Are you looking to buy the best induction cooktop? What’s going on in your mind? I mean, how will you decide which one is the best. It’s mind-boggling unless you have prior experience of using an induction cooktop.

To buy the best induction cooktop, you need to process basic parameters. Okay, now I am not talking about technical stuff. Nope. The term essential parameter means usage, efficiency & durability.

Furthermore, there are a handful of brands manufacturing the best induction cooktop. Before we get into complete details, let’s first discuss the apparent stuff.

What is Induction Cooking?

The conventional cooking method includes heat or fire to cook the food, aka gas stove, kerosene stove, etc. This process is called thermal induction. On the other hand, there’s no direct heat involved in induction cooking. Instead, the cooktops heat pots and pans using current.

With this technology, the food cooks relatively faster than the traditional methods. Not only this, but it also maintains a consistent & precise temperature throughout. Here’s the best part.

There’s almost a negligible possibility of burning in induction cooking. To put it differently, you won’t burn yourself or the food using an induction cooktop. But, yes, I have experienced it. The cooktop surface stays cool, making it quick & easy to clean.

How Does Induction Cooktops Work?

An induction cooktop is a flat appliance with a ceramic plate over it. This plate is the cooking surface. I mean, your vessel will be on this plate. Further, there’s a copper coil underneath the plate. So that’s the basic structure of your cooktop.

Now let me explain to you how it works. I will try to keep it as simple as possible.

An electric current passes through the copper coil, which creates a magnetic current to produce heat. When you put a vessel on the cooktop, it starts heating without fire using magnetic induction.

If you look closely, the electric current heats the vessel directly. So yes, there’s no flame or fire. It is because the induction cooktop doesn’t use a traditional heat source.

In short, the induction cooktops use magnetic induction instead of thermal conduction. Hence, this is how the best induction cooktop works. Now let’s discuss why you must use it.

Advantage of Induction Cooktops

Induction cooking is now a modern necessity. Apart from hassle-free cooking, it has value-added advantages too. I have mentioned a few of them below for you.

1. Unmatched Safety

There is no comparison of safety in the Induction cooktop with the traditional LPG gas stove. However, you can put your hands on the cooktop.

2. Cooks faster

The induction cooktops create instant heat, further heating the vessel. As a result, the loss of heat is minimal in the cooking process. It means boiling, heating & cooking will be 5x faster.

3. Precise temperature control

The induction cooktop contains variable temperature controls. Hence, you can control the heat more precisely compared to a gas stove. At the same time, it reduces the risk of over or undercooking. Uniform heat delivers tasty results every time.

4. Easy-to-clean surface

Almost every induction cooktop has a smooth surface. For instance, the ceramic material is widely used to build cooktop surfaces. Modern cooktops are easy to clean. Moreover, there’s no risk of burns because they cool down immediately.

Furthermore, you don’t even require fancy cleaning accessories to do the job. Plain water & cloth are perfect for cleaning the mess you left after cooking.

5. Healthy cooking

Healthy cooking means keeping the vital nutrients intact. An induction cooktop can do that because there’s no intense heat. In the absence of high & harsh heat, the natural taste, texture, aroma & nutritional values are preserved. With a gas stove, it’s precisely the opposite. Hence, cooking is healthy using induction cooktops.

The Disadvantage of Induction Cooktops

Induction cooking is effortless. I firmly believe it because I have been using it for a long time. Since I am using it, I consider one particular thing as the most significant disadvantage. Here it is.

To cook on an induction cooktop you need special induction cookware. Period.

In other words, induction cookware must have an iron or magnetic stainless steel bottom. Having such a bottom makes the cookware induction friendly.

Remember, when you want to be buying cookware, don’t ask for “electric chulha pe chalne wala“. Instead, ask for “induction chulha pe chalne wala“.

There is a difference. Electric chulha means any flat bottom is fine, but for Induction chulha, you need the base, as shown in the picture below.

In India, we don’t have electric cooktops, and we only have induction cooktops. So there is no point in buying cookware compatible only with electric cooktops.

Remember, we can’t use regular pots & pans on induction cooktops for cooking purposes. The main reason why aluminium, copper or glass cookware are incompatible with induction cooktops.

On the contrary, I don’t consider it a big problem. This is because popular brands are already selling them on Amazon India. For instance, Hawkins, Pigeon, Cello, Wonderchef, etc. So, all in all, buying induction compatible cookware is not a significant issue.

Buying Guide in a Snapshot

Click on the brand name to view the detailed product review.

