We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

The 7 Best Induction Cooktops of 2024

Cooking with magnets is the new cooking with gas

Collage of the GE Profile PHP9036DTBB 36-in 5 Elements Black Smart Induction Cooktop on a patterned peach background

The Spruce / Brian Kopinski

For any home chef looking to make the switch to induction appliances in their kitchen, an induction cooktop that offers the precision of gas cooking, and increased energy efficiency compared to your traditional electric and gas appliances, is a striking option. It can boil water quick and simmer a delicate sauce slow and steadily. We spoke with Laurie Klein, a former consumer test kitchen specialist at Hamilton Beach, who described what’s going on behind-the-scenes—because, induction cooktops are doing all of this with no open flame.

Induction cooktops use electricity like traditional glass ones, but that’s where the similarities end. "Induction cooking works through a magnetic field between the induction coils beneath the glass top and the ferrous (iron-containing) material in the cookware,” Klein notes. “Heat from induction is only produced in the pan itself, not in the glass top." According to her, the high-tech process results in more even cooking, better browning, and a reduced chance of burning.

We poured ourselves over induction cooktops from over a dozen brands, evaluating them for the number and configuration of cooking zones, cooking modes like warming and melting, and smart home features like voice controls and guided cooking. Cooktops that utilize induction technology are available in a range of sizes and styles, from portable, single-element units to ones that come equipped with five or more elements. We have top picks across the board.

What to Know Before You Get Started

  • Since induction cooktops rely on magnetic fields, they only work with cookware that’s made from ferrous metal like cast iron, stainless steel, and ceramic-clad iron. Not sure if your cookware will work? Klein has this advice: "Place a magnet on the bottom of your cookware; if it sticks, it is induction cooktop ready."
  • Induction cooktops are more expensive than radiant electric cooktops, but are available at a wide variety of price points. Single-burner, portable induction cooktops typically cost between $50 to $100. Full-sized induction cooktops cost between $500 to $700 for a budget model, and near $3,000 for high-end models.

For more guidance on shopping for an induction cooktop, see our What to Look for in an Induction Cooktop section below.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

GE Smart Induction Cooktop

GE Profile PHP9036DTBB 36-in 5 Elements Black Smart Induction Cooktop

Best Buy

What We Like
  • Flexible bridge elements

  • Responsive glide touch controls

  • Guided cooking feature

  • Works with Alexa and Google Assistant

What We Don't Like
  • Some smart features require a smart pan

  • No HomeKit support

The GE Profile PHP9036DTBB induction cooktop has five cooking zones, responsive touch controls with a child lock option, and a robust set of smart home features that include both voice controls and guided cooking. The cooktop includes a flexible set of induction elements that can accommodate everything from a small frying pan to large stew pots and even big griddles. It also supports Hestan Cue smart pans, although it doesn’t come with one.

The cooking zones include a powerful 3,700-watt burner that accommodates up to 11-inch cookware, and two bridge elements. Bridge elements are capable of working separately, each with its own pot or pan, or synchronizing together to provide even heat to especially large cookware like griddles. When used separately, one of the elements supports a melt setting that’s optimized for melting chocolate and simmering sauces, and the other has a warm mode that’s good for keeping dishes at a safe temperature until it’s time to eat. All of the elements, including the 11-inch, 3,700-watt central element, feature power boost for times when you need extra heat fast.

Controls are provided by an intuitive touch panel, with each burner having its own temperature control and display. GE refers to this configuration as glide controls, because you slide your finger along an element’s associated temperature ring to raise or lower the heat. With 19 power levels, this cooktop provides precise control over the temperature of your cookware. The control panel includes an all-off feature to switch off all of the elements at once, and a control lock option that can prevent children from accidentally turning things on.

Smart home connectivity is provided through built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, with support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It also supports guided cooking, which is a smart feature that ties into your phone and connects to any compatible smart pan. This feature automatically adjusts the cooking time and temperature to match pre-set recipes, so all you have to do is follow along in the app.

