When it comes to choosing a cooktop for your kitchen, there are two popular options: induction and electric cooktops. Both have their unique features, but when practicality, efficiency, and overall performance are considered, induction cooktops stand out as the more practical choice. This article will explore the advantages of induction cooktops over electric cooktops.
What’s the Difference Between Induction and Electric Cooktops?
1. Heating Method
Induction Cooktop: Uses an electromagnetic field to directly heat the cookware. The heat is generated within the pan itself, and the cooktop surface remains cool to the touch, except for residual heat from the cookware. This means you’ll need to use induction-compatible cookware, typically made of a ferrous metal that is magnetized.
Electric Cooktop: Heats the surface of the burner using electric coils or a heating element, which then transfers the heat to the pan. The cooktop will heat up with or without cookware, making it less efficient than induction.
2. Response Time
Induction Cooktop: Heats cookware instantly upon contact, providing near-instant response when adjusting the heat. It’s quicker to heat up and cool down, making it ideal for quick cooking and easy control.
Electric Cooktop: Takes longer to heat up because the burner surface must warm first, followed by the cookware. It also takes longer to cool down when the temperature is adjusted, leading to slower cooking times.
3. Ease of Cleaning
Induction Cooktop: Features a smooth, flat glass surface that’s easy to clean with a microfiber cloth. Since the surface doesn’t get hot, spills tend to stay on top and are less likely to burn onto the cooktop. （Induction cooktops have an overflow prevention feature）
Electric Cooktop: Also has a flat, glass surface that’s easy to wipe down. However, because the burner surface heats up, you may deal with spills that have burned onto the surface, requiring a bit more effort to clean.
4. Cookware Compatibility
Induction Cooktop: Only works with cookware made from magnetized material (like cast iron or some stainless steels). This means you might need to invest in new pots and pans if your current cookware isn’t compatible, which can be costly. You can test cookware by seeing if a magnet sticks to the bottom.
Electric Cooktop: Works with any cookware, so there’s no need for special pots and pans. You can continue using your existing cookware, including non-magnetic materials like aluminum.
5. Safety
Induction Cooktop: Safer than electric cooktops. Since the cooktop surface doesn’t heat up, there’s less risk of burns or fire. Additionally, induction cooktops often feature safety features like automatic shut-off if no cookware is detected.
Electric Cooktop: This can be less safe because the burners remain hot even after the cooktop is turned off. If the cooktop is accidentally switched on, it will start heating, posing a burn risk. The surface can stay hot for some time after use.
So, Induction Cooktops is Better
When choosing a cooktop, induction, and electric stoves both offer energy efficiency compared to gas. However, induction stands out for its superior practicality.
1. Energy Efficiency: Induction Outperforms Electric
Induction cooktops are highly efficient, transferring about 90% of their heat directly to the cookware. In comparison, electric stoves use only 70-75% of their energy for cooking, with the rest lost as heat in the kitchen. This makes induction faster and more energy-efficient.
2. Energy Consumption: How Much Power Does it Take to Boil a Pot of Water?
To give you a better idea of how energy-efficient induction cooktops are, let’s look at the energy usage required to boil a pot of water. For this comparison, we’ll assume we are boiling 1 liter (4 cups) of water.
Induction Cooktop: Induction cooktops typically consume between 1.5 and 2.0 kWh to boil 1 liter of water. Given that about 90 percent of the energy is transferred directly to the cookware, this translates to faster boiling times and lower electricity usage.
Electric Cooktop: Electric cooktops, on the other hand, generally use around 2.0 to 2.5 kWh to boil the same amount of water. Since electric stoves are less efficient, they waste more energy in the form of heat that isn't used to directly heat the cookware.
While the difference in energy consumption may seem small for a single pot of water, it adds up over time, especially if you’re regularly cooking large meals or boiling water for tea or coffee.
3. Safety and Indoor Air Quality: Induction and Electric Are Better for Your Health
Another important consideration when choosing a cooktop is safety. Both induction and electric stoves are safer options than gas cooktops, as they don’t emit harmful pollutants into your home. Gas stoves release combustion gases like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and benzene, which can negatively affect indoor air quality and have been linked to serious health issues such as asthma and cancer. In fact, studies have shown that homes with gas stoves have a 42 percent higher risk of childhood asthma.
