Best Induction Cooktops in India - Reviews and Comparison 2021

• Built-in Stoves

These induction stoves are mounted on the kitchen platform, having more than two cooking zones. These are fixed, non-portable and are meant for large families.

• Compact and Portable Induction Cookers

These single cooking zone appliances are top-rated among students, bachelors and small families. They are highly portable and pocket friendly.

• Induction Cooktops

These cooktops fit in between counters and are typically coupled with an electric oven. They can be easily installed, used and cleaned.

There is no difference between the two when it comes to function. It is just that a freestanding hob is easy to move. You can put it anywhere in case of a requirement. However, the built-in set permanently and calls for the right size.

Choose whether you want to have a hob and whether you want a built-in model or a freestanding one. A built-in hob is not always possible. If you do opt for this, measure the sizes well before time. This is even more important than with a free-standing specimen. Of course, it looks very nice to build a hob in your kitchen. However, this has the disadvantage that when you move, you have to build it in again. Then it just has to be the right size.

Electrical connection should be considered because not all hobs have the same socket. Usually, two cooking zones induction call for a regular socket, 4 cooking zones variants need 2 phase connection, and for more cooking zones, you need a 3 phase connection.

If you don't have a connection as per your favourite hob, no worries, you just need to call a professional electrician for the socket to be installed. Since you will have to bear extra costs for this, that’s why this feature is essential to consider.

The size of induction is one of the most important features to consider. The cooktops range from sizes of 30 cms to 90 cms, but an average 60 cms cooktop is one of the most common and popular. Also, the size of the cooktop determines the number of cooking zones invariably.

The size of the cooktop and the number of cooking zones go hand in hand. The bigger and wider the size, the more number of cooking zones can be accommodated in it. The average 60 cm cooktop has 3-4 cooking zones suiting most basic needs of small households.

If you have a large family or there is a requirement to set up many pans at one time, choose a cooktop with at least 4 cooking zones. So that the pans do not come in each other's way. For a small kitchen or a campsite, get a hob with one or two cooking zones.

Besides having a specific cooking zone, some induction hobs have flexible cooking zones as well. You can place the pan, and it will automatically adjust to the pan size. Zoneless induction plates are also there, which, as the name says, have no zones at all. You can place the pan anywhere on this hob, and the appliance will detect and heat the pan. 

Induction cooktops usually have a touchscreen menu. You can exercise all the functions with touch buttons. However, nowadays, control panels also have a different feature where you can choose the function with a sliding movement whether the appliance should give off more or less heat. You can choose between the two as per your preference. 

Both the features are any day better than glass or plastic knobs present in the normal gas hobs. It also helps to keep the shape compact and makes the induction hob user-friendly.

Pan recognition sensors help in detecting the size and shape of the cookware you’re using. Any non-compatible cookware will cause the cooktop to turn off, and it will indicate the same. While when the utensil suiting the needs of an induction cooktop is placed over it, the cooktop will start functioning again. Also, when there is no pot on the cooktop, the cooking zone will be switched off automatically.

This feature makes the hob not only environmentally friendly but also handy and safe just in case you forget to switch off the hob.

The delay start button enables you to start cooking after a stipulated time. So, if you want that the cooking should start after 15 minutes, it is possible with this feature. It comes in handy especially when you are juggling multiple tasks in the kitchen. Based on the settings made, the cooktop will also stop cooking after a stipulated time.

Though an induction hob cools down quickly compared to other hobs, yet it is helpful to know whether the hob is still warm to avoid burning or any kind of injury. A residual heat indicator tells you if the hob is still warm to touch. The indication is usually given by an "H".

Lately, prominent brands have started incorporating the child lock feature in the induction cooktops. And it is a crucial feature to consider if you have young ones at home and they have access to the kitchen.

Probably the most important comfort functionality in an induction cooktop that prevents you from the yesteryear hassles of constantly monitoring the cooking process is the timer. A timer allows you to program your cooking by setting durations regarding raising/decreasing the temperature or turning off the cooktop after a certain period of time. However, it is advisable not to solely rely on the timer and you should supervise the process occasionally if not frequently.

This safety feature (again a functionality limited to a certain range of cooktop models) automatically turns the power off if the cooktop detects overcooking or over boiling of ingredients.

Some induction hobs come with multiple cooking settings. You can select the mode as per the dish you are cooking. Temperature settings are also directly proportional to this. The more cooking settings the hob has the more choice in the temperature you have. Also, more cooking settings simply means precise cooking. So, if the hob has 17 cooking settings, you can cook very accurately. While if the cooktop only has four cooking settings, you have to settle for less flexibility.

