Induction cooktops look sleek, heat quickly and are easy to clean—but are they the right choice for yours?
Before making the switch, it’s worth looking beyond the features and considering whether induction actually suits your kitchen, cookware, cooking habits and budget.
Here’s what to consider before buying an induction cooktop.
1. Check If Your Cookware Is Induction Compatible
One of the first things to check is your cookware. Unlike traditional cooktops,induction cooktops use a magnetic field to heat compatible cookware directly, so not every pot or pan will work. Common induction-compatible materials include:
- Cast iron
- Enamelled cast iron
- Magnetic stainless steel
- Cookware specifically labelled as induction compatible
On the other hand, materials such as copper cookware generally won’t work unless they have a magnetic base designed for induction. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to check what you already own: place a magnet against the bottom of the cookware. If it sticks firmly, there’s a good chance it’s a magnetic cookware that will work on an induction cooktop.
If much of your existing cookware isn’t compatible, it is best to factor the cost of compatible pots and pans into your overall budget.
2. Consider the Electrical Requirements
Unlike a portable appliance that simply plugs into a standard power point, many built-in induction cooktops have specific electrical requirements.
Depending on the model, installation may require a dedicated circuit or additional electrical work. This is especially worth checking if you’re replacing a gas cooktop, as your kitchen may not already have the required electrical setup.
Before purchasing, check the cooktop’s specifications and have a licensed electrician assess whether your existing setup is suitable. Doing this early can help you understand the complete installation requirements before committing to a particular cooktop.
3. Measure Your Available Space
Next, make sure the cooktop will actually fit your kitchen. Cooktops may look similar online, but their installation dimensions can vary.
Before buying, check both the overall dimensions of the cooktop and its required bench cut-out dimensions. Consider:
- Cooktop width and depth
- Required cut-out size
- Available bench space
- Clearance requirements
- Cabinet space underneath
- Position of nearby appliances and cabinetry
This becomes especially important when replacing an existing cooktop, as a new model may not fit the current cut-out exactly. If you’re working with a compact or challenging kitchen layout, it’s also wise to consider whether a narrower-depth cooktop could provide greater flexibility.
4. Think About How Many Cooking Zones You Actually Need
More cooking zones aren’t automatically better. Instead, think about how you normally cook and how much space you actually use.
Someone preparing simple meals for one or two people may have very different needs from a household regularly using several pots and pans at once. So, consider not only the number of cooking areas, but also their size and positioning.
Some induction cooktops also offer flexible zones, which can combine cooking areas to accommodate larger cookware when needed.
Ultimately, a well-designed layout should give your cookware enough room without making the cooking surface feel unnecessarily crowded.
5. Consider Your Cooking Style
Induction cooking can feel different from cooking with gas or a traditional electric cooktop. While one of its benefits is responsive power adjustment, people accustomed to cooking over an open flame may need some time to adjust.
Your cookware also needs to maintain proper contact with the cooking surface. So, if you love cooking with a traditional round-bottom wok, for example, check whether your preferred cookware and cooking technique will be suitable for the model you’re considering.
Ultimately, the best cooktop isn’t necessarily the one with the longest feature list. It’s the one that suits your cooking needs and the way you actually cook.
6. Compare the Controls and Features
Modern induction cooktops can come with a wide range of features, but it’s worth focusing on the ones you’ll genuinely use in everyday cooking.
Depending on the model, features may include:
- Touch controls
- Timers
- Boost functions
- Child locks
- Residual heat indicators
- Automatic pan detection
- Flexible or combined cooking zones
It’s also worth comparing the power output, particularly if you regularly use multiple cooking zones or want faster heating when needed.
Finally, pay particular attention to the controls. Because you’ll use them every time you cook, they should feel intuitive and easy to operate. If possible, seeing a cooktop in person can give you a better idea of how responsive and practical its controls feel.
7. Understand How Hot the Surface Can Get
Induction works differently from traditional electric cooking. Instead of heating a conventional heating element underneath the pan, induction transfers energy directly to compatible cookware with a magnetic base, such as cookware containing iron.
However, this doesn’t mean the glass surface always stays completely cool. Heat from hot cookware can transfer back to the cooktop, leaving areas warm or hot after cooking. This is why many induction cooktops include residual heat indicators.
As with any cooking appliance, normal precautions should still be taken around hot cookware and recently used cooking zones.
8. Consider Cleaning and Everyday Maintenance
One of the appealing features of induction is its smooth glass surface. Compared with some gas or electric cooktops, there are no raised gas burners or trivets to clean around the cooktop surface. So everyday spills and food spatters can generally be wiped away more easily.
However, the glass still needs appropriate care. To help keep it in good condition:
- Avoid dragging rough cookware across the surface, as this may cause marks or scratches.
- Wipe up spills regularly rather than allowing residue to build up.
- Be particularly careful with spills around areas that have been exposed to high heat.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and care instructions.
If easy cleaning is one of your main reasons for considering induction, look at the overall cooktop design as well. Simpler layouts and fewer gaps or raised areas can make everyday cleaning easier.
9. Listen for Operating Noise
Something first-time induction buyers may not expect is that induction cooking isn’t necessarily silent.
Depending on the cooktop, cookware and power level, you may notice:
- Cooling fan noise
- Clicking
- Humming or buzzing
These sounds can be a normal part of induction operation and may become more noticeable at higher power settings.
If noise is particularly important to you, it’s worth seeing or hearing a demonstration model before purchasing where possible.
10. Look Beyond the Purchase Price
The price displayed on the cooktop isn’t necessarily the complete cost of switching to induction.
Your overall budget may need to include:
- The cooktop itself
- Professional installation
- Potential electrical work
- Compatible cookware
- Any cabinetry or benchtop modifications
This doesn’t mean induction will necessarily be expensive to install in your home. It simply means it’s worth understanding the full requirements before making your final decision.
Is it worth buying an induction cooktop in Australia?
Whether induction is worth buying ultimately depends on your kitchen and the way you like to cook.
If you value responsive heating, a streamlined cooking surface and easy everyday cleaning, an induction cooktop may be worth considering.
Rather than choosing based on one feature alone, consider the complete picture! 😉 Your cookware, electrical setup, available space, cooking habits, installation requirements and budget. Once you understand those factors, it’s much easier to choose an induction cooktop that works for your kitchen.
For those looking for a more premium finish, Goldline’s newest 90cm Matte Induction Cooktop offers a refined alternative to our standard 90cm induction cooktop, particularly for kitchens where design and finish matter. Wondering how the two compare? We’ll break down the differences in our next guide.
Find the Right Cooktop for Your Kitchen
Still weighing your options between induction, electric and gas?
The right cooktop can make all the difference to how your kitchen looks, feels and works every day. Our Gas vs. Induction Cooktops: 2026 Comparison takes a closer look at how the two cooking styles compare. Explore Goldline’s range of cooktops to compare different sizes, layouts and cooking options and find the right fit for your kitchen.
Not sure where to start? Check out our Cooktop Buying Guide for helpful information to consider before making your choice.
Explore our Goldline cooktops today!