Dimensions: 36.12 x 21 x 3.25 inches | Max Power Level: 3,700 watts | Number of Burners: 5

Best Value

Empava Induction Cooktop

Empava 36" Induction Cooktop

Amazon

What We Like
  • Two flex-bridge zones

  • One extra-large burner

  • Digital touch controls

What We Don't Like
  • Some noise complaints

The Empava 36EC05 is a 36-inch induction cooktop that features a huge, 11-inch element flanked by two sets of flexi-bridge, digital touch controls, power boost for extra fast heat, and a level of performance that’s in line with higher-end cooktops. The large central element is perfect for large cookware like stew pots, and the flexi-bridge zones provide a lot of flexibility as well. Each flexi-bridge zone has two heating elements that can work separately or in unison, so they’re good for both small pots and pans and larger cookware like griddles—just like our best overall pick.

This cooktop has the look and feel of a higher-end device and the performance to match. The burner configuration provides a lot of flexibility in terms of the types of cookware it can accommodate, and the digital touch controls make it easy to achieve accurate temperature control. The maximum power level of the large burner is a bit lower than some of the competition, but it does include a power boost that lets you bump that up temporarily if you need to bring something to a rapid boil—say, a pot of water for a quick pasta dinner. The elements are a little noisier than more expensive units, and some users do complain of a hum or buzz, but the cooktop typically isn’t loud enough to remain bothersome once you’ve turned on your range hood vent. 

Dimensions: 36 x 21 x 2.2 inches | Max Power Level: 3,000 watts | Number of Burners: 5

Is it normal for an induction cooktop to make noise?

Induction cooktops can make clicking, humming, and buzzing sounds, which are all part of normal operation. Chris Nirschel, chef and owner of NY Catering Service, explains that, “Induction cooktops can be noisy due to the electromagnetic vibrations. Some are quieter than others, depending on their design and insulation. To reduce noise, choose a model with advanced noise-reducing technology.” Some cookware is more prone to making noise as well. It can be an issue with lower-quality pots and pans that use several bonded layers of metal.

Best Splurge

Thermador Electric Induction Cooktop

Thermador Freedom Series 36" Built-In Electric Induction Cooktop

Thermador

What We Like
  • Fully usable surface

  • Teppanyaki mode

  • Built-in Wi-Fi

What We Don't Like
  • Complicated controls

The Thermador Freedom Series provides the ultimate level of flexibility, with a 36-inch, fully usable cooking surface, convenient MoveMode for adjusting the position of your cookware, and intuitive MyZone temperature controls. It also features a TeppanyakiPro mode that lets you quickly transfer ingredients from a heated to a non-heated area. Automatic pot detection simplifies matters by sensing the size and shape of your cookware, and embedded LEDs light up to indicate hot areas. This cooktop also has built-in Wi-Fi that enables some useful smart features, including the ability to synchronize with a compatible hood for automatic ventilation and lighting.

When you place an induction-compatible pot or pan on this cooktop, sensors allow it to tap into an array of 56 elements to accommodate the unique size and shape of the cookware. This provides you with total freedom of placement, that isn’t restricted by element size and location like a traditional induction cooktop. It’s capable of adjusting to six heating zones simultaneously, so you can arrange up to six pots or pans on the cooktop, and set each to its own individual temperature with the MyZone temperature controls. If you need to move your cookware around, the MoveMode feature automatically adjusts the power level in the new location. As you move your cookware around, embedded LEDs light up to show the positioning and indicate the presence of heat.

This cooktop includes a lot of premium features, including PowerBoost that can increase the power by 50 percent anywhere on the cooktop, and a TeppanyakiPro function. It also has Wi-Fi connectivity that lets you monitor the cooktop from your phone and access a variety of cooking settings and programs through Thermador’s app.

