Modernization has taken over our kitchens too. More and more young people like students are replacing the traditional gas stoves and switching to induction cooktops. An induction cooktop is an appliance that cooks food without an LPG/gas connection, it uses a mechanism where the vessel is heated and the food is cooked without any heat or smoke being released. When the induction cooktop is turned on, it produces an electromagnetic field to heat up the vessel or pan. The temperature is suddenly increased but the surface of the cooktop is not heated. Since there is no heat released, the kitchen also stays cool. Switching to an induction cooktop is an intelligent move if you love cooking, but don’t want a conventional flame/electric burner. Induction cooktops are also much faster as compared to gas cooktops or electric cooktops. A simple task like boiling water will take 10-15 minutes on a conventional burner, but on an induction cooktop, it will be done in 4-5 minutes. In this buying guide, we give you a list of the best induction cooktops in India along with a complete guide on benefits of using induction stoves.
Table of Contents
Induction Cooktop: What’s inside and how does an induction cooktop work?
A coil of copper wire is placed in an induction cooktop beneath the cooking pan and they passed an electric current through the coil. A magnetic field is then produced and when the current continues to pass through it, it results in insusceptible heating of the pan. Unlike in gas stoves, there is no flame needed and no wasted heat is released into the kitchen.
List Of 9 Best Induction Cooktops In India
1. Philips Viva Collection HD4928/01 Induction Cooktop
Philips claims that they bring modernization to technologies for healthcare and healthy living. As per the makers, their products give a healthier life to millions of people every day. They believe that they make products that are unexpected by the users.
Philips Viva Collection HD4928/01 Induction Cooktop
Philips Viva Collection HD4928/01 Induction Cooktop has touch start and auto off feature for safety.
Wattage – 2100
Price – Rs 4795/-*
*At the time of review
This induction cooktop operates on 2100 watts of power due to which it cooks rapidly. It has a timer setting of 0 to 3 hours, making it easy to use for dishes that take longer to prepare. It is programmed for Indian cooking. It is portable as it has a handy design with a weight of 2.8 kg. The Philips Viva Collection HD4928/01 Induction Cooktop has an auto-off feature, so, as soon as the timer is finished, it turns off automatically. It has a cord length of 1.2 meters. It locks the nutrition into the food providing healthy cooking. It has a button for cooking mode, you must press that button after turning on the induction stove, else the induction stove will turn off automatically after 1 minute if the cooking mode is not selected. In order to start the Philips Viva Collection HD4928/01 Induction Cooktop, you don’t have to press any button as it has a touch start. You can buy this induction stove online and offline as well.
- Programmed for Indian cooking
- Touch start
- Time setting of 0 to 3 hours
- Auto-off feature for safety
- Surface stays cool
- Requires 2100 watts of power
- Requires voltage is 220-240 volts
- Cooking mode button
- 1-year warranty on the product
- Weight of the induction cooktop is 2 kg
2. Prestige PIC 6.0 V3 Induction Cooktop With Touch Panel
Prestige claims to be India’s number 1 brand of kitchen appliances, catering to the needs of homemakers in the country. They have a variety of products ranging from pressure cookers, non-stick cookware, gas stoves, induction cooktops, mixer grinders, other electrical appliances, and kitchen tools. Prestige has received a considerable amount of awards in the area of retail, product design, and company performance.
Prestige PIC 6.0 V3 Induction Cooktop With Touch Panel
Prestige PIC 6.0 V3 Induction Cooktop With Touch Panel has soft touch buttons and dual heat sensor.
Wattage -2000
Price – Rs 4695/-*
*At the time of review
This prestige induction cooktop has heating at the highest efficiency. It has soft touch buttons, anti-magnetic walls, voltage regulator, and a cooling system. It comes with a power saving technology as the induction cooktop monitors the temperature of the vessel placed on the induction cooktop and adjusts the power according to the size of the vessel. It has a dual heat sensor which makes sure that the food is heated within the permissible safety band. It has a unique design that prevents insects from entering into the induction cooktop. It has a child lock feature so that your young ones are safe. It has an Indian menu option so that you can just select the food you want to cook and authentic Indian food will be prepared for you through this smart feature. You can buy this versatile induction cooktop online and offline as well.
