What is an induction cooktop and how does it work?

What is an induction cooktop and how does it work?

An induction cooktop is a type of electric cooktop that uses electromagnetism to heat cookware, essentially turning the cookware into its own source of heat. This direct transfer of energy allows for quick temperature changes and often results in faster boil times compared to gas or electric cooktops.

What are the benefits of induction cooktops?

From boiling water quickly to simplifying cleanup, induction cooktops have many benefits that make them an ideal choice for many households. Explore some of these benefits below:

Induction vs. other cooktop types

From gas flames to radiant elements and induction technology, today’s cooktops use different methods to generate and transfer heat. Understanding how each type works can help you choose the option that best fits your cooking style, cookware and kitchen setup. Keep reading for a comparison of induction cooktops vs. gas and electric models, including differences in responsiveness, everyday cooking techniques and cookware requirements.

Gas vs. induction cooktops

Gas cooktops use propane or natural gas to produce an open flame that comes into direct contact with cookware. Induction cooktops do not radiate heat on their own, but create an electromagnetic charge that interacts with compatible cookware. This interaction causes the cookware itself to heat up.

Here are some other differences between induction vs. gas cooktops:

• Responsiveness - Temperatures for both types of cooktops can be adjusted fairly immediately with the turn of a knob or tap of a button. However, because induction cooktops transfer all energy directly to the cookware, dishes will typically heat up or cool down faster than with gas. No heat is lost to the area around the pot or pan as it might be with an open flame.

• Cooking techniques - Some home cooks like to have an open flame because it lets them flame-grill, char and flambé right on the cooktop. Gas cooktops may also be a better choice for narrow-bottomed cookware like woks that benefit from a flame reaching up around the sides. Induction cooktops are best used with flat-bottomed cookware to help ensure even heating.

Induction cooktops vs. electric

There are three basic types of electric stovetops and induction is one of them. Induction stovetops use an electromagnetic charge to create heat directly within compatible cookware. The other two—coil and radiant—feature metal coils that heat up and then transfer their heat to cookware placed on top.

• Coil: Uses electricity to heat up a metal coil that comes into direct contact with cookware and heats from the bottom of the pot or pan. 

• Radiant: Houses the heated coils beneath a ceramic-glass surface and radiates the heat through it to cookware sitting on top. Also heats cookware from the bottom.

• Induction: Houses a copper coil beneath a ceramic-glass surface but generates an electromagnetic charge that reacts with magnetic cookware to create heat directly within pots and pans, not radiating from the coil itself. Depending on the magnetic material used throughout the cookware, induction cooktops can cause a heating reaction throughout the entire pot or pan.

When comparing induction cooktops vs. electric cooktops using coil or radiant heat, keep these differences in mind:

• Responsiveness - Traditional radiant or coil electric cooktops use radiant heat to cook food—transferring heat from coils to a ceramic-glass surface (if present), and then on to cookware. Because it takes time for each of these surfaces to heat up and cool down, electric cooktops are not as responsive as induction cooktops. In addition, some heat loss might occur since electric cooktops heat the surface under and around cookware, rather than heating it directly.

• Cooking techniques - An electric cooktop may be a very familiar cooking appliance in some households, so it won’t require adjusting to a new style. You also probably have everything you need to cook with one in your kitchen already. Keep in mind that radiant and coil electric cooktops heat cookware indirectly through a heating element, which means that if you use this kind of cooktop, you’re probably already used to allowing extra time for the surface to warm up before cooking.

Induction, however, only works with compatible magnetic cookware. If you don’t already have it, switching to induction may mean you’ll need to replace some of your cookware with compatible pots and pans. Induction-compatible cookware includes enameled steel, cast iron and some stainless steel. Also, because induction heats so rapidly, your first few meals may require a little extra attention as you adjust to the quicker pace. 

If you’re unsure whether your current cooktop is induction or traditional electric, it can be tricky to tell—both feature a smooth surface with outlined rings to indicate cookware placement. The heating elements on some electric cooktops may glow while induction cooktops will not. The best place to start may be with your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s product page, where the cooktop type is usually listed alongside the model number. 

