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.
| Image | 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 ₹3199 Save: ₹2,796.00 (47%) |
|
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 ₹4849 Save: ₹1,146.00 (19%) |
|
Pigeon Rapido Slim | 2100W | 1 Year | Dosa, Deep fry, Idli, Milk, Boil, Curry, Saute, Pressure cooker |
No | Touch Panel | |
|
Inalsa Magnum | 1800W | 1 Year | Pressure cooker, Soup, Curry, Milk, Chapati, Deep fry, Water |
Yes | Push Panel | |
|
Usha Cook Joy | 1600W | 1 Year | Milk, Tea, Deep fry, Idli, Curry, Dosa, Roti, Manual |
No | Push Panel | |
|
Prestige PIC 12.0 | 1900W | 1 Year | Pressure cook, Dosa, Chapati, Saute, Curry, Idli, Soup, Heat milk |
Yes | Push Panel | |
|
Pigeon Stovekraft Favorite | 1800W | 1 Year | Pressure cook, Saute, Curry, Heat milk, Dosa, Chapati, Deep fry, Idli |
Yes | Push Panel | |
|
iBELL | 2000W | 1.5 Year | No | No | Push Panel | |
|
Philips HD4929 | 2100W | 1 Year | Manual, Dosa, Roti, Gravy, Stir fry, Slow cook, Pressure cook |
No | Push Panel | |
|
V-Guard VIC-15 | 2000W | 1 Year | Slow cook, Fry, Idli, Boil, Dosa, Milk |
Yes | Touch Panel | |
|
Bajaj Majesty ICX 7 | 1900W | 1 Year | Stew, Soup, Braise, Boil, Deep-fry, Fry, Hot pot, Stir fry |
No | Push Panel | |
|
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 |
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.
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
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.
Pros and cons:
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Feather touch keys.
- The power cord length is good.
- Smart design and features.
Cons:
- Sometimes malfunction.
- Coil problems.
- Heating issues sometimes.
Philips Viva Collection HD4938 With Sensor Touch
Product Highlight:
- 0 to 3 hours of time setting.
- 10 preset menus for different Indian recipes.
- 24 hours preset timer function for delayed cooking.
- High-quality & premium finish full glass panel.
- Sensor touch keys for ease of use.
- Auto-off program & cool-to-touch for safe cooking.
- More comfortable cooking without flame.
- 1-year on product warranty.
- Power 2100 watts & operating voltage 220-240 volts.
Best Customer Experience
The nice clean glass top is child safe and also makes it more elegant on my small table. The touch screen buttons are a luxury.
Worst Customer Experience
Good product, but makes a lot of noise. The fan is too noisier.
Pros and cons:
Pros:
- Easy to use & efficient in cooking.
- Multiple modes for different types of cooking.
- Suitable for even small Induction cookware.
Cons:
- Consumes more electricity.
- High wattage.
Pigeon By Stovekraft Pigeon Rapido Slim
Product Highlight:
- Wide surface with feather-touch.
- 8 Indian preset menu with a pause function.
- Automatic shut off, lightweight, slim & sleek design.
- 1-year on product warranty.
- Power 2100 watts
Pros and cons:
Pros:
- Smart and elegant.
- Good in the medium range.
Cons:
- Digital touch control is not so good.
- Doesn’t support small Induction cookware.
Inalsa Magnum
Product Highlight:
- 7 easy to operate pre-set cook menus.
- Push control, auto-off function & variable ON/OFF timer.
- 1.2 meters long cord with 3-pins.
- Toughened & unpolished glass cooking surface.
- Heat resistant plastic body.
- 4 digit digital display with overheat protection & automatic pan detection.
- Power 1800 watts & operating voltage 230 – 240 volts.
- 1-year product warranty.
Best Customer Experience
The product is priced at minimal. Loaded with all features.ventilation is excellent. It does not heat. The cooking range is perfect for housewives.
Worst Customer Experience
Very poor quality plastic, No timer.
Pros and cons:
Pros:
- Good design. Easy to cook.
- Heating at high efficiency.
- Anti-magnetic wall to prevent magnetic radiation leak.
Cons:
- The design and look are not attractive.
- Cannot cook anything on very low heat.
We have used Inalsa Induction cooktop in all our cooking videos.
Usha Cook Joy 3616
Product Highlight:
- Resistant to voltage fluctuation up to 1500 volts.
- Power saving intelligence. Pan sensor technology.
- Manual setting to customize the cooking.
- 10 Amp plug with earthing for safety.
- Extra-long & flexible power cord of 1.2-meter length.
- 5 preset cooking menu options.
- Power 1600 watts & operating voltage is 230 volts.
- 1 year on product warranty.
Best Customer Experience
The quality of the plastic and above ceramic glass also feels quite good. Display brightness is good and visible clearly in daylight.
Worst Customer Experience
Fan is making huge noise and vibrating due to which pan and utensils kept moving out of circle marked on cook top.
Pros and cons:
Pros:
- Less power consumption.
- Push-button controls.
Cons:
- It makes some noise while cooking.
- It doesn’t have multiple modes for cooking.