- The required voltage is 230 volts
- Required power is 2000 watts
- It has a touch control panel
- Indian menu option
- Voltage regulator
- Anti-magnetic walls
- Dual heat sensors
- Power save technology
- Weight of the induction cooktop is 2.6 kg
3. Havells Insta Cook PT Induction Cooktop
As per the makers, Havells owns brands like Lloyd, Crabtree, Standard Electric and Promptec. They claim to have the best quality of products and quick after sales service. They have minimal customer complaints and higher customer satisfaction.
Havells Insta Cook PT Induction Cooktop
Havells Insta Cook PT Induction Cooktop has cooking modes with auto pan detection.
Wattage – 1600
Price – Rs 2500/-*
*At the time of review
This Havells Insta Cook PT Induction Cooktop has different cooking modes with auto pan detection. It has a switch off and powers off feature which makes it easy to use and it saves time as well. It uses an advanced induction technology making it safe to use. The Havells Insta Cook PT Induction Cooktop has various temperature settings which you can change based on the type of food you are cooking. It has an LED display so that you can easily select menus for hassle-free cooking. It has 6 different cooking modes for idly, dosa, curry, milk/tea, manual and frying. It has a timer which you can set up to 3 hours and due to its design, it adds elegance to your kitchen. You can buy this induction cooktop online as well as offline.
- One touch operations
- 6 cooking modes
- Variable power control
- Digital LED display
- Automatic switch off at high temperatures
- Auto pan detection
- Requires 1600 watts of power
4. Bajaj Majesty ICX 7 Induction Cooktop
Bajaj claims to appreciate the quality of life and bring happiness with continuous use of the best technology in their products. They say that their motto is integrity, teamwork, empowerment, customer delight, innovation, and trust.
Bajaj Majesty ICX7 Induction Cooktop
The Bajaj majesty ICX7 induction cooktop has a smart feature called delay start.
Wattage – 1900
Price – Rs 4425/-*
*Price at the time of review
This brilliant induction stove comes with a preset menu to suit your cooking needs. You can set the required cooking time and temperature as it has an option to customize both of them. The Bajaj Majesty ICX 7 Induction Cooktop has the ability to quickly heat the cookware, also it is highly efficient and requires only 1900 watts of power to operate. It has reliable and enduring tactile switches. The best feature is that the induction cooktop will not switch on if it does not support the utensil that is placed on it. The cookware that can be used are stainless steel pots, stainless steel rice cookers, cast iron frying pots, oil boiling pots, stainless steel water jugs and grilling iron plates. The Bajaj Majesty ICX 7 Induction Cooktop has the feature of delay start, which means you can instruct the induction cooktop when to start the cooking and it will start automatically at that time. It comes with a 1-year warranty on the product. You can buy this induction cooktop online and offline as well.
- 8 preset menu
- Power switch
- Auto shut off
- Delay start option
- Requires 1900 watts of power
- Required voltage: 130-260 volts
- Timer
- Temperature control
- 1-year warranty on the product
5. Preethi Trendy Plus 116 Induction Cooktop
The brand Preethi claims to have grown from a small mixer grinder brand to a known kitchen appliances company. They say that the experience of the user, inspires them to innovate new products. They offer a wide range of products such as auto cookers/warmers, induction cooktops, electric pressure cookers, coffee makers, etc.
Preethi Trendy Plus 116 Induction Cooktop
Preethi Trendy Plus 116 Induction Cooktop has one touch menu and large heating base.
