At a Glance
The Science Behind Induction Cooktops
Differences Between Induction and Electric Cooktops
Why Trust Gerhard’s Appliances
Induction cooktops use electromagnetic energy to heat pots and pans directly, providing precise temperature control and faster cooking times.
They are highly energy-efficient since the heat is generated directly in the cookware, and their smooth surfaces make cleanup a breeze. However, they require compatible cookware, usually made of ferrous metals.
Choosing between induction and electric cooktops depends on your cooking habits, budget, and preference for efficiency and control. Both have unique advantages and understanding these can help you make an informed decision about your kitchen upgrade.
In this article, we explain the difference between induction and electric cooktop options and highlight some top-rated models to consider for your home.
Induction vs Electric: Choose Your Cooktop
Uncover the key differences between induction and electric cooktops. Visit Gerhard's Appliances for expert advice and a vast selection to choose the ideal cooktop for your culinary needs.
Shop Induction and Electric CooktopsThe Science Behind Induction Cooktops
Induction cooktops are a game-changing technology; for many, they are a complete mystery. We must understand how they work before deciding between an induction and an electric cooktop.
Induction cooktops generate heat uniquely by spinning an electrical current around a copper coil, creating a magnetic field. This field transfers energy directly to the metal in your cookware, ensuring fast, efficient cooking with precise temperature control.
These efficient cooktops use less energy than standard electric options, keeping your cooking surface cooler and wasting less heat into the air.
So, are all electric stoves induction-powered? No. Induction is an electric cooktop, but not all electric cooktops are powered by induction.
➝ Learn More: A Comprehensive Guide to Induction Stove Tops
Popular Induction Cooktops
Ready to explore induction cooktop options for your kitchen? Below, we highlight some top-selling models that will elevate your cooking experience.
Café 30” Flagstone Gray Induction Cooktop
Model #: (CHP95302MSS)
Shop Café 30" Gray Induction Cooktop
Eliminate the guesswork from cooking with this Café induction cooktop, which offers gourmet guided recipes with automatic temperature adjustments and cooking times for perfect results every time.
Synchronize the two 7” elements to create a large cooking surface, ideal for large pots and griddles. This stylish flagstone gray stovetop also features:
- Smart connectivity for remote control from your phone or Smart Home device
- Rapid and precise heat controls
- Intuitive touch controls for quick and easy temperature changes
- Timer settings for accurate cook times
⭐Featured Café #CHP95302MSS Review:
"I love this stove top!! Easy to clean, no burners. Scaling the heat up or down is so easy. I highly recommend this product!"
Samsung 30” Black Induction Cooktop
Model #: (NZ30A3060UK)
Shop Samsung 30" Black Induction Cooktop
As expected from Samsung, this award-winning cooktop is filled with an array of technical features and is a user-friendly introduction to induction cooking.
Precise temperature control and immediate response to changes help you control your cooking perfectly and prevent overspills, which lead to more cleaning.
Smart compatible with remote control options, this Samsung induction cooktop also offers:
- Power boost mode for ultra-fast boiling
- Smooth glass surface for easy cleaning
- One-touch safety lock to keep your family safe
⭐Featured Samsung #NZ30A3060UK Review:
"Very fast to boil water, beautiful looking, and so far build quality is very good too, no scratches even after several months of use with large pots."
Frigidaire Professional 36” Stainless Steel Induction Cooktop
Model #: (FPIC3677RF)
Shop Frigidaire Professional 36" Induction Cooktop
Bring innovative style to your kitchen with the Frigidaire induction cooktop, designed to settle any induction vs. electric debates with its fast-boiling capabilities.
Featuring professional-grade, heavy-duty knob controls, this cooktop eliminates the need to master complicated touch controls. Crafted with Smudge-Proof™ stainless steel, it significantly reduces cleaning chores, making it as practical as it is powerful.
This advanced cooktop also features the following:
- Convenient bridge element for using larger cookware and griddles
- Instant temperature control to prevent burning and overspilling
- Wide, 36” cooktop to easily juggle multiple dishes
- Unique element design for a sophisticated style
⭐Featured Frigidaire #FPIC3677RF Review:
"I had this cooktop installed about a month ago and love it so far. Boils water amazingly fast and heating adjustments are fine and instantaneous."
How Electric Cooktops Work
An electric cooktop uses radiant heat instead of electromagnetic transfer. It features a series of electrical coils that heat an element above for precise temperature cooking. The more electricity running through the coil, the more intense the heat will be generated.
Available at a slightly lower price point, an electric cooktop is often the best choice when looking to maximize your budget. As induction heat also requires you to use certain cookware, electric win the induction vs. electric battle for customers with incompatible pots and pans at home.
Best Electric Cooktops
Below, we explore luxury and affordable electric cooktop options with intuitive designs and powerful heating elements.
JennAir 30” Electric Downdraft Cooktop
Model #: (JED3430GS)
Shop JennAir 30" Electric Downdraft Cooktop
This electric option is a luxury cooktop with built-in 3-speed downdraft ventilation. It quickly carries steam, smoke, and odors away from your cooking surface before they release into your kitchen.
Providing a premium cooking surface, this JennAir electric cooktop features durable Oblivion ceramic glass with DuraFinish® glass protection to maintain its shine and provide easy clean-up.