Dimensions: 37 x 21.25 x 4.19 inches | Max Power Level: 3,500 watts | Number of Burners: 56

Best Smart

Cafe Smart Induction Touch Control Cooktop

Cafe CHP90362TSS 36-inch Smart Induction Touch Control Cooktop with 5 Elements

Lowes

What We Like
  • Fine temperature control

  • Works with Alexa and Google Assistant

  • Guided cooking feature

What We Don't Like
  • Temperamental control panel

  • Some features require a smart pan

  • No HomeKit support

This feature-rich cooktop includes five induction elements, 19 power settings for fine temperature management, an intuitive touch control panel, and a suite of useful capabilities that are enabled by smart home connectivity. Built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connect this cooktop to your Alexa or Google-powered smart home ecosystem, your smartphone, and compatible smart pans as well.

To get the most out of this cooktop, you’ll need to have a Wi-Fi network, a compatible smart speaker, an Android or iPhone, and a compatible smart pan. With all those pieces in place, you can check in on the status of the cooktop with voice commands, view power levels and temperatures from your phone, and use the guided cooking feature to breeze through brand-new recipes. Guided cooking leverages smart pan technology to automatically adjust cooking temperatures and times, while you follow along with recipes that are provided in the connected phone app. (It's a feature you can also find in our best overall pick.) If you have a compatible Cafe range hood or microwave, the Chef Connect feature will even turn the lights and fan on for you when you start cooking.

Aside from the wealth of smart features, this is a highly capable cooktop with five induction elements, including two bridge elements and a large, 11-inch central element that tops out at 3,700 watts. Each element has its own temperature control and heat indicator on the touch control panel, with 19 power levels for each. The control panel is intuitive and easy to use, with the one caveat that the touch controls don’t work very well when your hands are wet.

Dimensions: 36.25 x 20.5 x 3.25 inches | Max Power Level: 3,700 watts | Number of Burners: 5

Best Portable

NuWave Flex Precision Induction Cooktop

NuWave 30532 Flex Precision 11-in-1 Element Black Induction Cooktop

Amazon

What We Like
  • Pan included

  • Accurate temperature controls

  • Cooking surface cools quickly

What We Don't Like
  • No power switch

  • Limited to 10-inch cookware

  • No hot surface indicator

Whether you’re working with limited space in a dorm or RV, or you just need some extra cooking capacity when guests come over, the Nuwave PIC Flex has the compact size and portability that you need. It features a 6.5-inch heating coil that accommodates up to 10-inch cookware and three wattage settings, and handles a wide range of temperature settings from 100 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. It comes with a 9-inch pan too, which makes this portable cooktop the perfect entry point to induction cooking if you don’t already own a full set of compatible cookware.

The PIC Flex provides tight temperature control, with a built-in temperature sensor and display. Instead of just selecting a power level, you actually set the cooktop to the desired temperature—anywhere from 100 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, in 10-degree increments. If you’re in a hurry, it also has 45 common cooking temperatures pre-programmed that you can access with a few button taps.

Since this is a portable cooktop, you can use it in your kitchen, a dorm room, an RV, or anywhere else you have access to electricity. That means you might not always have access to an outlet that’s capable of handling 1,300 watts, which is why the PIC Flex has three wattage modes. If you have concerns about power availability from an outlet in your dorm room, or old circuitry in your cabin, you can set it to 600 or 900 watts instead. That will increase cooking times, but makes this pick extra flexible.

Dimensions: 10 x 12 x 2 inches | Max Power Level: 1,300 watts | Number of Burners: 1

Best 24-Inch

Bosch Induction Cooktop

Bosch 500 24 in. Induction Cooktop in Black with 3-Elements

Home Depot

What We Like
  • Huge, 11-inch burner

  • 17 power levels

  • Heat indicators for each zone

What We Don't Like
  • Only three cooking zones

  • Confusing power settings

Having a small kitchen doesn’t mean you need to stick to small cookware. This 24-inch induction cooktop from Bosch is proof, with a huge, powerful 11-inch cooking zone that’s perfect for big cookware like griddles and especially large skillets, all in a form factor that’s perfect for a compact kitchen or small kitchen island. An element that large comes at the cost of a fourth cooking zone, which this cooktop lacks, but the utility of having such a big element is important.

