Induction vs Electric Cooktop: What’s the Difference?

Key Points of This Article:

• Induction cooktops are more energy-efficient than electric ones, using electromagnetic fields to heat cookware directly, which results in faster cooking and less wasted heat—up to 10% less energy use annually.
• Electric cooktops are more affordable upfront and compatible with all types of cookware, making them a versatile and budget-friendly option for many households.
• Induction cooktops offer better safety and temperature control, with cooler surfaces and instant heat adjustments, while electric cooktops retain heat longer and respond more slowly.
• Choosing between the two depends on your priorities—induction is ideal for speed, precision, and sustainability, while electric suits those seeking simplicity, lower initial costs, and broader cookware compatibility.

What Is an Induction Cooktop? 

According to home appliance giant Whirlpool, an induction cooktop is a modern type of electric stove that heats your pots and pans using magnetic energy instead of traditional heating elements like electricity or gas. An electric cooktop heats its surface with coils that radiate heat, while an induction cooktop uses an electromagnetic field to heat the cookware directly. 

Unlike gas or standard electric stoves that warm the burner first and then transfer heat to your cookware, induction cooktops heat the cookware itself from the inside out. Because of this, cooking is faster, safer, and more energy-efficient.  

Homeowners love induction cooktops not only for their sleek look but also for their energy efficiency, which can help reduce overall electricity use compared to other types of stoves. 

How Do Induction Cooktops Work?  

Underneath the smooth glass surface of an induction cooktop are tightly wound copper coils. When you turn on a burner, electricity flows through these coils, creating an invisible magnetic field. When you place magnetic cookware (like cast iron or certain types of stainless steel) on the surface, that magnetic field reacts with the metal and generates heat directly inside the pan. 

Because the heat forms within the cookware rather than on the cooktop surface, almost no energy is wasted. The surrounding air and glass stay relatively cool while your food cooks faster and more evenly, making them highly energy efficient. 

In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, induction cooktops can use up to 10% less energy than smooth-top electric stoves and are roughly three times more efficient than gas models. 

Pros of Using an Induction Cooktop  

Like any appliance, there are pros and cons to whatever cooktop you choose to go with. If you’re stuck on what to choose for your cooking needs, here are the best reasons to get an induction cooktop: 

1. Faster Cooking: Induction cooktops are one of the quickest cooking technologies available today. Because heat is generated directly inside the pan, water can reach a full boil in just a few minutes. 
2. Precise Temperature Control: These cooktops respond instantly when you adjust the heat level, allowing you to simmer sauces gently or sear meats evenly without worrying about sudden temperature spikes. 
3. Safer to Use: The surface of an induction cooktop stays relatively cool because, for most models, it only heats up when compatible cookware is placed on it. If you accidentally turn it on without a pan, the burner won’t heat, helping prevent burns and kitchen accidents. 
4. Cleaner Cooking Surface: Spills don’t bake onto the surface since the glass top remains cool. Usually, a simple wipe with a damp cloth is enough to keep your cooktop clean. 
5. Better for Indoor Air Quality: Because induction doesn’t produce combustion gases, it can help keep your kitchen air cleaner than cooking with gas. 
6. Environmentally Friendly: Because induction cooktops use less energy, this means you’ll have a smaller carbon footprint. Induction cooking converts about 85–90% of its energy into usable heat, compared to traditional electric cooktops. 
7. Even, Consistent Cooking: Heat from an induction cooktop spreads evenly across the bottom of the pan, so food cooks uniformly without scorching or cold spots. This makes everyday cooking more predictable and enjoyable. 

Induction Cooktop Cons 

Here are some cons to look out for if you’re deciding between an induction vs electric cooktop: 

1. Different Cooking Experience: Cooking on induction can feel unfamiliar if you’re used to gas. There’s no visible flame or glowing coil to show heat levels, so some users miss that instant visual feedback. 
2. Cookware Compatibility: Not all pots and pans work with induction. You’ll need magnetic cookware such as stainless steel or cast iron. A quick way to check is to see if a magnet sticks firmly to the bottom of your pan; if it does, it’s compatible. 
3. Potential for Noise: It’s normal for induction cooktops to make a low humming or buzzing sound while cooking, especially at higher power levels. Using heavier, flat-bottomed cookware can help minimize the noise. 
4. Interference With Digital Thermometers: The electromagnetic field from an induction burner can sometimes affect digital meat thermometers; an analog version may give more reliable readings. 
5. Higher Purchase Price: Induction appliances tend to be pricier than traditional electric models, but if you use an ENERGY STAR-certified induction cooktop, you may qualify for federal or state rebates that help offset the cost. 