With induction and electric cooktops, you can cook without worrying about polluting your indoor air or putting your family’s health at risk. Induction stoves, in particular, are known for their cool-to-the-touch surface when cooking, reducing the risk of burns and accidents in the kitchen.
Do Chefs Prefer Electric or Induction?
Yes, Chefs generally prefer induction cooktops due to their precision, quick response times, and energy efficiency. Induction stoves heat up instantly and provide more control when adjusting temperatures, making them ideal for professional cooking. While electric stoves are more affordable, they take longer to heat up and are less responsive, which can be a drawback for chefs who value speed and accuracy in their cooking.
What Cannot Be Cooked on Induction?
First, induction cooktops require cookware made of ferrous metals, meaning pots and pans must be magnetic to work. Non-magnetic materials like glass, aluminum, or copper won’t work unless they have a magnetic base. Additionally, certain cooking methods, such as deep-frying with a large pot, may not be as effective on induction because the heat distribution can be too concentrated. Induction cooktops also aren't suitable for cooking with cookware that has a warped or uneven base, as it can affect the efficiency of heat transfer. Lastly, induction cooktops may not work well with very small pans or overly large cookware that doesn't fit within the induction zone, limiting the range of pots and pans you can use.
When choosing cookware for your induction cooktop, consider Ciarra's Beyond cookware for induction hob, which is specially designed for induction cooking. Made with a combination of durable stainless steel and aluminum, this cookware offers a visually appealing design while providing exceptional heat transfer for fast and even cooking.
The non-toxic, nonstick ceramic coating is PFOA-free and PTFE-free, preventing food from sticking and burning, while the smooth surface ensures easy cleaning. The sturdy aluminum body and iron-sprayed bottom allow for excellent heat distribution, making your cooking experience more efficient.
Additionally, the Ciarra Beyond cookware is oven-safe up to 230°C, expanding your cooking possibilities. Its seamless compatibility with induction hobs ensures a smooth cooking process with minimal noise, making it the ideal choice for anyone seeking high-performance cookware for induction stoves.
What to Consider When Choosing an Induction Cooktop?
Selecting the right induction cooktop requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure it meets your cooking needs. Here's what to keep in mind when making your decision:
1. Size and Configuration
Choose the size of the induction cooktop based on your kitchen space and cooking habits. Induction cooktops come in various sizes, from compact 1- or 2-burner models to larger 4-burner or even built-in options. If you frequently cook large meals or use multiple pots at once, a larger cooktop with more burners will be ideal.
2. Power and Performance
Induction cooktops are known for their quick heating. However, different models offer varying power levels, usually measured in watts. For most home cooking needs, an induction cooktop with a wattage between 1,800 and 3,000 watts is ideal. This range offers a good balance of fast heating and energy efficiency, with higher wattage providing quicker cooking times, especially for tasks like boiling water or searing meat.
Tip: Check the Power Boost feature, which provides extra power for quick heating.
3. Safety Features
Tip: Opt for a model with child lock and automatic shut-off to ensure added safety.
4. Additional Features
Many induction cooktops come with added features designed to make cooking more convenient. Functions like timers, keep warm settings, bridge functions (for large cookware), and overflow protection can be very helpful depending on your cooking preferences.
Tip: Consider what additional features are most useful for your cooking style to make the most out of your induction cooktop.
5. Installation Type
Induction cooktops come in both portable and built-in models. Portable cooktops offer flexibility and can be moved to different locations, while built-in options provide a more permanent, seamless look for your kitchen. Think about how much space you have and whether you prefer a more permanent setup.
Related: What Are the Essential Features When Choosing an Induction Cooker
Introduction to the Functions of Induction Cooktops
Ciarra Induction cooktops offer several useful functions designed to enhance safety, convenience, and cooking performance. Some of the most common functions include:
1. Overflow Protection
Function: This feature detects if a pot or pan is boiling over and automatically reduces or shuts off the heat to prevent spills and messes.
Benefit: It helps keep your cooktop clean and prevents safety hazards like burning or scorching food.
2. Child Lock
Function: This locks the cooktop’s controls, preventing accidental changes or activation by children.
Benefit: It enhances safety in households with young children, ensuring the cooktop doesn't get turned on unintentionally.
3. Power Boost
Function: Provides extra power to the cooking zone for a short period to quickly bring water or food to a boil or to cook at high heat.