Brands	Watts	Warranty	Preset Menu	Overflow Protection	Touch Function	Price
Philips Viva HD4928/01	2100W	1 Year	Roti, Dosa, Gravy, Stir fry, Pressure cook, Slow cook	No	Push Panel	Amazon Price ₹3299 Save: ₹2,696.00 (45%)
Philips Viva HD4938	2100W	1 Year	Manual, Gravy, Roti, Dosa, Milk/water, Slow cook, Stir fry, Deep fry, Pressure cook	No	Touch Panel	Amazon Price ₹4890 Save: ₹1,105.00 (18%)
Pigeon Rapido Slim	2100W	1 Year	Dosa, Deep fry, Idli, Milk, Boil, Curry, Saute, Pressure cooker	No	Touch Panel	Check Price^¤
Inalsa Magnum	1800W	1 Year	Pressure cooker, Soup, Curry, Milk, Chapati, Deep fry, Water	Yes	Push Panel	Check Price^¤
Usha Cook Joy	1600W	1 Year	Milk, Tea, Deep fry, Idli, Curry, Dosa, Roti, Manual	No	Push Panel	Check Price^¤
Prestige PIC 12.0	1900W	1 Year	Pressure cook, Dosa, Chapati, Saute, Curry, Idli, Soup, Heat milk	Yes	Push Panel	Check Price^¤
Pigeon Stovekraft Favorite	1800W	1 Year	Pressure cook, Saute, Curry, Heat milk, Dosa, Chapati, Deep fry, Idli	Yes	Push Panel	Check Price^¤
iBELL	2000W	1.5 Year	No	No	Push Panel	Check Price^¤
Philips HD4929	2100W	1 Year	Manual, Dosa, Roti, Gravy, Stir fry, Slow cook, Pressure cook	No	Push Panel	Amazon Price ₹3790 Save: ₹1,205.00 (24%)
V-Guard VIC-15	2000W	1 Year	Slow cook, Fry, Idli, Boil, Dosa, Milk	Yes	Touch Panel	Amazon Price ₹3165 Save: ₹405.00 (11%)
Bajaj Majesty ICX 7	1900W	1 Year	Stew, Soup, Braise, Boil, Deep-fry, Fry, Hot pot, Stir fry	No	Push Panel	Check Price^¤
Preethi Trendy Plus	1600W	1 Year	Milk, Tea, Gravy, Dosa, Fry, Idli	No	Touch Panel	Amazon Price ₹2799 Save: ₹1,670.00 (37%)
Havells Insta Cook RT	1400W	1 Year	Manual, Boil, Gravy, Dal, Deep fry	No	Push Panel	Amazon Price ₹2498 Save: ₹2,497.00 (50%)
Wonderchef Easy Cook Hot Plate	2200W	1 Year	Keep warm, Soup, Grill, Curry, Dal, Saute, Temperature, Hot temperature	Yes	Touch Panel	Check Price^¤

Our Choice

Inalsa Magnum

Cooks 2x as fast as other cooktops.
Saves money on electric bills.
Automatic cooking menus.
Custom one-touch buttons.
Easy maintenance & scratch-resistance top.
We use Inalsa cooktop in all our recipe videos.

Check Price^¤

10 Things To Consider Before Buying the Best Induction Cooktops

An induction cooktop is the modern need of traditional kitchens. There are three reasons for it – Safety, Convenience & Style. These are the most compelling pieces of evidence why induction cooktops are substituting gas stoves. Now there are certain critical points one needs to consider.

Doing this will ensure that the cooktop meets your requirements. Therefore, here’s a list of crucial points. Consider them while buying the best induction cooktop.

1. Wattage/power rate

Power rate is the deciding factor when buying an induction cooktop. Keep in mind, the higher the power rate, the faster it will cook. Ideally, 1500-2000 watt induction cooktops are best. I have an 1800 watt Inalsa Magnum cooktop. The performance is excellent to date. Henceforth, the range of 1500-2000 watt is good to start with.

2. Auto pan detection

Branded induction cooktops come with an auto-pan detection feature. The moment you remove your pan or pot, the heating will stop. In short, the cooktop automatically detects whether or not there’s any vessel on the cooking surface. Hence, ask the seller for this particular feature. Do not buy cooktops without an auto-pan detection function.

3. Preset cooking menu

Like the auto-pan detection function, the preset cooking menu is the next big thing. Best induction cooktops are prior programmed with preset menus. This way, people having less time on hand can cook quickly.

Ideally, preset menus come with sophisticated touch buttons. For example, using just one touch button, you can boil, fry, barbeque or cook. Therefore, look for this function while purchasing.

4. Cooking timer

Using the timer function, you can set the time limit of the process. The best thing is you don’t need to monitor the entire process. Once you set the timer, the cooking will auto stop when done—for example, boiling the milk.

If you boil milk on the gas stove, you need to monitor it constantly. However, it is entirely opposite using the induction cooktop. All in all, the timer prevents energy wastage & the risk of fire.

5. Portability

Typically induction cooktops are lightweight. Hence, keep this in mind while ordering your first or next cooktop. This technology is made for indoor purposes. Therefore, you should be able to carry it anywhere. Not only this, but it should also occupy less space when it comes to storage. Yes, the design must be compact, requiring small storage space.

6. Easy to clean

Unlike gas stoves, induction cooktops are knob free. Henceforth, there’s less possibility of dirt accumulation. It makes cleaning a lot easier. Just spray kitchen cleaner & wipe the cooktop surface using a clean cloth.

