The kitchen is where a lot of the Christmas magic happens, and cooks know about the ovens which offer convection. Now a new option is available: induction.
Those who are shopping for a new range are likely to consider a smooth-top electric stovetop. For a little bit more, an induction cooktop operates in a whole new way.
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"Instead of a red-hot element below this glass surface, on induction cooktops, the element below the surface generates an electromagnetic field. The field interacts with the pot, and the pot itself gets hot," said Tara Casaregola, Consumer Reports tester.
Every induction range and cooktop that Consumer Reports tested offered quick heat and superb simmering.
And there's something else really cool: The pot gets hot, but the surface of the cooktop does not. Also, if someone accidentally turns on an element when there's no pot, it won't heat.
Even better, prices are dropping! You can get a Consumer Reports recommended model for around $1,000. The Frigidaire Gallery earned excellent ratings for heating and speed.
There are couple of things to keep in mind:
- Induction burners don't glow like a radiant smooth top does when they're hot. Some manufacturers have added imitation flames so you can tell when the burner is on.
- If your current cookware isn't magnetic, you'll have to replace it. Try sticking a magnet to the bottom to check. If it sticks, it will conduct heat.
- Finally, the magnetic field of an induction cooktop can pose a health risk to pacemaker users. Manufacturers recommend checking with your doctor.