Choosing the right cooktop for your kitchen can be imperative for a home cook, as this can make or break your overall cooking experience.
It might be a bit silly, but once you figure out that having the perfect cooktop that caters to your cooking habits can make you more efficient when creating your favorite meals.
So now that you’re ready to upgrade your cooktop, you want to know more about induction and ceramic cooktops.
Starting with an essential question: are induction and ceramic cooktops the same?
This article will list the pros and cons of both cooktops to help you figure out which one will suit your kitchen. So let’s dive right in!
Is induction the same as ceramic cooktop?
Before we delve deeper into the features of both cooktops, we first have to discuss the question: is an induction cooktop the same as a glass cooktop?
At first glance, both cooktops can be difficult to tell apart as they usually have a black glass surface with flat burners.
But in reality, both cooktops have different methods of heating where induction uses electromagnetic energy, while a glass ceramic cooktop uses electricity.
Both may easily fit in within a modern kitchen, but each type has its own strengths and weaknesses. So whichever cooktop you pick will depend on how well it will serve your cooking needs.
What is an induction cooktop?
A notable feature of induction cooktops is their ability to heat pans through electromagnetic energy. They do this through metal coils that form magnetic fields whenever you place induction-ready cookware on top of a designated burner.
But instead of having the surface of the burner heat up, the energy goes directly to the pan. That’s why you’ll notice the burner won’t get hot even when you’ve had your induction on for a while.
Most induction cooktops also have a digital interface that allows you to set a specific temperature for cooking.
So as a result, cooking will be more efficient and precise; that’s why a number of chefs and home cooks prefer to have an induction in their kitchen.
What is a ceramic cooktop?
A ceramic cooktop is a sleeker version of your trusty electric stove. It’s also referred to as a glass cooktop because of its tempered glass ceramic surface.
Though it makes for a durable exterior, glass ceramic is also susceptible to scratches, so you’ll need to be careful to prevent leaving any marks and scratches.
Ceramic cooktops heat up through a metal coil installed underneath its smooth surface. Each burner has a metal coil that glows red when it’s heating. The glowing red light slowly fades down when you turn it off.
Another great advantage of having a ceramic cooktop is that most types of cookware are compatible with it. So if you plan to upgrade to this type, you won’t need to switch your old pots and pans.
Can a ceramic cooktop be induction?
Most induction cooktops have a glass ceramic surface, but that doesn’t mean every ceramic cooktop will be induction.
As discussed above, the key difference these cooktops have are their methods of heating. Both may have a metal coil for conducting heat, but the type of energy they use is widely different.
So as long as a ceramic cooktop doesn’t use electromagnetic energy to heat up, it can never be an induction.
So if you still can’t decide whether to pick an induction or ceramic cooktop for your kitchen, let’s weigh the pros and cons of each type below.
Glass ceramic vs. Induction cooktop
The difference between ceramic and induction cooktops doesn’t just end in their heating methods.
Since some factors will affect how well each cooktop will suit your needs, let’s compare a few of their features:
Induction cooktop vs. Ceramic: Efficiency
Both cooktops may need electricity to function, but because of induction’s method of heating, it’s more efficient than a ceramic cooktop.
That’s because when placing magnetic cookware on induction, most of the heat goes directly to the pan’s surface instead of spreading around the air and burner.
So, as a result, you’ll boil a pot of water twice as fast compared to a ceramic cooktop.
Its digital settings also allow you to adjust the temperature almost instantaneously, while a ceramic cooktop takes a while to change. So this level of heating precision lets you cook even the most delicate dishes without the risk of burning them.
Induction cooktop vs. Ceramic: Price
It’s no secret that electric cooktops can get pricey. So if you have a set price range in mind, a ceramic cooktop may be easier on your budget.
One unit costs between $300-1,000, and because it’s one of the most common types of cooktop, installation is also less of a hassle.
While an induction cooktop can cost around $1,000-2,500 per unit, there are also high-end brands with more advanced features that cost more. But because of their efficiency and precision, some home cooks believe having an induction cooktop in their kitchen is worth the investment.
Induction vs. Ceramic hob: Running costs
Aside from the initial cost of buying your cooktop, another factor you should consider is how much it will take you to use it at home.
The comparison between induction cooktop vs. ceramic power consumption shows that induction uses less energy, consuming an average of 175kwh per year. In contrast, a ceramic cooktop operates at an average of 225kwh per year.
But of course, the actual power consumption will also depend on the model of cooktop you have. As well as how much time you spend using your cooktop.
But overall, the efficiency of an induction cooktop could save you more time and money in the long run.
Induction cooktop vs. Ceramic: Cleaning
The best thing about having a smooth glass surface on your cooktop is its ease of cleaning.
Since both the induction and ceramic cooktop have this kind of exterior, cleanup is less of a hassle since you don’t have any nooks and crannies to reach into.
The only downside is that ceramic cooktops can take more effort to clean since their burners turn hot, so spills tend to burn when they land on a hot burner.
But as long as you keep your cooktops clean after cooking, spills and stains won’t be difficult to get rid of.
Which is better: ceramic or induction cooktop?
When you look at the features of each cooktop, it’s clear that an induction cooktop can improve your overall cooking experience.
Its energy efficiency, precise temperature, and sleek design make it a worthwhile addition to your kitchen.
But because of its high price point, obtaining an induction cooktop might not be the best option for some households.
So, in that case, a ceramic cooktop can also be an excellent alternative for making your meals.
It may not be as precise and efficient as induction, but you can rely on a ceramic cooktop to get the job done.
To sum it all up, the best kind of cooktop will have to be the one that accommodates your cooking habits. So it’s up to you to decide which one fits your kitchen needs and budget the best.
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