• Keep Warm: The name says it all. This feature keeps the food warm after cooking. It maintains the nutritional value and preserves the taste of the food. This is a godd-to-have feature to consider when buying induction cooktops.

• Melting: There are induction hobs that come with a ‘melting’ feature to melt chocolate, etc.

• Boost: Use this feature to set an extra-strong setting for an induction cooktop. It lets you heat the contents of a pan faster.

• Frying Zone: It is an extra-large cooking zone that is used for a large induction grill plate. This is an excellent alternative to an electric grill plate.

• Boil-over Protection: Thanks to this feature, the induction hob recognises when it boils over the pan and switches off the hob.

• TFT Screen: A TFT screen provides a detailed and clear view of all cooking zones. You get a bird’s eye view of how high the cooking zones are and how much of a flexible cooking zone has been up to use.

Though induction hobs are not as expensive as they once used to be, price is still an essential factor because the appliance still costs quite a bit. An induction cooktop with 4 cooking zones will cost you anything between €250 and €1300. Of course, there are more options available with the more expensive variants. At the same time, inexpensive versions of reputed brands such as Etna and Inventum also have a good reputation.

Indeed, induction cooktops are safe to use. The cooking plate does never get hot; only the pan does due to the electromagnetic fields created by the induction cooktops.

An induction hob creates electromagnetic waves which do not cause any harm to the health of a human being. The radiation emitted is very low, and since there is no heat emission, so there is no possibility to release CO, CO2 or burn O2.

You can install an induction cooktop over an oven, provided hob’s installation specifications specifically allow it because by deploying a cooktop over an oven, the risk of overheating and damaging the electronics of the cooktop increases.

No. The elements do not heat up. The only thing that can cause fire is unattended oil. Moreover, most of the induction cooktops turn off automatically when a pan is empty or boils over and do not reach ignition temperatures.

Cast iron works well with induction, but it can scratch up the cooktop surface. However, it will not scratch the surface if it is an enamelled cast iron because of the enamel.

Induction hobs can produce a small amount of noise from built-in cooling fans. You may also hear sounds when hob settings are high, such as silent humming, whistling or chirping. Also, when electrical switches are engaged, you may hear a clicking sound.

Yes. Therefore, consider buying a hood with the hob as air movement is necessary to remove excess steam from cooking. The built-in filters help in trapping the grease and accumulating food articles. Moreover, the smoke and tiny oil droplets spread out more laterally, so a strong exhaust fan is required to suck them out of the kitchen.

Induction cooktops work with stainless steel if it has magnetic properties. So, perform a test to find out if the stainless steel will work on an induction unit. If a magnet sticks to the steel cookware's bottom, you can use it for the induction cooktop.

You can use a pressure cooker on an induction cooktop only as per the manufacturer instructions. You can also do canning as well. However, avoid pre-heating of the cooker and be there for heat adjustments within the first five minutes of pressure. You can also use the timer function for the same.

Yes, this is possible due to two reasons. First, an induction hob heats the base of a pot to a high temperature that the food from the oven will not be any hotter. Second, the cooking surface is often made of heatproof glass.

Philips is one of the premier brands manufacturing electronic merchandise in India. This mammoth brand also brings in some of the top-notch kitchenwares for its customers. The Philips viva induction cooktop is undoubtedly the best package you can seek in the market.

Crafted specifically for the dynamic Indian cuisine, it has 10 preset menus dedicated to Indian dishes. From the 0 to 3 hours time setting to the auto-off program and easy to use touch screen button, it has every element catering to user comfort. In the name of safety, it not just offers auto-off function but also a cool-to-touch surface that makes cooking easy and secure.

It consumes 2100 W power and yet it is economical compared to the much-used LPG options. Furthermore, the induction comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty.

How is it affecting your pocket?

While not one of the cheaper options on the list. It almost overrides that limitation with superstar performance and enhanced ease of use. The range of comfort options like power level controls, pre-set menus and compact design makes it highly storage-friendly.

The Pigeon cooktop is one of the most budget-friendly and yet a feature-rich appliance. The quality of the cooktop remains unquestionable as it comes from one of the most renowned brands manufacturing premium quality kitchenware in India.

From safety to convenience and preserving the nutrition value, this cooktop does it all efficiently. Seven segments LED display aids in controlling the power and temperature. A high-grade electrical mechanism protects the appliance against short circuits. The premium quality top plate is designed to bear extremely high temperature making the cooktop very safe and long-lasting.

It is equipped with a smart timer for hassle-free cooking, the ceramic top ensures durability and soft push (feather touch) buttons offer the maximum comfort while cooking. On the downside, it lacks the preset menu.

