If you’re considering an induction cooktop for your kitchen, it’s important to know the pros and cons of this style before you make a purchase. That way, you can make an informed decision about what type of cooktop is right for your home.
What Is an Induction Cooktop?
Induction cooktops are relatively new on the market. They started showing up as a popular choice in the mid-2000s, but many folks are still more familiar with traditional electric or gas cooktop models.
Induction cooktops are also electric, but they generate heat by way of an electromagnetic field below the glass surface of the appliance. That energy then gets transferred directly to the magnetic cookware that you use with an induction stove.
Induction Cooktop Pros
There are many reasons why induction cooktops are gaining popularity. These cooktops:
- Are extremely energy efficient
- Cook foods quickly
- Offer precise temperature control and even cooking
Induction stoves also have a great built-in safety feature. Since they work by transferring heat directly to magnetic cookware, the burner area itself won’t get hot if there’s no pan on it. So, if you accidentally turn a burner on or leave it on after removing a pan, you won’t risk burning yourself if you accidentally touch the surface.
Cons of Induction Stoves
The major downside to an induction stove is the price tag. Since this style is still fairly new, the cost can be quite a bit higher than a traditional gas or electric stove.
Additionally, if you convert from a gas stove to an induction model, there’s the cost of redoing the gas system in favor of an electric system to hook up the appliance. This can get expensive, so make sure to factor that in if you go the induction route. If you already have an electric stove, however, no conversion is needed—you should be able to hook up your induction stove right away.
In terms of extra costs, it’s also possible that you’ll need new cookware if you change over to induction since pans need to be magnetic in order to work. If you have any aluminum pans, for example, these won’t work. Others may be good to go, but it’s important to check so that you can account for the cost of replacement cookware if needed.
Lastly, many people simply find the newness of induction technology to be a detraction. If you’re accustomed to cooking with gas, for example, switching over to induction might be an unsettling experience.
Unlike traditional stove models, you can’t see the action of the heating element with an induction stove, so you end up missing the visual representation of temperature adjustments. For some people, this is just too alien an experience and they find that they prefer the old-fashioned functionality of gas or electric stovetops.
Ultimately, saying “yes” or “no” to an induction cooktop comes down to budget and personal preference. As long as your stove works for you, that’s the right one for your kitchen.
If you have questions about installing an induction cooktop or if you need induction appliance repair help, call the team at All Brands Appliance Repair. We’re a family-owned company with over 46 years of experience providing appliance repairs and service in Wilmington and the region. All Brands Appliance Repair—Reputation You Can Count On.
