Induction is still the best form of cooking. It’s faster than professional gas cooktop with a better simmer.
It’s easier to clean and vent and, is the most child safe.
In this article, you’ll learn all about the 6 best induction cooktops. You’ll see 3 brands you may know from years past along with 3 newer names.
Why the change?
Like every other appliance, buying an induction cooktop will be a problem due to availability issues.
Let’s get started.
The best known premium brands are Miele, Thermador and Wolf for good reasons. Typically, they offer the best features and are the most serious about premium appliances like induction.
However, you should expect to wait for these brands. Overwhelming demand and kinks in the supply chain have hurt even the best prepared.
Table of Contents
Miele KM 6365
Miele has produced induction cooktops for many years. The most popular is Miele’s flush mounted cooktop.
The unit has a great configuration. 5 cooking zones along various pan sizes to fit on the cooktop. From a four inch round burner to a 9 x 15 inch rectangular burner.
Also has a power boost setting like many other induction cooktops.
However, with the Miele, two of these inductors are used simultaneously on the 9 x 15 burner, providing an incredible 7,700 watts of power. It does require 50 amp connection.
Wolf CI365TF/S
Our chef’s favorite induction cooktop based on performance, is Wolf. The Wolf cooktop features an eleven inch burner that can use up to 3,700 watts of cooking power on the boost setting.
The four left burners can be bridged or connected and 4 ways to allow larger odd shaped pots and pans. No other brand offers a four element bridge burner.
You can simultaneously utilize all the small burners, creating a 17 x 17 cooking service. It’s great for using large pots, for lobster or large roasting pans for searing.
Wolf’s induction cooktop has a melt setting on one of the burners for simmering or melting chocolate.
Wolf has a full 2 year parts and labor warranty.
Also, this unit will require a 50 amp electrical connection.
Thermador CIT365YB
Thermador is an entry level model, but this high end freedom model allows you put the pan anywhere to maximize cooking space. With this flexible set up, you can use multiple ten inch pans, a large griddle or a Teppanyaki style pan up to 16 inches long.
It has 17 power modes to help dial in the exact temperature.
Thermador’s cooktop has numerous smart features including Move setting. Sensing your pan movement and maintaining the same power setting on the next burner.
It also has a heat shift setting like a French top.
The cooktop features a 2 year warranty and requires a 50 amp connection.
Although Wolf, Miele and Thermador will always be in demand, these newer brands will fill the immediate void. They all have decent features, prices and availability. You don’t have to wait 8 months for delivery.
Beko BCTI36510
Beko is a newer Turkish brand but they’re widely sold and popular in Europe. Then again, Beko has managed the supply chain better than most.
The unit is simple but good with the burner in the middle and 2 flex units on either side. Every burner is 3,700 watts.
Fisher & Paykel CI365PTX4
In the sea of stainless steel appliances, Fisher & Paykel stands out with some unique styling. Of course, style is only a matter of opinion.
Along with style, you have 2 powerful 5,500 watt burners on this cooktop. Miele has the most power, but Fisher Paykel has 2 of the fastest burners on this list.
Having these 2 5,500 watt burners means that you can operate the 2 burners at maximum power without sacrificing any heat from the other burners.
Fisher Paykel offers a free 5 year warranty on their appliances. Over 5 year warranties can be an issue. Independent service companies do not typically repair appliances under warranty to the low reimbursement rates.
So you may not pay for service, but you may not find it either.
Signature Kitchen Suite SKSIT3601G
What’s so impressive about SKS, Signature Kitchen Suite, is its parent company, LG. From reliability to availability, LG has been the best for the same reason, they produce most of their components, so they don’t have problematic supply chain issues like other companies.
By producing major parts, LG has become the most reliable brand sold. With a service rate of only 4.4% within the first year versus 9.5% to the industry average.
The cooktop specifications are pretty good with a 7,000 watt burner and 3 3,700 watt burners.
SKS has WiFi to monitor the burners and sync to an SKS hood through their reliable thinQ app.
Lastly, SKS has a full 3 year warranty.
Conclusion
All make compelling arguments for being the best cooktop.
Of course, the best features now include availability because you can wait up to 15 months for appliances these days.
Wolf is known for its fast heating response. It’s the best cooktop for odd shaped hands because of the 4 burner bridge.
Miele has the most power, while Thermador has the sensor moving, the power when you move the pan. It is undoubtedly the most forward technologically.
Do you take chance on a newer brand? Fisher Paykel has decent power and a 5 year warranty.
Remember, warranties are great, but only if you can get the unit repaired.
SKS is an interesting choice because their parent company is so good. For a price with good features, then Beko should also be considered. In your area, availability will probably cut this list in half.