooktop, you’ll instantly fall in love with this new method of meal preparation. This Frigidaire Gallery cooktop features five powerful induction elements that deliver even heat every single time across the surface of your various-sized pans. Plus, this model’s easy-to-clean surface prevents spills and messes from burning onto the physical cooktop, making after-meal clean-ups a total breeze. And the best part, this 36 inch induction cooktop comes equipped with Auto Sizing Pan Detection that automatically senses the size of your pan or dishware to only send precise heat to the desired range, so that your weekend pancakes come out fluffier and more delicious than ever.
Key Features:
- Auto Sizing™ Pan Detection
- True Temp Melt & Hold
- Easy-to-clean, safe surface
Which Cooktop is Better?
As far as the induction vs electric cooktop debate goes, which one is best for you and your kitchen? To keep it short and sweet, it all comes down to your personal cooking preferences and kitchen design.
If energy efficiency is a top priority, or you consider yourself a culinary aficionado, then you may find there is much more to gain from an induction cooktop. From ultra-precise temperature control, quicker performance, and their rapid cooldown, which makes for both faster cleanups and safer operation, induction cooktops are a home chef’s dream come true.
On the other hand, if you prefer a cooking repertoire with fewer features or are on a slimmer budget, then an electric cooktop might be the most efficient purchase. Although they don’t offer as many bells and whistles as induction units, electric cooktops can also add a luxury appearance to your kitchen with intuitive touch controls and a smooth top surface, meaning you still get to reap the benefits of a sophisticated built-in kitchen aesthetic.
Why Trust Aztec Appliance?
Since 1972, Aztec Appliance has been offering quality sales and service for name-brand appliances. Our mission is to not only help you achieve all your appliance dreams, but we also want to bring value to your home beyond materialistic amenities. Our team is an authentic group of people dedicated to our work, and we share the same undeniable passion for people and serving them the best we can. Suffice it to say, we know appliances.
Whether it’s a first birthday, a backyard wedding, or a retirement celebration, our hope is to give you the opportunity to enjoy life’s little moments. After all, memories are not consigned to the big moments — they exist within the little ones. And you can rest assured our inventory of top-performing kitchen, laundry, and outdoor appliances will help you spend less time keeping the home and more time with the people who make it home.
Shop Induction and Electric Cooktops at Aztec Appliance
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop cooktops online for the guaranteed lowest price at Aztec. Check out Aztec Appliance reviews, and if you have questions, our friendly product experts are always happy to help you discover the best induction or electric cooktop — whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by our Aztec Appliance San Diego showroom located at the heart of downtown. Visit us today!
Learn More: 8 Best Ranges Every Home Cook Should Consider