The world we live in is dynamic and as such ever-changing. It is therefore not surprising when advancements – in various sectors of technology are made. Just as it was when the LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas) Cookers and the Electric Cookers emerged, the Induction Cooktops are fast becoming popular in Indian homes.
The Induction Cooktops offers vast improvements and increased efficiency as compared to the traditional methods of cooking. However, as the saying goes – “there are always two sides of a coin”, the Induction Cooktop also has its cons.
Perhaps you want to replace a broken cooker, get an improved one or a brand new cooker for your recently furnished kitchen, and you’ve heard about the famous Induction Cooktop and you want to know what it’s all about?
Sit tight then, because you are in the right place!
All the information you need on Induction Cooktops would be provided here. We would also guide you on how to choose an Induction Cooktop that would suit your preference and also be a perfect fit for your kitchen style.
What is an Induction Cooktop?
An Induction Cooktop is a flat surface cooktop that offers rapid heating, safer cooking operations, swift response rates and provides a streamlined, modern cooking experience in your homes.
How does it work?
According to Wikipedia, “Induction Cooking is performed using direct induction heating of cooking vessels, rather than relying on indirect radiation, convection or thermal conduction” – as seen in most traditional cooking methods.
Induction Cooktops utilize a magnetic reaction to generate heat by creating an electromagnetic environment, between your cooking pans and the induction heating zones. This is the reason why the surface of the cooktop doesn’t actually heat up. It is however important to note, that this doesn’t apply to the bottom of the Induction Cooktop – it heats up and as such when it is touched, can cause a burn.
1. Three main types of Induction Cooktops
Built-in Cooktops
These cooktops are mounted on kitchen platforms and as such cannot be moved from place to place. Most of them have at least 2 cooking zones and are ideal for medium to large families. It is however important to note, that this type of cooktop isn’t popular in the Indian market.
Compact or Portable Cooktops
This is the most popular type of cooktop in the Indian market. They are however smaller appliances with a single cooking zone and ideal for students, individuals, couples and small families.
As the name implies, it can be easily carried from place to place comfortably and this is why it is preferred to the other models of Induction Cooktops.
Freestanding Induction Cooktops
These are freestanding units and as such require some space to stand. They are however not portable due to their hefty weight and large size. On the brighter side, this type of cooktop comes with electric oven units, thereby providing the user ample options to choose from. You can decide to bake, cook or stir-fry your meals, according to your preference.
This model is however pricy and isn’t quite popular yet in India.
Induction Cooktop Styles
Finding the right Induction Cooktop that would be a perfect fit for your kitchen style has is now a whole lot easier, because Induction Cooktops are becoming increasingly popular and as such, there are quite a lot of options to pick from.
2. Why should you use an Induction Cooktop?
Seals in Food Nutrients
It is common knowledge that prolonged and persistent heating denatures nutrients. Most traditional cooking methods employ direct flame heating, and this causes food to lose vital minerals and nutrients.
Smart Cooking Options
It is impossible to accidentally leave your induction cooktop on after you have removed your cookware because most Induction Cooktop models, come with sensors that shuts off the power when not in use – no pot, no heat (This principle was explained in the aforementioned: “How does it work?” section)
Also, heating comes on and goes off almost immediately after thus, preventing cases of burns by accidentally touching a part of a cooker that was on not so long ago.
Fast Heat-up Times
Due to the electromagnetic reaction created between the heating zone and the cookware, Induction Cookers do not lose heat by the convectional ways of heat transfer as seen in traditional cooking methods. This not only causes food to cook faster but also conserves energy, thereby maintaining a comfortable cooking environment.
Easy to Maintain
Induction Cooktops are also very easy to clean and maintain, thereby ensuring durability and an improved cooking experience.
Safer to Use
The Induction Cooktops function without flames and as such prevent domestic hazards from occurring in our homes.
3. Demerits of Induction Cooking
Price-wise, Induction Cooktops are generally more expensive than traditional cooking methods. However, in the long run, Induction Cooktops are worth every penny spent on them because they are energy efficient.
Cookware choices are limited when it comes to Induction Cooktops. You can only use Carbon steel, cast iron and some stainless steel cookware.
Your cookware would also require a flat base. Cooking with a round base wok would therefore require an induction wok adapter.
Induction Cooktops also require electricity to power them therefore – no electricity, no cooking.
Also, due to the increased rates that Induction Cooktops cook, early cooking preparations would have to be made; like cutting your vegetables and the likes.
4. Factors to Consider when buying an Induction Cooktop
- Size (of and your kitchen and family)
- Number of Cooking Zones
- Power Consumption (otherwise known as Wattage – it’s advisable to look for a cooker that comes with 2000W and above power consumption)
- Induction Coil Quality
- Cost and Warranty
- Improved Features (Child-lock safety, Pre-set cooking time, Touch Controls, Pre-set menu, Overflow protection, Auto shut feature and Pan detection)
Now to the icing on the cake;
Top 5 Induction Cookers in India (Specifications, Pros and Cons)
1) Philips Viva Collection HD4928/01 2100W Induction Cooktop (Black)
This Induction Cooktop is the top pick from the list of the best Induction Cooktops in India. It requires no installation and as such, can be used directly by plugging it into an electrical socket. The electro-magnetic induction technology as explained in the aforementioned section, ensures a high degree of heating efficiency – when compared to the LPG cookers.
