Install an induction stove
Induction stoves are the best type of electric stove. They heat pans insanely fast, they’re easy to clean, and they’re very safe. They’re a superior alternative to fossil gas burning stoves that emit toxic fumes and greenhouse gases.
Since induction stoves are the most energy efficient cooktops available, they quickly pay for themselves in savings from your energy bill.
How it works
The electric current heats a copper coil beneath the ceramic surface, creating an electromagnetic field that heats only the pot on top! That means only cookware with a magnetic bottom will actually heat — but don't worry, most cookware is magnetic.
Why induction
- Speed: They heat up 40-50% faster than other electric or gas ranges.
- Heat: They use magnet technology, so no heat goes into the surrounding air and you get a much cooler kitchen. 90% of heat goes straight into pan, compared to 40% for gas.
- Safety: While you're burning gas, you should be running the vent above your range as your indoor air quality will decrease rapidly. With an induction stove, there's no fumes.
- Cleaning: They clean super easily. In our experience, it is so much faster to wipe up an induction stove compared to gas.
- Cost: Costs have decreased significantly over the past few years. A 36" induction cooktop will go for around $2000, which is around the same as a nice gas cooktop.
- Energy efficiency: Induction stovetops are about 84% efficient, compared to 40% for gas cooktops. The EPA doesn’t yet provide Energy Star ratings for ranges, so there's no great way to compare specific induction models to each other based on energy efficiency.
Top Pick
GE Profile 36" Built-in touch
Well reviewed by most home remodeling experts and highly rated on every retailer's site, the GE Profile is a popular pick.
Each burner comes with a different wattage that'll provide lots of control over your cooking — the smallest burner stays low enough to slowly melt butter and the largest will boil water faster than any gas burner.
There's a few handy features that'll help you stay safe while you're getting used to cooking with a new range — there's a lock option to turn off controls while you're cleaning, and burners will switch off automatically if pots aren't placed on top.
One reviewer says: "I just love my new induction cooktop. I was worried switching from gas to induction. I am crazy about this cooktop. It cooks evenly, cleans up beautifully, and has a sleek clean look in my new kitchen! Would most definitely recommend this cooktop!"
Finally, this range is one of the few electric ranges to be Prop 65 certified — that means it's free of chemicals known to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Other picks
Bosch 800 Series NIT8069UC Cooktop
Rated 100 on Consumer Reports for being the absolute best at heating water to near-boiling and holding a low temperature to melt chocolate, as well as highest owner satisfaction. However, it is slightly more expensive than the GE model.
Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop
If you rent or live in a camper that doesn't have induction installed, you could try getting a portable induction cooktop.
What to consider when switching over
Tax credits & rebates: Some states will offer up to $700 rebates on induction cooktops. You can check if your zipcode has any available rebates on Energy Star's rebate finder.
Recycling your old appliance: The retailer you’ve bought should be able to collect your old range when they drop off the new one. Double check whether the company is a certified recycler of old appliances and will provide green services.
Replacing cookware: Most stainless steel and cast iron pans work great on induction, so it's likely the pans you cook with every day will work. But if you're not sure about a specific pan, if a magnet strongly sticks to the bottom of a pot, it will work with an induction cooktop.
Additional resources
Video · Chef Jon Kung
Why I cook with Induction