How to Choose the Right Induction Cooktop for Your Kitchen

Why Induction Cooktops Are Worth Considering

Induction cooktops have become increasingly popular in Australian kitchens over the past decade. They heat cookware faster than gas or electric radiant cooktops, are more energy efficient, easier to clean, and cooler to the touch during and after cooking. If you're renovating a kitchen or replacing a cooktop, induction is worth serious consideration.

This guide covers how induction cooking works, what to look for when choosing a model, and how induction compares to gas and ceramic cooktops. You can also compare across all cooktop types in our full cooktop buying guide.

How Induction Cooking Works

Induction cooktops generate heat directly in the base of the cookware using electromagnetic energy rather than heating a surface that then heats the pan. An alternating magnetic field created beneath the glass surface induces an electrical current in the iron or steel base of compatible cookware, which generates heat directly in the pan. The cooktop surface itself does not get hot (though it does warm slightly from contact with the hot pan).

This means faster heating, more precise temperature control, significantly less wasted energy, and a cooktop that's safer and easier to clean than gas or radiant electric alternatives.

Induction Cookware Requirements

Induction cooktops only work with cookware that contains ferrous (magnetic) metal in the base. Compatible materials include cast iron, magnetic stainless steel, and induction-specific cookware. You can test your existing pots and pans with a fridge magnet: if the magnet sticks firmly to the base, the cookware is induction compatible.

Cookware made from aluminium, copper, glass, or ceramic will not work on an induction cooktop without an induction-compatible base or a separate induction interface disc. If you're switching from gas or radiant electric, you may need to replace some or all of your cookware.

Key Features to Look For

Number of Cooking Zones

Most built-in induction cooktops are available in 60 cm and 90 cm widths. A 60 cm cooktop typically has four cooking zones, which suits most families. A 90 cm cooktop offers five or six zones and suits larger households or anyone who cooks multiple dishes simultaneously. Portable single and double-zone induction cooktops are also available for use on the benchtop.

Power Output per Zone

Individual cooking zone power is measured in watts. A standard zone typically delivers 1,400 to 2,000 watts. A boost or power zone delivers 2,500 to 3,700 watts, allowing very rapid boiling and searing. Look for a model with at least one high-power boost zone if you regularly need to boil large pots of water quickly or sear meat at high heat.

Total Connected Load

The total connected load is the maximum power the cooktop can draw simultaneously when all zones are in use. In Australia, standard household circuits are typically limited to 20 amps (around 4,600 watts on a single-phase connection). Many premium induction cooktops require a dedicated circuit. Always confirm the electrical requirements with a licensed electrician before purchasing and installing a new cooktop.

Touch Controls and Displays

Most induction cooktops use touch-sensitive controls rather than physical dials. Look for clearly labelled controls with a logical layout and a digital display that shows the power level or temperature setting for each zone. Some premium models include a full-surface slider control that lets you adjust power by sliding your finger along the glass.

Power Levels

Induction cooktops typically offer between 9 and 17 power levels per zone. More power levels give you finer control over cooking temperature, which is particularly useful for delicate tasks like melting chocolate, making sauces, and simmering soups. A model with at least 12 power levels per zone provides good control across the full cooking range.

Keep Warm Function

A keep warm or simmer function holds food at a very low temperature without continuing to cook it. This is a useful feature for keeping dishes warm while you finish preparing other elements of a meal.

Timer

An integrated timer allows you to set a cooking time for one or more zones. When the timer expires, the zone automatically switches off or to keep warm. This is a genuine safety and convenience feature, particularly for tasks that require precise timing.

Child Lock

A child lock disables the touch controls to prevent accidental activation. This is an important safety feature in households with young children, where curious fingers on a glass surface could start a cooking zone.

Pan Detection

Induction cooktops automatically detect whether compatible cookware is present on a zone before activating it. This prevents the zone from switching on without a pan and turns off automatically if the pan is removed. This is a standard safety feature on all modern induction cooktops.

Residual Heat Indicator

Even though the cooktop surface doesn't heat up like gas or radiant electric, the glass surface does warm from contact with the hot pan. A residual heat indicator light warns you that the surface is still warm after cooking, which is an important safety feature.

What to Expect at Different Price Points

Budget (Under $600)

Entry-level induction cooktops deliver reliable induction performance with standard power levels, basic controls, and 60 cm four-zone layouts. A practical choice for a first induction cooktop or a straightforward kitchen upgrade.

Mid-Range ($600 to $1,500)

Mid-range models offer better power output per zone, more power levels, improved touch controls, bridge zone functionality (which combines two zones into one large zone for griddles and fish kettles), and better build quality. Most Australian households will find an excellent model in this range.

Premium ($1,500 and Above)

Premium induction cooktops deliver maximum power output, flexible zone systems that can combine and resize cooking zones freely across the surface, full-surface controls, and refined finishes. Worth the investment for a high-end kitchen renovation or serious home cooks who want maximum flexibility and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is induction cooking cheaper to run than gas?

Yes, in most Australian households. Induction cooktops convert around 85 to 90 percent of their energy input directly into heat in the pan, compared to around 40 to 55 percent for gas burners (much of which is lost to the surrounding air). The cost comparison depends on your local electricity and gas tariffs, but induction is generally more energy efficient in practice.

Do I need a special power point for an induction cooktop?

Most built-in induction cooktops require a dedicated 20-amp or 32-amp circuit installed by a licensed electrician. This is different to a standard 10-amp power point. Always confirm the electrical requirements of your chosen model with an electrician before purchasing.

Does induction cooking affect people with pacemakers?

People with pacemakers or other implanted cardiac devices should consult their cardiologist and the device manufacturer before using an induction cooktop. In most cases, the electromagnetic field produced by an induction cooktop does not affect modern pacemakers when the user maintains a normal cooking distance from the surface, but individual advice from a medical professional is recommended.

Is the glass surface on an induction cooktop scratch-resistant?

Induction cooktops use toughened ceramic glass that is resistant to scratches from normal cookware use but can be scratched by abrasive cleaning products or dragging heavy pans with rough bases across the surface. Use a soft cloth or cooktop-specific cleaner and lift pans rather than sliding them to maintain the surface.

Ready to Shop?

Browse our full range of induction cooktops. You can also explore our complete cooktops range, including gas cooktops and ceramic cooktops, and our full kitchen appliance collection.