If you are considering the best induction cooktops, then the chances are you have been using an old gas or electric cooktop and want to upgrade. Whether your old cooktop is worn out and barely functioning, or if you just want to make the switch to induction, we have made this guide to help you compare the best models on the market.
There's an induction cooktop available to suit every budget and all types of home cooks - experienced or complete novice. We have included some complex, high-end models which will cost more than others but are worth their premium price tag due to their impressive heating power, smart functions, virtual flames and safety features. If you are a novice in the kitchen, or if you are trying to save your money then we have also included a number of budget options that won't include as many features but will still be an efficient and reliable cooktop for you and your family.
While the best gas ranges and the best electric ranges are still solid choices to heat up or cook your food, induction cooktops can get the job done by wasting less energy as the heat is transferred directly to your pots and pans, instead of heating a coil.
Induction cooktops also cool down incredibly quickly, which is great if you have young children or hyper pets who like to touch things that they shouldn't. Most cooktops also offer a child lock, so that your child won't mess with any of the settings while you are not in your kitchen. Some cooktops also offer a large selection of safety features, including automatic shutoff if you haven't touched your pots in a while.
These appliances come in a standard size of 30 inches, but larger and smaller sizes are available. In this guide, we will cover a wide range of the best induction cooktops to help you find one that will suit all of your needs.
Best induction cooktops
Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews
We've rounded up the best induction cooktops to help you whip up a storm in the kitchen with minimal fuss and mess. We're working hard to review all of the products we've featured here, but there are some we haven't currently reviewed. For these, we've provided a summary of user reviews to help you make the right purchasing decision for you and your family.
Best induction cooktops
The Miele KM6320 might not look as showy as say, the Samsung NZ30K7880UG above, but its understated design doesn’t equal a lack of features. There are three elements and cooking zones (offering a range of nine temperatures selected by touch), which are split up into one traditional circular zone of 3100W for round pans, and a longer “PowerFlex” zone that combines two elements into one large 9x15" section up to 7700W. The benefit of this is greater versatility: you can use larger, longer, or oddly-shaped pans alongside one another.
With a strong average score of 4.5 out of 5 across several major retailers, most users praised the speed of the Miele KM6320, as well as the sleekness of its design. Several users called out the stop and go function, which enabled them to leave the kitchen unattended without the worry of burning anything. There were no glaringly negative reviews, but the lack of a hot surface indicator could be an issue for some.
Like other induction cooktops in this guide, the Miele can detect the size of the pan and supply energy only to this area, making for a more efficient experience. Other functions include Auto heat-up which prevents burning your food, as well as keeping warm, which essentially keeps food at a ready-to-serve temperature.
The KM6320 offers safety features aplenty, as you’d expect for an induction hob of this level. It will turn itself off if no pans are placed on the cooktop, and switch-off also happens automatically when a cooking zone has been at the same temperature for a long time (helpful in some situations, but a hindrance if you’re intending to slow-cook over several hours).
The Frigidaire Gallery FGIC3066TB is easy to use, with a simple touch control interface and separate controls for each of its burners. It has 4 burners, which is perfect for both small and large families to prepare meals daily. It features a 10-inch heating element for extra large stock pots and casserole dishes, as well as a timer and safety lock. It is suited for experienced home cooks, with a selection of features that make it worth the price tag - it is by far the best value of any induction cooktop that we have reviewed.
The Frigidaire Gallery FGIC3066TB induction cooktop scores an average of 4.5 stars out of 5 on the official Frigidaire website, with many enjoying how easy it is to keep clean. Users liked that the cooking zones adjust to the size of the pot, so that even if your pot is smaller than the burner, only the part under the pot is active. A few complained that the large center burner didn't get hot enough to boil water, but this seems to be a fault rather than a common issue.
There are nine temperature settings, which range between 1,450 and 3,400 watts of power output. This output matches a lot of others in this guide, but it is still more than enough to cook all sorts of food effectively. One of the benefits of this cooker is the fact that heat is applied directly to the pan, so any spillover won't burn on your cooktop.
This model has an automatic pan size detection feature, which detects the size of the pot that you are using and matches the heating size accordingly. It also has a melting feature - you can kiss goodbye to the old bowl over hot water technique when cooking with chocolate.
