Induction cooktops have become a preferred choice of Indian consumers over gas stoves. Because they are more convenient and reduce cooking time by 50%.
For instance, it just takes a couple of minutes to bring a pot of water to boil using an induction stove – which is very quick compared to gas or electric stoves.
Reason for their efficiency is – they work on electromagnetic fields so the heat will be generated within the pan, resulting in less heat loss and lower heat emission.
With a myriad of models available, choosing the best induction cooktop can be quite tricky. To help you, we have provided an ultimate buying guide with all the information required to make the right decision.
4 Key Points to Know For Choosing The Perfect Induction Stove
Factor 1. How many burners do you really need?
This is the first factor to consider while purchasing an induction stove. Most of the induction stoves in India come in four variants – 1 burner, 2 burner, 3 burner and 4 burners. You have to choose based on the amount of food you cook in a day and the number of people present in your family. Below, we have provided a clear comparison to help you understand the difference.
Factor 2. Must Have Functions
Unlike gas stoves, induction cooktops come with advanced functionalities that make the cooking process more easier and fun. We have mentioned some of the below for your reference. Make sure the model you choose comes with these functionalities.
Factor 3. Choice of control Panel: Button or touch
The control options of an induction cooktop are available in two variants: Buttons and Touch. An ideal choice among them depends on individual preference.
Factor 4. Other Features which you should consider
Below, we have mentioned some features that help you analyze the durability and reliability of the induction cooktop.
a) Child lock
This safety feature will prevent misuse of induction cooktop by children. It also prevents any unnecessary accidents and injuries. This child-lock feature can be activated while cleaning or during cooking as well.
If you activate it during cooking, any operation that is already selected will continue and display settings will remain active. However, other features and functionalities will stay inactive or locked. For safety purposes, only the power button will stay active or usable.
b) Indian Menu Option
Induction cooktops with this option come with several preset options for different Indian dishes. With this option, you can cook several Indian authentic dishes using just touch or a button.
c) LED Flames
In order to provide the feel of flames, latest induction cooktops are available with visual representation of flames. This visual also indicates the intensity of the heat selected.
c) Ease Of Cleaning
Most of the models are easier to clean and maintain. We recommend looking for a model with a continuous surface without any dirt trapping corners. When it comes to controls, it is better to go for touch as the surface will be easier to clean. however, if your choice is buttons, then make sure they are easier to clean. As the surface doesn’t get as hot as traditional gas stoves or ovens, most spillages won’t get stuck to it. However, you may have to beware of sugar spills as they can burn and create uneven surfaces on the cooktop.
d) Warranty
Similar to any other kitchen appliance, make sure to check out the warranty duration before making the purchase. During this period, you can get any repair or replacement without any extra payment or service charge. We recommend going for a model with higher warranty duration. Most of the induction cooktops in India come with 1 to 2 years of warranty.