As induction cooking has become more and more popular, the number of induction cooktops from the leading brands has also increased dramatically. Different layouts, sizes, options, finishes and power outputs among other things make shopping for an induction cooktop a lengthy procedure for many. Which are the best induction cooktops on the market and which one suits your needs? We hope that the following review of several induction cooktop models will help you decide and choose one. Certain models and brands are available only in US or alternatively only in Europe. In the effort to create one of the most comprehensive induction cooktop reviews currently available, we included them all for your information.
AEG-Electrolux
This is the built-in 71cm wide MaxiSense cooktop from AEG Competence Line. Key features are 4 induction cooking zones with 2 powerful boosters, AEG power management that allows you to combine two cooking zones with a higher energy level, 9 stage digital power level display, electronic timer and minute minder for each cooking zone, acoustic timer signal and child safety control lock. Also has automatic switch-off function, residual heat display and stop-and-go function for short interruptions like answering a phone call or checking latest stock quotes. The price for the 78001KF AEG cooktop is £650.
If you are willing to spend few more pounds and have narrow countertops, consider the 88cm version of the above AEG-Electrolux induction cooktop. The infinitely controllable, responsive and energy efficient 3-in-line-zone MaxiSense induction cooktop, 98001KFSN is very slim line with no zone restrictions, Sleek design with luxury beveled edges offers an unrivalled elegant finish. Price is around £725.
Thermador
Thermador makes some of the best induction cooktops for US market. These feature reflective silver mirrored finish, to match other Thermador recently redesigned appliances. The 36″ cooktops are safe, easy to clean and offer proprietary 10-step power micro-adjustment feature, allowing for precise heating between zero and 25%, for superior performance of all your simmering needs. Thermador PowerBoost brings foods to the desired highest temperature in the shortest period of time. The silver mirrored finish is also available on Thermador 30″ induction cooktops. Price for 36″ cooktop is $3,000, while 30″ model sells for $2,050.
We couldn’t miss in our review this hybrid radiant induction cooktop by Thermador. It combines the convenient qualities of radiant cooking with the benefits of induction technology and is available in 30″ and 36″ versions. Easy-to-use controls function at 17 different power levels and offer PowerBoost feature. Price is between $2,800 and $3,100.
Miele
Miele induction cooktops top many reviews in Europe and made major inroads in US and Canada after KBIS 2008, where Miele showed two precision control induction cooktops – a 4-zone 30″ KM 5753 and a 5-zone 36″ KM 5773. Easy to use timing functions, multiple power boosters able to operate simultaneously to drastically reduce cooking times, cookware recognition and auto heat programs are among best features of these induction cooktops.
Other unique to Miele functions are Stop and Go to immediately reduce the power level of all active cooking zones to a simmer, Auto Heat-Up that gives an initial boost to the normal power output to bring the pan up to temperature rapidly, Programmable Functions which allow you to customize timer and power range, audible tones and safety locks, Hot Zone Control that recognizes when a pan is removed from an active zone to automatically turn the zone off.
The KM 5753 30″ four zone Miele cooktop is priced for $2,100, while the KM 5773 36″ five zone induction cooktop retails for $2,600.
GE Monogram
The GE Monogram electronic induction cooktops come in 4 stylish models – 36″ and 30″ widths in black or beige with stainless steel trim, offering some of the most powerful induction cooking in the industry.
With the 3,700 watt 11″ induction element, these induction cooktops provide precisely controlled, instantaneous heat across 19 different cooking settings. Embedded digital controls offer style and convenience. GE Digital Pan-Sensing technology detects the presence of pans made of iron materials, while Pan Size sensor automatically adjusts the heating element to the size of the pan. Warm Setting provides just enough heat to maintain an ideal serving temperature. Timer, Control-Lock capability and Hot-Surface indicator give you a peace of mind. 36″ electronic induction cooktops are priced from $2,350 to $2,650, while 30″ models sell from $1,850 to $2,150.
Diva De Provence
No review on induction cooktops is completed without mentioning Diva de Provence, which offers high end, state-of-the-art induction cooktops. Diva induction cooktops are available as 36″ 5-burner, 30″ 4-burner, 24″ 3-burner and 12″ 2-burner configurations, and are sold in a range from $2,700 to $3,600.
Besides producing what many consider to be the best induction cooktops, Diva also offers a tactile marking kit for the visually impaired chefs, enabling them enjoy great performance and functionality of induction cooking. The cooktops for visually impaired can be used with either raised letters or Braille symbols as well as 3M Bumpons to help indicate the burners. The tactile markings are placed under the controls, which are activated effortlessly when a finger is slid in an upward motion over the control.
Siemens
The unique Siemens touchSlider cooktops are operated by reacting to the touch of a hand, with each induction zone having a scale, similar to a laptop touch pad. Just glide a finger across the touchSlider control and the appropriate power level is activated, heating up the selected zone. There are two induction cooktops available with the touchSlider controls, the 80cm with four cooking zones, and 90 cm with five. Priced at $2,200 and $2,750 respectively. Key features include a boost function for high speed cooking, a child safety lock, and LED display and timer for all cooking zones with a switch off function, acoustic signal and two-stage residual heat indicator for each zone to indicate if they are above or below 50°C.
