Experts and Reviewers Rated These Induction Cooktops the Best of 2024 (2024)

This 30-inch induction cooktop from GE Profile strikes a good balance between performance and price with an elegant and easy-to-use design, making it the best induction cooktop for most kitchens.

With four heating elements in three different sizes, there’s enough room to cook a weeknight dinner without crowding — and the two left-hand elements can be synced to form a long bridge burner for a griddle or grill pan. However, keep in mind that if you often have a lot of large pots with an 11-inch diameter on your cooktop, this model isn't the best for your needs since there is only one large burner with power boil.

We are currently testing this new model from GE, but online reviewers love how smooth it is to operate the controls and how easy it is to clean. This cooktop comes with a kitchen timer and control lock which protects against turning it on accidentally. This smart induction cooktop features built-in Wi-Fi that connects to your phone. Plus, there is a Hestan Cue Smart Pan Rebate offered, which allows you to be able to pair your cooktop with this free smart pan from Hestan for great cooking results.

Unlike other induction cooktops, this glass cooktop features a line design. While the aesthetic may look different, it can help hide any scratches that may occur by accident.

The higher price tag on most induction cooktops might be keeping you from taking the plunge, but this 30-inch option from Frigidaire is more affordable than other induction models and boasts some nice-to-have features as well.

This induction cooktop has four heating elements in two different sizes and easy-to-use sliding touch controls for temperature control. This model also features a bridge burner on the left, allowing you to connect both burners to create a larger cooking area. Each burner features auto sizing technology which senses the size of your pan and heats accordingly. We love this feature because it takes the guesswork out of having to determine which sized burner is best for your pan because with some induction cooktops a burner will not operate correctly if the size of a certain piece of cookware is too small or too big.

While we haven't tested this model yet, in previous testing, we’ve been impressed by the responsiveness and value of Frigidaire induction ranges. This induction cooktop has many five-star reviews on HomeDepot.com, with reviewers noting how easy it is to clean and how fast and even cooking performance is. Some reviewers do note that when larger/heavier pieces of cookware are on the cooktop at high temperatures it can make a soft buzz while operating.

Wolf is known for its exceptional luxury kitchen appliances, and the induction cooktops are no exception. The Wolf 36-inch Induction Cooktop provides five distinct heating elements with five different bridge zone options, creating 10 total cooking configurations to suit a wide variety of cookware. The control panel is discreet and easy to use, and the surface has a very professional look with minimal markings.

Many reviewers note this cooktop’s high degree of temperature control and speed and many praise the bridge burner configuration. Like with all induction cooktops, you’ll need to be careful to avoid scratching the glass surface. This model only comes in one black glass finish with a stainless steel trim.

If you’re looking for a full induction range instead of a standalone cooktop, the Miele Generation 7000 Induction Range combines an induction cooktop with four cooking zones with an excellent convection oven with dual fans and a "moisture plus" feature which increases the humidity level of your oven through the addition of steam.

Adding steam to your cooking ensures that the interior of roasted potatoes or baked salmon stays moist and tender. We were particularly drawn to this recent Kitchen Gear Award winner, which we are still actively testing, because of its style and the configuration of the cooktop, with markings on each burner indicating the sizes of pots and pans it can accommodate.

We were also intrigued by the swiveling door handle which moves easily with your wrist and body to comfortably open and close the oven door. We also like that the control panel lifts up so you can operate it more easily. While this model is on the pricey side, it's a good investment if you are looking for a quality induction range with performance and ease of use. Keep in mind that in order for you to get the most of the range and its "moisture plus" feature, you need to connect the appliance's water line; it does not feature a built-in water tank.

New to induction cooking and want to stay in your budget? This slide-in induction range from Samsung is under $1,500 and it's a good option if you don't have the countertop space for a cooktop.

While we haven't tested this model yet, a model from Samsung was one of the first induction ranges we tested in our Lab and have tested multiple Samsung ranges over the past couple of decades that have performed well. Reviewers love the front control panel which makes the range easy to operate. Users also say it boils water quickly and that the cooktop is easy to clean.

This four-burner induction range has some smart features including Wi-Fi connectivity with Samsung's SmartThings App and oven voice control if you have a Bixby, Alexa or Google in your home. Take note that while reviewers loved the induction cooktop some did wish that this oven had a convection setting.

