A popular choice amongst casual cooks and professional gourmet chefs, induction hot plates are designed to make cooking safer in the kitchen. Technology is revamping almost everything we do in our daily lives; induction cooking is simply a side product of that effect. Induction hot plates heat up very fast with efficient energy consumption and aimed precision.
You can lower your monthly energy bills using the best induction hot plates in the market today. They heat up faster than electric or gas stovetops, saving time and energy along the cooking process.
An induction hot plate’s neat feature is that its cooking surface doesn’t get hot, making this cooking mode very safe to use around growing children.
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What’s an Induction Cooktop?
Induction cooktops have an electromagnetic field integrated into their design; this allows them to heat the cookware directly without any heat loss. Induction hot plates shorten your cooking time since the food ingredients are cooked much faster. The cooking surface stays cool and safe to touch through its use, a feature even the best electric or gas cooktops can’t deliver.
You can only use magnetic cookware on an induction cooktop because there has to be an electromagnetic reaction between ends. Magnetic cookware is kitchen equipment built using ferrous metals like cast iron or stainless steel. Any other type of cookware will be incompatible with this mode of heat transfer. Induction materials include glass, aluminum, and ceramic cookware; be sure to carry out a magnet test on the cookware before purchasing.
Reviews of The Best Induction Cooktop Ratings
Table of Contents
Here are top rated Induction Hot Plate by consumer reports
1 – Duxtop 9610LS Best Portable Induction Cooktop
This portable model is more than capable of handling all your cooking needs; this is an ideal model if you have a small kitchen or move around often. It can access 20 different temperature levels ranging from 100⁰F to 460⁰F; the induction hot plate has a power rating of 1800W and comes with a 5-feet power cable for connection to 120V outlet. The kitchen appliance is compatible with only induction-ready cookware like cast iron, enameled iron, cast aluminum, and coated stainless steel.
An auto-pan detection feature is embedded into its design; this automatically turns off the induction hub if there is no cookware on it. It goes off after 60 seconds without use or if the cookware isn’t compatible with the hot plate. The digital LCD touch control panel can be used to monitor the functionality and activate special features like the child-lock option.
Pros:
- Has 20 different temperature levels
- An inexpensive and high-performance model
- There is an in-built digital timer
- Power consumption matches the standard power rating
- Has a maximum power rating of 1800W
- 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons:
- Only one cooking zone
2 – Duxtop Secura 9100MC 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner
Next on our list is another portable model made by Duxtop; it’s incredibly compact and lightweight so that you can move it around for use anywhere. It has 15 power and temperature levels; you can switch between for cooking different meals to perfection. You can access the temperature levels in 20-degree increments from 140⁰F to 460⁰F; the power levels can be changed in 100-Watt increments from 200-1800W.
There is a digital control panel featured on the front, and you have access to buttons you can use to select different modes. The digital countdown timer can be used with both the power and temperature modes. The time can be set in 1-minute increments up to 170 minutes; there is a safety function that automatically turns off the cooktop after 60 seconds of no interaction.
Pros:
- Quick and efficient heat distribution
- Has 15 temperature and power levels
- Any standard power outlet, 120V, can power the model.
- Large display screen
- Easy control buttons
- Stays cool to touch
- Lightweight model
Cons:
- The cooling fan might seem a bit noisy.
3 – Duxtop 8100MC 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner
A well-designed stovetop, the Duxtop 8100MC, can be easily used through the digital buttons positioned on the control panel. There are ten pre programmed settings on the induction hob. The settings can be used in either power or temperature mode up to a maximum rating of 1800W and 460⁰F, respectively. This cooktop has several smart sensors; the auto-pan detection, high temperature, voltage, induction compatibility, and surface temperature sensors.
These sensors detect certain conditions and activate specific preset functions on the stovetop. The kitchen product is ideal for both novice and advanced cooks; it can be cleaned quickly because of its stay-cool heating surface. You can scrub off spills when cooking, without foods burning and sticking to it. The 6-ft power cord can be used to plug the induction hob into any standard power outlet.
Pros:
- Smart warning system for unstable voltages
- Impressively compact and portable
- Can access ten different temperature and power settings
- Comes with an error message system
- 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons:
- It can only accommodate small-sized to medium-sized cookware
4 – NuWave Precision Induction Cooktop 1300 Watts
This model is ideal for anyone who needs a cooktop that offers a much higher degree of precision than the regular models. There are 52 temperature settings on the device ranging from 100⁰F to 575⁰F; there are six default temperature modes featured on the control panel. You can also use the plus and minus buttons to change the temperature and timing settings.
There are safety features on the NuWave PIC, like the auto-pan shut-off function. This is perfect for a gourmet chef that requires specific temperatures to cook different dishes. You can use the 100 hours of programmable memory on the appliance to store your recipes. The cooktop has a clear display and easy-to-use control buttons on the front panel.
Pros:
- Consumes 70% less energy than gas or electric cooktops
- Superior temperature settings, 52 different levels
- Digital timer and overheat sensor is integrated for easy food monitoring
- Automatically shuts off whenever the cookware is removed.