- Manual adjustments of heat.
Prestige PIC 12.0 With Push Button
Product Highlight:
- Dual heat sensors for optimized heating.
- Power 1900 watt & voltage 230V.
- 1-year product warranty.
- Troubleshooting guidelines.
- The wide diameter of induction based cookware bottom (12cm-26cm).
- Push-button, Indian menu options & aerodynamic cooling system.
Best Customer Experience
Product is very genuine. Easy to handle and light weight to move easily.
Worst Customer Experience
A beep sound is coming throughout cooking but the induction is heating properly.
Pros and cons:
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Good for home usage.
- Safe and secure.
Cons:
- A bit slow in heating.
- Cooking time is higher.
- Not so attractive.
- Coil damages in a short time.
Pigeon By Stovekraft Favorite
Product Highlight:
- Push-button with 7 Indian preset menus.
- Dual heat sensor, elegant and smart design
- Automatic shut off.
- 1-year product warranty.
- Power 1800 – 2000 watts
Best Customer Experience
Easy to operate. Maintenance free.
Worst Customer Experience
Does not heat enough even on highest temperature setting. Roti making and cooking is very slow.
Pros and cons:
Pros:
- Automatic shut down feature
- Easy to use and operate
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- Makes noise while cooking
- Consumes electricity
- Works with fewer cooking utensils
iBELL
Product Highlight:
- Press button control & high-quality crystal glass.
- Super wide voltage adaptability with multifunction.
- Auto shutoff safety protection.
- High-quality coils with overheat protection.
- 1-year standard product warranty + 6 months additional on free registration.
Best Customer Experience
Cooks real fast and you have the buttons to control the temperature as well.
Worst Customer Experience
Only problem is legs don’t have rubber so tends to slip on marble.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Overheat protection.
- Easy to use.
- Budget-friendly.
Cons
- No preset menu.
Philips HD4929
Product Highlight:
- Programmed for Indian cooking.
- 0 to 3 hours of time setting with 8 power levels.
- Includes auto-off program & cool-to-touch surface.
- More comfortable cooking without flame.
- 1-year product warranty.
- Power 2100 watts & operating voltage is 220-240 volts.
Best Customer Experience
Excellent quality build. The controls are very good. The lowest setting ensures that the milk doesn’t boil over.
Worst Customer Experience
Too small and didn’t like cause of sticker placed on buttons.
Pros and cons
Pros
- The boiling process is fast.
- Compatible with a wide variety of vessels.
Cons
- The power cord is too small.
V-Guard VIC-15
Product Highlight:
- Pre-set Indian cooking function.
- 4 digit LED display with digital timer control.
- Spill-proof and automatic switch-off.
- 8 power levels with power indicator.
- Power 2000 watts.
- Fast heating & keep warm functions.
- 1-year product warranty.
Best Customer Experience
Looks very sturdy and easy to use.
Worst Customer Experience
Not working with low voltage and voltage fluctuations.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Spill-proof feature.
- Overflow protection.
Cons
- Makes noise sometimes.
- Sometimes shows errors.
Bajaj Majesty ICX 7
Product Highlight:
- 8 preset cook menus with control push button & keep warm mode.
- Power switch to indicate power consumed during cooking.
- Auto shut off & delay start.
- 1-year product warranty.
- Power 1900 watts & voltage is 130-260 V AC.
Best Customer Experience
Power button doesn’t show numerical value in display.
Worst Customer Experience
Ceramic surface is slippery and glass like so the pans tend to slip.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Delay timer facility.
Cons
- Bit noisy.
Preethi Trendy Plus 116
Product Highlight:
- Highly efficient one-touch menu.
- The wide heating base accommodates vessels with a larger bottom.
- Longer wire cord length for convenience.
- High-quality ceramic plates to withstand very high temperatures.
- 1-year product warranty.
- Power 1600 watts & voltage 230 volts.
Best Customer Experience
Lightweight, handy product. Good for family.
Worst Customer Experience
Gets overheated if we set maximum power of 1600W.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Durable ceramic plate.
- Compact & lightweight.
Cons
- The heating is not good enough.
Havells Insta Cook RT
Product Highlight:
- 4 cooking options. 0-2 hours preset timer.
- Soft-touch operations. Intelligent programs.
- Digital LED indication for easy operations.
- Fixed and variable cooking.
- Variable power level control.
- 1-year product warranty.
- Power 1400 watts.
Best Customer Experience
Low electricity consumption, good looking and easy to use.
Worst Customer Experience
This induction is not fit for preparing chapati.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Low electricity consumption.
Cons
- Temperature control is not manual.
Wonderchef Easy Cook Hot Plate
Product Highlight:
- Suitable for all types of flat bottomed cookware.
- 1-year product warranty.
- Power 2200 watts & voltage is 220 volts.
Best Customer Experience
Unique power consumption indicator, heat range adjustment very wide.
Pros and cons
Pros
- High and low voltage protection.
- Overheat protection.
- Easy to clean due to full touch panel.
Cons
- The heater remains hot for a longer time than an induction heater.