In terms of value and ease of use, this cooktop is absolutely worth the price tag and would be suited for the majority of cooks. If you have a smaller apartment or are brand new to induction cooking then you might want to check out some of the smaller or portable options on our list.
While the Samsung NZ30K7880UG isn’t the cheapest model we’ve tested, it certainly earns its high-end price tag with technical features. It also has the largest 12-inch diameter element of any cooktop we've reviewed.
Other than the price, the main drawback for users of the Samsung NZ30K7880UG was the sensitivity of its control panel. This is a common issue across induction cooktops, however, and otherwise, users loved how easy its sleek was to clean, and how fast the power boost setting could heat up water. Overall, it received 4 out of 5 stars on the Samsung website.
Design-wise, this cooktop is made from fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, and the option to choose between digital touch controls or removable knobs will appeal to a wider range of cooks. There are two standard round heating areas, while the flexible heating area gives you a larger area for pots that aren’t round. Each has fifteen temperature settings to choose between, plus a simmer and power boost to boil water more quickly.
When in operation, there are LED surface lights that shine onto a pan to mimic a gas flame. It’s not a vital feature, but a nice visual touch, and an example of where the product leads the way against the competitors.
If you feel confident enough to leave your cooking unattended, the Samsung NZ30K7880UG offers WiFi Connectivity to let you check in remotely. Bluetooth can also sync a compatible extractor fan in your kitchen with the cooktop to remove steam and odors. If you are concerned about safety then the shutoff function will automatically turn off cooking areas that haven’t seen movement in a while – helpful if you’ve left anything forgotten.
The Café CHP95302MSS is an expensive induction cooktop, but when you buy it you’re paying for some seriously smart extras. One of these extras is the Bluetooth pan that comes with it, which can pair the Gourmet Guided recipes and adjust temperatures and timings automatically.
This induction cooktop also has a smart timer that can run different timings on different cooking elements simultaneously, and because it’s Wi-Fi compatible, you can check out your timers via the corresponding app.
This induction cooktop comes with four burners, two of which can combine to form a bridge element. It’s 30 inches, but there is a 36 inch model with an extra burner available. The controls on this cooktop are digital, and they allow you to change the cooking temperature on a dial.
They’re also safe, with locking features to prevent unwanted switch-ons, and a red light to indicate when a burner is still hot. When you remove a pan from this cooktop, it will automatically switch that burner off.
While this will come in useful more often than not, it could be annoying if you want to temporarily take something off the heat and add it back on, because you’ll have to switch the burner on again to resume cooking.
- Read our full Café CHP95302MSS induction cooktop review
Bosch is generally a trusted name in the world of appliances, and the Bosch Benchmark NITP660UC delivers 2200-3700W of power across 5 elements, a higher number than some in this roundup. The 12-inch dual-ring central cooking zone is particularly roomy, and flexible when it comes to accommodating different-sized pans.
Users gave the Bosch Benchmark NITP660UC an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 on the official Bosch website, nodding to its very responsive and easy-to-use operation. They also loved that the bridge means you can place a pan (or pans) anywhere on the cooking surface. One frustration, however, was that the controls themselves were hard to see – except in bright light.
This cooktop has several Bosch-specific features, including an AutoChef frying mode then checks the temperature constantly during frying, adjusting them as it sees fit. SpeedBoost bumps up the power when you want to cook faster, while ShortBoost is designed for occasions when you're cooking with oil or thin-walled pans that you don't want to damage. Thanks to 17 temperature settings you can be very precise about your cook level, and if need to pause what you're doing to answer the door or a call, the cooktop will save your last-used settings when turned off for a short period of time.
It’s becoming more common to see smart features in the best induction cooktops, and the Benchmark NITP660UC can be connected to your smart device via Bosch’s Home Connect app, which also allows you to check your cooktop remotely.
The Frigidaire Professional FPIC3077RF has four elements, including the biggest 10-inch with 2500 and 3800W power, as well as two 7-inch elements and a 6-inch. The total power output is 7500W, and up to 11000W with the cooktop’s power boost capabilities.
The Frigidaire Professional FPIC3077RF gets hot reviews from users, averaging 4.6 out of 5 stars from several retailers. Most picked out the modern design as a major plus point, and while many also enjoyed the more traditional knob controls over touch-sensitive operation, others felt that these were much harder to keep clean.