Benefit: Speeds up cooking when you need to rapidly heat food, such as boiling water or searing meat.
4. Temperature Control
Function: Allows precise control over the cooking temperature, often in the form of numerical settings or a temperature range.
Benefit: Offers accuracy for recipes that require specific heat levels, like simmering sauces or melting chocolate.
5. Timer
Function: Allows you to set a timer for a specific cooking duration, which can automatically turn off the heat once the time expires.
Benefit: Ensures your food is cooked for the right amount of time, and prevents overcooking or burning.
6. Automatic Shut-Off
Function: This feature automatically turns off the cooktop if it detects no cookware or if cookware is removed for an extended period.
Benefit: Adds an extra layer of safety to prevent overheating or burning when there’s no active cooking.
7. Pan Detection
Function: The cooktop detects whether there is compatible cookware on the induction coil, and will not heat unless a pan is present.
Benefit: Prevents wasted energy and ensures only the cookware is heated.
8. Heat Residual Indicator
Function: After turning off the cooktop, this function alerts you if the cooking zone is still hot to the touch.
Benefit: Prevents burns or accidental contact with a hot surface.
9. Bridge Function
Function: Combines two cooking zones to create a larger cooking area, allowing you to use larger pans or griddles.
Benefit: Offers flexibility in cooking, especially when preparing larger meals.
10. Keep Warm
Function: This setting maintains a low, consistent temperature to keep food warm without further cooking or overcooking it.
Benefit: Useful for holding food at a ready-to-serve temperature before serving.
These features are designed to make cooking more efficient, precise, and safe, making induction cooktops a popular choice in modern.
Related: Induction Hobs and Health: What You Need to Know
Shop Ciarra Induction Cookers
CIARRA 4 Zones Built-In Induction Hob with Boost and FlexZone (CBBIH4BF-OW)
The Ciarra 4-Zone Induction Hob is designed to provide powerful cooking capabilities with its four cooking zones and advanced features. Offering 9 power levels, including a Boost function, this cooktop ensures fast and efficient cooking, whether you're making a quick breakfast or preparing a family dinner. The Flex Zone feature is a standout, allowing the two left zones to merge into one large zone, perfect for larger or irregular-shaped cookware. （2600W, Boost 3000W) The cooktop will automatically detect and adjust the settings based on your cookware’s placement, offering ultimate flexibility in the kitchen.
Safety is also a key feature, with a child safety lock to prevent accidental activation and a residual heat indicator to remind you if the cooking zones are still too hot to touch. With a total power of 7200W, this model is suitable for versatile cooking needs and ensures fast, even heat distribution.
CIARRA Built-In Induction Hob with 3 Zones (CBBIH3-OW)
The Ciarra 3-Zone Induction Hob offers a sleek and efficient solution for those who prefer a compact design without sacrificing power. With 9 different power levels across three cooking zones, it can handle everything from simmering sauces to searing meats. One of the zones is designed with extra power, providing more flexibility for larger servings or heavier cookware.
The Timer Function allows you to set individual timers for each zone, ensuring your dishes are cooked perfectly without the risk of overcooking. The Pause Function is another convenient feature, allowing you to pause cooking and resume it later with the same settings — ideal for those moments when you need to step away from the kitchen unexpectedly. As with the 4-zone model, it comes equipped with safety features like a child safety lock and a residual heat indicator, ensuring peace of mind while cooking. With a total power of 6100W, this model is an excellent choice for those seeking efficiency and safety in a three-zone setup.
Who Should Use Ciarra Induction Cooktops?
Ciarra Induction cooktops are ideal for:
Busy professionals and home cooks who need fast, efficient cooking with precise control. The Power Boost function and accurate temperature settings make meal prep quicker and easier.
Families with children will appreciate the safety features like Child Lock and Overflow Protection, providing peace of mind during everyday cooking.
Eco-conscious individuals who are looking for energy-efficient cooking options will benefit from the high efficiency of induction technology, reducing both energy consumption and cooking time.
Those who entertain often will love the flexibility of the Bridge Function and Keep Warm settings, perfect for preparing and serving large meals.
Conclusion
Ciarra’s induction cooktops offer convenience, precision, and safety, making them a perfect fit for modern kitchens. Whether you're cooking for one or a family, these features ensure you can cook with confidence and efficiency every time.