An egg cooking on a pan cut in half on an induction cooktop

What is induction cooking?

Induction cooking is a method of cooking that uses a copper coil underneath the cooking surface to generate electromagnetic energy. This energy transfers directly to your cookware to make it hot enough to cook food. Use the following guide to learn more about induction cooking and its benefits.

How does induction cooking work?

While an induction cooktop may look like a traditional electric cooktop, the way it generates heat to cook food is entirely different. So how does an induction cooktop work differently?

A copper coil under the cooktop creates electromagnetic energy.

This magnetic energy interacts directly with induction-compatible cookware to make it hot.

Because induction skips the step of heating the cooktop, it’s a fast and even cooking method. Induction cooktops, like these options from Whirlpool brand, also cool down quickly after you remove your pan.

Pan cut in half with melted ice in the pan and whole ice cubes on the induction cooktop surface

Benefits of induction cooking

Induction cooking has many advantages and you can discover them below.

Speed

Induction cooking allows for fast cooking because the energy transfers directly to the cookware, so little to no heat or energy is lost between the cooking surface and your food. This means you can boil water or sear food quickly.

Icon with arrows in a circle pointing up and down

Responsiveness

Heat adjustments on an induction cooktop or range happen instantly, so you can heat or cool down your pot or pan quickly.

Cooking tip:

The first couple of meals on your induction cooktop might require extra attentiveness to adapt to the speed of this cooking method. Take it slow, and keep a close eye on your meal.

Electric cooktop element next to an induction cooktop element

Induction vs. electric cooktops

While electric and induction cooktops may look the same, they transfer heat differently. Electric cooktops radiate heat from coils beneath the cooking surface through to the bottom of the cookware sitting on top. Induction cooktops transfer energy to create heat directly within a pot or pan.

Whether you choose an induction or an electric cooktop, Whirlpool brand has a variety of options to fit your kitchen’s needs.

Spaghetti noodles in a pot of boiling water on an induction cooktop

What to consider when switching to induction cooking

Before you decide to make the switch to induction cooking, examine the following considerations to determine if it is right for you.

Cookware

If a magnet sticks to the bottom of your cookware or it’s labeled as induction compatible, you can use it. Cookware with a flat bottom helps, since direct contact heats evenly. You can also purchase adapters that go between your cooktop and a non-inductive pan.

Cooking Style

An advantage of cooking with induction is that it can take less time. However, if you’re used to chopping up vegetables while the pan gets warm, you may have to adjust your cooking rhythm and prepare everything beforehand.

Ventilation

Overall, less hot air is released into the kitchen with induction cooking. That being said, a hood vent is still recommended to capture things like grease.

Whirlpool brand offers a wide selection of vent hoods that come in a variety of designs and styles so you can find the right option to match your kitchen’s layout.

Sound

There can be a small hum or buzz as the cooktop operates due to the cookware vibrating slightly. If you’re sensitive to sound, a Whirlpool^® gas or electric cooktop may be a better choice.

Pacemakers and medical devices

The electromagnetic field of induction may affect medical devices like pacemakers.

Shop Whirlpool^® induction cooktops

Induction cooking combines the best of both gas and electric cooking. If an induction cooktop sounds like the right fit for you and your family, shop Whirlpool^® induction cooktops.