Best Induction Cooktops of 2024

We test 30- and 36-inch induction cooktops from popular brands such as Frigidaire, GE, KitchenAid, Samsung, and Whirlpool. We also test pro-style induction cooktops from brands like Bosch, GE Monogram, and Thermador.

Regardless of whether the cooktop is gas, electric smoothtop, or induction, each is tested at low and high heat. Just about any cooktop will fare well enough when cooking over medium heat, but a stellar model will also boil quickly and simmer steadily. “The extremes between low- and high-heat tasks are where we really see differences,” says Tara Casaregola, who oversees cooktop testing at Consumer Reports.

For high-heat cooking, we use a standard pot filled with about 4 quarts of water on the largest cooktop burner. We jack up the burner to the highest setting and note how quickly the water heats up.

For low-heat cooking, we use the smallest burner to maintain simmer and melt temperatures, gauging how well a cooktop holds a steady simmer temperature without dropping too low or reaching temperatures hot enough that you’d scorch delicate foods like chocolate or tomato sauce.

Have questions about induction cooktops? We’ve got answers.

As a special type of electric cooktop, induction models harness the power and precision of the electromagnetic field, which lies below the glass surface, to quickly heat.

“Since you’re heating the pan directly, you’re not losing time while heat transfers from a radiant electric burner,” Casaregola says.

The result? Induction is about 10 percent more efficient than traditional electric smoothtops and up to three times more efficient than gas. That increased efficiency can easily shave several minutes off the time to boil a pot of water.

If you’ve considered an induction cooktop or range, you’ve probably heard that not all cookware is induction-compatible. The truth is, any magnetic pot or pan will work on an induction cooktop, and you may already have pots and pans that do. (Test them out by seeing whether a magnet sticks to them.)

If you’re looking for new cookware, check the Features & Specs tab on the model page of any cookware model or set in our cookware ratings to find out whether it is induction-friendly. You can also take a magnet with you when you’re shopping in a store.

Yes. Cast-iron cookware is a magnetic metal and works on induction. That’s true for solid cast-iron pans as well as enameled cast-iron pots and Dutch ovens.

Aside from the minor issues of cookware compatibility, the biggest drawback can be price. As a rule, induction tends to cost a bit more, but prices have dropped considerably in recent years. Plus, people who buy induction cooktops may qualify for up to $880 in rebates under the Inflation Reduction Act. Learn what to consider if you’re choosing between induction and conventional electric smoothtops, and read more about the pros and cons of induction if you’re still unsure.