What Is an Electric Cooktop? 

An electric cooktop is a kitchen appliance designed with a smooth, built-in surface that uses electricity to generate heat for cooking.  

When turned on, electric current flows through heating elements located beneath the surface, causing them to warm up and transfer heat directly to your cookware. This steady and consistent transfer of heat makes electric cooktops dependable for daily cooking tasks such as boiling, frying, or simmering. 

Because these cooktops run on electricity rather than gas, electric cooktops eliminate the need for an open flame, making them a practical choice for modern homes. Their flat surface also complements contemporary kitchen designs and allows for easy cleanup once the cooktop cools. 

Overall, electric cooktops provide a simple and efficient way to cook using the power already running through your home’s electrical system. 

How Do Electric Cooktops Work?  

Electric cooktops generate heat by turning electrical energy into thermal energy through resistive heating. Beneath the cooking surface, metal coils act as heating elements. When you turn on a burner, electricity flows through these coils, and the resistance within the metal causes them to heat up, much like how a space heater or toaster operates. 

That heat is then transferred to your cookware through direct contact with the element or the glass-ceramic surface above it. Once the cookware warms up, it continues to hold and distribute heat evenly across your food. 

Because electric cooktops retain some residual heat even after being turned off, they’re efficient at maintaining a steady simmer and can keep food warm for a short period without additional energy use. 

Pros of an Electric Cooktop  

While testing or learning about any new appliance, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting yourself into. Here are some of the most common pros of using an electric stovetop: 

1. More Affordable: Electric cooktops are usually the most budget-friendly option when it comes to upfront costs. They’re generally less expensive to buy and install than gas or induction models. 
2. Easier Installation: Most homes already have the electrical setup needed for an electric cooktop, making installation quicker and simpler than gas, which may require running a gas line or additional fittings. 
3. Works With All Cookware: One of the biggest advantages of electric cooktops is their flexibility. They can be used with nearly any type of pot or pan, including aluminum, stainless steel, and cast iron. 
4. Easy to Clean: The flat glass or ceramic surface of an electric cooktop is easy to clean. As long as spills are cleaned up promptly, residue rarely sticks or burns onto the surface. 
5. Modern Look: Electric cooktops have a sleek, minimalist design that fits beautifully into modern or updated kitchens, giving your space a polished appearance. 
6. No Open Flames: Since electric cooktops use electricity instead of gas, there’s no exposed flame, which helps reduce the risk of burns or accidental fires in the kitchen. 
7. Efficient Heat Transfer: While some energy is lost to the surrounding air, radiant electric cooktops still use heat more efficiently than gas stoves because more of the energy goes directly into the cookware. 

Cons of an Electric Cooktop 

Just as helpful to know, let’s drive into the top cons of an electric cooktop: 

1. Slower to Heat and Cool: Electric cooktops generally take more time to warm up and cool down than gas or induction. This can make quick temperature adjustments a bit challenging during cooking. 
2. Less Responsive Temperature Control: Because the heating elements retain heat, there’s often a short delay between changing the setting and seeing the temperature respond, which can make precise cooking trickier. 
3. Uneven Heating: Depending on the cookware used and the burner design, electric cooktops can develop hot spots, leading to uneven cooking results in some cases. 
4. Surface Stays Hot After Use: Even after being turned off, the surface remains warm for several minutes. This residual heat can pose a safety risk for children or pets if touched too soon. 
5. Surface Durability: The glass or ceramic surface can scratch or crack if heavy cookware is dropped or dragged across it, so it’s best to handle pots carefully. 
6. Higher Energy Use: Compared to induction or gas, electric cooktops can consume more electricity to maintain high temperatures, which may slightly raise energy bills over time. 

