Australia’s best induction cooktops are cool to the touch and super responsive. They also look fabulous in modern kitchens, and with a flat surface, they’re a cinch to clean. But perhaps the biggest reason so many home cooks are switching from gas to induction cooking is the health benefits.
Induction Cooktops vs Gas
According to an Asthma Australia survey, gas cooking is responsible for 12% of the asthma burden in our country – as dangerous to health as cigarette smoke is in the home. Switching to electric induction cooking greatly reduces our exposure to chemicals like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, making the home a cleaner, safer place to live.
So, if you’re looking for a seriously good-looking, easy-use cooktop that heats up fast and helps make your home a healthy environment for everyone, induction is the way to go. Read on for the best models to buy in Australia right now.
What’s in this article?
- Induction Cooktops vs Gas
- How To Choose An Induction Cooktop
- 11 Of The Best Induction Cooktops In Australia
- Editor’s Choice: #1 Best Overall Induction Cooktop For Families
- KLEENMAID 90cm Induction Cooktop ICT9031, $3699
- Bosch Serie 8 90cm Flex Induction Cooktop PXV975DV1E, $3849
- KLEENMAID 60cm Induction Cooktop ICT6031, $2549
- ASKO Pro Series 65cm Bridge Induction Cooktop, $2499
- Bosch 60cm Series 4 Induction Cooktop PUJ611BB5E, $949
- Neff 60cm Induction Cooktop Black T66FHC4L0, $1699
- Electrolux 90cm Induction Cooktop EHI955BE, $1999
- Beko 60cm Induction Cooktop BCT601IGN, $1020
- Fisher and Paykel 60cm Induction Cooktop CI604DTB4, $1699
- Westinghouse 60cm Cooktop WHI645BD, $1199
- Smeg 70cm Induction Cooktop SAI4744D, $1794
- FAQs
How To Choose An Induction Cooktop
Because induction cooktops use a different method to heat up than gas cooking, there are a few things to consider when choosing one.
Consider how fast you need it to heat up
Check how quickly the induction cooktop heats up – they all should be pretty fast. Brands like Bosch (featured below) offer Powerboost functions for even faster heating!
How many burners do you want?
Like any cooktop, you’ll need to check it has enough burners to suit your cooking style. If you need to cook for a big family, you want to make sure you can have several pots on the go at once. Induction cooktops typically range from two to five burners. Some of the best induction cooktops in Australia even facilitate combined zones for a larger cooking area – fabulous for roasting trays.
You need the right cookware!
You can only use pots and pans that have a ferrous base on induction cooktops. This is because induction cooktops use electromagnetism to heat up, so your cookware needs to work well with magnets! Cast iron and some stainless steel are ferromagnetic, but not all cookware is. The easiest way to check if your existing cookware has a ferrous base is to put a magnet on it and see if it has a strong magnetic hold.
Also, you need to ensure your cookware fits the size of your cooking elements (which vary between brands). Quality induction cookware doesn’t come cheap, so keep this in mind before you buy a cooktop that will require a completely new set of pots!
11 Of The Best Induction Cooktops In Australia
Ready to cook up a storm? We’ve done the research and uncovered the best brands of induction cooktops for Australian kitchens right now. How did we choose? We spend a great deal of time analysing reviews and industry trends to shortlist the products other families are using and loving. We also use our own first-hand experience to know what features make a difference in daily cooking.
How did we choose? We personally tested select products and scoured reviews to help you find the right product faster. We always take into account cost, size, practicality and performance. Please note that while we do our best to ensure accurate prices in our articles, sometimes retailers change them.
Editor’s Choice: #1 Best Overall Induction Cooktop For Families
KLEENMAID 90cm Induction Cooktop ICT9031, $3699
Tested and reviewed by Nikki from Making HOME
I was thrilled to have the opportunity to take the Kleenmaid 90cm Induction Cooktop for a spin as part of our huge Making HOME Renovation Series – and let’s just say, I’m head over heels!
Expertly designed to work for everyday cooking, this cooktop ticks every box. It has six elements, which means cooking for a crowd is easy. Better still, the “Bridge’ function makes it possible to combine cooking zones – brilliant for using large pans or pots that need even heat.
Safety is a huge factor in any family home and I especially love that the Active Zone indicator keeps everyone in the kitchen aware of which elements are in use and there are residual heat indicators to let you know what’s still warm. For extra protection, there’s also a child safety lock.
One of my favourite features of this cooktop is the Chef Function, which simultaneously runs each cooking zone from left to right at cooking levels two, six and nine to replicate professional kitchens! This was my first time cooking in this way and it was incredible being able to multitask without burning a single thing!
