I have to be honest; putting this informational page together is the one section on my website that took the most time. Induction cooking may seem like a pretty new technology to most people, but it’s actually been around for about 30 years now.
My first thought when I found this out was that pricing should really have balanced out by now, but it hasn’t.
This sent me on quite a journey, and below you will find some of the reasons why I think induction cooktops vary so much in price.
Power
Induction cook tops come in varying degrees of power. The smallest can start at as little as 1300 watts with the most powerful topping 1800 watts (per hob that is). During my research, I have found the more power you need with a unit like this the more it will cost you.
Burners and Size
You can have everything from 1 to 5 hobs/burners on an induction cooktop, and it may seem obvious but the more you have, the more you will pay for the privilege. You should also think about the size of burner when you’re studying the price of a model you’re interested in. There are many units on the market that only have one burner, but are capable of heating a piece of cookware that’s about 10 inches in size. I have also found these to be more expensive than their smaller counterparts.
Safety
This is probably one of the biggest reasons you might get confused over why a particular cooktop costs more than another. Induction heating across the board is considered very safe, and the most basic feature you get is the fact it will only heat the cookware you’re using and not the cook top itself.
However, manufacturers are constantly looking for other ways to make this form of cooking even safer. Some models will automatically power off the minute you remove a pan, others will take a minute or two. If you’re looking for units that will help protect children from getting into trouble with this appliance in your kitchen, there are models that have additional features installed. In fact, the list on safety is pretty endless but bear in mind the more you have the more expensive it will be.
Overall Technology
As you browse through the reviews on my website, you will find all sorts of different cooktops. They may be similar in design, but what they have to offer varies widely. Perhaps you would like a built-in unit? If so, think about the technology that goes on behind the scenes compared to a portable cooktop. Those that can be installed into the countertop in your kitchen need different connections, and probably a whole host of other technical modifications to your kitchen that aren’t needed with portable units.
A Little Piece of Advice
I have to be honest, sometimes I don’t completely understand the prices either. But before you’re turned off by the price of a cooktop, I’ve found it’s wise to take the time to understand what you’re getting for your money. Induction heating is still a revolutionary type of cooking, and it”s incredibly efficient and user friendly. In fact, most people who start using induction cooktops will never go back.
Finding the right cooktop for you does need some investigation before you make a decision, but the induction heating marketplace is becoming ever more competitive and your options are growing every day.