4 Benefits of Induction Cooktops

Induction Cooktop Benefit #1: Fast heat

Speed is a distinct benefit of induction cooking. Since the technology transfers energy directly into the magnetic pot or pan, cookware is prone to heating up quickly. For instance, water often boils much faster than on traditional electric or gas cooktops. According to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), induction cooktops can boil water far faster than cooktops that use other heat sources. 

Explore Whirlpool^® Induction Cooktops with Fast Boil, where you can boil liquids 2x times faster than electric cooktops.¹

This speed means less time spent on meal prep and cooking, making it easier to manage busy weeknights, where you only have a small window to feed your family between homework and soccer practice.

Induction Cooktop Benefit #2: Easy-to-clean surface

After a satisfying dinner with your loved ones, the last thing you want is to spend a lot of time dealing with a complicated cleanup. Luckily, induction cooktops have an easy-to-clean surface thanks to their smooth, flat glass-ceramic surface. Because the cookware generates heat directly, spills are less likely to burn onto the surface, creating a stubborn mess. When sauce splatters or milk boils over, it can often be wiped away with little effort. Ultimately, an induction cooktop can help contribute to easier clean-up and a cleaner kitchen. 

Shop Whirlpool^® Induction Cooktops 

Whirlpool brand Induction Cooktops are made with busy families in mind, providing features that help simplify daily cooking. With responsive controls and a smooth, easy-to-clean surface, you can tackle mealtime messes quickly and get back to spending time with your family. Select Whirlpool^® Induction Cooktops, such as this model, feature the Flexheat^™ Plus Element, a large, rectangular cooking space with pan size detection that only heats the space you need, giving you the flexibility to cook with different-sized pots and pans.

Induction Cooktop Benefit #3: Responsive heat 

It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned home chef or just trying to get through another dinner; temperature control is key. A practical advantage of induction cooking is its impressive responsiveness and precise heat adjustment. Any temperature change is nearly immediate, providing a level of control similar to a gas flame, but with the heat generated in the cookware.

An induction cooktop’s responsiveness provides enough control to melt chocolate on a low setting or perfectly sear a steak on high heat, delivering the confidence you need to tackle any recipe.

Induction Cooktop Benefit #4: Energy efficiency

Another advantage of an induction cooktop is its ability to cook food without using too much energy. Induction technology generates heat directly in the cookware, preventing heat from escaping and keeping the cooktop relatively cool to the touch, resulting in a more comfortable kitchen environment.

According to NRCan and ENERGY STAR^®, certified induction cooking appliances can be up to 10% more energy-efficient than standard electric versions. Since induction transfers heat directly to your cookware, it’s a more energy-efficient heating process than other cooking technologies, which can help lower your utility bills.

Shop Whirlpool^® induction ranges

Whirlpool^® Induction Ranges generate heat directly and quickly within cookware, while keeping the surrounding cooktop area relatively cool to the touch. This Whirlpool^® Range removes the need to preheat with No Preheat Mode. Just place your food in the oven and start baking.

Induction cooking FAQ

Switching to a new cooking technology often feels like a major challenge. To ease the transition, here are answers to some of the most common questions about induction cooking.

What are the disadvantages of induction cooking?

While the induction cooking benefits are clear, there are some other considerations to keep in mind. The biggest adjustment is switching to specific cookware. Since induction technology relies on a magnetic connection, your cookware must be made of a magnetic material. Read this complete induction cookware guide to understand and navigate your options. Remember, materials like cast iron and magnetic stainless steel work on induction, but aluminum, copper or glass cookware will not heat unless it is made with a magnetic base. Perform a simple test on any pot or pan by holding a magnet to it. If it sticks firmly to the bottom, it’s safe to use on an induction cooktop.

Two other potential disadvantages to induction cooking include the initial cost and minor operational sounds. Induction cooktops can sometimes come with a higher upfront price than gas or electric options. That said, they may offer long-term energy savings. You might also hear a faint humming or buzzing sound while the cooktop is in operation, especially on high-power settings. This is completely normal and no cause for alarm.

What cannot be cooked on induction?

From searing ribeyes to simmering sauces, an induction cooktop lets you cook any type of food. You are only limited by the type of cookware that’s compatible, and techniques that require an open flame, like charring, would not be possible.

Do induction cooktops scratch easily?

The glass-ceramic surface of an induction cooktop is durable enough to withstand most of the demands of daily cooking. Similar to any glass surface, however, it is not entirely scratch-proof, meaning that certain materials and habits can cause damage. For instance, dragging heavy or rough-bottomed cookware, like certain cast-iron pans, along the surface can cause scratches.

You can adopt a few simple habits to help maintain a cooktop that looks new despite its age. Make sure you always lift pots and pans instead of sliding them, and make sure the bottom of your cookware is clean before placing it on the cooktop. To clean a cooktop surface safely, use a soft cloth with a cleaner made specifically for glass-ceramic cooktops. Read this article on how to clean an induction cooktop to learn the steps to help maintain your cooktop’s smooth and glossy appearance for years.

Shop Whirlpool^® Induction Cooktops

Whirlpool^® induction cooktops have a sleek, modern design and help provide steady heat to keep meals on track. Electric induction cooktops offer flexible features, such as Wipe Clean Coating for easy cleanup of spills and splatters, Temp Cook^™ Induction Technology to monitor and maintain heat and smart presets to simplify and streamline your cooking process.