Unlike most of the best induction cooktops which feature touch-sensitive controls to keep the entire cooktop flat and sleek, on this model you turn heavy-duty knobs to change the temperature. The best option is largely down to preference – some users will find the knobs old-fashioned, with others will enjoy the precise temperature control they bring.
Frigidaire’s SpacePro Bridge Element allows you to use a griddle, as well as other pans that aren’t round. You can tell it’s easy to use, too, as confirmed by its compliance with the ADA requirements as specified in the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In terms of features, there’s a hot surface indicator to remind you when the cooktop is still too warm to touch, but there isn’t a pan presence sensor like other models in this roundup, or a light, or a timer. The FPIC3077RF also lacks smart control over Wi-Fi, but most of these omissions won’t be a problem for users who find that sort of tech unnecessary and want a sensibly-priced performer.
The SPT SR-1884SS is loved by minimalists and TikTok creators alike. The single burner is perfect for one-pot meals, or for cooking outside. The portability of this particular cooktop is like no other, you can cook on your balcony when the weather is nice, or even take it into a different room if your kitchen is in use.
User reviews are generally quite favorable, with some users stating it is a great way to transition from gas to induction cooking. Users praise its ability to boil stocks and fry food easily. A small number of negative reviews are focused on the touch controls, stating that they lose their sensitivity after regular use.
If you often go camping or have an RV, you can bring this cooktop along with you so that you can cook outside or inside a tent on a rainy day. If you have a small apartment or live a minimalist lifestyle then this could also be a great choice for you as it takes up next to no space, is easy to clean and can be stored neatly in a cupboard.
This induction cooktop features 13 keep-warm settings, varying from 100-390 degrees Fahrenheit. There are dual functions, cook and warm. When your food is cooked, you can simply leave it in the pot and turn on the warm setting while you prepare other parts of your meal or wait for people to join you. You can also set a timer for up to 10 hours for automatic shut-off.
The panel is touch-sensitive with a control knob and timer buttons. The freestanding nature of this induction cooktop means you can place it on any surface and cook easily.
We would definitely recommend this cooktop if you are looking to try out induction cooking for the first time, and for a price point of less than $100, it is definitely worth the money.
The Cuisinart ICT-60 is another great portable induction cooktop that you can bring anywhere. This cooktop is a great way to add a couple of extra burners to your kitchen for when you are cooking particularly large meals for guests and is a good choice for boiling large pots of stock or soup.
This cooktop has very positive reviews online, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon. The positive reviews from users note the portability and ease of use of the burners. The small number of negative reviews criticize its ability to simmer dishes, stating that it gets too hot and is more suited to heavy boiling or frying.
This cooktop will also make a great addition to your RV or tent on a camping trip. It is easy to clean and lightweight, so it can be neatly stored away after use without any hassle. The surface is glass, so it can be wiped down with a rag and some cleaner.
The burner on the left is smaller than the one on the right and is generally used for lighter cooking or smaller pots. This can be a good choice for making sauces or preparing vegetables while the right burner tackles the heavy frying or boiling.
There are individual timers for each burner, up to 150 minutes - these are paired with individual ON/OFF switches so that you can only use one burner if you don't need the other. The left burner has eight heat settings, and the right burner has five, giving you a lot of flexibility and freedom to cook a large selection of dishes. This cooktop has an automatic turn-off safety feature - when a pot is removed from a burner it will automatically shut off after 30 seconds.
For the price, this is a decent choice if you are looking to add an extra couple of burners to your kitchen, or if you need a cooktop for an RV or small apartment.
Buying advice for the best induction cooktops
There are a few important things to consider when making the switch to an induction cooktop. The size of the cooktop and the number of burners are both important factors to consider. Below are some other important factors and features that you may want to think about before making a big purchase.
Power
Most of the best induction cooktops range in power from 1,400 Watts to 3,700 Watts of power. This is just as powerful as electric cooktops and gas cooktops, but when you need that extra sear or boiling power some induction cooktops will offer a power-boost feature that can provide additional power. Products with this feature can cost more, and they generally feature higher on our list than ones that lack power-boosting.
However, on some induction cooktops, elements are paired together and share an induction generator - this means that if one burner is using the maximum amount of power, the other burner can only use what is left. For maximum power on all burners, you will want to look out for induction cooktops with four induction generators - these also score higher on our list.
