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How it works
A coil under the glass makes a magnetic field that heats a magnetic pan directly. The cooktop itself stays much cooler, and heat changes almost instantly, like gas.
ENERGY STAR puts induction at about 5 to 10% more efficient than conventional electric cooktops and about three times as efficient as gas. Gas burners deliver roughly a third of their energy to the food; induction, about 85%.
Start with a portable burner
A single 1,800 W portable induction burner plugs into a standard 120 V outlet. It boils water fast, handles a skillet or a pot of pasta, and tells you within a week whether you like cooking this way. Plug it into its own outlet: 1,800 W uses most of a 15 A kitchen circuit, so don’t run a kettle or toaster on the same one.
Full ranges
A full induction range usually needs a 240 V, 40 or 50 A circuit, which an electrician installs. A newer option is the battery-equipped induction range from startups such as Copper and Impulse: it plugs into a regular 120 V outlet and stores energy in a built-in battery for full-power cooking. They cost more, but can avoid electrical work when you’re replacing a gas range.
Pans
If a magnet sticks firmly to the bottom of a pan, it works on induction. Cast iron, enameled cast iron, carbon steel and most clad stainless steel do; aluminum, copper, glass and most ceramic pans don’t, unless they have a magnetic base. Cookware guide
Picks
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Duxtop 9600LS portable induction cooktop
Trying induction for under the price of a pan set
- 1,800 W on a standard 120 V outlet
- Touch controls, timer
The common first induction burner; boils water faster than most gas burners.
Watch for: Uses most of a 15 A circuit, so don't share the outlet with a kettle.
Nuwave PIC Pro
Precise low temperatures
- 1,800 W
- Fine temperature steps
Good for simmering and melting, where cheap burners pulse on and off.
Watch for: The cooking zone is small for big pans.
Duxtop double induction cooktop
Two pans at once on 120 V
- Two zones sharing 1,800 W
Two zones from one standard outlet.
Watch for: Both zones share the power, so each gets less when both run.
Cuisinart Multiclad Pro stainless set
Cookware that works on induction
- Tri-ply stainless
- Induction compatible
A magnetic base is what induction needs. This set has one at a fair price.
Watch for: Test any pan with a magnet: if it sticks firmly to the base, it works.
Lodge cast iron skillet
Cheapest induction-ready pan
- Cast iron, works on all cooktops
Works on induction and lasts decades.
Watch for: Lift, don't slide, to avoid scratching the glass.
Induction interface disk
Using a favorite pan that isn't magnetic
- Steel plate that heats up and passes heat to the pan
Lets you keep one non-magnetic pan, like a moka pot.
Watch for: Slower and less efficient than a magnetic pan.