Wattage – 1600
Price – Rs 3299/-*
*At the time of review
The Preethi Trendy Plus 116 Induction Cooktop is a skilled induction cooktop that has a touch panel control which means all the features are just a touch away. It is highly efficient as it has a large heating base so you can place a vessel with a larger base and it will still work effectively. The cord length is longer as compared to others making it more convenient for you to place your induction cooktop anywhere. The ceramic plate is of very high quality, hence, it can withstand high temperatures. It requires 1600 watts of power to operate and the voltage required is 230 volts. It comes with a 1-year warranty on the product. You can buy this induction cooktop online and offline as well.
- One touch menu
- Highly efficient
- Large heating base
- Longer cord length
- High quality ceramic plate
- Requires 1600 watts of power to operate
- The required voltage is 230 volts
6. Usha Cook Joy (3616) Induction Cooktop
The brand Usha claims to be a household name in India while diversifying into the business of new age home appliances, sewing machines, fans, power products, water cooler, water dispensers, modern farm equipment, and auto components. They claim to have customers all over in India and abroad.
Usha Cook Joy (3616) Induction Cooktop
Usha Cook Joy (3616) Induction Cooktop has pan sensor technology and 10 Amp plug with earthing.
Wattage – 1600
Price – Rs 3449/-*
*At the time of review
The Usha Cook Joy (3616) Induction Cooktop has the feature of switching to power saving mode to prevent overheating. It has a sensor that detects the cookware that is placed on it and it only starts to work when the compatible cookware is placed on it. It has a 5 preset menu with additional manual control. To protect the induction plate from voltage fluctuation, it has a safety device which can save the appliance up to 1500 volts. It has anti-skid feet that prevent the induction stove from slipping. It has a plug of 10 ampere with earthing. The length of the power cord is 1.2 m, requires 1600 watts of power to operate and required voltage is 230 volts. It comes with a 1 year warranty on product.
- Safety device for voltage fluctuation
- Intelligent power saving
- Pan sensor technology
- Manual control
- 10-ampere plug with earthing
- It has an extra long cord with a length of 1.2 m
- Requires 1600 watts of power
- The required voltage is 230 volts
- 1-year warranty on the product
- Includes a manual
7. V-Guard VIC-07 Induction Cooktop
The brand V-Guard claims that your experience inspires them to do better. They say that the evolving needs of their customers challenge them to manufacture new products with innovative technology. They aim to deliver smart solutions.
V-Guard VIC-07 Induction Cooktop
V-Guard VIC-07 Induction Cooktop is spill proof and has various cooking modes.
Wattage – 1600
Price – Rs 2470/-*
*At the time of review
The V-Guard VIC-07 Induction Cooktop has soft switch controls for smooth operations. It has 4 digital LED displays and a pre set function of 24 hours which is a delight in itself. It has a handy design and it is built in such a way that makes it durable. The ceramic glass plate of the V-Guard VIC-07 Induction Cooktop is very attractive and reliable which makes it easy to use and clean. It has cooking modes for dosa, chapati, idly, curry and milk. It has a digital timer control which you can customize depending on the type of food you are cooking.
- Cooking modes for dosa, chapati, idly, curry and milk
- LED and digital display
- Digital timer control
- Spill-proof
- Automatic switch off feature
- Power indicator
- 8 power levels
- Fast heating function
- Requires 1600 watts of power
- 1-year warranty on the product
8. Lifelong Inferno LLIC12 Induction Cooktop
Lifelong introduces itself as one of the leading system suppliers, manufacturer of plastics, pressure die-casting components and multiple assemblies of products equipped with the latest technology with high-quality standards.
Lifelong Inferno LLIC12 Induction Cooktop
Lifelong Inferno LLIC12 Induction Cooktop has 7 pre set menu and anti skid feet.
