What Is Induction Cooking?

Induction cooking is a method of cooking powered by electricity. Induction ranges and cooktops use a copper coil under the cooking surface to generate electromagnetic energy, then transfer that energy directly to cookware to make it hot and cook food. This is different from gas and electric cooking, which generate heat through the cooking surface or burner flames.

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 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, including the following:

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.

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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

Electric vs induction: what’s the difference?

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.

What to consider when switching to induction cooking

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. Learn more about induction-compatible cookware.

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.

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 gas or electric cooktop may be a better choice.

Pacemakers and medical devices

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

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

Get dinner on the table fast with 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.