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Induction cooking benefits: Why home cooks are making the switch
Published Jun 9, 2026 • Updated Jun 17, 2026 - 3 min read
H1 Induction Cooking Benefits: Why Home Cooks Are Making The Switch
Savvy home cooks are taking their cue from some of the world’s best chefs and embracing superspeedy induction cooking. Why? Because induction cooktops are faster, more energy efficient and safer than gas or standard electric alternatives – and they’re easier to clean too. They work by heating your magnetic induction cookware directly, with no hot surface, no open flame and no wasted heat.
Key takeaways
Induction cooktops heat cookware directly using electromagnetic technology – the surface itself stays cool.
They’re faster and more energy efficient than gas or standard electric cooktops.
The cool-touch surface makes induction one of the safest cooktop options for families with children.
The Good Guys stocks a wide range of induction cooktops to suit every kitchen size and budget.
If you’re considering an upgrade to your cooking and kitchen appliances, here’s what you need to know about making the switch to induction cooktops…
What is an induction cooktop and how does it work?
Induction cooktops use electromagnetic technology to heat cookware directly, rather than heating a surface or an element the way gas and standard electric stoves do.
It’s not until an induction-friendly pot or pan with a magnetic base is placed on the hob that heat transfers directly into the cookware. When the cookware is removed, the cooktop cools down quickly – it only needs to lose the residual heat left by the pan, much like a benchtop where a hot dish has been resting.
Why do chefs like induction cooking?
According to Josh Lopez, who has worked as the head chef at some of Australia’s most celebrated restaurants and has cooked for world leaders including Barack Obama, the environmental efficiency of induction is unmatched.
“Induction cooktops are the most environmentally and energy efficient cooktops. The reason is they don’t emit a radiant heat and therefore don’t heat up a room. All the heat is conducted into your cookware, making it a very quick and efficient way to cook,” says Josh.
For a cheffy spin, he suggests home cooks opt for an induction cooktop with bridging technology. This function allows you to sit one oversized pan on two hotplates to cook big batches of bacon, eggs and pancakes for Sunday brunch, a teppanyaki feast for a special occasion, and more.
“It’s been a chef’s secret for years. The brekky chefs always have their hotplate to cook bacon and eggs on the same surface. They rarely use pans to cook eggs or bacon and this is just the smaller home version,” says Josh.
What are the benefits of induction cooktops for home cooks?
With top chefs backing induction cooking, the question remains, what are the benefits of making the switch to induction at home?
“Induction cooktops are the most environmentally efficient cooktops. The reason is they don’t emit a radiant heat and therefore don’t heat up a room. All the heat is conducted into your cookware, making it a very quick and efficient way to cook.
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Josh Lopez – former executive chef, The Wolfe and GOMA Restaurant
Induction cooktops get dinner on the table quickly
Induction cooktops heat up significantly faster than gas or electric alternatives, with almost no lag between turning on the hob and your pan responding. That’s because the heat is generated inside the cookware itself rather than applied from below.
For an even greater speed boost, look for an induction cooktop with a boost or PowerBoost function – this delivers maximum power to a single zone for rapid boiling, and can bring water to the boil significantly faster than a standard gas burner.
They offer unmatched safety
Induction cooktops are among the safest options available for busy family homes, because the surface itself never produces direct heat – there’s no hot element or open flame for a child to touch.
“You can have multiple pots or saucepans on a stove and none of the handles heat up,” says Tania Grillinzoni, The Good Guys Buyer – Cooking. “So, if the kids touch one, they’re not going to burn themselves.”
Most induction cooktops also include a child safety lock and residual heat indicators – features that add an extra layer of reassurance for families. And because induction produces no combustion gases, it contributes to better indoor air quality.
They’re easy to clean
That’s thanks to the smooth glass surface.
“Induction cooktops should be wiped down with a damp, smooth cloth and a suitable cleaning solution,” says Tania. “Always allow the cooktop to cool down before getting started, and avoid sponges that can scratch or damage the surface.”
What are the best induction cooktops to buy?
That depends entirely on your cooking habits, kitchen space and budget. Well-known Australian comparison website Canstar found that in 2025, Australians rated cooktops by Smeg and Fisher & Paykel as their favourites.
Smeg received five-star reviews for performance, ease of use, design and overall satisfaction. Fisher & Paykel was awarded five stars for features and functionality, ease of use, design and overall satisfaction.
Looking for an induction cooktop? You’ll find them at The Good Guys. Be sure to check out our cooktop buying guide and visit us in store or online.
FAQs
Can I still cook with a wok on a flat induction cooktop?
Yes, you absolutely can, and the rapid, intense heat of induction is actually perfect for getting that authentic stir-fry sear. However, traditional round-bottomed woks won’t work on a standard flat glass surface. You’ll simply need to use a flat-bottomed wok made of magnetic material to ensure the base makes full contact with the hob.
Is induction good for delicate tasks such as simmering sauces or melting
chocolate?
Yes, it’s actually superior to gas for delicate cooking. Induction offers incredibly precise and stable temperature control. You can set a zone to an ultra-low, completely steady heat – which means you can gently melt chocolate directly in a saucepan without needing a double boiler, or hold a delicate sauce at a bare simmer for hours.
Can I install an induction cooktop myself?
Induction cooktops run on electricity and many require a dedicated circuit, so installation should be carried out by a licensed electrician.
