The Difference Between an Induction and Electric Cooktop, Plus How to Choose the One for You

Most homes in the United States are outfitted with a gas or electric stove, but increasingly, induction cooktops are beginning to inch their way in. Induction cooktops look like electric cooktops but have a few key differences that make them unique. We talked to experts to find out what the differences are and what you should consider before deciding on this modern kitchen appliance.

What Is an Induction Cooktop?

An induction cooktop features copper coils underneath a glass surface. These coils conduct electromagnetic energy to heat compatible pots and pans that are placed on top of the cooktop.

"Most 30-inch induction cooktops have four identified areas where cooking can take place," says Wesley Sirois, virtual appliance expert for Frontdoor. "Unlike standard electric cooktops, the glass surface does not get hot. The induction cooking area is not activated unless a compatible pot or pan is placed on it."

Compatible Cookware

Induction-compatible cookware has to be magnetic for it to work, meaning that it's made with a ferrous material that interacts with the electromagnetic field generated under the surface. Stainless steel, cast iron, and enameled cast iron cookware are all compatible with an induction cooktop.

If you don't have compatible cookware, you won't feel any heat when the cooktop is turned on. "If the cooking area is turned on with no pot or pan, no heat is generated," says Sirois. "When the electromagnetic field is active under the glass, the cooking energy is transferred to the pot or pan, causing it to heat up rapidly and cook the food at a quick pace."

Induction Cooktop Pros and Cons

Induction cooktops offer fast cooking, easy cleanup, and more, but also have some drawbacks.

Pros

Fans of induction cooking have several reasons why they love to use this kind of cooktop. These include:

• Fast cooking
• Easy cleanup
• Precise temperature control
• Energy efficiency
• Overall safety due to cooler surfaces while cooking

"Induction cooktops have many advantages that make cooking easier," says Bree Lemmen, Whirlpool Kitchen Brand Manager. "In addition to providing a faster cooking option, induction cooktops also provide an easier clean-up process thanks to a flat cooking surface without grates or burners. Plus, the glass cooktop stays cooler during cooking, which also cuts down cleanup time. Cooking temperatures can also be quickly adjusted on induction cooktops."

Cons

The biggest disadvantage to using an induction cooktop is that it only works with specific cookware. You'll either need to purchase new pots and pans or an induction converter disc. Other cons include:

• Higher initial appliance costs
• Switching from gas to induction can be costly
• Unfamiliar sounds occur during cooking
• Induction cooking comes with a learning curve

"Cooking with induction takes some getting used to. There is no visible glow under the glass as there is with a standard cooking element, so the user does not know if a cooking area is turned on," says Sirois. "Some manufacturers now provide a simulated flame pattern when the electromagnetic field is energized, so the user can readily identify that the field is on. "

What Is an Electric Cooktop?

Electric cooktops, also known as radiant cooktops, have metal coils underneath a glass surface that conduct an electrical current to radiate heat. In most American homes, kitchens are usually outfitted with either a gas or electric stove, making them fairly common in kitchen design. Any type of cookware can be used on an electric cooktop because heat is radiated through the surface through a heating element—this also means that the surface can get hot no matter what is on it.

Electric Cooktop Pros and Cons

Electric cooktops offer easy installation and are compatible with all types of cookware, but they don't have all the advantages that induction cooktops provide.

Pros

The advantages of an electric cooktop include:

• Easy cleanup
• Fewer up-front appliance costs
• Easy installation
• All cookware is compatible

"Similar to induction cooktops, electric cooktops tend to provide an easier clean-up process because of their smooth, flat surface—this stable surface is also great for pots and pans," says Lemmen. "Another major benefit of any electric stovetop is the easy installation process, which only requires a grounded outlet to install."

Cons

Electric cooktops stay hot due to residual heat from the electronic heating element underneath the surface. Other disadvantages include:

• Slower response time with heating and cooling
• Longer cooking times
• Less precise temperature control

"Compared to induction cooktops, radiant and coil electric cooktops take more time to heat up and cool down," Lemmen says. "As such, heat loss is more frequent with electric cooktops, and you must wait until the surface of electric cooktops has cooled to clean completely."

The Key Differences Between an Induction vs. Electric Cooktop

The main differences between these two types of cooktops is the heating element and cookware used:

• Heating element: Induction cooktops feature a copper coil that conducts electromagnetic energy, while electric cooktops have a metal coil that heats up via electricity running through them.
• Cookware: The induction cooktop only heats the cookware, while an electric cooktop heats the surface of the cooktop. Because of this key difference, the type of cookware you use matters greatly.

Induction cooktops "turn pots and pans into their own heat source using electromagnetic energy that interacts directly with compatible cookware," says Lemmen. "In turn, induction cooktops cook faster because the heat doesn’t have to transfer through a cooking surface as well."

With electric cooktops, radiant heat is transferred through the surface to the cookware—this is why the surface of an electric cooktop will be hot to the touch versus an induction cooktop.

What to Consider When Deciding Between an Induction vs. Electric Cooktop

If you're debating whether to stick with the familiar electric cooktop or spring for an induction cooktop, you'll want to keep the following points in mind.

Your Existing Cookware

If you are keeping an electric cooktop, you can use any type of cookware. But if you are buying an induction cooktop, you may have to purchase new cookware. If you have stainless steel or cast iron pots and pans, this might not be a consideration. But if you own glass or copper cookware, you may need to replace your set. Or you can purchase induction converter discs to use between your old cookware and the cooktop to help transfer heat, but they may not be the most efficient method.

Upfront Costs

Electric cooktops are more affordable and easier to install initially. That convenience is often worthwhile if you are investing in a kitchen renovation or simply upgrading your appliances.

Heat Up and Cool Down Time

In general, induction cooktops heat up much faster than electric cooktops, leading to faster cooking. Because induction cooktops only heat the cookware, these cooktops cool down much faster than electric ones, as well.

"Cooking with an induction cooktop is the fastest way to cook," says Sirois. "Water boils at a much faster rate than a standard cooktop, and the lowering of heat reacts more quickly, mostly because the actual cooking heat is created within the cooking vessel, so no heat must transfer from under the glass."

Ease of Cleaning

Both types of flat cooktops are relatively easy to clean. Keep in mind that with an electric cooktop, spills have more of a chance of getting stuck or burned on when the cooktop heats up. Cleaning an induction cooktop is generally easier because the surface usually stays cool, meaning there's less burned food to deal with.