Why Induction Cooking Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen

Author

Ark
April 28, 2025

Induction cooking is a game-changer, but its name and technology can seem intimidating. If it were easier to explain, we’d all be using it three times a day. At Designer Appliances, we prioritize making appliance shopping clear and approachable. This article demystifies induction cooking, busts common myths, and highlights its advantages and drawbacks to help you decide if it’s right for your kitchen.

What Is Induction Cooking?

Induction cooktops look similar to electric ones, but they work differently. Unlike electric cooktops, which use radiant coils to produce heat, or gas burners with an open flame, induction cooktops rely on copper coils that generate an electromagnetic current when electricity flows through them. This energy transfers directly to your cookware, heating the pan itself—not the coils or the cooktop surface.

This key difference leads to a host of benefits, but it also causes confusion. Many new homeowners mistake their induction cooktop for a broken electric one because the surface doesn’t get hot on its own. If you’ve ever wondered why your cooktop isn’t heating up, it might just be induction working as intended.

The Advantages of Induction Cooking

Speed and Responsiveness

Induction cooking is faster than both electric and gas. Since heat is transferred directly to the pan, less energy is lost to the surrounding air. Water boils twice as quickly as on electric or gas, and adjusting the heat is instantaneous, rivaling the responsiveness of gas without the wait for coils to cool down like electric cooktops.

Even and Consistent Heating

Unlike gas, where flames can be uneven or disrupted by a breeze (like from an open window or ceiling fan), induction provides consistent heat across the pan. This makes it ideal for precise cooking and perfect for environments like beach houses where airflow might interfere with gas burners.

Safety

Induction is safer than its counterparts. Only the cookware gets hot, so there’s no open flame or risk of gas leaks. The cooktop surface stays relatively cool, reducing the chance of burns. Plus, it doesn’t heat up your kitchen, making it a great choice for summer cooking.

Easy to Clean

Spills don’t scorch onto an induction cooktop’s smooth glass surface, unlike electric cooktops where messes can burn on or gas ranges with grates and burner pans to scrub. A quick wipe is usually all it takes to keep an induction cooktop spotless.

Flexibility for Large Cookware

Many induction cooktops feature “bridge” elements that combine two heating zones for oversized cookware like griddles, ensuring even heat across the surface. Some models even sense where a pan is placed and direct heat only to that area, regardless of size or position.

Smart Features

Induction cooktops often come with advanced technology, like touchscreen controls that feel like using a smartphone. These smart features appeal to tech-savvy cooks, though greasy fingers can make touch controls less convenient compared to traditional knobs.

Affordability

While high-end induction ranges from brands like Miele can be pricey, entry-level models from brands like Frigidaire start around $1,300, making induction accessible for many budgets.

The Drawbacks of Induction Cooking

Cookware Compatibility

Induction requires pots and pans with a high iron content, like enameled cast iron or certain stainless steel. A simple magnet test—if a magnet sticks to the pan’s bottom, it’s compatible—can confirm suitability. Pans with mixed metals or low iron content may cause buzzing noises, signaling they’re not ideal. Raw cast iron, while compatible, should be used cautiously to avoid scratching the cooktop’s glass surface.

Learning Curve

The technology can feel unfamiliar at first, especially for those used to gas or electric. Touchscreen controls, while sleek, may require clean, dry hands to operate effectively, which can be inconvenient during messy cooking sessions.

Health Considerations

Induction cooktops emit an electromagnetic field, which may interfere with pacemakers or other implanted cardiac devices. If you or a household member has such a device, consult a doctor before using induction.

Is Induction Right for You?

Induction cooking offers unmatched speed, safety, and efficiency, making it a favorite among home cooks and professional chefs alike. Its precise control and easy cleanup are perfect for busy kitchens, while its cool operation and consistent heating suit warm climates or airy spaces. However, it requires compatible cookware, and the upfront cost or health concerns may be dealbreakers for some.

To see induction cooktops in action, check out Designer Appliances’ hands-on induction cooking video featuring Fisher & Paykel or browse their Instagram for real-world kitchen inspiration. For a curated list of top induction stoves and cooktops, visit their website.

If you’re ready for a smarter, safer, and more responsive cooking experience, induction might just be the perfect addition to your kitchen.

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