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Differences blur when looking at induction cooktops versus electric cooktops.
Radiant and coil cooktops both use heated electric coils or elements to cook the food.
Power Requirements
Induction and electric cooktops typically require 220/240V electricity.
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Portable two-burner induction and electric cooktops use 120V, 20 amp electricity.
Cleaning
Induction and radiant electric cooktops are easier to keep clean than coil electric cooktops.
Induction cooktops clean up easier than radiant cooktops due to the cooler surface.
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Tip
Induction cooktops will retain trace heat transferred from the heated cookware back to the appliance.
Plus, it’s simple and inexpensive to swap out the heating coils should they fail.
Costs
Induction cooktops cost $350 to $700 more than radiant electric cooktops.
Some users find the low hum during operation to be annoying.
While they aren’t as energy efficient as induction models, the difference is slight.
Switching to a radiant or coil electric unit saves energy, plus it reduces indoor pollutants to nothing.
Radiant and coil electric cooktops start up slowly.
Once hot, the heat can fluctuate.
Cool-down is equally slow, which presents a safety hazard.
Efficiency
Induction cooktops are about five to 10 percent more energy-efficient than conventional electric cooktops.
So, while induction cooktops are more efficient than electric cooktops, the difference is minimal.
Induction cooktops substantially reduce energy use and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
You’ll also have to be comfortable with using certain types of cookware.
Radiant cooktops are a crossover category between induction cooktops and coil electric cooktops.
Like induction cooktops, they have smooth, easy-to-clean glass tops.
Like coil electric cooktops, they heat the cookware directly and can use any throw in of cookware.
Cast iron pans can scratch induction cooktop glass tops, so use enameled cast iron cookware.
Do not slide the cookware on the glass top, either.
Making the Switch to Induction Stoves or Cooktops.
EnergyStar / U.S. Department of Energy.
2021-2022 Residential Induction Cooking Tops.
Can you use cast iron on induction cooktops?Whirlpool Corporation.
How Cast Iron Is Made.
