Which induction cooktop should I buy?
You've settled on an induction cooktop, but which one should you buy?
Not sure if induction is the way to go? Head to our article, 'Which is the best electric cooktop?'
In this article, we will save you time by recommending the best option based on your requirements and preferences.
General considerations
In general, we'd recommend sticking to your existing cooktop size to minimise the complexity of the retrofit and the cost. We've included a couple of different sized options below with comparable power requirements.
If you want to change the size of your cooktop, this is possible. Join an Energy Freedom Homes Masterclass to gain expert installation advice, and meet trustworthy tradespeople. Check your Masterclass readiness now!
Before we look at specifics, it's important that your electrics can support your product choices. If you want a wired-in induction cooktop, you will need to...
- Ensure you have a spare pole on your switchboard for a dedicated circuit to power the unit.
- Factor in the cost of running an additional dedicated circuit from your switchboard and installing a safety isolator switch, which will come in at around $500.
If you are unsure what we are talking about when we discuss switchboard and mains supply, or why we are talking about it, head over to our article, 'Will I need to upgrade my power?'.
Options for your specific needs
In this section we outline options based on four categories:
- Budget options and you cannot upgrade your mains supply
- Budget options and you have at least 63A mains supply or can upgrade your supply
- Balance of price and performance
- 90cm+ units.
The example appliance brands and models are included to illustrate what is available in these categories but they are not the only option. There are comparable products. We will provide links for comparable products.
If you sign up to an Energy Freedom Homes Masterclass we can connect you with experts who will recommend a unit based on your budget, needs/wants, kitchen space and installation time requirements. Check your Masterclass readiness now!
You're on a tight budget
The Ikea Tillreda Portable Induction Hob is a hit with the community and a bargain at RRP $69. You can get all the benefits of induction cooking without the price premium, but you won't have a unit that is as powerful as a wired-in alternative.
You're on a tight budget, but you already have a 63A+ mains supply
You might be interested in the 58cm Ikea BEJUBLAD, which has a lot of love online and with our clients and comes in well under the cost of most wired-in units at RRP $699.
This is an example of a budget induction cooktop. Other options can be browsed through the E&S website, which has comparable units within this price range, with similar features. On this website you can also specify the size of the induction cooktop to have it easily fit in to your existing cabinetry.
You're after a unit that balances price and performance
Choice Magazine and consumers have high regard for the Bosch PUE611BB1E, which is no longer available through Bosch but there are some units still floating around the market. But, according to the specs, the Bosch PUE611BB5E is almost identical.
It is a 60cm unit and comes in at RRP $1499, which is twice the cost of the IKEA unit, but you get what you pay for. Bosch is Choice's Recommended Brand for cooktops.
This is an example of a high performing induction cooktop. Other options can be browsed through the E&S website, which has comparable units within this price range, with similar features. On this website you can also specify the size of the induction cooktop to have it easily fit in to your existing cabinetry.
You want a large (90cm+) cook top
The Westinghouse WHI943BC 90cm unit is recommended by Choice and Canstar and has plenty of good reviews and write-ups. It comes in at RRP $2,299.
Part of the appeal of this unit is that the power it requires is comparable to the smaller 60cm units, which will reduce the likelihood of needing to upgrade your mains supply. But you'll still need that additional circuit!
This is an example of a large induction cooktop. Other options can be browsed through the E&S website, which has comparable units within this price range, with similar features. On this website you can also specify the size of the induction cooktop to have it easily fit in to your existing cabinetry.
You want a particular brand
If you already have a preference or you'd like your cooktop to match you other appliances, have a browse on E&S Trading's induction cooktops product page and use the filters to find an induction cooktop in your brand of preference at the size that matches your current cooktop.
Are you a wok aficionado? There are electric cooktop models that have a specially indented area for wok cooking. However, these models can be quite pricey, and you'd want to use your wok a lot to justify the dedicated cooking area. Alternatively, you can buy a flat-bottomed electric cook top compatible wok.
What's next?
Hopefully you've picked out the best induction cooktop for your circumstances.
If you are now up to replacing a gas oven with an electric alternative and you haven't started your research, have a look at our article, 'Which is the best electric oven?'
If you are all set with your planning for cooking appliances, take a moment to congratulate yourself. Cooking is the most personal of the Energy Freedom upgrades and so it is often the most difficult. When you are ready to move to the next area of upgrades, such as hot water or space heating, in your journey to an Energy Freedom Home, click here to head to our planning article.
Ready to get it installed? Make sure you have the right installer to get the job done. We have some advice in our 'How to find a trusted tradie' article. Or join an Energy Freedom Homes Masterclass and learn to identify your needs, gain expert installation advice, and meet trustworthy tradespeople. Check your Masterclass readiness now!
The recommendations in this article come from talking with real people and communities to identify a best-fit option for a range of priorities. We also do our research; each of the above recommendations is based on articles by Choice Magazine, ratings from Product Review and general consensus from the popular Facebook group, My Efficient Electric Home.