Laura Klein, a Consumer Test Kitchen specialist at Hamilton Beach, notes this about how induction cooking differs from the cooking you’re used to: “Induction cooking works through a magnetic field between the induction coils beneath the glass top and the ferrous (iron-containing) material in the cookware. Heat from induction is only produced in the pan itself, not in the glass top.” The result is more even cooking, better browning, and a reduced chance of burning, according to Klein. We researched dozens of induction cooktops from top brands, evaluating each’s heat output and distribution, ease of cleaning and maintenance, and overall value. Our top pick is the GE Profile PHP9036SJSS Built-In Induction Cooktop, which is efficient, easy to operate, and comes with plenty of safety features.  Here are the best induction cooktops. Gourmet chefs and casual cooks will appreciate the usefulness of having a cooktop with five burners. A large, 11-inch element offers 3,700 watts of power for impressively fast heating and boiling. But that’s not this cooktop’s only user-friendly feature. A pair of 7-inch elements can be synced to evenly heat large cookware. Paula Pennington, the Senior Product Manager for Hamilton Beach, says, “If you have a multi-burner induction surface and are using a larger pan (a rectangular griddle pan, for example) and you want even cooking, syncing is very helpful.” Regardless of which elements you use, this cooktop is equipped with sensors that detect the presence and size of your cookware, and adjust the element to evenly heat the pan from edge to edge.  You control all functions of this cooktop with a digital control pad that sits front and center. While some induction cooktops are known for having tricky controls that take some time to master, each element is controlled individually with the simple press of a button. A control lock is a handy feature for ensuring that no element is turned on accidentally, especially while cleaning the cooktop. Speaking of cooking, the smooth glass surface easily wipes clean after mealtimes. Since heat is generated within the cookware and not on the cooktop, you can also expect cleanup from spills and splatters to be fast and easy. However, some users report scratches from heavy cookware, so use caution when sliding pots and pans from one element to another. (This is a good practice with every induction cooktop.) In addition, there are no smart features available, but we don’t consider that a dealbreaker. Price at time of publish: $2,199 Like all induction cooktops, this version from Empava features a smooth glass surface that promises simpler kitchen cleanup. While all the elements are the same size, each one has a pan size sensor to heat the element according to the size of your pots and pans. You’ll sacrifice the flexibility of having a fifth element or syncing burners when you buy this affordable model, but most people find that it fits their needs for everyday cooking tasks.  A common complaint is that this induction cooktop is noisy. In many cases, this can be attributed to the cookware itself. However, one strategy is to use cookware that covers the entire element. Since all elements are the same size on the Empava EMPV-IDC30, this may not always be feasible. Any humming or buzzing noises are nothing to be concerned about, but something to be aware of when choosing to install an induction cooktop.  Price at time of publish: $478 The list of features is long for this high-end induction cooktop. It’s equipped with Wi-Fi, so you can use the Bosch HomeConnect app to monitor it. It also has an AutoChef feature to regulate cooking temperature for more consistent, even results. When it comes to temperature adjustments, it’s also worth noting that this model offers 17 temperature levels. This translates into more flexibility and control of the cooking experience when compared to induction cooktops with only nine temperature levels to pick from. While it may not be as obvious at first glance on how to use the digital control interface, once you’ve mastered it, you’ll appreciate the ease of use and cleaning offered by integrated touch controls. In summary, it is an expensive option, but the Bosch Benchmark NITP660UC delivers good looks and high-end performance for your kitchen.   Price at time of publish: $3,299 Similar to many other induction cooktops, you’ll use a digital control pad to operate each element. The display is slightly less intuitive than some other models, but you control each element individually, which helps to clear up any confusion. In addition, responsive cooktop indicator lights illuminate when a pan is placed on an element. For a 30-inch induction cooktop, it’s hard to beat the usability and performance of the Frigidaire Gallery GCCI3067AB. You get all the benefits of induction cooking—faster heating and less cleanup—along with handy features, like consistent temperature regulation and a bridge element. Price at time of publish: $949 A unique feature of this 36-inch induction cooktop is the digital-analog control setup. Use the digital controls to operate each element individually, or attach a sleek, magnetic, analog knob for a tactical feel to adjusting element operation. Regardless of which one feels more functional to you, the elements offer fast, responsive heat adjustments. The largest element delivers up to 4,800 watts when used in PowerBoost mode for high-heat searing or rapid boiling. The Flex Zone elements are especially noteworthy, since you have upper and lower heating zones that can be used individually or combined to evenly heat a griddle, large skillet, or other oversized cookware items.  Some users find the controls tricky, with common complaints centering on a laggy response from the digital controls. The magnetic analog knob has been the subject of some criticism as well, due to it being over-sensitive. So expect a slight learning curve with the controls, but plenty of power and versatility in elements when picking this Samsung NZ36K7880UG 36-inch induction cooktop.  Price at time of publish: $2,339 The ZLINE RCIND-24 has a simple touchscreen interface with minimal buttons to learn. Each element is controlled individually, with automatic power level control, along with the Power Boost option. Each pair of burners is controlled by a single inverter, which means that this cooktop uses power sharing to balance the wattage between the two elements. The user manual recommends you set the power level of the higher-priority element last, if you’re using both elements on the same side of the cooktop. Otherwise, you can use one element from each side of the cooktop to maximize power on both elements. Price at time of publish: $660 This single-burner induction cooktop keeps things simple. The element offers up to 1,600 watts of heating power, adjustable using the touch sensor controls. Many induction cooktops have more powerful elements than what you’ll find on the True Induction Tl-1B, but even still, you can expect faster heating results than what you would achieve with an electric cooktop. Because of its compact size, it’s a great option if you want to install an induction cooktop in your countertop but have limited space, like in an apartment, boat, or RV. Price at time of publish: $130 A pair of elements can be adjusted to deliver cooking heat ranging from 100 watts, for a slow simmer, to 1,800 watts, for higher-heat cooking tasks. Keep in mind that when used simultaneously, the wattage of both elements will not exceed 1,800 watts. In addition, the two elements are situated close to one another, meaning you may not be able to fit two large pans on the cooktop at the same time. A timer feature gives you the ability to set cooking time from one to 99 minutes. When the timer elapses, the element will automatically shut off. Other features included on this induction cooktop include a control lock to prevent accidental operation, as well as a “hot surface’” indicator light. Other than that, this induction cooktop is basic, but functional, by design.   Price at time of publish: $194 The NuWave Flex Precision stands out for offering temperature settings ranging from 100 degrees to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Using the digital control pad, you can choose from six pre-set temperature settings (ranging from low to high) or make manual adjustments to the temperature in 10-degree increments. There are 45 possible temperature settings, rather than the typical nine heat settings you find on other basic induction cooktops—portable or not.  Another feature worth noting is the option to adjust the wattage of this portable induction cooktop; choose from 600, 900, or 1,300 watts of power. At 1,300 watts, the maximum wattage of this induction element is lower than what you’ll find in a conventional induction cooktop for installation. However, it’s plenty powerful for most basic cooking tasks, especially considering the 10-inch diameter of the element. Keep in mind that this will limit how large of a pot or pan you can effectively use on this portable induction cooktop, though. Price at time of publish: $58 As you’d expect of a smart induction cooktop, you control the features and functions of this cooking appliance with digital controls or using an app on your smartphone. It should be noted that you can’t turn the elements on or off using the app, but you can make adjustments to the temperature settings. The digital controls are intuitive and sensitive; you glide your finger to increase or decrease temperature, and the cooktop can maintain temperature settings within one degree.  The most impressive feature of the Café CHP95362MSS is the option for a guided cooking experience. Using a smart cookware integration, the elements will automatically adjust in terms of temperature and time, as you follow along with video-based cooking instructions from top chefs on your smart device. For home chefs that prefer to create favorite meals from memory, there are still plenty of helpful features on this cooktop. The five elements include a pair of elements that can be synced for use with large cookware. A multi-mode timer also enables you to set and monitor cooking times for individual elements, rather than only having a single timer available while managing multiple pots and pans. Price at time of publish: $2,698 A built-in cooktop will fit right into your countertops and eliminate the need for a full range. This type of cooktop can feature multiple burners, too, but be more expensive upfront. Built-in cooktops come in various sizes, including 30, 36, and 24 inches. You’ll want to measure your space before starting to look at appliances, so you know what your space needs.

