Electric vs. induction cooktops and ranges

What is induction cooking?

Induction cooking uses electromagnetic energy to interact with compatible cookware and turn the cookware into its own heat source. The electromagnetic currents pass through copper coils housed beneath the smooth surface of the appliance.

Induction cooking appliances can provide fast heating and precise temperature control. The electromagnetic energy transfers the heat directly to your compatible cookware, so the cooking surface—which is not the source of heat—tends to stay relatively cool compared with radiant cooktops. This means you can often quickly clean up wipes and spills once you’re done creating your recipe.

Induction cooking pros

• Temperature control: Easily control the temperature of your cooking with instant adjustments that let you heat up and cool down the cooking surface quickly.

• Fast cooking: The electromagnetic waves of induction technology transfers heat directly into compatible cookware. KitchenAid brand offers induction cooktops, like this model, with Temp Cook^™ Induction Technology, which maintains the precise temperature you set.

• Easy cleaning: Compared to radiant cooktops, the sleek, smooth cooking surface stays relatively cool throughout the cooking process, so you can quickly clean up before making your next creation.

Induction cooking cons

• Requires compatible cookware: Because of the way induction technology generates heat, you won’t be able to use some cookware with an induction appliance. Only cookware made from cast iron, enameled steel or induction-compatible stainless steel can be used with induction cooktops and ranges.

• Limited cooking techniques: You may not be able to char or flambée using an induction cooktop.

• Adjustment period: Since this is a different method of cooking that quickly heats, there may be a learning curve to using an induction appliance.

Shop KitchenAid® induction cooktops and ranges

KitchenAid^® induction cooktops and ranges help you level-up your everyday culinary adventures. Select models offer features like the Power Boost Function, which allows you to exceed the maximum heat-level setting for 5 minutes to help you get to a rapid boil, or the SatinGlide^™ Roll-Out Extension Rack that makes it easy to cook with large or heavy bakeware.

What are electric cooktops and ranges?

Electric fuel types technically include induction as well, but traditionally when referring to an electric cooking appliance you would think of coil or radiant models. These appliances heat cookware using electricity generated through coils either on the surface or below smooth ceramic glass.

Pros

• Flat surface: Many electric cooktops offer a flat, ceramic-glass surface that creates stability for your cookware.

• Easy to clean: Smooth cooktop surfaces on newer models are easy to clean once completely cooled. Select electric cooktops from KitchenAid brand offer the Hot Surface Indicator that provides a visual indication if a cooking surface is on or still hot, so you know when it’s safe to clean after you create.

• Easy install: Electric cooktops and ranges only require grounded outlets for installation, no gas hook-up is needed.

Cons

• Some heat loss during cooking: Electric models may lose more heat as it transfers from the heating element to your pots and pans.

• Temperature shifts more slowly: Though they heat rather quickly, there is a slight delay whenever you adjust the temperature settings.

• Limits cooking techniques: Like an induction option, there isn’t an open-flame that allows for cooking techniques like flambéing.

Shop KitchenAid® electric radiant cooktops and ranges

KitchenAid^® electric ranges and cooktops offer a sleek and modern look without sacrificing on the cooking power you need to make new and tried-and-true recipes. Explore select models with features like the Ultra Power^™ Double-Ring Round Element that combines two element sizes in one, making it a perfect fit for large stock pots or six-inch sauté pans alike, or Even-Heat^™ True Convection with a heating element and fan that circulates hot air throughout the entire oven, providing optimal temperatures combined with airflow for crisp, flaky baked goods, juicy, well-browned roasts and caramelized vegetables.

Induction vs. electric cooking: Key differences

Though very similar in appearance, induction and electric cooking’s primary difference is in the way each generates heat. Induction cooktops use electromagnetic waves to transfer heat to compatible cookware, while electric cooktops use electricity to heat coils.

There are a few other differences to consider when choosing between electric and induction appliances, including:

• Heating speed: You can generally expect dishes to reach high temperatures quicker with an induction cooktop compared to a traditional electric model.

• Temperature control: Induction models offer rapid responsiveness to temperature adjustments.

• Compatible cookware: Electric cooking appliances can be paired with cookware made from copper and ceramic in addition to cast iron, enameled steel and stainless steel, while induction cooktops can only be used with induction-compatible cookware.

Choosing the right fit for your kitchen

Whether an induction or electric cooktop or range is right for you depends on your personal cooking preferences. If you frequently find yourself the host of multi-course dinner parties and need an appliance that can rapidly get up to temperature, induction may be the heating type for you.

If you prefer the familiarity of a traditional heating style or have an expansive collection of standard pots and pans that you don’t want to part with, an electric cooktop or range may be the right option for your kitchen.

Explore KitchenAid® cooktops and ranges

No matter what you choose, electric or induction, KitchenAid brand has cooktop and range options designed to elevate your next culinary adventure. Browse options that are crafted for style and performance so you can tailor your kitchen to match the way you create.