This Induction Cooktop comes with a smart preset timer, that enables you to set the time between 0-3 hours. The touch panel enables you to control your cooking comfortably to suit your preference.
Philips cares about your cooking environment and as such, has designed this product to be eco-friendly. The appliance was also ideally programmed to suit Indian use.
Pros:
- High efficiency
- Eco-friendly
- Fast cooking times (2100W)
- Digital touch control panel
- High quality glass panel
Cons:
- Consumes electricity
- Controls take time to master
- No voltage regulator
- Produces noise
2) iBell Cloud 850Y 2000W Induction Cooker (Black)
iBell Induction Cooktop is fresh to this field of manufacturing. However, this Induction Cooktop has topped several lists and is among the best in terms of quality. This Induction Cooktop is not only powerful but also has excellent features.
The press button controls, are very easy to operate and it also comes with an accurate timer which helps you save both fuel and time. This appliance has a high quality crystal glass top, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures. It can also adapt to high voltage fluctuations.
This Induction Cooktop also comes with preset menus and manual operation controls. It has an excellent auto shut-off feature that takes effect when it senses the absence of a cookware for more than a minute.
The Induction Cooktop is also light and can be comfortably carried for outdoor activities.
Pros:
- User-friendly
- High quality coils
- 4 Digital LED display
Cons:
- Noise production
- Lack of specific functions like; soup preparation
- Non-availability of service centers
3) Pigeon by Stove Kraft Cruise 1800W Induction Cooktop (Black)
This Induction Cooktop is popularly used by the younger generation as opposed to the LPG cookers. Pigeon Induction Cooktop is one of the safest Cooktops available in the Indian market today.
The 7-segment LED display, presents a vast selection of menus which ensures stress-free cooking. The feather-touch button feature also prevents water from entering the inner parts of the appliance.
The dual-heat sensor technology, makes the Induction Cooktop efficient in heating. The quality electrical parts also ensures protection against short circuits, and the preset menus allows you to cook a vast number of Indian delicacies with ease.
The appliance also an extra long cord, with a lenght of 1.2 meters. It also has a 220V power input.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly
- Easy to use and maintain
- Fast and efficient
Cons:
- Consumes Electricity
- Limited kitchen utensils usage
4) Usha Cook Joy 3616 1600W Induction Cooktop (Black)
The Usha brand is one of the most reputed and durable consumer brands in the Indian market. This Induction Cooktop is ideal for students, bachelors and small families. It is comfortable to use, timely and energy saving.
The auto power saving mode feature, prevents the appliance from over heating. It also has a pan sensor technology that not only saves power, but also prevents unnecessary accidents from happening whilst and after cooking. This Induction cooktop comes with 5 preset menus and additional manual controls, that allows you cook a variety of dishes.
This appliance can also withstand high voltage and fluctuations – up to 1500V, due to the presence of a metal code varistor. The anti-skid feet feature prevents your cookware from falling or sliding off, whilst you are frying your favorite snacks. This Induction Cooktop can also handle a variety of cookware materials, including your cast iron pots.
Pros:
- Attractive design
- Variable temperature and timer settings
- Power saving intelligence
Cons:
- A non-durable plastic body
- Has a noisy fan
- Instruction manuals are difficult to understand
5) Prestige PIC 20 1200W Induction Cooktop with Push Button (Black)
Prestige is a renowned name in the manufacturing of cooking appliances. Every Indian kitchen would have at least one Prestige product.
The electro-magnetic technology of this cooktop ensures fast heating times and a variety of flat-bottomed cookwares can be used on this appliance. It has easy-to-understand cooking controls and it's design is simply an elegance to behold!
The power saving technology ensures the monitoring of the temperature and adjusts the power, based on the size of the cookware. The automatic voltage regulator protects the appliance from electrical surges, and it automatically switches off when not in use for a certain period of time.
The appliance is easy to maintain and has a digital control panel. It was specially manufactured by Prestige with the ideal Indian cooking patterns in mind.
Product dimensions:
36cm (Length) × 26cm (Width) × 6cm (Height)
Weight: 2.2kg, Voltage: 230V, Wattage: 1200W
Pros:
- Compact and portable
- Auto magnetic wall
- Power saving technology
- Digital control panel
Cons:
- Reduced flexibility due to short lead wire
- Poor customer service and packaging
- Longer cooking time (1200W)
NOTE: All aforementioned Induction Cooktops are available on Amazon.
Conclusion
Amidst the various disadvantages of the Induction Cooktop, it is still a preferred option to save money and time – especially with the busy schedules of our modern-day lifestyles. Moreover, they are more efficient and safer to use when compared to traditional cooking methods.
If after going through this and you still have concerns or questions regarding Induction Cooktops, share them with us in the comment section. We would shed more light on them as soon as we can!