The cooktop is an essential appliance in every modern kitchen, offering the proper surface required for creating a host of beloved dishes and new culinary creations. Ceramic cooktops and induction cooktops are both popular appliances, and while these units look rather similar, they are actually quite different.
To help inform your cooktop purchasing process, we’ve gathered information on the differences between ceramic cooktops and induction cooktops.
What Is A Ceramic Cooktop?
Ceramic cooktops are smoothtop appliances that feature coiled metal heating elements under tempered ceramic glass. When cooking, these elements are electronically heated and transfer their heat to the selected zone, or “burner,” on your cooktop.
Ceramic cooktops are popular primarily because of their attractive designs. These units lack the clunky and obtrusive coil burners found in a traditional electric cooktop, and many homeowners appreciate the contemporary aesthetic they bring to the kitchen.
What Is An Induction Cooktop?
Induction cooktops also feature a smooth ceramic surface, but these units utilize powerful, high frequency electromagnets to generate heat. These magnets sit below the surface of the appliance, and react with iron, steel or magnetic stainless-steel cookware bottoms in order to generate heat.
Induction cooktops may only react with certain types of cookware, but this can be a benefit to your home. The cooktop will only create heat when it’s turned on and when the right pot or pan is on its burner, meaning there’s little chance that you’ll accidentally burn yourself while cooking. Like standard ceramic cooktops, these units are also coveted for the sleek and modern style they exude in the kitchen.
Should I Purchase a Ceramic or Induction Cooktop?
Standard ceramic cooktops and induction cooktops are both good choices for the modern home, and deciding which appliance to choose will ultimately come down to your specific kitchen requirements.
If premium performance is your top priority, you’ll want to go with an induction cooktop. These units typically heat up faster than normal ceramic models and are significantly safer due to their electromagnetic heating process. Moreover, because heat is only created on areas where the proper cookware touches the appliance, you won’t have to worry about spilled ingredients getting caked on to your cooktop.
While induction units offer exceptional features, it’s worth noting that their high performance comes at a high price. If you’re looking for a great appliance that’s more budget-friendly, you should consider a ceramic cooktop. These cooktops tend to cost less than their induction counterparts, and still offer attractive style and effective performance.
Premium Cooktops For The Modern Home Kitchen
Every kitchen requires a cooktop, and with so many choices to select from, finding the ideal unit for your home can be a daunting task. Ceramic cooktops and induction cooktops both provide powerful cooking capabilities to your kitchen, and once you understand the difference between these units, you’ll be in the ideal position to find the best cooktop for your kitchen.
Ready to discover your new appliance? Consider using this online collection of cooktops to explore your choices, or contact a home appliance specialist for further assistance.