Wattage – 2000
Price – Rs 4300/-*
*At the time of review
The Lifelong Inferno LLIC12 Induction Cooktop requires 2000 watts of power to operate. It has the ability to switch to power saving mode automatically. It also has the power saver technology where the induction cooktop monitors the temperature of the vessel and adjusts the power based on the size of the vessel. It has a pan sensor technology which means that it only operates when compatible cookware is placed on it. The Lifelong Inferno LLIC12 Induction Cooktop has a 7 preset menu with additional manual control which adds elegance to your kitchen and it comes at an affordable price.
- 7 preset menu
- Additional manual control
- Auto switch to power saving mode
- Safety device for voltage fluctuation
- Anti-skid feet
- Pan sensor technology
- 1-year warranty on the product
9. I Bell Glass Induction Cooktop Cloud 850Y
I Bell claims to focus on entertainment and household appliances, giving the customers a never-ending satisfaction. Their products include entertainment products, home appliances, kitchen appliances, tools and pieces of machinery, security systems and decorative doors. As per the makers, their objective is customer satisfaction, hence, they take special care of the quality of the product.
I Bell Glass Induction Cooktop Cloud 850Y
I Bell Glass Induction Cooktop Cloud 850Y has a voltage regulator and press button control.
Wattage – 2000
Price – Rs 2999/-*
*At the time of review
The I Bell Glass Induction Cooktop Cloud 850Y has an automatic voltage regulator for durability. It has power saving technology due to which it cooks more food with less energy. It has a press button control and a very high-quality crystal glass. It is multi-functional with wide voltage adaptability. It has auto shut off for safety and a safety device for overheat protection. The coils in this induction cooktop are of high quality and it comes with a 1-year warranty on the product which can be extended to additional 6 months on free registration. You can buy this induction cooktop online and offline as well.
- Requires 2000 watts of power to operate
- Voltage regulator
- Power saving technology
- Press button control
- High quality crystal glass
- Multifunctional
- Wide voltage adaptability
- Auto shut off feature
- Safety device for over heat protection
- High quality coil
- 1 year warranty on product
- Additional 6 months warranty on free
registration
Induction Cooktop: Benefits Of Using An Induction Cooktop
1. Induction cooktops save time
Since the heat is transferred directly to the cooking pan
and not the surface of the induction which means that food heats up quickly as
compared to a gas stove. Hence, you can quickly prepare food which saves a lot
of time.
2. Persistent and delightful taste
You can control the temperature of the induction cooktop, as
a result you can always set the temperature according to your taste and you can
be tension free from over or under cooked food.
3. Induction cooktops are easy to clean
Since you can maintain the temperature of the cooktop, there
will hardly be any spills, and even if there are, you can clean it as soon as the
cooking is done because the surface of the cooktop is not hot and you can clean
it immediately.
4. No energy waste
Induction stoves have the best feature of detecting the size
of the vessel and they know exactly where to place the heat, hence, saving a
lot of energy.
Disadvantages of using an induction cooktop
1. The cost of the induction stove
Until now, the cost of the induction stove was considered a major drawback because they were pretty expensive. But now, even the best induction cooktop or best induction stove might fall in your budget.
2. Induction friendly cookware
You need to invest in a set of induction-friendly cookware to utilize the full potential of your induction stove like induction cookers and pans. This may be a slight drawback for some.
3. No electricity, no cooking!
This needs no explanation. If the power is out, so is cooking.
Induction Friendly Cookware – Which utensils can be used on an induction stove?
The cookware to be used with induction cooktops has to be of a certain material. The materials of the vessels that can be used with induction cooktop are stainless steel, cast iron, enamel porcelain cast iron, copper, graniteware and carbon steel. Some of the aluminum and copper nonstick pans can also be used with the induction. Top chefs use stainless steel with induction cooktop or stove but buying stainless steel for homes could be a little expensive. But if you buy a good product once, you don’t have to replace it again for a long time.
Must-have features in an Induction Cooktop
1. Safety Sensor
This feature monitors the temperature of the bottom of the
cookware and if it is left empty, it makes sure that the cookware is not damaged.