- Has error detection features
Cons:
- A bit bulky
- No child-lock safety feature
5 – Rosewill RHAI-13001 Induction Cooker 1800 Watt, Induction Cooktop
Our final entry is the Rosewill RHAI-13001, a high-quality and cost-effective model designed to help you with your cooking needs at an affordable price. You have access to eight temperature settings ranging from 150⁰F to 450⁰F.
It’s a portable model that can be easily transported around different locations as needed. There is an LED screen featured on the sleek appliance; touch buttons are available on both sides of the display for toggling between functions and modes.
Pros:
- Heats ups quickly and efficiently.
- Small and large cookware can be used on this model.
- Offers eight temperature levels, with a maximum level of 450⁰F
- Constructed using a polished crystal material
- Ideal for light cooking
Cons:
- No automatic pan detection sensor
Induction Hot Plate – Buying Guide
If you are planning on purchasing an induction hot plate, you should know a few things before making the buying decision. There are several models in the market today; they all vary in terms of energy efficiency, performance, and price. Make use of the following factors to build a list of requirements for the ideal model that suits you.
Size of Cooking Surface:
The number of induction zones available on models ranges from 1 to 5; having multiple cooking zones can speed up the entire process. The body size of an induction hob depends on how many induction zones it has. It’s recommended that you go for a large model because of its air circulation system’s high efficiency.
Models with cramped zones are prone to shorter lifetime use; you can go for an induction hot plate with four zones. A model with a size ranging from 70 to 75cm can accommodate the four zones with ease. The zones often vary in diameter with some larger than 21cm; be sure to pick one with different sizes for flexibility when cooking.
Built-In or Portable Model:
You need to ascertain where and how you will be using the induction hot plate; it can either serve as the primary cooktop for your kitchen or something you can take along wherever you need it.
The latter are known as portable models, and they can be moved around for usage anywhere, provided there is an electrical socket. Built-in models are designed for permanent installation or integration with your kitchen cabinetry.
Temperature/Power Settings
This is probably the most crucial feature to consider when evaluating different induction hot plates. The best models are those that offer temperature or power settings in low adjustments or intervals. You should be able to decrease or increase the temperature precisely, depending on your cooking needs. If the induction hot plate is temperature-controlled, then it should be adjustable from 140-430⁰F to get the best cooking results.
For power-controlled models, the temperature output is based on the power rating on the model. High-end models can have a maximum power rating of 2100W while some have lower power ratings, with the maximum rating of such models being 1500W or 1700W.
Programmed Features
There are some incredibly useful features on induction hot plates; you can assess them to determine the ones of high-value to you. There are timer settings available on most models; this allows you to set the cooking time for any particular food you want. As soon as the timer counts down to zero, the induction automatically shuts itself off. This prevents food burning and allows you to save energy when cooking.
The induction hot plate can also come with pre programmed cooking menus. This simply points to defined temperatures and cooking time for each kind of cuisine; you can set such models to stir, boil, grill, fry, etc. Some even have a child lock mode embedded into their design and a safety cut-off mechanism, which automatically regulates the power and heat settings.
Induction Cooktops: Pros and Cons
Switching to induction cooking bears its advantages and drawbacks like other modes of cooking. It’s a popular form of cooking nowadays, let’s talk about its pros and cons.
Pros:
- Direct heat transfer to the cookware lowers food preparation times. It is much faster than cooking on gas or electric stovetops.
- It’s more cost-effective since it portrays efficient energy consumption and transfer; no energy is lost to the surroundings. This working mechanism also cancels out discomfort caused by heat transferred onto the environment.
- The cooking zones are safe to touch because the heat energy can only be transferred through magnetic materials. Any food ingredient that spills onto the heating zone doesn’t burn and stick to it. You can easily clean any food ingredients off the cooking zones.
- Superior levels of temperature controls are embedded into induction cooktops to deliver more precise and accurate heat adjustment settings.
Cons:
- The precision of their heat direction tends to damage non-stick coatings.
- Only magnetic cookware is compatible with this kind of heat transfer; any other material won’t conduct heat from the induction hot plate.
- Most owners notice buzzing sounds coming from the induction cooktop; this can become louder as you increase the temperature settings.
FAQs about Induction Cooktops
Are Induction Cooktops Safe?
It is the safest cooking technology you can have in your kitchen. There are smart sensors that automatically shut off the induction cooktop when not being used. You don’t have to worry about burning food, gas leakages, inhaling toxic fumes, or discomfort caused by heat transfer to the surroundings.
Are Induction Cooktops Easy To Use?
Induction hot plates are easy to clean, and you have access to better temperature control when cooking. These kitchen appliances are powered by electricity, so you don’t have to worry about refilling any cylinder or gas tank.
What Are The Best Induction Cooktop Brands?
Duxtop, NuWave, Cuisinart, and Rosewill are some of the best brands you can find on the market today. Be sure to compare the different control settings and features before settling on a specific model.
Conclusion
Even though they require a special kind of cookware, induction cooktops are more reliable than any other form of cooking. Be careful when using your induction cooktop because you can damage the appearance by scratching the surface or dropping something heavy. They are quite attractive and add to the beauty of your kitchen.
Getting a high-performance model and the appropriate cookware is an excellent investment for your kitchen. If you want more versatility and speed when cooking, then you should get an best induction cooktop.