Number of Burners

An induction cooktop can have anywhere from one to six burners. Typically, portable cooktops have just one or two, while built-in ones have upward of four or five. When shopping, consider what you’re hoping to cook on your cooktop and the type of cookware you have. While an induction cooktop will require compatible cookware that works with the magnetic technology, no matter what its size may be, a cooktop with four or five burners will give you more room for cooking. It’ll be ideal in situations where you want to boil a large pot of water or prep several sides. In addition to the number of burners, consider the layout of the burners, and whether they can sync with each other to create larger spaces for larger cookware or griddles. The Samsung NZ36K788UG, for example, has a Flex Zone to accommodate cookware of all shapes and sizes.

Power Level

The amount of power your cooktop has will affect your cooking experience. A model with more power will allow you to boil a pot of water fast or sear a piece of meat, while one with less power will be good for simmering. Power is measured in watts, and if your induction cooktop has multiple burners, those burners may range in power so you can have multiple cooking experiences at once. The burners of a cooktop can reach anywhere from 1,300 to 5,400 watts of power, and typically you can set the power level, much like you would the size of a flame in a gas-powered model. To find the right power settings for you, consider what you want to cook regularly on your cooktop.

Standout Features

Burner Syncing

To accommodate larger cookware, some induction cooktops have burners that can sync with each other. Essentially, these burners team up to create a more expansive cooking area. This feature can typically be found in smart, high-end, and built-in models. This feature is helpful when entertaining for several guests, warming side dishes, and preparing big meals like pasta with meatballs.

Guided Cooking

If an induction cooktop has a guided cooking feature, it’ll adjust the temperature settings for you. In some cases, a guided cooking function follows along with a specific recipe that’s synced to the unit. Other models will simply read the size and shape of your pan and adjust the heat while you’re frying or simmering a dish. To try out this feature, opt for a high-end or smart cooktop, and know it’ll come in handy if you’re new to cooking and want to ensure success.

Control Lock

Induction cooktops are usually outfitted with many safety features, but only some have a control lock. This feature locks the temperature settings you have set, so you don’t accidentally bump into them or unknowingly increase the heat you apply to your pan. Whether you have children in your household or are a frequent entertainer, this feature will make sure your cooktop is being used properly and at the right times.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Erica Puisis, who specializes in researching large and small home appliances, including ranges, cooktops, washers, dryers, vacuums, and more. Erica has been writing for The Spruce since 2017. To find the best options for induction cooktops, she considered popular models from manufacturers like GE, Bosch, Samsung, Café, and more. The number and size of cooktop elements, smart features, and the usability of the controls were key aspects of the research process, as well. Glass cooktops use electric coils to heat the surface of the cooktop, which take longer to heat up a pan or food to the desired temperature. Electric cooktops also take longer to cool down or adjust to a different temperature. In addition, Erica spoke with two experts from home appliance brand Hamilton Beach. Laura Klein is a Consumer Test Kitchen specialist, and Paula Pennington is the Senior Product Manager for the brand. Both experts weighed in on the must-have features of an induction cooktop, plus the cooking and safety benefits when compared to an electric or gas cooktop.