A Guide to Induction Stoves: What You Need to Know

If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen, induction stoves are one of the smartest choices you can make. They're fast, energy-efficient, and incredibly safe—perfect for busy households.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about induction cooktops and ranges and help you find the best one for your home.

What Is an Induction Stove?

An induction stove uses electromagnetic energy to directly heat compatible pots and pans, unlike gas or electric stoves that heat through a burner or open flame. The cookware heats up, while the cooktop surface remains cool, resulting in faster cooking times, greater energy efficiency, and increased safety. This reduces the risk of burns or accidents in the kitchen.

Not all electric cooktops are induction. For example, the KitchenAid electric downdraft cooktop is an electric radiant cooktop, not induction, as it uses traditional electric heating elements beneath the surface rather than electromagnetic energy. Always check whether a cooktop is labeled as "induction" to make sure you're getting the right technology.

Why Choose an Induction Stove?

Induction stoves offer tangible benefits that fit the needs of modern homeowners:

• Faster Cooking: They heat up pots and pans much more quickly than gas or electric stoves, saving you time.

• Energy Efficiency: Directly transferring heat to the cookware makes induction stoves more energy-efficient than traditional stoves.

• Safety: They only heat when in contact with compatible cookware, reducing the risk of burns and accidental fires.

• Precise Temperature Control: Induction stoves allow for precise temperature adjustments, making them ideal for delicate cooking tasks.

Tip: Induction stoves require specific cookware, typically made of magnetic materials like cast iron or stainless steel. If your existing cookware isn’t compatible, you may need to invest in new pots and pans.

Best Induction Stove Features

Before investing in an induction stove, here are the key features you’ll want to keep an eye on:

• Cookware Compatibility: Ensure your pots and pans are induction-ready (usually made of cast iron or magnetic stainless steel).

• Burner Flexibility: Look for models that allow you to combine burners for larger cookware.

• Power Settings: A wide range of power levels provides greater control and versatility.

• Size: Choose a stove that fits your kitchen layout.

• Special Features: You may come across induction stoves with features like smart connectivity, child locks, and power boost settings.

Top Induction Stoves at Mountain High Appliance

Mountain High Appliance offers a great selection of induction stoves to fit your home’s needs. Here are a few standout models:

1. Thermador Liberty® Induction Cooktop

(Model: CIT367YGS)

• Full-surface induction lets you heat multiple pots and pans anywhere on the surface.

• PowerBoost® feature for rapid heating.

• 17 power levels for complete cooking control.

2. Bosch Benchmark® Induction Cooktop

(Model: NITP660SUC)

• FlexInduction® technology allows for flexible cooking zones that accommodate larger cookware.

• PowerMove® divides the cooking zones into three preset temperature zones for easy transitions between cooking modes.

• SpeedBoost® offers extra power for faster boiling and cooking.

3. Whirlpool 30-Inch Induction Cooktop

(Model: WCI55US0JS)

• FlexHeat™ dual radiant elements provide two cooking areas in one.

• Quick heat and cool-down features ensure efficient cooking.

• Easy-to-clean surface with a smooth glass top.

4. Signature Kitchen Suite 36-inch Flex Induction Cooktop

(Model: SKSIT3601G)

• FlexZone™ technology allows the entire surface to accommodate various cookware sizes.

• Ultra-precise magnetic induction ensures faster heating with pinpoint accuracy.

• Wi-Fi-enabled smart connectivity allows you to control cooking settings remotely.

Induction vs. Gas: What’s the Better Choice?

It all depends on what you need from your stove. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Induction Stoves: They’re faster, safer, and more energy-efficient. If you need to get meals done quickly, induction is your best bet.

• Gas Stoves: Some cooks prefer the feel of cooking with a flame and the immediate heat response. Gas is versatile with all types of cookware and has a more classic appeal.

But if energy savings, speed, and safety are your priority, induction wins. Many homeowners are switching to induction for a more efficient and modern kitchen experience.

Cook Smarter with Induction Stoves from Mountain High

Ready to upgrade your kitchen with the latest in cooking technology? Mountain High offers a top selection of induction stoves that are energy-efficient, fast, and perfect for everyday use.

Explore our wide range of induction stoves in our online catalog or visit one of our appliance store locations in Colorado Springs, Glenwood Springs, Littleton, Louisville, or our clearance center in Denver. Our expert team is ready to help you choose the perfect induction stove for your home and answer any questions you have along the way.

Related readings from our blog:

• Are Induction Cooktops Better Than Gas?

• 5 Most Reliable Appliance Brands in 2024

• Affordable Luxury Appliances On A Budge

Frequently Asked Questions About Induction Stoves

Which is better, induction or electric stove?

Induction stoves are generally better than electric stoves because they heat up faster and are more energy-efficient. They also offer more safety features.

Can I use cast iron on induction?

Yes, cast iron works perfectly on an induction stove. Its magnetic properties make it ideal for induction cooking.

What happens if you use the wrong cookware on an induction stove?

If you use non-magnetic cookware, the induction stove won’t heat up. The cooktop will remain cool, and no cooking will happen.

Do chefs prefer gas or induction?

It depends on the chef, but some chefs use induction because of its speed. Others still prefer gas for the visual control of an open flame.