Electric cooktops use coils under a smooth glass surface to heat your pots and pans directly. The surface can get hot to the touch, but some models feature residual-heat indicators.
With multiple burners, you can handle a larger cooking job without sacrificing power. Wider elements leave room for large cookware, and bridge elements on select models accommodate oblong dishes.
Temperature control hob
Unlike traditional gas and electric cooktops, which use an open flame or convection to heat the cooking surface and the contents of pots and pans, induction hobs generate heat directly within the metal pan itself. This is why they’re so much faster and energy efficient. They also have precise temperature control.
The electric power that flows through an induction hob generates a magnetic field under the glass ceramic surface. When a pan is placed on it, currents are induced in the pan itself, which heats up instantly. Induction cooktops work with flat-bottomed cookware made of ferrous metal, such as cast iron and some stainless steels. They don’t work with aluminum or copper.
Another advantage of an induction hob is that the heat can be easily adjusted to suit your recipe or your mood. It is easy to set a high simmer or boil, which can save time and energy when making soups and stews. But you need to be careful not to bep tu munchen overdo it. Too much heat can burn your food and cause spattering. Some cooktops can even overheat and break if the pan is too large. A good way to prevent this is by setting the heat to a low level and moving your cookware away from it when you’re done.
Precise cooking hob
Unlike traditional gas cooktops, which have flames that heat the cookware directly, induction stoves use electromagnetic coils to create a magnetic field under the ceramic glass surface. This transfers energy into the metal pans, heating them instantly. Induction burners are energy-efficient and precise, making them a favorite among professional chefs who want quick, controllable heat. They also have a sleek, modern appearance and are easy to clean.
Choosing the right electric cooktop for your home depends on your cooking style and kitchen aesthetic. Whether you’re replacing an old range or building a new kitchen, the type of cooktop you choose will determine your budget and installation timeline. A licensed electrician should be able to install most cooktops within a few hours.
Electric cooktops come in two types: smooth top and coil. Coil cooktops have elements on the surface, so they are more susceptible to spills. However, they are typically less expensive than their gas counterparts. Smoothtop cooktops feature radiant elements in a recessed cavity underneath a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. They’re usually more expensive than coil cooktops, but they are easier to clean with simple cleaners and do not produce much ambient heat.
With precision that rivals sous vide, GE’s smart electric cooktop lets you prepare perfectly poached eggs, sauces that never scorch, and ganache that doesn’t burn. It also has a probe mode that automatically adjusts settings to maintain a target probe temperature.
Cooking accuracy hob
Many cooks prefer electric cooktops because they heat up quickly and don’t need to be cleaned as frequently as gas models. They also have a sleek surface that looks nice in modern kitchens, although it can be scratched by rough cookware.
Electric cooktops use centralized heat with currents that flow through metal coils underneath their glass (or ceramic) surface. These coils heat up and then use infrared energy to heat your pots and pans. This can lead to uneven heating, especially if your pot or pan is too small or thick. Additionally, your food may be exposed to additional heat loss through the coils themselves.
Fortunately, there are several ways to address this problem. One option is to replace your old cooktop with an induction model. This type of cooktop can bring water to a boil up to 25% faster than traditional radiant electric models. It’s also easier to clean, since there are no grates and coils to remove and soak. Some models even have a built-in downdraft vent that eliminates the need for a separate range hood. Lastly, many electric cooktops are available with special features, such as dual element burners that can be used separately or together to accommodate larger cookware like griddles. They also have indicator lights that let you know when the surface is hot, allowing you to avoid burns.