A pot of water boiling on an induction cooktop

4 induction cooktop benefits for your kitchen

With family schedules packed between school, soccer practice and your commute, finding ways to help simplify tasks like cooking dinner, is key. An induction cooktop or range could be the right fit for your home, helping you put home-cooked meals on the table with speed, responsiveness and a sleek design, so you can spend more time with your family.

Induction cooking uses electromagnetic energy to heat your cookware directly, rather than heating your pot through the cooktop surface. This innovative cooking method offers a unique set of induction cooktop benefits that can make a real difference in your daily routine. Here are four advantages of induction cooking to help you decide if this style of cooktop or range is the right choice for your kitchen.

A person cooking French fries on an induction cooktop A person cooking French fries on an induction cooktop

Induction Cooktop Benefit #1: Fast heat

One induction cooking benefit is its speed. Because the technology transfers energy directly into the magnetic pot or pan, cookware tends to heat up quickly. This means water for pasta often boils significantly faster than on traditional gas or electric cooktops. In fact, according to the Department of Energy, induction cooktops can boil water 20-40% faster than some of their gas and electric counterparts. Select Whirlpool® Induction Cooktops such as this model feature Fast Boil, where you can boil 2x times faster than electric cooktops.1

For busy families, this speed can shave precious minutes off your meal prep time, making it easier to manage weeknight dinners between baseball practice and homework. Getting food on the table fast means less time working in the kitchen and more time enjoying moments with your loved ones.

A person cleaning up a spill on an induction cooktop A person cleaning up a spill on an induction cooktop

Induction Cooktop Benefit #2: Easy-to-clean surface

After a family meal, the last thing anyone wants is a long, complicated cleanup. This is where another induction stove benefit shines: the easy-to-clean surface. Induction cooktops have a smooth, flat glass-ceramic surface. Since the cookware generates heat instead of the cooktop itself —unlike traditional electric cooktops—spills may be less likely to burn onto the surface. So, if your sauce splatters or the milk boils over, you can often wipe it away afterward with little to no fuss. This cleanup process can help keep your kitchen looking pristine with minimal effort.

Shop Whirlpool® Induction Cooktops 

Whirlpool brand Induction Cooktops are designed for busy families, offering features that help simplify your cooking process. With responsive controls and a smooth, easy-to-clean surface, you can tackle mealtime messes quickly and get back to what matters most. Select Whirlpool® Induction Cooktops such as this model feature the Flexheat Plus Element, a large, rectangular cooking space with pan size detection that only heats the space you need, giving you the flexibility to cook with different size pots and pans.

A photo illustration of butter melting in a pan but not melting when placed directly on top of an induction cooktop A photo illustration of butter melting in a pan but not melting when placed directly on top of an induction cooktop

Induction Cooktop Benefit #3: Responsive heat 

Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just trying to get dinner on the table, temperature control is crucial. One of the most practical advantages of induction cooking is its remarkably responsive and precise heat adjustment. When you increase or decrease the heat setting, the change is nearly immediate. This provides a level of control similar to a gas flame, but with the heat generated in the cookware.

This responsiveness gives you the control to melt chocolate gently on a low setting or achieve a high-heat sear on a steak, helping you feel confident in the kitchen, no matter what’s on the menu.

Induction Cooktop Benefit #4: Energy efficiency

In today's world, energy efficiency is more important than ever. A key advantage of an induction cooktop is its ability to cook food while wasting very little energy. Because the heat is generated directly in the cookware, almost no heat escapes into the surrounding air. This can result in a more comfortable kitchen environment, as the cooktop itself stays relatively cool to the touch.

According to Energystar.gov, induction cooking can be about 5-10% more energy-efficient than some electric models and 3x more efficient than some gas models, transferring the vast majority of its energy directly to the food. This efficiency means your appliance uses less electricity to do its job, which can contribute to lower energy bills over time—a smart choice for any household.

Shop Whirlpool® induction ranges

Whirlpool® Induction Ranges generate heat directly within cookware to heat and boil quickly, while keeping the surrounding cooktop area relatively cool. On Whirlpool® Induction Ranges like this one, a large Griddle Zone allows you to connect two individual heating elements to form one larger one, making it easy to cook different foods at once. This Whirlpool® Range also takes preheating off your plate with No Preheat Mode. Simply place your food in the oven and start baking.

Frequently asked questions about induction cooking

Making the switch to a new cooking technology can feel like a big step. While the induction range benefits are clear, it’s natural to have questions. Here are straightforward answers to some of the most common inquiries to help you determine: is induction cooking better for your home?

What are the disadvantages of induction cooking?

While induction cooking has many benefits, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The primary adjustment is the need for specific cookware. Because the technology relies on a magnetic connection, your pots and pans must be made of a magnetic material. This complete induction cookware guide can help you navigate your options. Materials like cast iron and magnetic stainless steel work on induction, but cookware made of aluminum, copper or glass will not work unless it has a magnetic base. You can easily test your current pans with a magnet; if it sticks firmly to the bottom, you’re good to go.

Other possible disadvantages to induction include the initial cost and minor operational sounds. Induction cooktops can sometimes have a higher upfront price than their gas or electric counterparts, though they may offer long-term energy savings. You might also notice a faint humming or buzzing sound during use, especially on high-power settings. This is a normal sound and is no cause for alarm.

What cannot be cooked on induction?

You can cook any type of food on an induction cooktop, from searing steaks to simmering delicate sauces. The technology does not limit the kind of meals you can prepare for your family. The only limitation is the type of cookware you can use, not the food you can cook in it. However, certain cooking techniques that require an open flame, like charring or flambéing, may not be doable like you would with an open flame on a gas model.

Do induction cooktops scratch easily?

The glass-ceramic surface of an induction cooktop is designed to be durable and withstand the demands of daily cooking. However, like any glass surface, it is not completely scratch-proof. While it is resistant to scratches from everyday use, certain materials and habits can cause damage. Dragging heavy or rough-bottomed cookware, like some cast iron pans, across the surface is a common cause of scratches.

To help keep your cooktop looking new, it’s best to adopt a few simple habits. Always lift pots and pans rather than sliding them, and make sure the bottom of your cookware is clean before placing it on the cooktop. When it's time to clean up, use a soft cloth with a cleaner made specifically for glass-ceramic cooktops. Following these simple steps for how to clean an induction cooktop will help you maintain your cooktop’s smooth, sleek appearance for years to come.

A kitchen with an induction cooktop on an island A kitchen with an induction cooktop on an island

Induction cooktop: benefits for your busy kitchen

Induction cooktops offer several benefits for busy families. The technology provides fast heating to get meals on the table quickly, while the non-heat generating surface helps make cleanup simple. With responsive temperature adjustments, you have control over your cooking. Finally, the increased energy efficiency supports smart energy use. These key advantages of induction cooking help make induction an excellent choice for anyone looking to get dinner on the table for their busy family.

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