This Editor's Induction Stove Has Saved Her an Hour of Cleaning a Week

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There's been a huge push in recent years toward more sustainable living, which includes shopping for secondhand clothing instead of new and opting for electric cars instead of gas guzzlers. The climate-focused changes are also happening in our homes. While most of us have replaced our incandescent lightbulbs with LED bulbs and started composting, there are bigger swaps we can change to make a difference, like swapping our gas stoves for induction cooktops. But there's a lot of confusion about cooking on induction stovetops. No, they're not gas, and they're not electric either. They're a secret third option that has previously been reserved for portable burners and professional chefs.

Cooking on induction doesn't have to be a mystery anymore. In fact, it's the most environmentally friendly cooktop for home cooks. Plus, it's faster and more precise than electric, and heats more evenly and efficiently than gas. There really aren't very many cons. Read on for a complete guide to cooking on induction stovetops, including our picks for the best cookware to pair with your brand-new stove and an editor's real-life take on switching from gas to induction.

What Is an Induction Cooktop?

While visually similar to an electric stovetop, an induction stovetop cooks in a completely different way. Induction uses electromagnetic technology to heat and cook your food; the magnets "excite" metallic pans and create heat. Rather than heating up a glass cooktop, as traditional electric stoves do, the pan you're using essentially becomes the burner, eliminating the need for heat transfer through a surface. Not only is this safer—your cooktop doesn't get hot so it can't burn anyone, and no fumes get released—but it also saves energy because no heat gets wasted.

Induction cooking is available in a single "burner" or heating zone (typically a portable cooktop, although companies such as Wolf make specialty cooking modules that you can install next to a professional range), a cooktop with multiple induction heating zones, or a range with an integrated induction cooktop and electric oven. A handful of companies, including Thermador, Signature Kitchen Suite, and Fisher & Paykel, make dual fuel stovetops and ranges that have both induction and gas burners.

Induction Cooktops vs. Gas

Since 2019, the California state government has started cracking down on fossil fuel usage, including the installation of natural gas appliances in new construction due to climate change concerns. Elsewhere, similar legislation is in the works, and incentives and rebates reward homeowners for going electric. Despite opposition from the fossil fuel industry, it's likely the move away from gas will continue and expand—including the push for electric appliances, vehicles, and heating alternatives.

"When the reports about the dangers of gas stoves started circulating, I had a two-month-old infant and was easily panicked," says House Beautiful deputy managing editor Olivia Hosken. "I knew gas stoves could be harmful, and had traveled enough throughout Europe to understand that induction ranges were preferred over there, but I hadn't paid close attention. With a perfect new baby in my arms, I knew I needed to replace my gas stove immediately." She opted for the Samsung Bespoke Induction Slide-In Range, and is "so pleased that I am evangelical to anyone who will listen."

Pros of Induction Cooktops

Safety

Like electric, induction cooking is flameless, which decreases the likelihood of kitchen fires, skin burns, and excess smoke and fume inhalation. The Samsung model Hosken chose beeps when you remove a pan from the stovetop and then automatically shuts off after several minutes when nothing is on it—a common safety feature on induction stovetops for extra peace of mind. No turning the car around to make sure you turned off the stovetop!

Precision Heating

Induction heats up more quickly and more precisely than gas or electric. Water boils more quickly on an electric stovetop than a gas one and even more quickly on an induction stovetop. Because an induction stovetop heats the pan directly, you also get a more even coating of heat, which allows for more precise cooking. When you turn an induction cooking element off, the heat transfer stops immediately, which means there's less of a chance of your pot boiling over or your food overcooking as you wait for the burner to cool down.

Energy Efficiency

Induction cooktops are actually more powerful than both electric and gas stovetops, and they're more efficient. With gas and electric ranges, a lot of energy is lost to the air around the pots and pans because the heat escapes. With induction, only the cookware heats up, meaning no excess heat heat is lost in the transferring process. This also means that your kitchen won't heat up when you're cooking with induction, which might also help you avoid cranking up your air-conditioning.

Air Quality

Natural gas creates pollution every time it's turned on and used, hurting your indoor air quality. It's important to use the range hood every time you cook with gas. With induction, there's less precaution needed (like air conditioning, air purifiers, and ventilation) to avoid harmful chemicals and particles released. You'll still want to install and use a vent hood to remove cooking fumes and grease from the air, but gas fumes won't be a health concern.

Easier to Clean

The smooth glass top of induction cooktops stays cool, which prevents cooking spills, drips, and splatters from burning and sticking to the surface. This also allows you to place non-heat-safe items on the surface without fear of them melting or warping. Hosken reports that her induction cooktop saves her at least an hour of cleaning a week.

Cons of Induction Cooktops

High Entry Price

While prices continue to fall in relation to popularity, induction stovetops are still more expensive investment than low-end gas and electric appliances. The least expensive induction cooktops cost around $1,000. There may also be an added expense if you need to have an electrician make adjustments to your kitchen's electrical wiring to support an induction stove or swap out your cookware for an induction-friendly set.

Scratches

A very rare occurrence, but because induction cooktops are made of glass, there is the possibility of scratches or cracks. Depending on the style of cooktop you choose, the edges may be especially vulnerable to damage. Opting for an induction cooktop that's framed in metal can help avoid cracking.

Education

Cooking on induction stovetops does have a bit of a learning curve. Because they heat up so fast, there's a new cooking rhythm you'll have to fall into, which can take time. A home cook may have a tough time adjusting to the speed and getting used to the fact that when pans are removed from the cooktop, it turns off. While initially this can be seen as a disadvantage, like any electronic device, the quirks will soon become second nature.

Installation

If you're considering replacing a gas stove with an induction one, expect to schedule the plumber and electrician beforehand. The plumber will need to cap or fully disconnect your gas line. Depending on where you live and the amount of work needed to remove and cap the pipe, this is approximately $200. An induction stove also requires a dedicated 220-volt outlet protected by 40-50 amp breakers. An electrician will need to ensure the outlet behind your stove and the circuit that feeds your kitchen are ready to support your new induction stovetop or range; you can expect this to cost around $400.

Considering that many states are phasing out natural gas in the next decade, moving your home's power away from gas is a smart way to futureproof your home and potentially boost its value.

What Type of Pan Is Best for Induction?

Induction cooktops require the cookware you use to have a magnetic pull in order to work. Think anything made of real metal—cast iron, enameled cast iron, and stainless steel are all induction friendly. Cookware that's aluminum, aluminum-clad, copper, or copper-clad won't work, because they won't hold heat or attract the magnet. Popular brands like Caraway, Green Pan, AllClad, and LeCreuset all have sets and pieces that are compatible with induction cooktops.

If you're not sure whether your cookware is induction friendly, try sticking a magnet on it. If a pot or pan attracts a magnet, it will work just fine.

Cookware Set

Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set

Enameled Cast Iron Signature Iron Handle Skillet

Venice Pro Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Healthy Ceramic Nonstick

Best Induction Cooktops and Ranges

Bespoke Smart Rapid Heat Induction Slide-In Range

GE Profile PHS930YPFS 30 Smart Slide-In Induction and Convection Range

Double Induction Cooktop

800 30 in. Induction Cooktop

Gallery Induction Cooktop

Smart Slide-In Double Oven Induction Range

30 in. 5.7 cu. ft. Smart Slide-In Electric Range with Self-Cleaning Convection Oven in Stainless Steel

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