Your Ultimate Guide to Induction Cooktops

In recent years, induction cooktops have surged in popularity due to their numerous advantages. Their energy efficiency is unmatched, with safety another key factor, with cool-touch surfaces and the absence of an open flame. Their sleek design complements modern kitchen aesthetics while maximising countertop space, making them a desirable choice for contemporary homeowners. In this piece, we touch on all there is to know about cooking with induction and explore leading models from big-name brands including Smeg, Fisher & Paykel and AEG.

What are Induction Cooktops?

Induction cooktops are a new variety of electric cooktops available in the market, offering an energy efficient cooking experience. Induction cooktops use electromagnetic energy to directly heat cookware, resulting in faster heat-up times and precise temperature control. Without open flames or hot surfaces, induction cooktops are safer to use, especially in family kitchens, and they’re easier to clean thanks to the full flat surface.

Benefits of Induction Cooktops

Fast and Efficient:

• Given their source of heat being electromagnetic energy directly heating cookware, induction cooktops provide faster heat up and are often more energy-efficient than traditional cooktops (gas or ceramic electric).

Safer: 

• As mentioned above, without open flames associated with gas cooktops or hot surfaces as with the use of ceramic cooktops, induction cooktops are safer to use in all kitchens.

Precise: 

• All induction cooktops are characterised by their glass cooking surface and often times feature touch controls which provide precise heat control. Induction cooktops are also known for their heat control flexibility be that ‘Pause’ or ‘Keep Warm’ modes.

Easy to Clean: 

• Thanks to their glass full flat surface without any trivets, induction cooktops are effortless to clean, with a simple wipe down to remove mess.

Using The Right Cookware

When cooking with an induction cooktop, there’s a major component to take note of – the type of cookware used. Using the right cookware type is essential for optimal performance on an induction cooktop.

Induction-friendly cookware must contain magnetic material like iron or steel to interact with the cooktop’s electromagnetic field. A flat bottom ensures even heat distribution, while the size of the cookware should match the cooking zone for efficient energy use.

Cookware for Induction Cooktops

Induction-friendly cookware materials include:

• Stainless Steel
• Cast Iron
• Enamel-coated cast iron
• Carbon Stee

How to Test Cookware for Induction Compatibility

1. Simple magnet test: if there’s a magnetic layer at the bottom of the cookware, it’s safe to use with induction cooktops
2. Check manufacturer specifications: packaging labels, website or on the base of the cookware itself

Our Top Induction Cooktop Recommendations

Ready to upgrade your kitchen? Let’s dive into our top pick induction cooktops that offer style, efficiency and safety.

Cooktop 1: Fisher & Paykel 60cm Induction Cooktop – CI604DTB4

Features:

• 4x cooking zones
• 1x large SmartZone: pairs two smaller zones to accommodate bigger pans, griddles etc
• Touch&Slide controls with 9 power settings per zone
• Cooking modes include ‘PowerBoost’ and ‘GentleHeat’
• Good to know: pan detection system, safety time out and spillage auto of

Advantages: 

• Great for small families with little to few cooking needs
• Accommodates bigger cookware types such as trays and griddles
• Safer cooking with the safety time out and spillage auto of

Disadvantages: 

• Limited space for cooking larger cookware compared to 80cm/ 90cm induction models
• Lack of smart control or automation, such as automated extraction

Cooktop 2: AEG 90cm Induction Cooktop – IKE95771FB

Features: 

• 5x cooking zones
• FlexiBridge function: combines individual zones to create a larger zone for bigger cookware
• ProCook function: turns the FlexiBridge zone into 3 temperature zones (high, medium and low) to meet varying stages of cooking
• Touch slide controls
• Hob2Hood function: provides automated extraction with compatible AEG rangehoods
• Good to know: pot sensor, function lock, child lock, automatic switch off

Advantages: 

• Ideal for large families and home cooks after cooking flexibility
• Greater cooktop space for cooking with more cookware
• Automated extraction for hands-free removal of smoke, steam and odours

Disadvantages: 

• Requires a bigger cavity within the kitchen cabinetry to fit the cooktop
• A larger cooktop means more surface area to clean and maintain

Cooktop 3: Smeg 90cm Induction Cooktop – SAI4954D

Features: 

• 5x cooking zones
• 1x large flexible zone
• Touch controls with 9 power levels per zone
• Cooking functions such as ‘quick start’ function’, ‘pause’ and ‘keep warm’
• Auto Vent compatible for automated extraction
• Good to know: automatic pan detection, control/child safety lock, end of cooking alarm and automatic switch off when overflow or overhea

Advantages: 

• Suits large families and home cooks after generous cooking facility
• Larger cooktop surface for cooking with more/bigger cookware
• Automated extraction for hands-free removal of smoke, steam and odours

Disadvantages: 

• Requires a bigger cavity within the kitchen cabinetry to fit the cooktop
• A larger cooktop means more surface area to clean and maintain

Cooktop 4: NEFF 80cm Induction Cooktop – T58UD10X0

Features: 

• 4x cooking zones
• 1x Flex zone: combines smaller zones to create a larger zone for bigger cookware
• Front touch controls with 17 power levels each zone
• Auto Pan Recognition
• ‘PotBoost’ function delivers more power across all cooking zones
• Good to know: switch-off timer, audible count-down-timer and automatic safety switch-off

Advantages: 

• Larger cooktop surface for cooking with more/bigger cookware
• Precision cooking with more power levels to choose from

Disadvantages: 

• Requires a bigger cavity within the kitchen cabinetry to fit the cooktop
• A larger cooktop means more surface area to clean and maintain

Induction Cooking Tips

Ensure your induction cooktop stays in top condition for years to come with our cooking and care tips.

Proper Induction Heating Techniques

• Flat bottom: Ensure your cookware has a flat bottom for optimal heat distribution
• Pot size: Choose cookware that is appropriate for the cooktop zone’s size. Oversized cookware can be inefficient and undersized cookware might not heat evenly.
• Heat levels: Induction cooktops respond quickly to heat adjustments. Start with a lower heat setting and gradually increase as needed.
• Melting: For delicate tasks like melting chocolate or butter, use a low heat setting to prevent burning.

Induction Cooktop Maintenance and Care

• Wipe spills immediately: Clean up spills as soon as they occur to prevent stains and damage.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners: Use soft cloths or sponges and mild detergent for cleaning. Avoid abrasive materials that can scratch the cooktop’s surface.
• Cool down completely: Let the cooktop cool down completely before cleaning to prevent thermal shock.
• Regular inspection: Check the cooktop for any signs of damage, such as cracks or scratches.

By following these cooking and care tips, your household can enjoy the benefits of induction cooking while maintaining the lifespan of your cooktop and cookware.

Join the induction cooking revolution today!

View all the featured induction cooktops below and start cooking like a pro with the precision  and energy efficiency of induction.