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If you’ve been shopping for a new kitchen range, you’ve probably passed by the remarkably flat induction cooktop at some point. Ask a group of people what they think of induction, and you’ll get a pretty divisive split of opinions. You’ll find some individuals who absolutely love induction cooking, while others may feel differently.
Don’t worry, we are here to clear the air about this unique technology, the benefits of induction cooking, and how it stacks up to traditional gas and electric ranges, as well as introduce you to a new induction freestanding range.
What is Induction?
The primary difference between induction and gas range tops is the heating method. Unlike your typical gas or electric range, the cooking surface of an induction range doesn’t appear to have any kind of heating element. You won’t find an electric burner or a way to produce a flame.
Unlike all other ranges, induction cooktops utilize magnetic coils to create an electromagnetic field with your cookware. The resulting magnetic current then causes the cookware to heat up on its own, rather than through the transference of heat. This means that your cooking surface itself doesn’t ever heat up. Even shortly after boiling up water or frying an egg, you’ll find the entire surface, quite remarkably, cool to the touch.
ZLINE has changed the industry with its 30-inch Paramount Induction Range (SINR30). Enhance your kitchen experience with versatile cooking features, including a convenient bridge function allowing you to merge adjacent elements into one expansive heating zone.
Enjoy an ultra-deep oven capacity with a three-layered insulated glass oven that can fit pans up to 20 in. wide. With upgraded premium features such as SmoothSlide ball-bearing oven racks, dual lighting, and an anti-glare matte cooking surface, this induction range is certain to wow both the chef and guests alike.
Cook with ease with StayPut Italian hinges, providing a safe baking environment to enjoy for years to come. ZLINE stands by the longevity and durability of its professional induction ranges while ensuring further protection and peace of mind with a worry-free warranty. The ZLINE Induction Range ships the next business day when in stock.
ZLINE 30 in. 4.2 cu. ft. Paramount Induction Range with 4 Element Cooktop and Electric Convection Oven in Stainless Steel (SINR30)
$3,799.99
Luxury isn’t meant to be left desired—it’s meant to be attainable. The ZLINE 30 in. 4.2 cu. ft. Paramount Induction Range with 4 Element Cooktop and Electric Convection Oven in Stainless Steel (SINR30) combines the versatility of a nanotechnology-reinforced anti-scratch… Read More
Induction vs. Gas & Electric Cooking
Now that we have a bit of the science out of the way, let’s see what induction brings to the (dining) table. Here are some benefits of induction compared to typical gas and electric ranges.
1. Safety
Most people accept the potential hazards their range presents because they aren’t aware of safer alternatives. Without the need for gas or a flame, induction cooking removes the risk of potential kitchen dangers, such as grease fires.
Furthermore, since there isn’t any direct heat involved, the surface significantly reduces the likelihood of accidental burns.
Lastly, without proper ventilation, gas burners can expose people to hazardous levels of nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. Regardless of your type of range, it’s always important to have a range hood in your kitchen.
2. Easy to Clean
Nearly all induction cooktops feature a completely smooth surface, making cleaning a breeze. You won’t find any sneaky grime buildup in a recess or corner- there’s nowhere for it to hide! And when you do need to clean, just simply wipe off the surface with a simple ceramic glass cleaner.
Check out this video on the SCHOTT CERAN top on the new ZLINE 30 in. Induction Cooktop with 4 burners (RCIND-30).
ZLINE 30 in. Induction Cooktop with 4 Burners (RCIND-30)
$1,019.95
Innovation meets luxury: ZLINE’s RCIND Induction Cooktop Series blends consistent precision and speed with its innovative technology and sleek, SCHOTT CERAN® glass surface imported from Germany. Achieve incredibly fast heat and a quick boil with induction technology that heats 50%… Read More
3. Energy Efficiency
Thanks to the impressive cooking speeds induction provides, you’ll be saving more on energy as your cook times are cut down. Likewise, without an open flame, induction cooktops will contribute less heat to your home. Induction cooking can even lead to a decrease in the energy cost spent cooling!
4. Cooking Speed
As mentioned earlier, whereas traditional ranges first need to transfer heat to the pan, induction removes this step by heating the pan directly. By removing this step, your time spent cooking will be significantly reduced as well. On average, you can cut down the cooking time of your meals by up to 50%!
The Best Induction Cooktop
In our opinion, the best induction cooktops can provide the unique benefits of induction without needing you to break the bank.
The new ZLINE 30 in. 4.2 cu. ft. Paramount Induction Range with 4 Element Cooktop and Electric Convection Oven in Stainless Steel (SINR30). This ZLINE induction range blends consistent precision and speed with its innovative technology and sleek, glass cooktop. Achieve incredibly fast heat and a quick boil with induction technology that heats 50% faster than comparable cooktops. ZLINE induction cooktops utilize superior electromagnetic technology to efficiently heat up magnetic stainless or cast iron cookware while saving more energy compared to gas or electric cooking.
This ZLINE Induction range also packs some great features to enhance your cooking experience. The Power Boost Mode outputs maximum power for up to ten minutes, perfect for getting a pot of water boiling quickly. With the Power Sharing mode, you can set up convenient heat transitions between multiple burners. Lastly, the Keep Warm mode is great for keeping all your dishes warm and ready to be served.
