Induction cooktops

We are in the planning stage for rebuilding our kitchen and are considering replacing our cook top range with an 36" electric induction range. They are pricey in the neighborhood of $2K. Are they worth the extra expense? Any owners with an opinion?

 

On boats they are used primarily because they have no open flame and gas appliances don't make insurers happy. ABYC permits gas appliances but once you get above a certain size all vessels use induction. It's also popular in many commercial kitchens for the same reasons. So, many professional chefs work on induction. Not by their choosing but they do work with them so it can be done. At home I like gas better.

Induction requires special pots and pans. Induction does not work with aluminum, copper and glass cookware so you've got to use induction compatible pots. Induction is much quicker to respond than coils or halogen so in that respect it is a much better technology. But compared to gas I don't see a benefit other than styling or reduced insurance rates (which usually don't come into play in a residence).

I'm torn on the ease of cleanup. It is true that the surface of an induction stove doesn't get hot... but it does. The heat of the pot or skillet is still there and conducts down into the cooktop. Spills still burn onto the smooth surface. I actually find the gas stove at home easier to clean. Spills fall through the grates and down onto the catch tray below and out of the intense heat.

Then there is the expense. Induction appliances tend to be more expensive. They can also require larger electrical service. This is not an issue if your kitchen is already wired for a premium sized electric but if you previously had gas add the cost of an electrician to your budget.

 

Another thing about induction ranges is that parts are very expensive,
Also with old school units they sell a lot of them so parts are available for a a fairly long time where as they will only sell a relatively few induction units so parts in the future may be a problem.

I say fairly long time because even with these units the parts availability time seems to be getting shorter and shorter.

 

We were visiting friends a couple of weeks ago and they had just purchased an induction range. I was really impressed with the way it cooked (fast) and cleaned.
Stuff that fell on the stove didn't immediately char on a hot burner. No knobs means even easier cleanup. My wife said "I want one" and I agreed. Now I'm having second thoughts.

I can handle the cost, but after reading some reviews and your comments I am concerned about reliability and repair costs.

 

They are a definite improvement over previous electric technologies. You do have to be prepared though that it's a more complex way to make heat. Traditional coils, cast iron discs or even halogen are pretty simply and just send current through a resistance wire. And gas is just setting flame to dinosaur farts. Induction uses electronics to alternate current through the induction coil. It works but there is more complexity there.

Also, do some research if anyone in the home has a pacemaker. I have read warnings about the EMF fields produced by induction elements and pacemakers should be kept a couple feet away from them. Here are a few links discussing the possible hazard:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16635999
https://products.geappliances.com/ap...ontentId=18986