Our kitchen experts reviewed 35 induction cooktops from popular brands including Bosch, Fisher & Paykel, Smeg, Westinghouse, AEG and more
We tested models ranging in price from $799 through to $5699
We rate performance by assessing how well they cook on low and high heat, as well as their turn-down performance. We also assess how easy they are to use
Induction cooktops are often praised for their fast heating power, precise temperature control and sleek design and many people consider them an essential part of a modern kitchen.
Unlike ceramic cooktops that heat the cooktop and then the pan, induction uses electromagnetic energy to heat the cookware directly, meaning faster cooking and less wasted heat and energy.
Induction cooktops also only heat when a compatible pan is present, reducing the risks of kitchen accidents compared to gas and ceramic cooktops.
While there’s no doubt that induction cooktops can be quite pricey (the most expensive one we’ve tested is the Miele KM 7575-2 FL at $5699), CHOICE testing has found that you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to reap the benefits of induction cooking.
Our expert testers have put 35 induction cooktops through their paces in our labs – and there are a few cheaper models costing less than $1300 that get their tick of approval.
CHOICE kitchen lab experts use a range of heat settings to test the performance of induction cooktops. We cook three dishes that are designed to assess if the cooktop can cook reliably on low and high heats, and in situations when you need to adjust the heat from high to low quickly.
Our testers also give each cooktop an ease of use score. This score takes into consideration the controls – their settings, the way they are positioned and whether you can easily tell which control is associated with which zone. We also consider the size and type of cooking zones as well as their positioning.
And finally, we assess how easy the cooktop is to clean, although induction cooktops usually excel in this area with frameless designs and touch controls allowing for seamless wiping.
How to choose an induction cooktop that’s right for you
If you’re looking to upgrade to an induction cooktop, CHOICE home economist Fiona Mair says you should consider the size of cooktop you require, the layout of the cooking zones and power requirements for installation.
“If you’re new to induction cooking you’ll need to check if your existing cookware is induction compatible. If not, you’ll need to factor in the cost for new cookware into your budget,” Fiona advises.
“Features like auto heat-up, boost and automatic pan detection are useful but it’s important that the cooking zones accommodate the cookware you use and that the controls are easy to use and understand.”
Do your research and consider installation costs
In some cases, induction cooktops will require upgrades to your home power connections to cater to their increased energy usage. While normal home plugs are generally a 10Amp (A) connection, induction cooktops may require a 20A, 32A or even 42A connection.
If rewiring is not possible or too expensive for your budget, there are some low-current induction cooktops to consider – and some of them are even on our list of low-cost high scorers. These cooktops are designed to operate on a single-phase, standard household electricity supply.
If rewiring is not possible or too expensive for your budget, there are some low-current induction cooktops to consider
Regardless, you’ll need to hire a licensed electrician to install your induction cooktop. The cost for installation will depend on the power requirements and how difficult it is to install a dedicated circuit from the main board in your home to the kitchen.
It’s also important to follow the required ventilation dimensions when installing as induction cooktops generate a lot of heat.
If you’re looking to upgrade to an induction cooktop or replace an existing one, but you don’t want to part with a lot of cash, check out these options.
We’ve rounded up seven induction cooktop models for you to consider. While they don’t receive recommended status from our experts, they all score very well overall and our experts say they are definitely worth considering. They all cost under $1300 but if you shop around it’s likely you could bag a bargain and pick one up for under $1000.
Consider becoming a CHOICE member to access these results and our full induction cooktop reviews. Plus, you’ll also get access to reviews for more than 200 other product categories.
Rebecca Ciaramidaro is a Content producer in the Household team at CHOICE. Rebecca writes about a wide range of children's and household products, ranging from cots and strollers to ovens, BBQs, espresso machines and electric blankets. And also grocery items such as nappies, sanitary pads and laundry detergents.
Previously at CHOICE, Rebecca worked as a Test officer in the kitchen lab.
Rebecca has a Bachelor of Science (Nutrition and Food) from the University of Western Sydney.
Find Rebecca on LinkedIn.
Rebecca Ciaramidaro is a Content producer in the Household team at CHOICE. Rebecca writes about a wide range of children's and household products, ranging from cots and strollers to ovens, BBQs, espresso machines and electric blankets. And also grocery items such as nappies, sanitary pads and laundry detergents.
Previously at CHOICE, Rebecca worked as a Test officer in the kitchen lab.
Rebecca has a Bachelor of Science (Nutrition and Food) from the University of Western Sydney.
Find Rebecca on LinkedIn.
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