Price
Basic induction cooktops can be purchased for around $350-$400. Like many things in life, you generally get what you pay for, with the more expensive models having more generators and more safety and smart features. Having said this, the cheaper options will still get the job done effectively and efficiently, and are well-suited for families that cook daily meals without anything too fancy. If you regularly host guests for thanksgiving and other events, you might want to look into a more expensive option with features that can be utilized by more experienced cooks, with some of the higher-end models costing well over $1000 - while this is steep we believe it will be worth it in the long run.
Installation
The majority of induction cooktops can be fitted straight into your countertop. You should triple-check the cutout measurements and the measurements of the induction cooktop itself. As they run on electricity, you should contact a professional electrician to make sure your circuit can handle the power of the product without causing any overloading or damage. If you are interested in a freestanding model, you will be happy to know that these can be placed directly on the countertop and can be plugged into a wall socket or extension cord.
Design
The best induction cooktops are flat as there is no coil or hot plate that heats your pot. They are easy to clean, and the majority are easily-wipable glass or ceramic surfaces. The design of the cooktop and the fact that the pot heats up rather than the burner itself means that you don't have to waste time scraping burnt food off of your cooktop - simply wipe it with a damp cloth and it will be shiny and clean.
Ventilation
Even though little excess heat and hot air escapes from induction cooktops, odors, smoke and grease are still present, as with all cooking. The best range hoods and exhaust fans can help with this, as very few cooktops come with built-in ventilation, so it is something that will have to be purchased separately.
Best induction cooktops FAQs
What is an induction cooktop and how do they differ from other types of cooktops?
One of the main differences between an induction cooktop and an electric or gas cooktop is the way it heats up your cookware. While gas ranges spark a flame to heat up your pots and pans and electric ranges generate heat through metallic coils under a ceramic surface, induction cooktops work a little differently.
Made by popular kitchen appliances brands such as KitchenAid, Samsung, Bosch and Fridgidaire, induction cooktops use magnetic currents to deliver heat directly to your pots and pans. This transferal means that your pans are heated evenly and quickly, and less energy is wasted during the process. So there’s no need to twiddle your thumbs while you wait for the heating element to warm up.
Another benefit of an induction cooktop is that it’s far safer to use. Because residual heat doesn’t hang around on the heating element once you remove the pan, the cooktop is safe to touch almost immediately. Cleaning is also a breeze, as you can wipe away any spills or residues straight away.
How we chose the best induction cooktops
Since we started reviewing induction cooktops in 2013, we have spent more than 80 hours finding some of the best cooktops on the market and conducting in-depth research to help you find the cooktop that works best for you. We contacted manufacturers, professionals and industry insiders to get informed opinions and gather information that would lend more authority to our recommendations.
When putting together our guide to the best induction cooktops, we first did extensive online research to find some of the best models available. We were looking for common features as well as those that set certain models apart. All of the cooktops in our lineup are 30 inches wide.
We only evaluated cooktops that feature four burners; however, many of these cooktops provide a bridge element that allows you to combine two burners to create one large heating element. Induction cooktops are more costly than electric or gas cooktops. The ones on our lineup fall within a price range of $500 to $2,500.
After finding some of the best cooktops out there we continued our research, comparing features to determine which are the best for different types of cooking. Our findings are included in our side-by-side comparison chart and our in-depth reviews and will help you find the best cooktop for your needs.
What other features do the best induction cooktops have?
If you’re looking for features that will set your induction cooktop apart, you’ll want to first look at the number of cooking zones, so that you can effectively juggle multiple pots and pans.
This comes in particularly handy if you have lots of mouths to feed or you like to bulk cook in advance. Picking a model with a good variety of temperature settings should also be a priority, as you can handle different food types with ease.
Because the heating element shuts off instantly once you remove a pan from your induction cooktop, the best models also have warming features to help keep food warm, in the event that you haven’t quite timed your dishes right. Another handy feature is a bridge element, which will let you join together two heat elements, so that they can work their magic on large or awkwardly-sized cookware such as a griddle.
As with any cooking appliance, the best induction cooktops also master safety features to ensure that the whole family stays safe. An induction cooktop with pan detection will cleverly control the heating element so that it’s only while in use, while control lock functions will keep the cooktop extra secure in between uses, in case you have any little ones around.