You can also observe how your cooktop behaves: turn on a burner without any cookware on top. If the surface heats up or begins to glow, it’s a traditional electric cooktop. If it doesn’t heat up, it’s likely induction. 

Should I buy an induction cooktop?

An induction cooktop is a great responsive option that will help you get dinner on the table fast. Before buying, it’s worth thinking through a few key factors: whether you have compatible cookware, your kitchen’s electrical setup, your available counter or cabinet space, ventilation needs and how you like to cook day-to-day. The best induction cooktop for your family depends on your household’s cooking habits, kitchen layout, personal tastes and budget.

Induction may be a great fit if you:

• Prepare pasta regularly. Induction cooktops can boil water quickly.

• Want precise temperature control. Induction cooktops respond rapidly, making it easy to go from a simmer to a boil without much of a wait. 

• Like easy cleanup. Because the surrounding cooktop surface stays cool during cooking, spills are less likely to bake on.

• Want a more energy-efficient kitchen. ENERGY STAR^® rates induction cooktops as three times more efficient than gas due to their ability to generate heat directly in the cookware.

Installation

Induction cooktops are powered by electricity and may need to be installed by a professional, depending on the electrical wiring and power supply in your home. Generally, they require a 240-volt outlet and a nearby junction box. Make sure you have the proper electrical hookups and cabinet space per the manufacturer’s instructions before purchasing a new cooktop. Learn more about how to install an induction cooktop.

Kitchen layout

A cooktop is a standalone cooking surface that is not connected to an oven. Many people find this offers more flexibility since you can choose to locate your cooktop and separate oven wherever you want for a custom layout. 

Size is one of the first things to consider. Standard cooktop sizes often correspond to common cabinet widths, typically 30 and 36 inches, though models can range from a slim 15-24 inches to larger 45- and 48-inch-wide options (some models may vary), depending on the number of burners and your available space. Some induction cooktops are designed with a small footprint to give you the features you need without taking up too much counter space, making them a practical option for compact kitchens.

Beyond the cooktop itself, it’s recommended to reserve at least eight inches of counter space on either side for clearance. If you’re installing on a kitchen island, keep ventilation in mind; a downdraft hood may be a good option for a cooktop incorporated into an island. Downdraft cooktops are available in induction styles, though keep in mind you’ll need under-counter cabinet space to house the ventilation system.

Induction cooktop FAQs

Induction cooktops may be a good option for your kitchen if you value precise temperature control and easy cleanup. Keep reading for answers to more questions you may have about induction cooktops, including whether one can be used if the power goes out.

Do induction cooktops get hot to the touch?

Induction cooktops generate energy that interacts with compatible cookware, so while the pot or pan you’re cooking with is hot, the cooktop’s surface doesn’t generate its own heat. However, you should still be careful when cooking with an induction cooktop since heat can still radiate from your cookware and transfer to the surface, just like putting a hot pan on a countertop makes the countertop below it hot.

What are the different types of induction compatible cookware?

Compatible induction cookware must be made from certain magnetic materials. Common types of magnetic cookware include: cast iron, stainless steel over aluminum and enamel over metal. 

If you’re not sure your current cookware is compatible, you can test it with a magnet. Flip the pan over, hold the magnet to the bottom, and if it sticks, the pan is induction-compatible. You can also look for a stamped coiled spring symbol on the bottom of the pan, which indicates induction compatibility.

Pan shape matters too. For optimal heat conduction, choose cookware with a flat bottom that is about the same size as the surface area of the burner you are using. If the pan is too small, the burner may not be able to sense it and won’t activate.

As for materials to avoid: non-magnetic copper, aluminum and non-magnetic stainless steel cookware may not cause harm, but won’t work on an induction cooktop.

Can an induction cooktop be used if the power goes out?

No. Induction cooktops require electricity to operate, so they cannot be used during a power outage.

Shop all Whirlpool^® Induction Cooktops

Whirlpool^® Induction Cooktops can help you get dinner to the table in less time. Select models feature Smart Presets that automatically set the right temp to sear, simmer, saute and more. Other models feature optional assisted cooking functions for boiling and pan frying—this feature notifies you with a helpful tone and flashing light when water or oil reaches the right temperature to add food. Note that assisted boiling and pan frying require a pot or pan, respectively, which are sold separately.