An induction cooktop and Infrared cooktop have advanced in technology as compared to conventional stovetops. With the many options on the market, it becomes difficult for users to differentiate between the two.
Their smooth top cooking area also symbolizes an improvement of cookware that is used on them. Though they have some differences and similarities as far as their cooking and features are concerned, these two types of cooktops are not the same, and this is what we intend to explain in this article.
What is an induction cooktop?
An induction cooktop is a unique and state-of-the-art cooker with a copper wire coil inside its ceramic plate. The copper wire coil heats the cookware effectively through its electromagnetic induction.
This type of cooktop is energy efficient; it does not lose heat between its smooth cooking surface and the pot. Induction cooktop works best with ferromagnetic cookware and not with ceramic or aluminum cookware.
Also, it does not heat glass. For an advantage, induction cooktops remain cool throughout, which reduces the risks of kitchen burns.
When Do You Use An Induction Cooktop?
This product is ideal for families with kids. It won’t start up when there is no induction-type cookware on top of it.
Besides, for families living in a hot climate area, this cooktop generates less heat even when cooking a delicacy on a hot day. Again, it works best with a particular type of cookware that is magnetic. The cookware could be made of cast iron or stainless steel material.
Different Types of Induction Cooktop
An induction cooktop is rising in popularity and demand due to its wide range of advantages over its competitors.
In different parts of the world, this modern cooking stove quickly overtakes the infrared cooktops as they are the most preferred means of cooking food all around. Further, its surge in the market makes it difficult for users to choose the best.
Therefore, we have gathered some vital information about different induction cooktops to help you choose the best available in the market.
Single Element Induction Cooktop
This type of induction cooktop features a single cooking zone where the cookware is placed. Its one burner design is therefore not suitable for synchronous preparation of different dishes. The single element induction cooktops operate at 120V and use a maximum wattage of 1800W.
They are highly portable, less costly, and can be used in a cycle with some other cooking unit. Besides, they come in handy in limited cooking use. Some of the most common types of single element induction cooktop you might want to consider buying include the 3000 Watts powered Max Burton 6530 ProChef, DUXTOP 7100MC, Fagor 670041920, DUXTOP 8300ST, Nuwave PIC, Fagor 670041900 and True Induction TI-1B.
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Hamilton Beach 34104 Single Induction 1800 watt Cooktop, Heats 40% Faster, Versatile Pan Size... | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Multi-Element Induction Cooktop
A multi-element induction cooktop has two elements that create multiple cooking areas, and you can place different cookware for concurrent cooking. This type of cooktop is relatively expensive and is less portable. It also requires more space for installation. Besides, its power rating is slightly higher than a single element cooktop. It operates at 220V and can go up to 3600W.
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Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner, Gold 8100MC/BT-180G3 | $54.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Built-in Induction Cooktop Units
The built-in Induction cooktop units also feature a multi-element built-in design that comes in different sizes depending on the number of elements or cooking areas. Their design is meant to be placed in customized or set-in cut-outs spaces as per their countertops’ size. More: How to Install a Cooktop on Granite.
Besides, they will add class and glamour to your kitchen. Although placing these units in the countertops might be costly, their customization also needs to be done carefully to be at the correct fit and level with your countertop.
The best-selling built-in induction cooktops models include the True Induction S2F3 Counter and True Induction MD-2B Inset model.
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K&H Single Portable Burner Built-in Induction Electric Stove Sensor Touch Ceramic Cooktop Plug in... | $89.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Free-standing Countertop Induction Units
Just as the name suggests, this type of induction cooktop doesn’t require a countertop; they are the countertop. They look more like free-standing gas cookers and are usually placed between countertops, but they also come in handy for outdoor cooking.
These free-standing countertop Induction units have multi-burners, and some also include single or multiple oven units below the induction top. The advantage of these units is that they give you freedom of movement, and they can be placed anywhere without making any significant changes in the kitchen layout.
Besides, they are ideal for families living in rented houses, users who love outdoor cooking, or students living away from their homes.
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Duxtop Built-in Countertop Burner, Portable Induction Cooktop, Sensor Touch Induction Burner,... | $79.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Commercial Induction Unit
The commercial Induction cooktop units are much strong in structure as they have to withstand bad handling and substantial weights.
