If you’re looking high and low for a new cooktop, you’ve got plenty of options. There are a couple of different heating methods that cooktops use, which include electricity and gas; however, many aren’t aware that there’s a third option available to them known as induction. While each cooktop does have its own unique traits, and electric and gas cooking have served as the gold standard of most household kitchens, we wanted to highlight the increasingly dynamic and popular cooking method: induction. This style of cooktop has gained a lot of traction as of late due to shoppers seeking out more energy-efficient cooking methods. And like any major kitchen appliance purchase, it requires the proper amount of thoughtful consideration and research. To make your job just a little bit easier, follow along in our latest guide filled with the best induction cooktops and learn more about how you can instantly benefit from this unique style of cooking.
What is an Induction Cooktop?
Induction cooktops combine the appearance of an electric cooktop and the power of gas to produce heat directly to the pan or cookware that then passes the heating energy straight to the food being prepared. And since the cookware is directly being heated, you’ll have more control over the temperature and overall heating power.
Benefits of an Induction Cooktop
Along with precision heating, induction cooktops also boast faster cook times, increased safety features, and a higher level of control that simply can’t be matched by electric or standard gas models. They can be seamlessly paired with wall ovens or an existing range or can serve as the sole cooktop option for your kitchen. Investing in an induction cooktop very well could be the wisest decision for your home because not only do they ensure a more even and precise heat, but they can also save you plenty of funds along the way due to the cookware absorbing the cooking heat as opposed to the surface of your appliance ― meaning you’ll have this powerful kitchen appliance for many years to come.
Our Best Induction Cooktops
Now that you’re aware of just some of the many benefits that this type of kitchen appliance has to offer, our experts have picked out their top induction cooktop models based on size, heating elements, and advanced built-in features, that will be sure to serve as the perfect complement to your existing cooking repertoire.
Best Overall: Frigidaire Gallery® 36" Black Induction Cooktop (FGIC3666TB)
Induction cooking is incredibly efficient and fast, and with this Frigidaire Gallery induction cooktop, you’ll instantly fall in love with this new method of meal preparation. This Frigidaire Gallery cooktop features five powerful induction elements that deliver even heat every single time across the surface of your various-sized pans. Plus, this model’s easy-to-clean surface prevents spills and messes from burning onto the physical cooktop, making after-meal clean-ups a total breeze. And the best part, this Frigidaire induction cooktop comes equipped with Auto Sizing Pan Detection that automatically senses the size of your pan or dishware to only send precise heat to the desired range, so that your weekend pancakes come out fluffier and more delicious than ever.
Key Features:
- Auto Sizing™ Pan Detection
- True Temp Melt & Hold
- Easy-to-clean, safe surface
- Approved for Frigidaire Electric Wall Ovens
Best Value: Frigidaire® 30" Black Induction Cooktop (FFIC3026TB)
If you’re looking to get the most for your buck, this Frigidaire induction cooktop is a fantastic value for anyone looking for an affordable solution to upgrade their modern cooking experience. This budget cooktop from Frigidaire combines the high-performance of a luxury induction cooktop with a good-looking price tag and state-of-the-art features like Auto Sizing Pan Detection that automatically senses the size of dishware to provide just the right amount of heat. This Frigidaire cooktop can melt and simmer perfectly on low without burning, fry, sear, and sauté with precision heat, and even better, it has integrated immediate temperature response that can effortlessly take your dish from a low simmer to a powerful boil.
Key Features:
- Auto Sizing™ Pan Detection
- Easy-to-clean, safe surface
- True Temp Melt & Hold
- Compatible with most stainless steel and cast-iron cookware
Best Splurge: Thermador® Masterpiece® 36" Dark Gray Induction Cooktop (CIT36XWB)
This luxuriously designed Thermador induction cooktop is a kitchen appliance that is undoubtedly worth the price and will completely reinforce your kitchen as the focal point of your home. This upper-tier single-surface induction cooktop comes equipped with Wi-Fi compatibilities via Home Connect, has a full-color touch-screen display, and 56 innovative inductor elements that accurately measure the temperature inside your cookware and provide the proper amount of heat for you to continue crafting your delicious dishes.
Key Features:
- Wi-Fi connectivity via Home Connect™
- Sapphire Glow™ LED embedded surface lights
- PowerBoost® option
- Cookware detection
Best for Fast Boil Induction Cooktop: GE Profile™ Series 30" Stainless Steel Built-in Touch Control Induction Cooktop (PHP9030SJSS)
When you cook with this GE Profile induction cooktop, you’ll experience a whole new level of rapid, precise heating with a cool-to-the-touch surface that’s extremely easy to keep clean. With this versatile induction cooktop, you’ll be able to control two separate 7-inch elements simultaneously to evenly heat larger cookware and harness the power to crank out stacks of grilled cheeses, burgers, quesadillas, pancakes, and so much more on-demand. And best of all, you’ll be able to cook even more efficiently thanks to elements that accurately heat to the size of your pan and conveniently shut off when no dishware is present.
Key Features:
- SyncBurners
- Control lock capability
- Pan presence & size sensor
- Red LED display
Best Smart Induction: Café™ 36" Flagstone Gray Induction Cooktop (CHP95362MSS)
If you're searching for a modern cooktop that’s loaded with groundbreaking cooking capabilities, look no further than this GE Café induction cooktop. With five powerful induction elements, Wi-Fi Connect, and Gourmet Guided Cooking that gathers and combines video-guided recipes from chefs and automatically adjusts the time, temperature, and cooking pace, this cooktop helps produce perfect results time after time. Plus, you’ll always have peace of mind in the kitchen thanks to versatile cooktop technology that senses the presence of cookware and turns off burners when any cookware is removed.
Key Features:
- Wi-Fi connectivity with Gourmet Guided Cooking
- Control lock mode
- Multi-element timer
- Touch/swipe surface element controls
Best 24” Induction Cooktop: Fisher & Paykel Series 9 24" Black Glass Induction Cooktop (CI244DTB4)
Looking for a quality, energy-efficient induction cooktop? Well, look no further than with this 24-inch model from Fisher and Paykel. With its premium styling and detail, this induction cooktop will seamlessly integrate into your kitchen for an impeccable aesthetic that you’ll enjoy for decades. And with powerful cooking features like PowerBoost and GentleHeat, you’ll be able to harness the power of both worlds and quickly deliver either very high or very low heat for the ultimate cooking convenience.
Key Features:
- PowerBoost & GentleHeat options
- Touch&Slide controls
- Easy-to-clean ceramic surface
- Child and pet safe
Why Trust East Coast Appliance?
Locally owned and operated since 1988, East Coast Appliance is the largest independent appliance dealer in Virginia. We sell it ALL — from new name-brand appliances to scratch-and-dent appliances to our very own refurbished appliances. Aside from our huge selection of every major brand and everyday low prices, what sets us apart from our competitors is that we service what we sell and that we are locally owned and operated with factory-trained associates. And if you’re a local, great news: East Coast Appliance is committed to providing the absolute lowest prices on the same available brand and model — simply bring in the ad of the local retail competitor while the lower price is in effect, and you'll receive your price match.
Shop Induction Cooktops at East Coast Appliance
There is a reason we are dubbed “The Discount King” — for unbeatable deals, shop the best induction cooktops online at East Coast Appliance. Our friendly associates are always happy to help you find all of your kitchen and home appliance needs, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our showrooms to see why we are the best appliance store in Virginia. Visit us today!
Learn More: GE Profile vs. Monogram Appliances Reviewed