Induction Cooktops

Induction cooking: efficient and trendy, but expensive

Electric induction cooktops use a magnetic field to heat cookware rather than a cooking surface. Newspaper columnist James Dulley describes the process this way: "When a metal (iron or steel) pan is placed on the cooktop, this magnetic field passes through the pan causing the molecules to move, which creates heat in the pan, not the cooktop." Magnetic waves are not harmful to skin or other nonmagnetic items, and induction cooktops are energy efficient because less heat escapes into the room. Induction cooktops convert 86 percent of energy into heat for cooking, as opposed to 40 percent for gas cooktops and 52 percent for electric cooktops, according to an article at CNNMoney.com. They're also safer. If a child accidentally moves a pan, the pan heat immediately decreases, and the elements themselves stay much cooler than a traditional electric or gas burner.

Still, there are a few drawbacks. For starters, some users say their induction cooktops make a slight humming sound when in use. More importantly, induction cooktops require magnetic cookware to work. Cast iron and most kinds of stainless steel are okay, but not copper or aluminum. These cooktops are also more expensive on average than other types, starting at around $1,000.

The GE Profile PHP900DMBB (*Est. $1,200) is the top performer in one recent independent test, earning outstanding marks for its performance on both high- and low-heat settings. This 30-inch induction cooktop is made of black ceramic glass, sold with or without a stainless-steel frame. Its four induction burners range in size from 6 to 11 inches and in power from 1,800 to 3,700 watts, and each has 19 power settings for precise temperature control. Other features include touchpad controls with a child lockout, four individual hot-surface lights (one for each burner, rather than just one for the entire cooktop) and a sensor that automatically adjusts the heating element to the correct pan size. The cooktop comes with a one-year warranty.

We found about 25 user reviews of the GE Profile PHP900DMBB at Buzzillions.com and Amazon.com. Owners are enthusiastic about this cooktop's fast heating, superb temperature control and easy cleanup. They also appreciate the stay-cool induction burners; one user from Texas says they make a tremendous difference in the temperature of the kitchen and believes that the induction cooktop will pay for itself in reduced cooling costs. Most users find the touchpad controls easy to use, though one says they are less convenient than knobs. A few users mention a buzzing or humming noise when the cooktop is in use, although one user attributes the noise to the cookware rather than the cooktop itself. Some users also grumble about the need for ferrous (magnetic) cookware. In addition, we saw a couple of complaints about durability. One user says the cooktop scratches easily, even with careful use. Another owner reports that the cooktop has needed three major repairs in three years, one of which took more than two weeks to complete.

The Frigidaire Professional FPCC3085KS (*Est. $1,025) also performs very well in professional tests, with overall scores nearly as high as the GE Profile's and a price tag nearly $200 lower. This 30-inch induction cooktop is made of black ceramic glass with a stainless-steel frame and cast-metal control knobs. It has four heating elements: one dual-size burner that adjusts from 5 to 7 inches and from 750 to 1,800 watts, two 7-inch burners with 1,800 watts of power and one large 9-inch burner with 3,100 watts. Each burner has its own hot-surface indicator light, and a bridge element can combine two of the 7-inch burners into one to accommodate larger cookware. The Frigidaire cooktop has a one-year warranty.

We did not find many user reviews for the Frigidaire FPCC3085KS, but those we found are positive. Four users on Buzzillions.com and two on the Frigidaire website praise this cooktop's looks and performance, especially its quick heating and good temperature control. "I have never used a cooktop that maintains such constant temperatures," enthuses one reviewer. Most owners say the controls are easy to use, though one says the left front burner control "doesn't make sense to me." Also, several users note that the cooktop's surface is easy to clean. Overall, we found no serious complaints about this model.

The Whirlpool GCI3061XB (*Est. $1,025) also scores highly in independent tests; like other recommended induction cooktops, it gets excellent scores for its performance on both high and low heat. This 30-inch cooktop has a black ceramic surface that Whirlpool advertises as both durable and eco-friendly, "manufactured without the release of hazardous metals into the Earth." Its four elements range in size from 6 to 9 inches and in power from 1,400 to 3,200 watts, and the automatic pan detection feature senses when a cooking pan is seated on the burner. Touchpad controls, including a safety lock and four individual on/off indicators, are located on the front of the cooktop, which is backed by a one-year warranty.

We found only two user reviews for this cooktop at AJMadison.com. One user awards it a perfect 5-star rating, saying it is "intuitive to use and heats up very quickly." The other, however, gives it only 3 stars, saying that the cooktop broke down within two weeks of purchase.