How to choose an Induction Cooktop
Ready to make the switch to Induction? Our newest cooking technology is sure to revolutionize the way you cook – and there are a few things to consider when picking out your new induction appliance. Frigidaire offers options in not only the type of cooking appliance such as slide-in, freestanding ranges and cooktops but also color. Here is a quick summary of our cooking platforms to ensure you find the one that is best for you:
Induction cooktops heat pots and pans directly, instead of using an electric or gas-heated element. They heat 50 percent faster than traditional electric cooktops, maintain a consistent and precise temperature, include auto-sizing elements to fit your pots and pans, and easily clean cooked-on messes.
1. Choose A Slide-In OR Freestanding Range vs. Cooktop
Slide-in and freestanding ranges both offer ovens and cooktops built into the same unit, with the main differences being the appearance once they are installed in your kitchen.
Slide-in Induction Ranges
Designed to look more “built in” to your kitchen, with the controls typically at the front of your range. The sides aren’t finished, since they aren’t designed to be freestanding. With a slide-in range, the overall effect is a more custom, built-in appearance.
Freestanding Induction Ranges
Function just like a slide-in range, but they are designed to be able to stand alone, with finished sides and a control panel on the back of the range. Freestanding ranges are often a more cost-effective upgrade compared to slide-in ranges, and offer many of the same cooktop and oven features.
Induction Cooktops
Designed to be installed directly into your countertop. If you have a built-in wall oven, then an induction cooktop is the way to go. They offer all the same cooktop features as induction ranges, but are designed to seamlessly fit into the preferred part of your countertop.
The great thing about our induction technology is that you can enjoy the same game-changing features across each collection. All of our collections offer top-of-the-line features, so choosing the right collection comes down to your personal design preference, budget and desired feature set.
2. Choose a Finish: Stainless Steel vs. Black Stainless Steel
If you decide an induction range best suits your needs, the last thing to consider is the type of finish you like best. There are traditional stainless steel options and Frigidaire’s newest finish – Black Stainless Steel. While both are complimented with modern design and the same great features, Black Stainless Steel is a bold update for those looking for something a little different.
3. Find the Right Cookware
What cookware is compatible with Induction?
One very important thing to remember when you are buying an induction cooktop or range is that not all cookware is compatible with induction technology. While there’s a good chance that a majority of your pots and pans will work just fine, they need to be a “ferrous” metal – or to put it simply, a magnet needs to cling to them to work properly on an induction cooktop or range.
The Magnet Test
Before you head out to purchase all-new cookware, grab a magnet off your fridge for a simple at-home test of your current cookware. The test is simple – simply hold a magnet to the bottom of your cookware.
- If the magnet clings to it, then it should perform just fine on an induction cooktop
- If there is an attraction, but it only softly grabs onto the metal, then it may not perform as well.
- If it doesn’t have a magnetic attraction, then it won’t work with your new cooktop.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re upgrading your appliances for a remodel or simply looking to spice up your kitchen experience, Frigidaire’s Induction Ranges and Cooktops offer a variety of features and price points that will revolutionize the way you cook. Use this handy comparison tool, or head over to our Induction Collection page to find the option that’s perfect for you and your kitchen.