Five mistakes to avoid when buying a new Induction cooktop.
Photo Credit: Amazon.in
With LPG supply concerns, many Indian households are shifting to induction cooking. This guide explains why induction is gaining popularity, what to check before buying, and highlights key mistakes to avoid along with practical product options.
Cooking in India has traditionally relied on gas stoves and open flames. But today, many households are shifting towards induction cooking, which is more precise and efficient.
The recent conflict in West Asia has disrupted LPG supply, as India depends heavily on imports from the region. With shortages and rising concerns around availability, many people are now turning to induction stoves and other electric kitchen appliances as a practical alternative.
Why Are Induction Stoves Gaining Popularity in India?
Induction cooking uses electromagnetic energy instead of direct heat, making it faster, more energy-efficient, and safer to use. In busy Indian kitchens where multitasking is common, these benefits make a noticeable difference. With LPG availability becoming uncertain in recent times, many households are exploring alternatives. Induction cooktops are no longer just a backup, they are increasingly becoming a primary cooking option.
If you’re planning to buy an induction cooktop due to LPG concerns or simply upgrading your kitchen, it’s important to understand what to check before purchasing. This helps you choose a model that fits your cooking style, kitchen setup, and cookware. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when buying an induction cooktop.
Check The Power Rating
One of the most common mistakes is overlooking the power rating. Most induction cooktops in India range between 1200W and 2200W. Lower wattage models may take longer to heat food, while higher wattage cooktops offer faster cooking. If you cook frequently, it’s better to choose a model around 1800W to 2100W for quicker and more efficient performance.
A model like the Philips Viva Collection HD4938/01 Induction Cooktop offers 2100W power, making it suitable for daily cooking. It comes with preset menus for Indian recipes, a timer for delayed cooking, and a touch control panel for ease of use. The glass surface is easy to clean, and built-in safety features like auto-off make it practical for everyday kitchens.
Choose a compact size
Induction cooktops come in portable single-burner formats as well as built-in designs. Measuring your counter space beforehand helps avoid inconvenience and ensures the cooktop fits comfortably into your kitchen setup.
A model like the Lambent 2000W Infrared Induction Cooktop is designed for compact spaces. Its slim and lightweight build makes it suitable for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or even occasional outdoor use, while still offering enough power for everyday cooking.
Overlooking preset cooking modes
Preset cooking programs are often ignored during purchase, but they can make a big difference in everyday use. These modes automatically adjust temperature and power for tasks like boiling milk, cooking rice, or frying. For beginners, they simplify cooking and reduce the need for constant monitoring.
A model like the Prestige PIC 15.0 Plus Induction Cooktop comes with multiple preset options for Indian cooking, including dosa, curry, and idli. With 1900W power and built-in voltage protection, it offers both convenience and reliability for daily use.
Check if It Is Energy Efficient
Induction cooktops are generally more energy-efficient than traditional electric stoves because they transfer heat directly to the cookware, reducing energy loss. However, it’s still important to check for efficient power usage and safety features before buying.
A model like the Omen Changing Lives OM-28 Induction Cooktop offers balanced performance with optimised energy use. With 1400W power, it supports everyday cooking while including safety features like auto shut-off and overheat protection, making it suitable for regular use.
Not Paying Attention to Safety Features
Safety features like automatic shut-off, overheating protection, and child lock are essential in an induction cooktop. Ignoring these can increase the risk of accidents, especially in busy kitchens or households with children and elderly members.
A model like the Havells Hexo EZ Heat Induction Cooktop includes multiple safety-focused features such as surge protection, a cool-touch body, and auto shut-off. Along with a digital display and preset cooking modes, it offers a safer and more controlled cooking experience.
Q: How does an induction cooktop compare to a traditional gas stove in terms of efficiency?
Induction cooktops use electromagnetic energy to heat cookware directly, resulting in faster cooking and less energy loss compared to gas stoves, which rely on open flames. This makes induction cooking more energy-efficient and often safer for modern kitchens.
Q: What should I consider regarding power ratings when buying an induction cooktop?
Power ratings typically range from 1200W to 2200W. For everyday Indian cooking, a cooktop with about 1800W to 2100W is ideal as it offers quicker and efficient heating. Lower wattage models may cook slower, so match the power to your cooking frequency and style.
Q: Are preset cooking modes important in an induction cooktop?
Yes, preset modes simplify cooking by automatically adjusting temperature and power for dishes like milk boiling, rice, dosa, or curry. They help beginners and busy users reduce constant monitoring, increasing convenience and ensuring consistent results.
Q: What safety features should I prioritize when selecting an induction cooktop?
Important safety features include automatic shut-off, overheat protection, surge protection, and child lock. These features minimize the risk of accidents, especially in busy households or those with children and elderly members.
Q: Is investing in a higher-priced induction cooktop worth it in terms of return on investment (ROI)?
A higher-priced induction cooktop with better power ratings, preset modes, energy efficiency, and safety features often delivers better cooking speed, convenience, and durability. This can translate to savings on energy bills and enhanced kitchen safety, making it a worthwhile long-term investment.
At marvelof.com, we spotlight the latest trends and products to keep you informed and inspired. Our coverage is editorial, not an endorsement to purchase. If you choose to shop through links in this article, whether on Amazon, Flipkart, or Myntra, marvelof.com may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