Cookware for Induction Cooking
Not all kinds of cookware will be compatible with induction. In order for your cookware to heat up, it needs to have a flat magnetic bottom. Therefore, cookware with a copper, glass, or aluminum bottom will not work. Luckily, most cookware is commonly made from stainless steel or cast iron. A simple way to test if cookware is compatible is to try to stick a magnet on the underside. You can even try this in the store; if it sticks, you’re good to go!
If you do, however, have cookware not compatible with induction cooking and don’t want to purchase new cookware, there is a solution. Many companies make induction disks, small magnetic rimless disks that are compatible with induction cooking. When placed underneath your non-magnetic cookware, the induction disks will heat up and then heat your pots and pans.
ZLINE 5-Piece Enameled Cast Iron Cookware Set in Black Matte (CWSETS-BLM-5)
$449.99
Luxury isn’t meant to be left desired—it’s meant to be attainable. The ZLINE 5-Piece Enameled Cast Iron Cookware Set in Black Matte (CWSETS-BLM-5) provides a professional chef-level culinary experience through powerful enameled cast iron construction, offering exceptional heat retention and… Read More
Conclusion
Induction cooking offers a compelling combination of performance, safety, and efficiency that makes it a strong contender for today’s modern kitchens. From faster cooking times and precise temperature control to easier cleanup and reduced energy waste, induction technology addresses many of the common frustrations associated with traditional gas and electric ranges. Its cool-to-the-touch surface and lack of open flame also make it a safer option for households of all sizes, without sacrificing power or versatility.
For homeowners looking to upgrade their kitchen with forward-thinking technology, induction cooking represents a practical investment that delivers real, everyday benefits. Paired with the right cookware and a well-designed range, induction brings professional-level performance into the home while supporting cleaner, more efficient cooking for years to come.
If you're looking for more information on induction cooking, our US-based customer support team is available! Follow us on our social media, give us a call, or even book a consultation on our website.
FAQs
What is induction cooking, and how does it work?
Induction cooking uses electromagnetic energy to heat cookware directly rather than heating the cooktop surface itself. Magnetic coils beneath the glass surface create an electromagnetic field that causes compatible cookware to generate heat, while the cooktop remains relatively cool to the touch.
How is induction different from gas and electric cooking?
Unlike gas ranges that rely on an open flame or electric ranges that heat coils or elements, induction heats the pan itself. This results in faster cooking times, greater energy efficiency, and improved safety since there is no exposed flame or red-hot burner.
Is induction cooking safe?
Yes. Induction cooking is considered one of the safest cooking methods available. Because there is no open flame and the surface does not retain heat, the risk of burns and grease fires is significantly reduced. Many induction cooktops also include automatic shutoff features for added safety.
Does induction cooking require ventilation like gas ranges?
While induction does not produce combustion gases, proper kitchen ventilation is still recommended. A range hood helps remove steam, smoke, and cooking odors, improving overall air quality regardless of cooking method.
Why is induction easier to clean than other cooktops?
Induction cooktops feature a smooth glass surface with no grates or burners. Since the surface stays cooler, spills are less likely to bake on, making cleanup as simple as wiping the cooktop with a ceramic glass cleaner.
Is induction cooking energy efficient?
Yes. Induction cooking is highly energy efficient because heat is generated directly in the cookware rather than being lost to the surrounding air. Faster cooking times also mean less overall energy usage, which can contribute to lower utility costs.
Does induction cooking really cook faster?
Yes. Induction cooking can reduce cooking times by up to 50 percent compared to gas or electric ranges. By eliminating the heat transfer step, induction delivers rapid and precise heating almost instantly.
What cookware works with induction cooktops?
Induction-compatible cookware must have a flat, magnetic base. Stainless steel and cast iron cookware typically work well, while aluminum, copper, and glass cookware without a magnetic layer do not. A simple test is to see if a magnet sticks to the bottom of the pan.
Can I use my existing cookware with induction?
If your cookware is magnetic, it will work with induction. For non-magnetic cookware, induction adapter disks are available. These disks heat up on the induction surface and transfer heat to incompatible pots and pans.
Do induction cooktops emit radiation?
Induction cooktops emit very low levels of electromagnetic fields, well below established safety limits. Extensive testing and everyday use have shown that induction cooking does not pose a health risk for household use.
Is food cooked with induction safe to eat?
Yes. Induction cooking does not alter food safety or nutritional quality. Food is cooked using heat in the same way as other methods, just more efficiently and with better temperature control.
Can I install an induction cooktop if I don’t have a gas line?
Yes. Induction cooktops operate entirely on electricity, making them an excellent option for homes without access to a gas pipeline.
Is induction cooking suitable for professional-style cooking at home?
Absolutely. Induction offers precise temperature control, rapid heating, and advanced features like power boost and keep-warm modes, making it well-suited for serious home cooks and everyday meals alike.
Is induction cooking worth the investment?
For many homeowners, induction is a worthwhile upgrade. The combination of safety, speed, energy efficiency, and ease of cleaning makes induction cooking a practical, forward-thinking choice for modern kitchens.
Who should consider switching to induction cooking?
Induction is ideal for homeowners seeking faster cooking, improved safety, lower energy waste, and a sleek, modern kitchen aesthetic. It is especially appealing for households prioritizing efficiency, air quality, and long-term performance.