Their power rating is slightly higher to accommodate and prepare large quantities and numbers of items in less time. Considering their intended use, they come with electrical circuits for industrial protection ratings so that you can avoid any accidental electric misfortune.
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Duxtop Professional Portable Induction Cooktop, Commercial Range Countertop Burner, 1800 Watts... | $147.14 | Buy on Amazon |
Here are the three most popular Induction Cooktops on Amazon
What is an infrared cooktop?
Infrared cooktops are the most effective and energy-efficient cooktop compared to solid electric coils on the vise. It works almost like a microwave as it passes heat to the cookware by direct infrared radiation.
This type of cooktop features a halogen lamp that is securely fitted in a metal dish and is corrosion-protected. Radiant coils typically surround the halogen lamps, and it gives even heating that transfer’s heat to the pot by direct infrared radiation.
Unlike induction cooktops, this cooktop unit can be used with pans and pots made of ceramic, ferromagnetic, and aluminum material.
But cooking-wise, the infrared cooktops offer similar results as induction cooktops. The other advantage of infrared cooktops is that they are straightforward to use.
When do you use an Infrared cooktop?
Infrared cooktop design is meant to heat cookware instantly and cooks faster with equal heat distribution within the cooking range.
This cooktop design does not rely on flames, gas, or uneven electrical heating to produce its heat. It works more like a microwave as it passes heat to the cookware by direct infrared radiation.
The heat is generated by the infrared light that bounces off the molecules, causing them to vibrate and generate the required heat.
This heat generation method makes the cooktop ideal for cooking in overcrowded or confined areas such as apartment-sized kitchens, in an RV, while camping, or even dorms. Also, cooking with infrared cooktops helps reduce the chances of overcooking and ensures your food is well cooked. Its portable design is also top-notch, and it will work anywhere as long as there is a proper power outlet.
Whatever you can think of cooking can be cooked on an infrared cooktop. From a single banner that is ideal for students, young families in a small apartment to a double cooker that provides a wider option for large families, the infrared cooktop will save you time and money in the long run.
Because of their compact design, you can easily store it back into the lockers after use.
Therefore, this cooktop’s many advantages can help you improve and save on the time you spend in the kitchen and money spent on electricity and gas cooker. This cooktop is ideal for those thinking of moving away from electric or gas stoves.
Different Types of Infrared Cooktop
Most infrared cooktops have a flat surface coated with ceramic glass, and it helps it cooks your food fast as it distributes heat within the cooking range.
Further, it does not leave any cold or hot spots, thanks to its ability to distribute heat evenly. As a bonus, you do not need to buy special cookwares as compared to induction cooktops.
Table Top Infrared cooker, -single burner
A tabletop infrared cooker with a single burner is ideal for people with limited kitchen space or those looking to add to their cooking options.
Besides, their kitchen productivity is very beneficial as they expand your ability to prepare your meal within the shortest time possible.
The single burner cooktop also takes up little space on the countertop and makes it easy to store after use. Unlike the double burner infrared cooktop, the single burners come at a lower price and have excellent temperature control features.
Also, they can last long with good maintenance. The best-selling single burner infrared cooktops include Techwood Single Burner Infrared Ceramic Burner, Cusimax CMIP-B120 1200W Infrared Cooktop, and NutriChef Infrared Ceramic Burner Cooktop Electric.
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Cusimax Hot Plate Electric Burner Single Burner Cast Iron hot plates for cooking Portable Burner... | $34.81 | Buy on Amazon |
Table Top Infrared cooker- double burner
A tabletop infrared cooker-double burner offers more space for cooking. The only downside of this design is that it will occupy more space compared to a single burner.
The double burner design is typically just as safe to use as the multi-element induction cooktop. This type of cooktop is relatively expensive and is less portable.
Besides, its power rating is slightly higher than a single burner cooktop. They are ideal for large families living in rented houses and have a huge chunk of food to cook.
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Techwood Electric Stove, Double Infrared Ceramic Hot Plate for Cooking, Two Control Cooktop Burner,... | $89.79 | Buy on Amazon |
Here are the three most popular Infrared Cooktops on Amazon
Infrared cooktops, Induction cooktops or both?
You will often ask yourself the same question when you are shopping for a cooktop. Which one will serve you best when it comes to power usage? How much space will it occupy in your kitchen, and how efficient is it?
