What Is an Induction Cooktop? A Plain-English Guide
A plain-English explanation of what an induction cooktop is, how it heats the pan and how it compares with gas and electric. It's the place to start if you've only heard the name.
Help & Guides
Help & Guides
Plain answers to the questions I get most: how induction works, which pans to use, what wiring you need, what it costs and how to fix and clean it.
Basics
How Does an Induction Stove Work? A Simple Explanation
How an induction stove turns your pan into the heater, explained step by step without the jargon. Read it if you want to understand the coil, the magnetic field and why the glass stays cooler.
Induction Cooktop Pros and Cons After Nine Years of Real Use
The real pros and cons of an induction cooktop after nine years of family cooking, from speed and easy cleaning to pan limits and wiring. It helps you decide whether induction suits your kitchen.
Is Induction Cooking Safe? EMF, Pacemakers, Burns and Kids
What health agencies say about induction cooking, EMF, pacemakers, burns and kids, in plain words. Read it if you or someone in your home has safety questions before switching to induction.
Cookware and cooking
What Cookware Works on Induction? (The Magnet Test)
The 30-second magnet test that shows which of your pans work on induction, plus what to do about the ones that don't. Read it before you buy an induction cooktop or new cookware.
Can You Use Cast Iron on Induction? Yes, With These Rules
Yes, cast iron works on induction, and this guide shows the two rules that protect your pan and the glass. It's for anyone who cooks with bare or enameled cast iron and wants to keep using it.
Does Stainless Steel Work on Induction?
Which stainless steel pans work on induction, based on my tests of 14 pans and the quick magnet check. Read it if most of your cookware is stainless and you're not sure it will heat.
How to Use an Induction Cooktop: Settings, Pans and First Meals
How to use an induction cooktop from the first day: the right pans, the controls, which power level to use and easy first meals. It's for new owners and anyone about to switch.
Installation and power
Induction Cooktop Electrical Requirements (Volts, Amps and Breakers)
The volts, amps and breaker an induction cooktop needs, for built-in models and portable burners. Read it before you buy, especially if you're replacing gas or an older electric cooktop.
How to Install an Induction Cooktop (and What It Costs)
How a built-in induction cooktop is installed, from the counter cutout and 240-volt circuit to the final connection, and what it costs. It's for anyone planning a swap or a remodel.
Cost and energy
How Much Does an Induction Cooktop Cost in 2026?
What an induction cooktop really costs in 2026, from portable burners to premium built-ins, plus installation, cookware and rebates. It helps you set a realistic budget before you shop.
How Much Electricity Does an Induction Cooktop Use?
How much electricity an induction cooktop uses, measured with an energy monitor over two weeks of real cooking. Read it to see what induction adds to your power bill per meal.
Induction Stove Rebates and Tax Credits: What Is Available Now
The induction stove rebates and tax credits available now, including the HEAR rebate and who qualifies for it. It's for anyone who wants to lower the cost of switching to induction.
Care and fixes
How to Clean an Induction Cooktop (and Remove Stains and Scratches)
How to clean an induction cooktop every day and how to remove burnt-on food, stains and light scratches safely. It's for anyone who wants the glass to stay clear without damaging it.
Induction Cooktop Not Working? 12 Fixes to Try
Twelve fixes to try when an induction cooktop won't turn on, won't heat or keeps switching off. It's for owners who want to solve the problem before calling for service.