Want to give induction a try without investing in an entire cooktop? This standalone induction burner from Duxtop is reasonably priced and only requires a standard electrical outlet to operate. Beloved by home cooks, college students, recipe testers, RV campers and professional chefs alike, this 1800 watt induction burner has thousands of rave reviews and provides 15 power settings ranging from 140°F to 460°F. In our Lab tests, it boiled water faster than other comparable portable induction cooktops.

It also has a timer option and other simple features you’ll find on many cooktops. During our tests, we did notice that this model is loud during operation, but not more so than other comparable models. We also found the burner to be smaller than other portable models on the market.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab has hands-on tested almost 100 ranges and cooktops in the last two decades, including many induction models.

When we put induction cooktops to the test, we test burners to see how quickly they can reach a boil and maintain a steady simmer. We test for heat distribution by cooking flour in a skillet to see how evenly it browns.

We also note the ease of use of the controls, knobs, buttons and more. Using a thermal gun, we take the temperature of high touch points, like knobs and buttons of the control panel, which should be cool to touch on an induction cooktop.

While we haven't formally tested most of these induction cooktop models in the Lab yet, we included models from brands we’ve tested before and trust with ranges and cooktops. We vetted user reviews and used our decades of cooking and appliance knowledge to understand what to look for when it comes to buying.

✔️ Size: Induction cooktops range from small, single-burner portable models to 45-inch options, but the standard sizes are 30 inches and 36 inches across. A 36-inch cooktop can fit a variety of pots and pans at once. Most 30-inch cooktops have four burners (usually of different sizes) and will still be able to fit a variety of cookware. Choose the size that’s right for you and your cooking habits.

✔️ Number and variety of heating elements: Induction burners work best when they match the size of the cookware you’re using, so it’s important to have a variety of heating element sizes. Some elements have multiple concentric rings for manual or auto-sizing to different pot sizes, which is particularly useful on small cooktops. Most models have between three and five individual heating elements that typically correspond with the size of the cooktop.

✔️ Bridge burners: One feature that we find very useful in induction cooktops is a bridge burner, or the ability to lock or connect multiple burners to work as one. This is particularly useful when cooking with long or irregularly shaped cookware, such as a griddle or grill pan. While bridge burners aren’t essential, we recommend looking for models with this option if you like to cook a variety of dishes or host large groups.

✔️ Design and finish: Unlike gas cooktops and ranges that come in a variety of styles, most induction cooktops tend to look pretty similar with a glossy black glass finish. Some models do provide a variety of finishes and frame options, so you can choose a cooktop that matches your existing kitchen style. We also prefer induction cooktops with minimal markings and discreet digital control panels for a sleek, easy-to-clean finish.

✔️ Noise: The electromagnetic energy that powers induction cooktops can sometimes create a humming or buzzing sound. This is usually more noticeable when you have an empty pot or pan sitting on a cooktop that’s in use. The fan within induction cooktops can also be loud. Budget options are usually louder, so keep an eye on reviews before purchasing — but don’t be concerned if you hear some faint humming when using your cooktop.

✔️ Special features: Many induction cooktops come with a number of special features including keep warm settings, “cooling zones,” slide controls, smart connectivity and boost and simmer modes. While some of these options may be useful to you, make sure to prioritize strong performance and a simple design that fits into your life and budget over bonus features.

The magic of induction all comes down to magnets. These glass cooktops are embedded with heating elements that are powered by electromagnetic energy that directly heats the magnetic iron in cookware. No heat is actually emitted from the elements themselves, so there’s no loss of energy, no fire hazards and no waiting around for your pan to heat up.

Induction also offers a super high level of control at both low and high temperatures, making it a popular fixture of professional kitchens that need to both simmer delicate sauces and sear meat quickly and efficiently.

You need to pay more attention to the type of pots and pans you use on an induction cooktop simply because you need to use induction-compatible cookware containing iron, such as cast iron, carbon steel, stainless steel and stainless-plated pots and pans. Your favorite wok, grill pan or griddle should work on induction, especially if it's made from cast or carbon steel. If you prefer to cook with nonstick or ceramic cookware, pay close attention to if they are induction safe (in most of our stories we note if they are). "In our experience, heavier weight cookware that don’t just have an induction-ready plate slapped onto them perform well," says Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou.