With Euro-style die-cast knobs offering precise temperature control, this premium cooktop also includes:
- A dual-choice element for flexible cooking with larger pots and pans
- Hot indicator lights for greater family safety
- Responsive controls for fast temperature changes
When choosing between an electric glass-top range and an induction option, this powerful electric cooktop offers a premium experience.
LG 30” Black Electric Cooktop
Model #: (LEC3010SB)
Shop LG 30" Black Electric Cooktop
An easy wipe-clean cooktop with sensitive SmoothTouch™ controls, this affordable model lets you change your cooktop temperatures with a simple swipe.
The LG electric cooktop features bright heat illumination for safety and 5 powerful elements to keep up with busy cooks.
ADA-compliant for accessibility, a dedicated warming zone keeps your food ready to go as you finish other dishes. With steady heat technology to ensure even boiling and simmering, this stylish cooktop also includes:
- Automatic safety shut-off and cooktop locking option
- Flexible element to accommodate large pots and pans
- Lay-flat design for seamless kitchen style
⭐Featured LG #LCE3010SB Review:
"Have had the cooktop for about a month. Love the ease of use. Cleanup couldn't be easier. Burners heat so fast. Love the lockout feature."
KitchenAid 30” Stainless Steel Electric Downdraft Cooktop
Model #: (KCED600GSS)
Shop KitchenAid 30" Electric Downdraft Cooktop
This KitchenAid model is another powerful electric cooktop that can keep up with the electric vs. induction cooktop battle.
The KitchenAid electric cooktop features a powerful built-in downdraft ventilation system to quickly eliminate smoke, steam, and odors. Premium stainless steel knobs offer tactile controls that busy cooks prefer, providing a versatile and efficient cooking experience.
Using EvenHeat™ technology for a steady heat experience, 10-inch element options are ideal for larger cookware. With a hot surface indicator for family safety, this model also includes:
- UltraPower rings for rapid boiling and powerful heat
- Convenient melt setting for gentle heat
- A convertible option for vent-free ventilation
- Premium style for your upgraded kitchen
➝ Learn More: 7 Best Electric Cooktops
Differences Between Induction and Electric Cooktops
Besides the method of heat generation, there are a few key differences between induction vs electric stove options. Understanding the differences can help you decide which style is right for your home.
- Efficiency: Induction cooktops are around 10% more efficient than their electric counterparts in transferring heat to your cookware and losing less heat to the surrounding air. This makes them great for keeping your ongoing bills down and using fewer resources over the years.
- Cookware: A downside for some customers with incompatible cookware is that induction stove tops need cookware that will accept electromagnetic transfer for heat, such as magnetic stainless steel, iron, or nickel. Incompatible options include aluminum, glass, ceramic, and non-magnetic stainless-steel cookware.
- Cooking Speed: Both offer intense heat as you crank up the power; induction heat is instant, resulting in faster cooking and rapid boiling.
- Temperature Control: Both induction and electric cooktops allow you to select precise temperatures, but electric options take a little longer to heat up and cool down. Induction heat results from electromagnetic transfer, so the transfer instantly stops when you turn the heat down
- Safety Features: Glass cooktops can be dangerous, especially if you have little ones around. High-quality induction and electric cooktops include safety mechanisms such as lock-out buttons and emergency shut-off features
- Price Range: Commanding a higher price point, induction cooktops can be a more expensive initial outlay, although, for the same price, customers can often move into the luxury options of electric cooktops with a greater number of features. Balancing needs and budget are a personal decision for every customer with the help of our experienced sales staff to help navigate the options.
Find the Best Cooktop for Your Kitchen at Gerhard’s Appliances
At Gerhard’s Appliances, one of our customers' most common decisions when upgrading their kitchens is between induction and electric cooktops.
Both options offer powerful heat, precise temperature controls, and features like built-in downdraft ventilation. Our experienced staff is dedicated to helping you determine which option best suits your kitchen and cooking style.
No matter where you land in the induction vs. electric debate, our discount appliance store offers the best deals for all your cooking and appliance needs. Visit us today to find the perfect solution for your kitchen upgrade.
➝ Learn More: Spice Up Your Kitchen Game with a THOR Cooktop
Why Trust Gerhard’s Appliances
Gerhard's Appliances is the appliance store of choice in the greater Philadelphia area. It boasts an extensive array of home appliances, stunning showrooms, BBB accreditation, a Price Match Guarantee, and a steadfast dedication to customer satisfaction.
With over 75 years of being family-owned and operated, Gerhard's Appliances has built a solid reputation as a reliable and trustworthy appliance retailer. Our long-standing presence in the industry demonstrates our commitment to providing excellent products and customer service. Gerhard's Appliances offers a wide range of appliances including refrigerators, dishwashers, as well as cooking, outdoor, and laundry appliances. Whether customers are looking to upgrade their kitchen with a high-performance range or simply need a reliable washing machine, Gerhard's has over 80 top-quality brands to choose from. Shop with us today!
Shop Induction and Electric Cooktops at Gerhard’s
Discover a world of premium appliances and exceptional service at Gerhard's Appliances today! Visit our showrooms in Pennsylvania to explore the latest innovations from top brands. Our family-owned business has been unwaveringly committed to delivering top-notch appliances and exceptional service for nearly eight decades. Our friendly team of appliance professionals are always on hand to help you find the best induction or electric cooktop for your kitchen. Start your journey now by exploring our online catalog or calling our friendly team at 215-268-3779.