At a Glance:
Pros and Cons of Induction Cooktops
Top 4 36” Induction Cooktop Models on the Market
How to Get the Most Out of Your Induction Cooktop
For decades, there has been a constant battle between electric and gas cooktop users. Fans of gas cooking love how easily they can adjust the heat levels while electric cooktop proponents mention the environmental efficiency that comes with this option. However, a third contender is quickly taking up the market share for both electric and gas cooktops. Induction cooking is known for being both flexible and efficient while speeding up the cooking process.
Learn more about induction cooking and decide whether this option is best for you. If you have the space, look at some of the most popular 36” induction cooktop models available and choose which product would be best for your kitchen.
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What is an Induction Cooktop?
Both gas and electric heating elements create hot surfaces that homeowners can cook over. This is no different than the cavemen creating fire to prepare meals centuries ago. Induction cooking takes a different approach. This system uses magnetic currents to actively heat the pans that you cook with, thus cooking the food inside.
Induction is more energy-efficient than electricity or gas because it only uses enough energy to heat the pan as opposed to creating a generic hot surface. This efficiency also generates faster cooking times, which means water boils faster and meals are done sooner with induction cooking.
One of the best induction cooktop features is the safety that comes with using these stoves. After you remove the hot pan, the stove is cool to the touch, which means the cooktop is a safer way to prepare meals if you have curious kids. Many people who switch to induction stoves are happy with the results, especially once they get used to the faster cooking times.
Pros and Cons of Induction Cooktops
There are several pros and cons of embracing induction cooking in your home. While the pros can make cooking easier, this method of cooking isn’t for everyone. Here are a few things to consider.
Pros
✅ You can prepare meals faster. Spend more time eating and less time cooking.
✅ The cooktop is safe to touch. There is less risk of getting burned by a hot element.
✅ It uses less energy. Increased efficiency means you will use less electricity with every meal you make.
✅ They are easy to clean. It’s easier to wipe down a flat surface instead of dealing with burners, cast-iron grates, or electric rings.
Cons
❌ They are more expensive. Be prepared to pay more for induction systems.
❌ They require magnetic pans. Copper and aluminum pans will not work with induction stoves. Stainless steel and cast iron pans will work just fine.
❌ Cooking on induction comes with an adjustment period. You will have to watch your food carefully until you understand how quickly everything cooks.
Many of the cons of induction cooking only relate to the short term, while the benefits relate to the long run. Once you make the initial purchase, have the right pans, and know how the cooktop works, you can enjoy fast and efficient cooking for decades to come.
Top 4 36” Induction Cooktop Models on the Market
If you decide that induction technology is right for you, explore some of the top products available in today’s market. Here are four of the best-performing induction cooktops and the features that make people love them.
Frigidaire Professional® 36" Stainless Steel Induction Cooktop
This 36” induction cooktop is a great option if you want a standard appliance for your home. You can immediately see how the heating elements look different from the traditional burners used with electric and gas models. This model has five different zones where you can prepare your meals, including two that sync into one zones – which is ideal for cooking on a griddle.
You can read several reviews of Frigidaire induction appliances to learn more about the brand. One reviewer of this cooktop writes, “One of the primary reasons we bought this model over other induction cooktops is because it has knobs to set the temps instead of a touch screen. We find knobs easier to use and more reliable.”
Frigidaire Gallery® 36" Black Induction Cooktop
If you prefer standard heating elements where you can place your pots and pans, check out this 36” induction cooktop by Frigidaire Gallery. This model also has five cooking zones and two elements for a griddle, but they are displayed are circles for easier pan placement.
This model doesn’t utilize knobs but rather has a touchscreen for cooktop management. Some customers feel this design makes it easier to clean the appliance.
Café™ 36" Stainless Steel Induction Cooktop
Café is one of the fastest-growing appliance lines on the market and is a subset of GE. You can buy a 36” induction cooktop from this brand in either black or stainless steel. This allows you to customize your cooktop with other appliances and design elements in your home.
Several customer reviews rave about this induction cooktop. One buyer says, “We got the silver/grey version to contrast with our dark granite and it looks fabulous. The 36-inch version with the giant center pot boiler is amazing. We tested it multiple times and it will get a large pasta pot filled with water to a roiling boil in 3 minutes.”
Thermador® Freedom® 36" Dark Gray Induction Cooktop
Rounding out the list of top products on the market right now is this Thermador induction cooktop. You can immediately see how sleek this appliance is and how it was designed to elevate any kitchen. It has the largest fully usable cooking surface out of any 36” cooktop and has 56 different inductor elements to heat your food.
While this model also doesn’t use knobs to control the heating elements, Thermador has added Sapphire Glow® LEDs to easily adjust your cooktop in order to prepare perfect meals
How to Get the Most Out of Your Induction Cooktop
If you are worried about learning how to use your induction cooktop, know that there are plenty of resources to help you get used to these appliances. Here are a few ways to adapt to your new cooking surface and streamline the transition.
- Let a professional install the system for you. Some installation experts will walk you through how the cooktop works and you can ask any questions you have.
- Check which pans will work on your cooktop. Save yourself the frustration of trying to cook with a copper pan. Donate any pans that will no longer work on your cooktop. Also, check for brand rebates because some manufacturers will give away sets of pans to customers who buy specific products.
- Build healthy cleaning habits. Simply wipe down your cooktop with a damp cloth after every use to prevent buildup. You can also use dish soap or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.
- Test out your favorite meals. Practice makes perfect. Make some of your favorite dishes to see how the cooking time differs with an induction stove. Making these adjustments now will prevent you from burning food in the long run.
Most people feel comfortable with their induction cooktops within a month of installing them. The more you cook with induction, the easier it will be to use.
FAQ
Is induction technology safe?
Yes. Induction cooking is one of the safest ways to prepare food. This is because the heating elements themselves aren’t hot, which means you can touch them without the risk of burning yourself. You will still need to be careful when handling hot pans, though.
What is the technology using induction?
Induction cooking relies on magnets that react during the cooking process. This is why you need specific pans for an induction cooktop instead of using anything in your kitchen. If there isn’t a magnetic reaction then the pan won’t heat up and the food will stay cold.
Can you put cast iron on induction?
Yes. Both cast iron and stainless steel can be used on induction cooktops. Copper and aluminum pans will not work. A good way to tell if a pan will work on your induction cooktop is to hold a refrigerator magnet against it. If the magnet sticks, the pan should be okay to use.
Why Trust Spencers TV & Appliance?
Since 1973, Spencers TV & Appliance has grown to 10 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction has always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.
Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencer’s and see what you’re missing!
Shop Induction Cooktops at Spencers
At Spencers TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop induction cooktops online today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you find the right 36” induction cooktop for your home. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!
Learn More: Bosch Induction Range Review - Features vs. Price