The huge, 11-inch cooking zone that takes up most of the available space on this compact cooktop provides up to 3,700 watts of power, and the smaller 6 and 7-inch zones top out at 1,400 and 1,800 watts respectively. The cooktop includes a power boost feature that allows you to apply rapid heat, but it only works on one zone at a time. Each zone also has a two-stage residual heat indicator to save you from accidentally touching a hot surface, and the controls also include a lockout function to avoid unwanted activation. The power settings are a bit confusing at first, but the controls are easy once you’ve figured them out. The most important thing to note is that this cooktop has 17 power levels, so each number on the control panel represents one power setting. There are also intermediate settings between each number.

Dimensions: 24 x 20.56 x 4.38 inches | Max Power Level: 3,700 watts | Number of Burners: 3

Best 30-Inch

Frigidaire Gallery 30-inch Induction Cooktop

Frigidaire Gallery GCCI3067AB 30-inch Induction Cooktop

 Amazon

What We Like
  • TempLock maintains set temperature

  • Bridge element for griddles

  • Excellent temperature range

What We Don't Like
  • No warmer zone

  • Temperamental control panel

If you’re trying to make the most of your space and have room for a 30-inch cooktop, the Frigidaire Gallery GCCI3067AB is the perfect fit. This cooktop doesn’t have a warming zone, instead using all of the available space to squeeze in two large, 8-inch burners and a pair of 7-inch burners that can operate separately or in bridge mode to accommodate larger cookware like griddles. It’s a thoughtfully designed layout that improves the discontinued Frigidaire Gallery GCCI3067AB that this model replaces.

This cooktop features a touch-based control panel that’s located conveniently in front of the two larger burners, so you don’t need to reach over hot cookware to make adjustments. The controls are a little temperamental, especially if your hands are wet, but they do provide tight temperature control. The big, 3,600-watt burners get hot enough to boil water in about a minute, but you can also turn the heat down low for simmering sauces. Whatever power level your dish calls for, Frigidaire’s TempLock technology uses built-in sensors to maintain a steady temperature throughout.

Dimensions: 30.63 x 21.38 x 2.88 inches | Max Power Level: 3,600 watts | Number of Burners: 4

Final Verdict

The best induction cooktop is the GE Profile PHP9036DTBB 36-in Smart Induction Touch Control Cooktop. Its five powerful elements all feature a power boost mode, plus two of them can operate together in bridge mode to accommodate larger cookware. You can also make use of smart home connectivity features that include guided cooking and voice controls. For an even more advanced feature set, the Thermador Freedom Cooktop (our best splurge) lets you place your cookware anywhere you want, thanks to an array of 56 elements.

What to Look for in an Induction Cooktop

Size and Design

When you first start looking for an induction cooktop, size should be one of your first considerations. If you’re replacing an older cooktop, then it’s easiest to look for an induction cooktop that’s the same size. If you’re remodeling, or just installing a new cooktop in an existing counter, then you’ll need to determine the number and configuration of burners that you want, and then find an option that will fit.

According to Joelle Battista, head of culinary marketing at Designer Appliances, “The number of burners depends on individual cooking needs. Two to four burners are suitable for most households. Larger families or avid cooks may prefer models with five or more burners. Some models offer flexible elements that can be combined to accommodate larger cookware.” Our best value pick, the Empava 36EC05, is a 36-inch cooktop that provides a tremendous amount of flexibility with two large, flexi-bridge zones that give you the freedom to use large pots and pans, griddles, and smaller cookware in a variety of configurations. 

Induction cooktops are also available in portable models that typically have just one or two burners. According to Laurie Klein, former consumer test kitchen specialist at Hamilton Beach, “a portable induction burner provides an extension of your kitchen." Plus, "you can also take it with you or move it around for entertaining.” Klein also points out that these types of cooktops are a great option for all outdoor cooking—but, know they're not a good replacement for your full-size cooktop since they don't offer the same cooking capacity.