Pros:
- The ‘boost’ function is amazing! You can ramp it up to ‘P’ and have full heat in seconds
- Full heat is HOT HOT HOT! Brilliant if you want a sizzling hot pan for steak or charred veggies
- There is plenty of room for several pots at a time – six elements means a lot can happen at once
- The aesthetics are sensational; the black glass is sleek and seamless, perfect for an integrated finish
- It’s SO easy to clean! Spills wipe clean in seconds and even burnt-on mess comes away easily in a single wipe
Cons:
- The stove switches off completely when boiling water bubbles over (for example, when cooking pasta). It’s no doubt a safety measure, but it means you have to stop, remove everything, dry the stove and start again if it does happen.
Where to buy it:
Bosch Serie 8 90cm Flex Induction Cooktop PXV975DV1E, $3849
With four induction zones spaced across a 90cm surface, this elegant cooker is very ready to cook for a crowd! It comes with 17 power levels for each zone and features PerfectFry technology for absolute perfection when it comes to browning and frying. We love the sleek surface and premium control panel for a chic look every kitchen deserves.
Pros:
- Huge 90cm surface
- Extra-wide touch control
- Handy ‘PerfectFry’ function
- 4 cooking zones and 17 power levels
- Powerboost for 50% more power when you need it
Cons:
- One reviewer mentions the rim of the cooktop having a curve a slight curve which means liquid can run underneath it
Where to buy it:
KLEENMAID 60cm Induction Cooktop ICT6031, $2549
After a workhorse that packs plenty of style, substance and safety? This is it! From KLEENMAID, this European-designed induction cooktop comes equipped with four cooking zones, nine heating levels and a ‘boost’ function to get dinner on the go fast. The child safety lock and Individual Residual Heat Indicators make it a great choice for singles, couples and small families. At 60cm, it’s well-sized for island benches and it comes with a five-year peace-of-mind warranty.
Pros:
- Child safety lock included
- Bridge function for using a griddle
- High-power boosters on each element
- ‘Residual Heat Indicators’ display when the surface is hot
- ‘Voltage Power Guard’ monitors the main power supply for fluctuations
Cons:
- Might not be big enough for large families who use a lot of pots
Where to buy it
ASKO Pro Series 65cm Bridge Induction Cooktop, $2499
Finished with black ceramic glass for a serious luxe look, this clever cooker is quick to heat and a dream for families who cook with large pots, woks and pans. Why? Well, the genius Real Bridge™ induction zones let you connect two zones to create one large zone – how convenient! Other highlights include intuitive touch controls, a ‘keep-warm’ function and automatic pan recognition for peace of mind your cookware is induction-safe.
Pros:
- Multi-touch intuitive controls
- Powerboost function for fast heating
- Keep Warm, Simmer, Boil Fry, Grill and Wok programs
- Residual Heat Indicators tell you if elements are still hot
- Real Bridge™ technology allows for the merging of zones
Cons:
- One review mentions the on/off switch needs quite a hard push to operate
Where to buy it:
Bosch 60cm Series 4 Induction Cooktop PUJ611BB5E, $949
With three cooking zones and 17 power levels, the perfect temperature is always just a touch away with this popular cooktop. The PowerBoost function means less time waiting for the pot to boil, with rapid boiling or heating. There’s also a handy child lock and the residual heat indicators will let you know if the cooktop is still hot to the touch. A stand-out feature is the Re-Start function, which saves your cooking settings if water boils over and it turns itself off.
Pros:
- 17 power levels for each cooking zone
- Easy-clean ceramic surface – a wipe is all it takes
- ‘PowerBoost’ turbocharges the cooking process (you won’t believe how fast water boils!)
- Re-Start function saves your cooking settings after it switches off
Cons:
- Control panel can be difficult to see for some people
- The automatic switch-off function when water boils over interrupts cooking
Where to buy it:
Neff 60cm Induction Cooktop Black T66FHC4L0, $1699
Precise and rapid heat makes the NEFF a winner for families who need efficient and quick cooking. It features three induction zones, including a FlexInduction zone which lets you merge zones for a larger cooking area. The Twist Touch technology enables complete control of all zones at all times while the raft of safety features gives you peace of mind while cooking, including an automatic switch-off feature and residual heat indicators.
Pros:
- Boost function on each element
- FlexInduction allows the merging of zones and even recognises the shape and size of your cookware!