Infrared cooktops, Induction cooktop, or both, which one is the best? This section will help you decide on the best cooktop for your home by looking at their functions and differences. An infrared cooktop uses 1/3 less power than an Induction cooktop and other types of cookers for power usage.
They also heat so fast, thus producing high heat than your regular cooker. Some can produce heat of up to 980 degrees Celsius within seconds, thus helps finish your cooking within a short time.
Not only are infrared cooktops easy to clean, but they are also easy to use. As we have seen, most of them have pre-programmed settings that are enabled by the push of a button. More: How to clean the induction cooktop?
As a bonus, you do not need to spend on unnecessary and expensive pans, pots, and baking dishes, unlike its counterpart cooktop. You can use any cookware on this product. More: How to Buy Pots and Pans for Induction Cooktops.
Moreover, health-wise, it has been noted that cooking with an infrared cooktop is safe. As long as it doesn’t have any electrical fault and all general precautions in handling it are taken to account, using it is entirely secure.
On the contrary, induction cooktops also rely on electricity to produce heat by heating coils through electromagnetic radiation. The coils are hidden under a ceramic glass surface that makes them easy to clean. Further, its functionality and efficiency make it outstanding from other types of cooktops.
Another notable difference between these two cooktops is that an induction cooktop does not waste heat. This is because once the coils have been heated; they transfer the heat directly to metal cookware.
For a bonus, most induction cookers offer a way for you to set the desired wattage. In a busy household, the unit is generally safer. The only caveat with this type of cooktop is the cost of cookware.
This means that you will need to buy conductive pots and pans, and the bottom needs to be flat for it to sit correctly on the surface.
Can an induction cooker be used for the same purpose as an infrared cooktop?
While an induction cooker may not look like it’s turned on, an infrared cooktop will emit a bright red glow because it is made with radiant coils and halogen lamps that combine to transfer heat to your cooking pot.
You will also find an infrared cooktop in the professional kitchen because their burners provide precise and fast heat, which is ideal for a fast-paced restaurant kitchen setting.
Differentiating the Two
These two cooking methods are both unique though they look a bit similar; however, the infrared cooktop offers more convenient, precise, and fast heat while cooking.
Besides, it is also environmentally friendly, thus reducing the use of fossil fuel to produce heat. On the other hand, the induction cooktop heats too fast and only heats the specific cookware.
With an infrared cooktop, it will evenly cook your food, and also, it has a systematic way of balancing the temperature to avoid having over-cooked and tasteless food.
But when it comes to energy-efficiency, induction cooktops are among the best cooktops, while infrared cooktops can be termed more efficient when it comes to evenly cooked meals.
Another added advantage of an induction cooktop compared to an infrared cooktop is the cutback of burn risks in the kitchen, as it will never get hot.
Although they all have their drawbacks, infrared cookers are worth considering when choosing your kitchen equipment.
Benefits of owning an induction cooktop
- The induction cooktop heats fast.
- It saves almost 50% of cooking time for its fast heating process.
- It only heats a special kind of cookware.
- No tension for burn or fire.
- It’s easy to clean for its flat surface.
- Its nature friendly as it does not produce any fire or smoke.
Benefits of owning an infrared cooktop
- Cooks three times faster the majority of food than an induction cooktop
- It doesn’t generate heat and keeps your kitchen cooler
- Cooks your food very evenly, not hot or cold spots
- Retains a higher moisture content in food
- Infrared Cookers are highly portable. So you can place it anywhere you want
- Infrared cooktops are perfect for kitchens, RV’s, boats, dorm rooms, and camping.
Bottom Line:
Both infrared and induction cookers serve as a great improvement on the conventional electric stoves with solid coils. This is primarily because induction and infrared cookers are more energy-efficient and very easy to clean. Despite the fact that both have got their drawbacks, they are far much better over the past stovetops when it comes to even cook.
Induction stovetops are more efficient than infrared stovetops, despite the fact that the latter can be perfectly used with any type of cooking vessel. The induction cookers don’t heat-up, making them among the top energy-efficient cookers, although you will need to put a magnetic-responsive disk between any cooking vessel that is non-ferrous and the surface of the cooktop for it to work. In summation, both infrared and induction cooktops can be termed as highly energy efficient when compared to conventional solid coil cooktops.
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