Since these cooktops are small and easily moved around, it’s easy to stow one away in a cupboard and only pull it out when you’re entertaining or preparing a large meal that requires more cooking space though. The Nuwave 10-inch PIC Flex, our best portable induction cooktop, is very compact, so it’s well-suited for use in small spaces like dorm rooms or for adding extra cooking capacity when you need it.

Power Level

Power levels are important in induction cooktops, because they don’t have analog heat controls like electric and gas cooktops. Each power level represents a discrete temperature setting, so having more power levels gives you finer control over the temperature of your cookware. “Look for at least 10 power levels in an induction cooktop for versatile cooking,” says Chris Nirschel, chef and owner of NY Catering Service. “This provides enough control for daily meal prep, from gentle simmering to high-heat tasks.” 

In addition to power levels, it’s also important to look at the power output of each burner. Power output is measured in watts, and higher-wattage burners will get your cookware hotter than lower-wattage burners. Battista points out the utility of having burners with a range of power outputs. “Look for a wide range of power levels, typically from 100 watts to over 3,000 watts,” says Battista. “Having a mix of high-power and low-power burners allows for versatile cooking.” Our pick for the best smart induction cooktop, the Cafe CHP90362TSS, provides 19 power levels and includes one powerful 3,700-watt element.

Maintenance and Warranties

Induction cooktops are easier to clean than traditional glass cooktops because they don’t get as hot. Your induction cooktop will warm up a bit as heat from the pan transfers into the glass surface, but it usually won’t get hot enough to prevent you from safely wiping away any spills while you’re cooking. When you’re done cooking, you can clean it immediately without waiting for it to cool. “Clean your induction cooktop regularly with non-abrasive cleaners to avoid buildup,” advises Chef Nirschel. “Don't slide heavy or abrasive cookware on it. Check the manufacturer's care instructions for more detail on the specific product.”

Warranty coverage varies between brands, but most induction cooktops are covered against manufacturing defects for at least 12 months. Some manufacturers cover the entire appliance, including any parts or labor needed to fix the cooktop, within the warranty period. Others only cover specific parts. Our best splurge pick, the Thermador Freedom Induction Cooktop, has a full, two-year warranty that covers both parts and labor for the entire appliance.

Standout Features

Burner Syncing

This feature is referred to as synchronized burners, bridge elements, FlexiBridge, and with other similar terminology. Chef Nirschel explains that “burner syncing lets multiple burners work together for larger cookware.” This provides you with a lot of flexibility, since you can choose to use the individual burners separately with multiple small pots or pans, or together with a single large pan or griddle. “It's useful for specific tasks, but not a must for everyday cooking. Its importance depends on your cooking style,” he adds. The Frigidaire Gallery GCCI3067AB that we recommend as the best 30-inch induction cooktop includes a large bridge element zone with TempLock technology to maintain a steady temperature.

Guided Cooking

This feature typically makes use of a connected phone app to help guide you through the preparation of new recipes that you’ve never tackled before. The app will tell you exactly what to do, often with a video that you can follow along with, and will even adjust the cooktop settings automatically in some cases. “Guided cooking with an app can be a helpful tool, especially for less experienced cooks,” says Chef Nirschel. “It ensures accurate temps as you follow a recipe.”

Our best smart induction cooktop, the Cafe CHP90362TSS, includes a robust guided cooking feature that leverages compatibility with Hestan Cue smart pans. If you own a smart pan, the SmartHQ app will make use of the built-in temperature sensors to automatically adjust the induction elements and maintain the correct temperature as you progress through the guided cooking session.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Jeremy Laukkonen is a commerce updates writer for The Spruce who has over a decade of experience writing about appliances, home improvement, and smart home tech. An avid home chef, he has had the opportunity to experiment with traditional radiant electric cooktops, gas-fired ranges, and induction cooktops, and has come to appreciate the precision and efficiency offered by induction. For this piece, he considered the size, design, power level, smart features, price, and more of induction cooktops from top brands.

Our Experts: 

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Making the Switch to Induction Stoves or Cooktops. U.S. Department of Energy.