- Automatic safety switch-off and residual heat indicators for added safety
- The Twist Touch technology puts you in complete control of each zone
Cons:
- With only three zones, it may not be big enough for large families
Where to buy it:
Electrolux 90cm Induction Cooktop EHI955BE, $1999
Feature-packed and expertly designed, this 90cm Electrolux hob puts the most advanced cooking technology at your fingertips. It boasts ultra-sensitive touch buttons for easy control of each element and a Bridge function for merging zones. Each of the five burners comes with a powerful boost function for boiling fast and frying to perfection. And forget overcooking the kids’ pancakes again, SenseFry automatically adjusts temperatures to ensure the perfect amount of heat is used for every dish.
Pros:
- SenseFry automatically adjusts hob temperatures for frying
- The bridge function allows you to merge two cooking zones
- Programmable timer to help you keep track in a busy kitchen
- Residual heat indicator advises when cooking zones are still hot
- The PowerBoost feature makes boiling and searing quick and easy
Cons:
- Heats very quickly, so finding the perfect simmer point may take a little practice
- Needs to be completely dry before turning back on
Where to buy it:
Beko 60cm Induction Cooktop BCT601IGN, $1020
Sleek and simple to operate, the Beko comes with four elements, each with a touch control. The IndyFlex feature makes merging two zones a piece of cake and the boost feature helps you get temperatures high in no time. There are nine cooking levels for each of the zones and it comes with a host of safety features including child lock, residual heat indicators and spill protection.
Pros:
- Each of the four elements comes with nine power levels
- Easy-clean cooking surface wipes down with little effort
- Child lock and spill protection provide added peace of mind
- The boost function allows you to reach the top temperature fast
- IndyFlex enabled merging zones to accommodate large cookware
Cons:
- The controls can take a little while to master
Where to buy it:
Fisher and Paykel 60cm Induction Cooktop CI604DTB4, $1699
With loads of functionality and good looks in spades, this four-element hob from Fisher & Paykel is your new best friend in the kitchen. Highlights include the fast-response touch-and-slide controls and SmartZone technology for merging elements fast. PowerBoost provides extra heat when you need it and the Spillage Auto-Off acts fast when pots boil over.
Pros:
- PowerBoost heats elements in a jiffy
- An integrated timer keeps you on task in the kitchen
- SmartZone links two zones for handling big pots and trays
- Spillage Auto-Off provides added safety if pots boil over
- Touch-and-Slide controls react immediately – no waiting around!
Cons:
- Subtly marked zones can be hard to see
Where to buy it:
Westinghouse 60cm Cooktop WHI645BD, $1199
Expertly built with Hob2Hood technology, this Westinghouse 90cm cooktop automatically turns on compatible range hoods when you start cooking! It has five cooking zones and comes with a BoilProtect feature to detect rising bubbles and adjust temperatures accordingly, plus a Bridge Zone for linking elements. Slide-touch controls offer precision cooking and the built-in timer helps avoid overcooking.
Pros:
- Made here in Australia!
- Sleek Slide-Touch controls make precision cooking easy
- Hot-Surface Indicator and Child Lock for extra peace of mind
- Hob2Hood technology initiates compatible range hoods when you cook
- BoilProtect automatically reduces temperatures when it senses rising bubbles
Cons:
- Rapid heating takes some getting used to
- Some customers say ot be very cautious when using heavy pots as it could crack the surface (a risk on any induction cooktop, though)
Where to buy it:
Smeg 70cm Induction Cooktop SAI4744D, $1794
Efficient and ultra-sleek, the Smeg 70cm cooktop comes with five elements and nine power levels. Intuitive touch controls make it simple to operate and the boost function gets water boiling fast! The timer function not only saves you from overcooking dinner but also helps conserve power while you prepare dishes. Safety features include a residual heat indicator and an all-important child lock.
Pros:
- Boost function gets water boiling fast!
- Well-sized medium cooktop for everyday kitchens
- The easy-clean surface makes mopping up spills a breeze
- Nine power levels allow for precise cooking every time
- Comes with a child lock and residual heat indicator for added safety
Cons:
- The instruction manual can be hard to follow
Where to buy it:
FAQs
An induction cooktop is a stove that uses electromagnetic energy to heat the pot. This is different to electric and gas cooktops, which become hot and then that heat is transferred to the pot.
That’s why if you place anything non-mental on an induction cooktop (like your hand or a tea towel), it won’t get hot.
Induction cooktops work by producing a current (from energy cells underneath) that reacts with metal – and only metal. They are super quick. They heat up quickly and they heat whatever is in your pot or saucepan up to three times faster than a gas or electric cooktop. They’re energy-efficient, easy to clean and safe with no open flames. With no gas flame involved, induction cooktops offer more balanced and controlled cooking.
Many of Australia’s best induction cooktops come with safety features that include residual heat indicators, a child safety lock and spill protection. This gives you added peace of mind, particularly if you have children in the house.
Top image: Kleenmaid Induction Cooktop 90cm ICT9031.
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