Induction vs Electric Cooktops: Major Differences 

Induction and electric cooktops may look alike, but they heat and cook very differently. Understanding how each one works, and how that impacts speed, efficiency, and safety, can help you choose the best fit for your kitchen and energy needs. 

When looking at the various factors of an induction vs electric cooktop, here’s which model comes out on top: 

Heating Speed

Induction cooktops heat up noticeably faster because they generate heat directly inside the cookware. Electric cooktops, on the other hand, take a bit longer since they must heat the surface first and then transfer that warmth to the pot or pan. 

When it comes to overall heating speed, induction cooktops take the cake. 

Temperature Control

With induction, temperature changes happen almost instantly, allowing you to go from a rolling boil to a gentle simmer with precision. Electric cooktops take more time to adjust because the heating element must cool down or reheat before the temperature responds. 

In terms of temperature control, induction models are the best fit. 

Cookware Compatibility

Electric cooktops are more versatile; they work with nearly all types of cookware. Induction cooktops need magnetic cookware, such as cast iron or stainless steel. Non-magnetic materials like copper, glass, or aluminum won't heat on induction burners. 

Safety Considerations

Electric cooktops stay hot for a while after you turn them off, which can pose a burn risk if touched too soon. Induction cooktops are safer because only the pan gets hot; once you remove it, the surface cools quickly, reducing the chance of burns and accidents. 

Energy Efficiency

Induction models are more energy-efficient since nearly all the energy goes directly into heating the cookware. The U.S Department of Energy cites induction cooktops as using 10% less energy than electric cooktops.  

Traditional electric cooktops lose some heat through the glass surface and surrounding air, using more energy overall. For energy efficiency, induction cooktops should be your top choice. 

Appearance

Electric cooktops often glow red when the heating elements are on, showing visible hot zones under the glass surface. Induction cooktops, however, stay dark and cool unless magnetic cookware is placed on them. 

Price & Upfront Costs

Electric cooktops are generally less expensive to buy and install. Induction cooktops cost more upfront but may lower long-term energy costs because they cook faster and waste less electricity. 

If your goal is energy efficiency, choose an induction cooktop. If you're looking for upfront savings, choose an electric cooktop.  

Ease of Cleaning

Both types feature smooth, flat surfaces that are easy to clean. However, spills on electric cooktops can burn onto the surface if not wiped quickly. Induction surfaces stay cooler, so food residue is less likely to stick. 

Lifespan & Reliability

Electric cooktops typically last around 13 years with proper care. Induction cooktops have a slightly shorter lifespan (about 10 years) but tend to maintain performance well over time, thanks to fewer moving parts. 

Environmental Impact

Induction cooking wastes less energy and can help lower your overall electricity use, making it the more eco-friendly option. Electric cooktops lose more heat during cooking, requiring more power to reach and maintain the temperature. 

If you're looking to reduce your energy waste and make less of an environmental impact, go with an induction cooktop. 

Cooking Quality

Induction delivers even, consistent heating across the cookware, helping food cook faster and more uniformly. Electric cooktops can sometimes create hot spots, leading to uneven cooking or longer prep times. An induction cooktop would be your best bet here. 

Induction Cooktop vs. Electric Power Consumption 

Still deciding which model is right for you? One of the most important things you should factor into your decision is the power consumption of your appliance. Here's what you can expect from induction and electric cooktops: 

Although induction cooktops often have a higher wattage rating, that doesn't mean they use more electricity overall. Wattage represents instantaneous power draw, not the total energy required to complete a task. Because induction transfers heat directly to the cookware, it reaches the desired temperature faster and uses less energy. 

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (Energy.gov), induction cooking is the most efficient electric cooking method available. Induction can use up to 10% less total energy than a traditional electric cooktop to cook the same meal. 

Cost of Running an Electric Cooktop and an Induction Cooktop 

When comparing the cost of an induction cooktop vs. an electric cooktop, the main differences lie in upfront price and long-term efficiency. The charts below show how their operating costs compare side by side, assuming one hour of cooking per day.