Induction Cooktops

Induction cooktops are a type of electric cooktop that use electromagnetic technology to heat cookware directly, rather than heating the cooktop surface itself. When a compatible pot or pan is placed on the surface, a magnetic field transfers energy straight into the cookware, allowing it to heat quickly and evenly.

Because the surface around the cookware stays relatively cool, induction cooking is not only faster but also safer and more energy efficient than traditional gas or ceramic cooktops. This makes induction cooktops a popular choice for modern kitchens where performance, safety and ease of cleaning all matter.

There are actually three main types of cooktops available in the market : Gas Cooktops aka Gas Hobs, Ceramic and Induction.

Gas cooktops, like the name suggests, requires either natural or LPG gas to work. Once installed they are quite easy to use, simply trigger the ignition spark (usually by pressing in the stove dial) and the gas should ignite giving you a controlled open flame ready to cook on.

Ceramic cooktops are a type of cooktop composed of heat-hardened clay material to form a ceramic glass surface and commonly use electricity to heat coils that are built into the surfae of the cooktop itself. You'll be able to recognise a ceramic cooktop quite easily, when you see those red coils / rings heat up under the ceramic glass during use, creating that red glowing effect. Ceramic Glass cooktops, like induction cooktops, are quite easy to clean as well, making both popular choices for more modern kitchen setups.

Induction cooktops use electrocmagnetic induction to heat the induction cookware directly, as opposed to heating the surface of the cooktop. Induction cooktops are considered the most safe of all 3 types to use, for this very reason.

Which ever cooktop type you choose to go with, be sure to take advantage of Appliances Online's FREE Delivery with Next Day availability!

Cleaning an induction cooktop is incredibly easy. Firstly, make sure the cooktop surface has cooled. Then it's just a matter of getting a damp cloth (warm water works best) and give it a good old fashion wipe down - like you would cleaning your bench top. For those tougher stains, there are ceramic cooktop cleaners out there you can purchase but for the most part, its just a damp cloth and some elbow grease to the rescue - just make sure you DO NOT use any abrasive scrubbers / anything that can scratch the cooktop surface. The smooth surface also means fewer nooks and crannies for food to get stuck, making cleanup so much easier.

The best way to keep your glass cooktop in great condition is to clean it after every use, in a similar way to cleaning an induction cooktop. A quick wipe-down with a tea towel or cloth and warm soapy water will prevent stains and grime from building up over time. If you need more in-depth help on cleaning your glass cooktop, check out our How to Clean a Glass Cooktop and Keep It Clean guide where we help you through all different types of common issues that people face with cleaning their glass cooktops.

Cleaning your cooktop isn’t just about keeping it looking nice - it actually affects how well it works. Food spills, grease, and burnt-on stains can impact heat distribution, potentially affecting how evenly your food cooks. If left too long, buildup can become incredibly tough to remove.