This highly energy-efficient kitchenware (using 93-per cent energy-saving technology) is having a 1-year manufacture warranty.

How is it affecting your pocket?

It is as economical as a cooktop can get. However, the consumption of electricity can be an issue and may make you consider other options.

Prestige is an allrounder manufacturer of kitchen appliances in India and has been in the business from generations. This appliance is another jewel in the crown of Prestige.

The cooktop contains both feather-touch buttons and concealed buttons keeping in view the ease and convenience of the user to understand the essentials of use.

The automatic voltage regulator is among the most thoughtful features added to the cooktop with a view to tackling the issue of frequent voltage fluctuations in India. The regulator helps to continue with the cooking smoothly even when there are issues as fluctuations, without interrupting the process and spoiling the cooked food.

The Indian menu option which is an absolute delight for any person handling a typical Indian kitchen is a major highlight of the product. Delicacies like idli, dosa to essentials like chapati and curry, all of that are just a few settings away. Moreover, the appliance automatically adjusts the time, power, and temperature.

The keep-warm function ensures that food remains warm for a long duration. The cooktop has a 1-year manufacture warranty.

How is it affecting your pocket?

You cannot ask for a better appliance. You will get a dynamic and user-oriented cooktop at this price. From the ease of use to durability, comfort and efficiency, this kitchen favourite has it all. Barring the limitation of power consumption, its definitely a perfect package and doesn't seem pricey given the added functionalities and user comfort.

Havells Insta Cook PT is an easy to use all-purpose cooktop with timer and one-touch operation function. A 3-hour preset timer, 6 different modes (idli, dosa, curry, milk/tea, fry and manual), digital LED are some of the mention-worthy features. It also comes with obvious features like auto-pan detection and auto power-off. The appliance is compatible with stainless steel pots, rice cooker, oil boiling pots, cast iron frying pots, stainless steel water jugs, and grilling iron plates.

The product has a 1-year manufactures warranty.

How is it affecting your pocket?

This appliance is our best value product. You can go for it as long as you are willing to forgo some of the comfort functionalities like a feather touch.

Bajaj has ventured into the manufacturing of numerous products in India and it has proved its mettle for each one of them. The brand is known for quality, service, and usability of the product. This esteemed automobile manufacturer slowly slipped into the kitchen space with its efficient and top-class kitchen products.

With eight preset menus viz. stew, soup, braise, boil, deep fry, fry, hotpot, and stir fry, it suits the Indian needs in the best manner. It is stainless steel and cast iron-compatible cooktop and comes with an auto-pan detection and delay start features.

This energy-efficient appliance has a 1-year manufacturer warranty.

How is it affecting your pocket?

Though providing an almost similar level of services as its peers, this appliance may have some durability issues in the long run due to the plastic body.

Preethi is a popular Indian brand especially in the medium tier cities of India. Preethi Trendy Plus has a broad base cooktop with many enticing features but the one-touch menu is its USP.

The automatic shut-off feature helps in the reduction of power consumption, thereby, saving electricity bill. With an excellent heat transfer mechanism, this cooktop transfers more than 80% of the heat to the cooking reducing the loss of heat while cooking and also accelerating the cooking time. Preethi has the credit to introduce some incredibly useful pre-programs as per the Indian menu such as gravy, chapati, and South Indian delicacies.

This cooktop is highly durable and it has high-end electrical features to prevent against short circuits. Last but not least, it has a 1-year manufacturer warranty.

How is it affecting your pocket?

The brand offers decent services and its cooktop falls in the budget segment.

Usha is an extremely reputed kitchen appliance and consumer durable brand in India. Its 1600-watt induction cooktop is a user-friendly appliance and an ideal choice for students, bachelors and small families.

The auto-power saving mode is one of the most significant functionalities preventing overheating without a constant need for supervision. The pan sensor ( due to which the cooktop switches off if it does not sense cookware on its surface) is a magnificent power-saving function cum amenity in the cooktop.

The five pre-set menus and additional manual controls to cook a range of dishes make it a versatile kitchen component. Adding to that, the cooktop has the ability to control the voltage fluctuations up to a massive 1500 volts!

It is compatible with a range of kitchen utensils and has anti-skid feet to prevent disbalance while cooking.

How is it affecting your pocket?

Usha appliances are usually the most affordable once and so is this cooktop. This is one of the major reasons behind its popularity and constant demand in the Indian market. However, durability can be an issue due to the plastic body. Checkout buying guide, reviews and comparison of best frying pan, best pressure cooker, best gas stove in India.