2. Auto Switch Off
If you remove the cookware from the induction stove, then due to this feature it will turn off. And also during overheating, it will turn off.
3. Safety Cut Out
If you have turned on the induction cooktop and you don’t set
the temperature, it will automatically turn off.
4. Auto Heat Up
Due to this feature, the induction cooktop heats to a high temperature itself and then after some time comes back to the preset temperature. This helps in faster cooking.
5. Booster
Booster is same as auto heat up.
6. Overflow Protection
While cooking, if the food spills out of the cookware then
there will be a beep sound and the induction cooktop may shut down. You can
then clean the spill and resume your cooking.
7. Power Management
Some induction cooktops have 2 cooking zones. In such cases, the power is divided into 2 cooking zones. The highest power is given to 1 cooking zone and another one will always be on lower power.
8. Pan Detection
This feature allows the induction cooktop to detect when a
pan of compatible material is placed on it and only then it will start working.
9. Design
There are two types of design of an induction cooktop. If you opt for an induction cooktop with a frame then there are chances that more dirt will be stuck in them and it will require more maintenance. On the other hand, the edgeless designs are simple to maintain, you just have to wipe them clean and you are good to go.
10. Child Lock
In comparison to burners and gas stoves, induction cooktops
are much safer but as a precautionary measure, you must look for this feature
if you have kids in your home.
11. Controls
Be it a touch panel control or push button control, it
should not be too close to the cooking zone.
12. Digital Displays
It is always better if you have a digital display to read
the temperature settings, that way you can be completely sure of the
temperature that you have set.
13. Pause Control
This button pauses your heat settings whenever you want it
to and you can then resume it any time.
FAQ’s – All about Induction Cooktops
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Which mode of cooking is faster – An induction cooktop or a gas stove?
Without a doubt, using an induction cooktop is faster. On an average, an induction cooktop will probably boil 1 litre of water in less than 3-5 minutes while a gas stove will easily take upto 8-10 minutes.
-
Which is more expensive – An induction cooktop or a gas stove?
Of course, when you set out to buy an induction stove it will be costly. But in the long run, induction cooktops save a lot of time and energy. For a full picture let’s also clarify that you might have to buy induction-friendly utensils too. Not all utensils are induction stove friendly.
-
Are induction cooktops bad for health?
Induction cooktops use electromagnetic energy to cook food. There has been a lot of speculation regarding exposure to electromagnetic radiation while cooking in a microwave or on an induction cooktop. But in reality, using an induction cooktop is perfectly safe to use. These radiations are very similar to the ones your cell phones emit.
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Are they environment friendly?
Petroleum fuels are getting exhausted too quickly and with the use of induction cooktops you are saving up on LPG. Induction stoves are electric and hence a much more environment friendly option than gas stoves.
-
What are the different brands of induction cooktops available in India?
Few of the most commonly available brands of induction cooktops are-
1. Prestige
2. Philips
3. Usha
4. Preethi
5. Bajaj
6. Havells -
Which is the biggest drawback of an induction cooktop?
As discussed earlier, the cost of the induction stove might be a little more than you anticipated in comparison to your regular gas stoves. You also need to invest in induction friendly cookware which is an additional cost. If there is no electricity, no cooking can be done.
Conclusion
In conclusion, induction cooktops are worth the money as they save energy, save your cooking time, and look elegant in the kitchen. Make sure that you have the required cookware to be used with an induction cooktop because if you have to buy a whole set of utensils to be used with the induction stove then it might be a bad deal. Also, while purchasing an induction cooktop, keep in mind your budget, the space available in your kitchen, its features such as touch panel, child lock, etc. After buying the best induction cooktop, make sure that you get it installed by a professional.
Nowadays, a modern kitchen generally contains induction cooktops, kitchen chimneys, dishwashers, rice cookers, coffee makers, air fryers, and food processors that not only make your job in the kitchen easier, but also save a lot of time and effort.