ARTICLE
Induction cooking: what is it & how does it work?
September 22, 2025-3 min read
Induction Cooktops have made a huge entrance into the world of kitchen appliances. Having gained popularity for its quick cooking times, energy efficiency, and safety, it’s pretty much the best of everything.
How does induction cooking work? Should you consider making the cooktop change? With all the big brands, from Asko and Bosch to Miele and Smeg coming up with new and improved technological advancements in induction cooking, here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking of making the switch. Read on for all the ins and outs of induction cooktops and why they could be the perfect match for your household.
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Introduction to Induction Cooktops
Induction cooktops use an electromagnetic field as opposed to a more traditional flame or element, like a gas or electric cooktop. This magnetic field is used to heat up the pan or cooking appliance, whilst having additional benefits. These benefits include leaving the cooking surface cool to the touch, more heat precision and increased efficiency.
“This increased heating rate not only reduces cook times, saving more of your precious time for you to do more of what you love, but can also help you save on energy as well.”
Key features of Induction Cooktops
Cooking performance
Sceptical about using a magnetic field over a more traditional source of heat? Induction Cooktops have been proven to have increased efficiency and effectiveness. Utilising a magnetic field means the entire bottom of the pan heats up, not just where your pan is fitted. This means the heat is targeted more directly at the cookware bottom, offering a lot more precision. This precision continues with increased temperature control, reducing the risk of over or under cooking – resulting with tastier and better cooked food for you, your family, and friends to enjoy!
Energy efficiency
Induction cooktops respond immediately to temperature adjustments, so you'll see instant results, whether you’re reducing or increasing the heat. You may wonder, do induction cooktops use more or less electricity than traditional electric cooktops? The increased heating rate not only reduces cook times, saving you more of your precious time to do more of what you love, but it can also help you save energy.
Compatibility with Cookware
Thinking of making the switch? Due to the electromagnetic field used in induction cooking, you'll just have to check if your existing cookware is compatible with an induction cooktop. Wondering what types of cookware work with an induction cooktop? Anything with a ferrous base, e.g. iron, cast iron, magnetic stainless steel and enamelled cast iron, is typically compatible. Before you invest in new cookware, you can check whether your existing cookware will work on your new induction cooktop by placing a magnet on the base of your pan or pot. If the magnet sticks well, your cookware is suitable for induction!
Shop Induction Cooktops
ASKO 64cm 4 Zone Celsius Induction Cooktop - Black
Bosch Series 6 90cm Induction Cooktop
Fisher & Paykel 90cm Series 7 5 Zone Induction Cooktop, 2 SmartZones
Haier 60cm Low Current Induction Cooktop
LG 80cm Induction Cooktop 4 Cook Zones, 1 Flex
Are induction cooktops safe to use around children or pets?
When making a major change in the kitchen, safety is at the front of mind for a lot of us. It’s one of the most used rooms in a home, so of course, you always want it to operate at its best. Induction is a much safer way of cooking because it heats your cookware directly, as opposed to the cooktop surface. The surface doesn’t get hot until the right cookware is placed in the cooking zone (which also makes it more energy efficient!)
Induction cooktops also makes clean up a breeze as splattered sauces won’t get burnt and stuck (which has unfortunately happened to all of us at one point!) The smooth, even glass surface is easy to wipe. Who doesn’t love a quick clean up?
Shop Induction Cooktops
Smeg Universale 90cm Induction Cooktop
Westinghouse 60CM INDUCTION COOKTOP
Should I buy an Induction Cooktop?
It’s the big question. Whenever you’re upgrading any appliance, you should always weigh up your options to consider what would be most suitable for you and your household. When it comes to induction cooktops, brands like Fisher & Paykel and Westinghouse have been creating some super exciting models and innovating to help make cooking easier for you. For more information on which cooktop is right for you visit us in-store or online to discover and compare our entire cooking range.