Materials that don't work on an induction cooktop are aluminum, copper, ceramic, glass or some stainless steel. "Most cookware, however, is not just made of one material, so even if cookware is made from one of these materials, there’s a good chance it’s made with other materials that make it compatible with induction," says Papantoniou. To ensure that your cookware is compatible with induction you can also bring a magnet with you to the store and place it on the bottom of your desired cookware to see if it will hold the magnet.

If you are looking to switch from gas to induction because of gas range health concerns due to new research published in 2022 or are simply interested in switching to induction for its energy efficiency and precision, there are a few things to consider.

Chefs tend to prefer gas cooktops because that is what is primarily used in professional kitchens, but induction is becoming more popular in professional kitchens as well for their precision. You do have to consider that some of your favorite cookware that you used on your gas cooktop may no longer work on an induction and there may be certain techniques that will work differently on induction as well. While there is a learning curve with induction, you will find that your induction cooktop is more energy efficient and will be able to easily cook and warm more delicate ingredients like chocolate or custards without any separation or curdling.

In addition to the purchase of a new cooktop, you will also have to hire an electrician because making the switch will require a larger electrical wire to power the cooktop. There are plenty of benefits when it comes to both gas and induction cooktops and you have to determine which is best for your personal safety and culinary needs.

✔️ Advantages: An induction cooktop comes with certain benefits over gas and standard electric, including increased speed, energy efficiency and precision simply due to the way induction works. Did we mention you can boil a pot of water quickly or melt delicate ingredients like chocolate? “With induction, only the cookware heats up, which ultimately translates to energy and cost savings — and faster cook times,” Papantoniou says. Induction is also safer, since the cooktop is always cool to the touch, preventing accidental burns from the cooktop (the cookware and food inside are still very hot though).

We also love induction cooktops for their ease of use and easy to clean surface. When it comes to installing a new induction cooktop, many brands even offer "fit guarantees" where they will help pay for kitchen countertop modifications made when installing a new induction cooktop.

✔️ Disadvantages: Induction stoves and cooktops tend to be more expensive compared to their electric and gas counterparts and may require a new cookware set if your current cookware set isn't induction compatible. Since this method of cooking is faster than electric or gas cooktops, you also have to ensure that food doesn't get overcooked accidentally.

There is also a learning curve when it comes to using an induction cooktop — if your cookware isn't the right size for a burner or you take your pan off temporarily while cooking, the burner may automatically shut off. There are also cooking techniques that are harder to do on induction. For example, if you take your pan off the burner to release a crepe from its pan, the burner may shut off if for an extended period of time. Or if you’re someone who shakes their popcorn pot while making stovetop popcorn, you shouldn’t do this technique on the cooktop as it could scratch the cooktop or worse, make the burner malfunction.

Induction cooktops are relatively easy to clean; just make sure to wipe it down after use. "Fortunately, with induction, the stovetop doesn’t get hot like other glass cooktops do, so spills are less likely to burn and bake on, making induction easier to clean overall than regular glass cooktops," says Carolyn Forté, Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director. "When you do clean it, you want to use a microfiber cloth to wipe it to help prevent streaking and select a cleaner that cuts grease, but isn't too sudsy or soapy to also eliminate extra rinsing and streaks."

As far as a cooktop cleaner, Carolyn recommends using a cleaner like Mr. Clean Clean Freak or Scotch-Brite Glass Cooktop Cleaning Wand, which worked well in testing.

Reviews Analyst Eva Bleyer has tested everything from gas ranges to microwaves to kitchen scales to blenders. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor of science in food studies, nutrition and public health and is a trained chef through the Natural Gourmet Institute. Eva loves that induction cooktops can melt delicate ingredients like chocolate without seizing or quickly boil water for pasta.

Cassidy Olsen is a freelance writer who has tested and written about kitchen appliances for years. She worked with the Good Housekeeping Institute to translate Lab reports into easily digestible content that's more than just numbers and spreadsheets.

Nicole Papantoniou oversees all of Good Housekeeping's content and testing related to kitchen appliances, tools, gadgets and gear. She's been testing kitchen appliances professionally since 2013.

Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and home and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH.