Induction vs. Electric Cooktops

When shopping for a new cooktop, you might not realize that induction belongs to the electric cooktop category.

There are three types of electric cooktops:

• Radiant
• Induction
• Coil

When most people shop for electric models, they typically think of a radiant electric cooktop with a smooth surface. The difference between these cooktops and an induction cooktop comes down to how the heat is conducted. The induction method is more energy efficient, provides more consistent performance at low temperatures and is easier to clean compared to radiant electric cooktops.

Induction cooktops transform pots and pans into a heat source by producing electromagnetic energy that travels through copper coils directly to compatible cookware.

Since heat is transferred right to the cooking vessel, not through the cooktop surface and then onto the vessel, induction cooktops are quicker and more efficient than their radiant electric counterparts. They produce faster cooking and more consistent cooking temperatures.

WHAT MATERIALS CAN BE USED ON AN INDUCTION COOKTOP?
Another big difference with induction cooktops is that they are only compatible with cookware made of magnetic metal.

Induction cooktops are only compatible with ferromagnetic pots and pans. Ferromagnetic cookware consists of either a single layer of magnetic materials or is made entirely of it. When used on an induction cooktop, a burner will be unable to detect non-ferromagnetic cookware, so it will not heat.

Induction-compatible cookware includes enamelled steel, cast iron and stainless steel pots and pans. Avoid using glass, ceramic, copper or aluminum cookware on an induction stovetop as they can scratch the surface and, most importantly, will not heat up.

To confirm if a certain pan is compatible with an induction cooktop, you can test it by holding a magnet next to it. If the magnet is attracted to the surface, then the pan is compatible, which is great news! Another compatibility test is to place a pan on the cooktop. If you hear a clicking sound or the display flashes, then the pan is not suitable for an induction cooktop.

When you purchase a qualifying KitchenAid electric induction cooktop, you will get a free set of KitchenAid^® induction cookware.*

*Limited time offer. While quantities last. Learn More

BENEFITS OF INDUCTION COOKTOPS

Induction cooktops offer several unique benefits:

• Induction ranges or cooktops are up to 85% more efficient when it comes to energy transfer. This means that about 85% of the energy goes right to the cookware. ²
• Since the cooktop does not heat up, spilled food and the mess from boiled-over pots are less likely to burn onto the cooktop surface. You can simply wipe away most spills and splatters.
• It’s considered to be a safer option since the pot gets hot but the rangetop or cooktop does not get as warm as a comparable radiant electric version.
• This technology releases less hot air. This is especially great for smaller kitchens. You will still need a hood vent, however, to remove grease and the other by-products of cooking.
• Some induction cooktops are designed with expanding and contracting burners to match the size of your pots. This lets you enjoy greater versatility.
• Induction cooktops come in several sizes. The most common widths are 24, 30, and 36”.

With an induction cooktop, you will enjoy:

• Temperature control: Instantly adjust cooking temperatures to heat up or cool down more quickly.
• Faster cooking: Using induction technology with  compatible cookware can reduce cooking times. 
• Easy cleaning: A smooth, flat cooking surface remains cool throughout the cooking process, helping reduce cleanup time.

2) Energy.gov, last visited Oct 17, 2019.

SHOP KITCHENAID^® INDUCTION COOKTOPS

No. All induction cooktops feature a glass stovetop, but not all glass stovetops produce heat via the induction process. Many radiant electric cooktops are designed with a ceramic-glass cover over the heating elements, creating a smooth cooking surface.