That’s it. I call it easy cleaning. We know the cooktop surface is less hot compared to the gas stove. It makes the cleaning process absolute bliss. Remember this while purchasing.

7. Energy efficient

Modern kitchen appliances are energy efficient. Above all, they are engineered likewise. Look for an auto shut off feature in your induction cooktop. Having this function leads to less power consumption. Thus, you can save a good amount on electricity bills. The bottom line is the cooktop must consume less power.

8. Wide cooking surface

Let me tell you that induction cooktops come in variable sizes. Yes, some of them have smaller cooking surfaces while others have larger ones. If you are cooking big meals, then naturally, you will need a big vessel. Further, for a big vessel, you will need a wide cooking surface. Thus, analyse your requirements first & then buy the cooktop.

9. Warranty period

Your kitchen appliance will be in use day in and day out. Of course, there will be wear & tear. To counter this situation, the product must have a decent warranty period. Nowadays, almost every induction cooktop brand gives a year warranty. Therefore, check the warranty period before purchasing.

10. After-sales service

The manufacturer should have a service centre nearby your current location. You must quickly get after-sales services in case your cooktop breaks down. Ask the seller or inquire about their after-sales services.

I guess we have covered up all the necessary points. If there’s anything left out, we will discuss it in the FAQ section. Read below.

FAQs for Induction Cooktop

What is an induction cooktop?

An induction cooktop is a modern kitchen appliance used to heat, boil or cook food. It is a modified replica of conventional cooking gadgets. It’s just that induction cooktops work differently.

What kind of pots can I use on an induction cooktop?

To cook food using an induction cooktop, you need induction friendly cookware. It must have a magnetic-based material at the bottom. These cookwares can work both on induction & gas stoves.

How does induction cooking work?

Induction cooktops work using electromagnetic energy. An electric current passes through the copper coil, which creates a magnetic current to produce heat. When you put a vessel on the cooktop, it starts heating without fire – this is how induction cooking works.

How long does the induction cooktop last?

It heavily depends on how frequently you use it. Generally speaking, it lasts for 30,000 hours. The lifespan of an average induction cooktop is eight years.

What happens if you use a regular pan on an induction cooktop?

Regular pans or pots don’t have magnetic material at the bottom. Hence, the cooktop will not identify the vessel on its surface. In short, normal vessels won’t work on induction cooktops.

Do professional chefs use induction cooktops?

Yes, they use induction cooktops. Not only chefs but homemakers, bachelors & other age group people also use induction technology to cook food.

Do induction cooktops use more electricity?

No, induction cooktops don’t use more electricity. Instead, it uses a magnetic property to heat the vessel directly. This way, the vessel heats up faster, consuming less energy.

Do induction cooktops make a loud noise?

No, they don’t make a loud noise. Even if there’s a noise, it is pretty nominal. You need to understand that the induction cooktop doesn’t have motors. It works on copper coils to generate heat.

Is induction cooking healthy?

It is healthy. Surprisingly, induction cooking retains the natural taste, texture, aroma & nutritional value of the food. However, harsh heat destroys the vital nutrients of the food—for instance, gas stoves.

Can the induction cooktop cause a fire?

The induction cooktop uses electricity, and its consumption level is relatively low. Moreover, it is much safer than traditional methods of cooking.

How do you clean an induction cooktop?

Use normal water or kitchen cleaner with a soft cloth to wipe out the dirt. Do not immerse the cooktop in water or wash under running tap water. It is hazardous.

Can we make roti on an induction cooktop?

Yes, you can make roti on an induction cooktop, provided the roti baking pan is induction friendly. The standard pan will not bake your roti on induction. If you want that your roti or chapati gets the poof (फूले), increase the surface temperature in the induction cooktop.

What are the benefits of using an induction cooktop?

It cooks faster while consuming less energy. But, on the other hand, it is safe, easy to operate & has preset cooking menus. Above all, it is easy to clean & store the cooktop after use.

What types of Induction cooktops are there?

There are three types of Induction cooktops: portable/compact cooktops, built-in cooktops, and freestanding induction cooktops.

Top Induction Cooktops in India

Let us dig deep into each of the better induction cooktops available in India

Philips Viva HD4928/01

Amazon Price ₹3299

Save: ₹2,696.00 (45%)

Product Highlight:

Programmed for Indian cooking.
Touch start for ease of use.
0 to 3 hours of time setting.
Auto-off program cooks food safely.
More comfortable cooking without flame.
Cool-to-touch surface cooks foods safely.
1-year on product warranty.
Power 2100 watts & operating voltage is 220-240 volts.

Best Customer Experience

The best part is that even after milk or oil spillage there is no issue. It also comes with preset menus. It heats fast for cooking, it is user-friendly and can be cleaned easily.

Worst Customer Experience

I have been using this cooktop for one year but now I have observed that some plastic part of it from backside has melted down and misshaped because of heat.