Key Tips for Choosing Between Induction and Infrared Cooktops

1. Understanding Induction and Infrared Cooktops

Induction cooktops, also known as electric induction cookers, operate by passing electricity through a coil of copper wire placed beneath the cooktop glass, generating a magnetic field within a few millimeters above the cooktop surface. This magnetic field heats pots with ferrous bottoms to cook food. Due to this principle, induction cooktops do not lose heat to the surrounding environment, achieving an efficiency of up to 90%. Moreover, the glass surface of induction cooktops remains cool, making them both economically beneficial and safe for users.

Infrared cooktops operate based on the principle of heat radiation from infrared rays. Electricity heats a coil of wire resistor to generate heat, which is then transmitted to the cooktop surface to heat the bottom of pots and pans for cooking. Due to the heating principle, the cooking zone of infrared cooktops heats up and cooks slower than induction cooktops, with an operating efficiency ranging from 50-65%.

Both types of cooktops are chosen by many families for their superior advantages in enhancing living spaces and lifestyles.

2. Operational Principles of Induction and Infrared Cookers

Induction cookers and infrared cookers share the following characteristics:

• Firstly, both types of cookers are electric-powered appliances, operating on a flat, heat-resistant glass surface, ensuring safety and aesthetics.
• Both induction and infrared cookers require stable power sources to function.
• The operating power of these two types of cookers is relatively high, ranging from 1800 - 4400W, resulting in significantly faster cooking times compared to gas stoves.
• Moreover, they feature intelligent functions such as preset cooking modes and useful features like cooking timers, safety protections (overheat warning, empty pot detection, safety lock, automatic shut-off when overheating, etc.).

With induction cookers, heat is only applied to the pot or pan, keeping the cooker surface cool. It can be cleaned even while cooking. (If cooking time is short, the cooker surface remains cool as heat is transferred from the pot).

On the other hand, with infrared cookers, the cooker surface starts heating up upon activation, which can cause burns upon contact, so it's advisable to clean when the cooker is cool.

Induction cookers have multiple power levels ranging from 1000W - 2000W. At 1000W, it takes approximately 4 minutes to boil 1 liter of water, which is why single induction cookers are often used for hotpot dishes at home. For double induction cookers or induction cookers combined with electric stoves, the 2000W power level is quite common and occasionally found in some high-end single induction cookers. This power level ensures boiling 1 liter of water in less than 2 minutes, equivalent to a super-fast kettle, optimizing cooking time.

Induction cookers cook quickly with a high efficiency of up to 90%, while infrared cookers take longer to heat up and cook slower than induction cookers. Additionally, their cooking efficiency only reaches about 60%, so using induction cookers will definitely save energy and be more efficient compared to infrared cookers.

Induction cookers are pot-selective, only compatible with cookware containing ferrous material (pot bottoms made of iron or ferromagnetic stainless steel). Therefore, when using this type of cooker, you need to consider whether your kitchen is equipped with a complete set of ferrous bottom pots.

On the other hand, infrared cookers can be used with all types of cookware, including glass, ceramic, or aluminum. Another convenience advantage of infrared cookers is that you can directly grill food on the cooker, which is not possible with induction cookers.

Induction cookers are sold and distributed by many reputable units nationwide. There are various types of induction cookers available in the market: single cookers, double cookers, and cookers with 3–4 cooking zones. Depending on usage needs, the prices vary accordingly, ranging from $25 to $1,600.

As for infrared cookers, the prices are relatively diverse depending on the model and usage. However, to acquire a quality infrared cooker, the price range is also several million dong.

Economically, infrared cookers are more affordable than induction cookers, making them a preferred choice for many customers. However, induction cookers come with a higher market price, accompanied by additional costs for purchasing suitable cookware.

Based on the analysis and evaluations above, Mytour has provided clearer information for you to have a better understanding of these two types of cookers. For families who often spend less time cooking, want to save costs, utilize existing cookware, and are not concerned about the kitchen getting hot during cooking, infrared cookers are the way to go. Meanwhile, for families with economic readiness, no hesitation in purchasing new cookware, and desiring safety during cooking, induction cookers are the choice.

In conclusion, the decision of which type of cooker is best depends on the individual usage needs. Therefore, to choose a good cooker for your family, users must first clearly determine the needs and conditions of their family, then based on the characteristics that Mytour has analyzed to select the most suitable cooker.