Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice home cook, many people have never had the opportunity to cook on an induction cooktop. In 2023, only 6% of Australians had an induction cooktop according to a report by Asthma Australia. But with gas prices climbing and government policies encouraging the switch to all-electric homes, the presence of induction cooktops in Australian homes is set to take off!
Maybe you’ve decided to check out induction cooking because you’ve heard how precise and quick they are, or because you’re concerned about your gas cooktop contributing to poor air quality in your home… or maybe you’re just sick of cleaning your gas stove. If you’re not sure what induction cooking is or why you’re here, check out our introductory blog on “Induction Cooktops: The Benefits and Differences of Cooking with Induction”.
If you’ve only ever cooked on gas or a ceramic cooktop, it can feel like you don’t know where to start when choosing an induction cooktop!
Making the leap to an induction cooktop doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’ll walk you through every step, from choosing the perfect induction cooktop for your kitchen to ensuring a safe and seamless installation.
Choosing The Right Induction Cooktop For Your Kitchen
The perfect induction cooktop for your needs may not be the same as your neighbours preferences. We all have different cooking styles and the number of people we have to feed also varies. So we’ll run you through the main factors that you should consider so that you can make the best choice for YOU!
Number of Burners/Cooking Zones
Induction cooktops come in a wide variety of sizes and configurations, from single portable burners to large 90cm cooktops with multiple zones. The right option for you will depend on your cooking habits and household size.
Do you often make meals that require cooking multiple dishes simultaneously, or are you more of a one-pot recipe chef?
Do you cook with specialty sized pots such as a wok or large gravy pan?
Would you be ok with defined heating zones, or would you prefer the freedom of being able to place your pot anywhere on the surface to cook?
Once you have a clear idea of your cooking style, it’ll be easier to narrow down the type of induction cooktop that will suit you.
Many induction cooktops have 3-4 cooking zones that will heat your saucepans in pre-defined spaces. This set-up usually works fine if you mainly cook with standard sized pots and pans.
But if you need extra flexibility, there are other innovative options available. ‘Flex Zones’ give you the option of ‘bridging’ 2 cooking zones together to create a larger cooking area, which is great for griddles or larger frypans. Another step further is ‘Free’ induction, which give you complete freedom to place your pots anywhere on the surface to cook!
There are some specialty induction cooktops that have a dedicated wok burner, but be prepared to pay handsomely! Plus you’re giving up space that then can’t be used for flat-bottomed pots. A more economical option is to purchase a portable induction wok burner to use alongside your cooktop when needed, or to buy a flat-bottomed wok.
Size
Alongside the number of cooking zones is the consideration of what size cooktop you want. In some situations you’ll be constrained by the size of an existing bench cutout, but if you’re building a new kitchen you’ll have free reign to choose a size.
The most common dimensions are 60cm, 70-75cm and 90cm. These generally fit 3 zones comfortably (60cm), 4 zones comfortably (70-75cm) or 5 zones (90cm).
Power Levels
Induction cooktops will offer around 10 temperature settings, and many also have the ability to increase the temperature in 0.5 increments.
Different levels of induction cooktops will have different features and precision levels, so make sure the temperature controls are as precise as you require.
Control Features
In the midst of cooking up a storm, you want the controls on your cooktop to be intuitive and easy to use. Induction cooktops offer touch controls and digital displays, so you can see at a glance what power level you’re cooking at.
There are also a wide range of other features available. Automatic shut-off will deactivate any cooking zones where a pot is not detected, so there’s no risk of leaving a burner on. Many also come with child-lock features which are great peace of mind when there are little hands around.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Consider the ease of cleaning your cooktop. While the smooth glass surface of induction cooktops will be way easier to clean than gas burners, you still want to choose one with the least crevices or gaps so that you can easily wipe the surface clean.
Another benefit is that induction cooktops heat the pot rather than the surface, so any spills are less likely to get baked-on and require elbow grease to remove.
Budget
Set a budget and explore induction cooktop options that offer the features you need within your price range. While higher-priced models may offer additional features or higher power levels, there are also many affordable options available that provide excellent performance.
Making Sure Your Induction Cooktop Is The Right Size
Measure twice, cut once! That old adage is especially true when the thing you’ll be cutting into is your benchtops! If you’re purchasing an induction cooktop to install in a brand-new kitchen, make sure you double check the specifications BEFORE you cut out the benchtop. And if you’re buying an induction cooktop to retrofit into an existing space, still double check the specifications before you click ‘add to cart’.
Measure the Available Space
Ensuring the cooktop fits seamlessly into your kitchen requires careful consideration of available space and cutout dimensions. Measure the space where the cooktop will be installed, considering both the width and depth of the countertop space available. Take into account any surrounding cabinetry or walls to ensure proper ventilation and clearance.
Cutout Dimensions
If you’re purchasing online from a retailer like Appliances Online, you should be able to filter the search results to find cooktops that will fit existing cutouts. Check the specifications for the cutout dimensions required to ensure a proper fit. If modifications to the countertop are necessary, plan ahead and consult with a professional to avoid any installation complications.
Determine the Electrical Supply Requirements
There are some technical electrical requirements to consider when having a new induction cooktop installed. Luckily, engaging Kenner Electrics for the installation means that we will sort it all out for you!
Circuit Capacity
Most induction cooktops require a dedicated circuit with 32A or higher amperage, so it's essential to ensure your electrical setup is compatible. As licensed electricians, Kenner Electrics will inspect your existing cabling and make sure it can handle the specifications of your chosen cooktop. If a higher capacity circuit is required, we will install that too.
Isolation Switch
An isolation switch allows for quick and easy disconnection of power in case of emergencies or maintenance. All electric stoves or induction cooktops must have an isolation switch installed close by (but not too close) to the cooktop. This is so that the cooktop can be fully isolated from mains power for maintenance purposes and in the event of a fault/incident (eg. cooking fire).
A licensed electrician will ensure that an isolation switch is installed as per electrical safety regulations along with your cooktop installation. Isolation switches can be retrofitted to existing cooktops for safety, but MUST be installed on all new cooktops by a licensed electrician.
Professional Installation of Induction Cooktops
To ensure the induction cooktop is installed safely and correctly, get in touch with Kenner Electrics today. Hiring a licensed electrician with experience in appliance installations will ensure compliance with current electrical regulations. They will also assess your electrical setup and make any necessary upgrades to get your new cooktop working properly.
Hopefully this guide has given you a good understanding of what to consider when buying a new induction cooktop. Once you have figured out your own unique cooking style and requirements, engaging an experienced electrician like Kenner Electrics for your induction cooktop installation will make the rest of the process go smoothly, so you can get on and enjoy the experience of induction cooking!