Viking
Viking induction cooktop has glass ceramic top with stainless steel frame and control panel. These Viking cooktops are very durable and the ceramic induction surface is scratch-resistant and easy to clean. Viking also provides childproof metal knobs. Other key features are MagneQuick induction power generators to utilize magnetic energy for superior power, responsiveness and efficiency, and Power Management system which speeds boil time for your favorite dishes as well as providing a quick simmer for sauces. Available in 30″ and 36″ models with 30″ wide cooktop priced at around $3,000 and 36″ at around $4,000.
Wolf
This stainless steel framed, 15″ wide Wolf induction cooktop offers modular design so it can be installed with multiple cooktop units. Child safety lock, easy-to-clean, scratch and impact resistant black ceramic glass surface, illuminated touch controls with graduated control lighting. Hi-power mode to boost power on rear element to 2,200 watts of maximum power output by diverting power from front element. Or use both induction elements evenly, with simultaneous operation at 1,800 watts each. Both elements also have True Simmer setting and Melt setting options. The most versatile and likely the best induction cooktop for its size. Price is around $1,000.
These 30″ and 36″ black ceramic glass Wolf induction cooktops come with a sleek stainless steel trim and Wolf traditional pan-sensing technology and lock mode for your family safety, as well as the high power boost and countdown timer features. The latest cooktops from Wolf, they provide plenty of power and performance. Cookware sensing feature doesn’t permit elements be energized without an induction-compatible pan on the cooktop surface. Temperature limiter ensures that safe operating temperature of ceramic glass is never exceeded. Other features are illuminated touch controls with graduated control lighting and adjustable sound frequency and volume, hot-surface indicator light in control panel and universal OFF to turn all elements off. Respective prices are around $2,200 and $2,800.
Electrolux
The second hybrid hob in our induction cooktop reviews is efficient and powerful Electrolux 36″ cooktop with two induction zones and three electric elements, offering precise temperature control, incredible cooking performance and flexibility with the 10″ induction zone boiling water in 90 seconds.
Key attributes include Power Assist function, Sabbath Mode, Hot Surface indicator lights, electronic touch controls for the most accurate temperature adjustment, up to 25 digital preset touch settings and Keep Warm feature. Price is $2,000.
Neff
The Series 5 induction cooktop from Neff, T4543 has black ceramic glass surface trimmed with stainless steel. The 60cm cooktop has 4 induction zones with power boost, memory function, LED display for each zone and LED timer for 2 zones with switch off function and acoustic signal. Cooking zone selection and temperature control is done via removable and easy to use Point & Twist magnetic central control. Two-stage residual heat indicator, child safety lock, safety cut-out facility, Keep Warm setting and timer. Price for this induction cooktop is £680. The 80cm 5-zone cooktop, T4583 sells for £870.
Kuppersbusch
The Kuppersbusch 8840.0F brings innovative technology and contemporary design into your kitchen and, in our opinion, Kuppersbusch induction cooktops must be included in every review. The 8840.0F has attractive, platinum color cooking surface, 4 induction plates with pan and pan size detection. Each electronically controlled plate gives you complete flexibility with power range from 50 watts to 2.8 kW. 4 pre-programmed cooking levels include weak, medium, strong and power boost. Automatic switch-off function, child safety lock. Price for this 80cm wide induction cooktop is € 1,900.
KitchenAid
KitchenAid induction cooktop from Architect Series II, KICU568SBL offers modern integrated touch-activated electronic controls and 9 heat-level settings from Keep Warm to Performance Boost, providing precise temperature control, utmost cooking flexibility and optimal cooking results. The powerful dual-zone center element has 3,600 /1,800 watts, left front and rear induction zones come with 1,800 watts each, and right front and rear elements has 2,200 and 1,400 watts respectively. Performance boost function, pan size detection, Keep Warm function, Power ON light and hot surface indicators. The price for this versatile KitchenAid cooktop from Architect Series II is $2,500.
De Dietrich
The mixed induction cooktops are rather unusual if not simply the best. Call them dual fuel hobs.
The first mixed induction hob, DTi721X is the 65cm wide induction gas cooktop with stainless steel trim, two induction heating zones at the front and two gas burners on the back. The front left is the 21cm induction zone with 3.1 kW and the front right is the 16cm induction zone with 2 kW, while the back left is the 1.5 kW gas burner and the back right is the 3.1 kW gas burner. Features include right hand electronic touch controls, digital display, 9 power levels per heating zone, 2 built-in programmable timers with up to 99 minutes, and child lock controls. Two induction heating zones have automatic pan detection, residual heat indicators, anti overflow system, anti overheat system and auto safety shut off. Two gas burners have gas safety cut off, automatic re-ignition and two cast iron pan supports. Price is about £550.
The second, DTi703X is induction radiant electric cooktop with two induction heating zones on the left and electric radiant zones on the right. Also 65cm wide, its black vitroceramic surface has stainless steel trim. Front electronic touch controls, digital display, 15 power levels and 4 built-in programmable independent timers with up to 99 minutes. Automatic pan detection, residual heat indicators, anti overflow system, anti overheat system and auto safety shut off. Special MEMO key remembers your cooking power and time. The front induction heating zone has power of 2.2 kW and the rear zone has 3.3 kW. The front radiant electric zone has 1.2 kW, while the rear one has 2.0 kW. Price is around € 620.
This is the review. Of course, new models appear frequently. You should, however, get an idea on looks and features of the cooktops. Induction is induction and many features are common among different manufacturers. Consider price, brand, power, unique features and design that fits your cooking style and that of your kitchen.