Checklist

If you are thinking of buying an induction cooktop, here's what to consider.

Features

• Safety sensors: These monitor the temperature of the bottom of the cookware. So if an empty pan’s left sitting on a zone that’s "on", the sensor adjusts the power output to avoid damaging the cookware or the cooking zone.
• Automatic switch-off: If a zone’s not in use, this feature switches it off after a pre-set time.
• Power boost: A “boost” feature heats food or liquid quickly at the highest setting and then automatically reduces the heat to a pre-selected lower setting.
• Residual-heat indicator: This is a light that stays on until the temperature gets down to a safe level.
• Protection against overflows: The hob may shut down with a “beep” if a pan overflows on to the buttons. Remove the overflow, then begin cooking again.
• Pan detection: When you remove a pan from the cooking zone, the zone stops operating – and a display symbol appears, telling you what’s happened (when you put the pan back the symbol disappears and cooking resumes). If you try to use cookware that’s not suitable, yet another display symbol lets you know what you’ve done (and after a short period the zone switches itself off). See How they work for more about cookware.
• Timers: For each cooking zone. Some models have separate timers for general kitchen use.
• Memory: Allows you to programme the full cooking cycle for a particular preparation.
• Auto heat-up: Allows the cooking zone to heat to a higher setting, then automatically turn down to a preset setting after a certain amount of time. This is handy if you’re cooking rice using the absorption method and want to bring it to the boil initially and then simmer.
• Keep warm function: A very low simmer setting that can be used to keep food warm.
   

Installation issues

Induction cooktops need to be specially installed. The electronics shouldn’t be exposed to significant amounts of heat during cooking – and so they usually come with fan-cooled “heat sinks” to disperse the heat. (You may hear some noise from the heat-sink fans during and after cooking.)

Adequate ventilation space is also essential. The manufacturer’s installation dimensions must be carefully followed.

Not all induction cooktops can safely be installed above every brand of under-bench oven. Check the installation instructions to see which combinations are acceptable.

Tip: Be aware that manufacturers may try to steer you towards using one of their ovens, even though other brands would work fine.

Because they heat so quickly, these cooktops draw plenty of energy. A normal power socket has a 10-amp connection, but an induction cooktop may require a connection of 20, 32 or even 42 amps. This must be hard-wired by a licensed electrician (the cost will depend on how difficult it is to install a dedicated circuit between the main power board and the kitchen).

Noise

You sometimes hear whistling or cracking sounds (especially if you’re using multi-layered saucepans) … humming when you use high power levels … and clicking when zones turn “on” or “off” or change their power levels. This is all perfectly normal!

How cheap to run?

The sales talk highlights induction cooktops’ efficiency and cost savings – but when we compared them with a ceramic cooktop they weren’t any cheaper to run over the same period of time.

Because it boils water in seconds, an induction cooktop may save a little energy. But the purchase price is high. And if you don't have suitable cookware there's the added expense of new pots and pans.