How to

Should You Use an Induction Cooktop or Infrared Cooktop to Cook Faster and Save Energy?

Induction and infrared cooktops are modern alternatives to gas stoves, and they are a popular choice for many households. However, a common dilemma faced by families is deciding which type of cooktop is more energy-efficient and cost-effective for daily use.

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6 October, 2024

What’s the Difference Between an Induction Cooktop and an Infrared Cooktop?

Infrared cooktops, on the other hand, are a type of electric cooktop that works by converting electrical energy into heat energy, which then heats up the pots and pans used for cooking. Specifically, infrared cooktops are constructed with heating coils placed beneath a heat-resistant glass-ceramic cooktop. When the cooktop is turned on, an electric current passes through the heating coils, causing them to heat up, glow, and generate a significant amount of heat that is transferred to the cooktop’s surface and heats the bottom of the pots and pans.

Comparing the Pros and Cons of Induction and Infrared Cooktops

Even though both are electric cooktops, induction and infrared cooktops have certain differences, as outlined below:

Infrared Cooktop

Induction Cooktop

Pros

– No specific pot or pan requirements; any type can be used.

– Affordable pricing, suitable for all households.

– Offers a variety of cooking functions.

Pros

– Cooktop surface made of premium ceramic glass with excellent heat resistance.

– Multiple cooking functions, including timer and auto-lock features.

– Up to 90% cooking efficiency as it doesn’t need to heat the cooktop surface, resulting in faster cooking times.

– Easy-to-clean cooktop surface.

Cons

– High heat generation can lead to a shorter lifespan due to the heating of the cooktop surface.

– Slower heating of pots, pans, and food compared to induction cooktops.

– Cooking efficiency of only 65-70% due to the need to heat the cooktop surface before cooking.

Cons

– Higher price tag compared to infrared cooktops.

– Requires pots and pans with magnetic bases to work with the induction cooktop.

Which Cooktop is More Energy Efficient: Infrared or Induction?

From the comparisons above, it’s evident that induction cooktops offer superior durability and longevity compared to infrared cooktops. Induction cooktops are crafted from premium materials, boast excellent heat resistance, and are safe for users. Additionally, the use of electromagnetic fields to heat pots and pans results in incredibly fast cooking times, without generating excess heat like gas stoves. This makes cooking more comfortable and enjoyable than ever before.

Infrared cooktops, on the other hand, use electrical energy to heat the heating coils, causing them to become extremely hot and capable of heating pots and pans during cooking. However, the continuous heating of these coils can lead to a gradual decrease in their durability over time, which also impacts the safety of the cooktop. Some German-made infrared cooktops have addressed this issue by replacing the heating coils with steel sheets to enhance durability and cooking performance.

Based on the operating principles of these two types of cooktops, it’s clear that induction cooktops offer quicker and more convenient food heating compared to infrared cooktops. This efficiency also translates to lower electricity consumption, as infrared cooktops require additional energy to heat the heating coils before they can generate heat to warm pots and pans for cooking.

In fact, some experiments have demonstrated the impressive energy-saving capabilities of induction cooktops. While an infrared cooktop takes over four minutes to boil a liter of water, an induction cooktop accomplishes the same task in just two minutes. This efficiency is due to the minimal heat loss of less than 10%, which allows induction cooktops to heat food rapidly and retain heat for extended periods.