If you want to choose between an induction stove and a radiant cooktop, you will have to get familiar with the feature of these two types of products to make the best decision. There are important differences between these two types of stoves that you will need to be aware of before you invest in one or another.
There is a notion that radiant stoves are the same as the induction ones but in actuality, these are two different types of products. We will address the most important aspects of both of them so you know exactly what to choose for your home!
Table of Contents
The difference between radiant and induction stoves
| Induction stove | Radiant stove | |
|---|---|---|
| Heat source | Electromagnetic field | Electricity |
| Heat loss | Low | Moderate |
| Cookware | Induction cookware | Any cookware |
| Extra features | Set temperature, set cooking time | Set temperature, set cooking time |
| Lifespan | 5 – 10 years | 12-15 years |
Once you understand how radiant and induction stoves work, you will find it easier to choose which one you need to invest in.
Technology
Radiant stoves are all-electric stoves that have one or more heating elements covered with a resistant glass or ceramic surface. The electricity goes through all the heating elements and offers you the temperature you need to cook your food. The heat will reach your cookware through waves that are transmissible through the surface of the stove.
On the other hand, induction stoves use an electromagnetic field to generate the heat you need for your food. They have copper coils that create the electromagnetic field when induced but the heat is not generated until you place the cookware on the stove. The coils send energy to the pan that you use and get it to heat up. This technology allows only the stove and the cookware to heat up and not waste heat around the kitchen.
Energy efficiency
The energy efficiency is different from a radiant stove to an induction one too. Radiant cooktops, even if they can prevent heat loss better than gas stoves, they are not as efficient in this regard as induction stoves. This difference in terms of efficiency comes from the fact that induction stoves remain fairly cool while they are heating just the pan. Radiant cooktops on the other hand warm-up and therefore, there will be parts of their surface that are hot without necessarily being in contact with cookware.
Cooking time
If you are planning to cook on low heat and you are not in a hurry, radiant stoves are a better choice. At the same time, if you want to cook faster, you will want to choose an induction stove. In terms of cooking quality, you can expect both these types of stoves to cook your meal evenly, without hot pots or burns. Keep in mind though, that radiant heaters might not be as efficient as induction one for preparing large meals. The bigger the pot is, the more you risk to have uneven heat distribution if you use a radiant stove.
Ease of use
Both the radiant and induction stoves are easy to clean since they have flat surfaces. All you will have to do is wipe the surface with a clean cloth or a paper towel. With the induction stove, you can wipe the surface instantly once your stove is off and you removed the cookware. Radiant stoves might need a few seconds to cool down completely before you can clean them. But overall cleaning and maintenance I fairly easy to do for both types of cooktops.
Durability
You will love to hear that both induction stoves and radiant ones are highly durable as long as you use them and maintain them the right way. However, the lifespan of the radiant stoves tends to be higher than the lifespan of induction stoves. You can expect the radiant stove to last you about 12 to 15 years, while induction stoves have a lifespan of less than a decade for domestic models. Commercial induction cooktops tend to last longer as they are made from more durable parts to withstand several hours of cooking per day. Check the warranty of the product before you purchase it to get an idea about its long-term functionality.
Pros and cons of induction stoves
Induction stoves come with several pros that might determine whether you consider investing in such a product rather than other types of stoves.
Pros
- They cook your food faster than radiant stoves and without compromising its quality. For busy people, an induction stove can be the ideal choice.
- The heat loss is reduced to a minimum with these stoves. They remain fairly cool outside the cookware and you can reduce the ventilation in your kitchen when you are preparing your meals too.
- You will be able to clean your induction cooktop in a matter of seconds as soon as you are done with the cooking process. Simply wipe it off with a cloth and you can move on with your day.
- A great aspect of induction cooktops is that there are models that might allow you to program them to cook your meal at a certain temperature and at a certain time. These features allow you to take care of other tasks while your food is cooking, without having to check on it regularly.
- They have a modern design and take little space in the kitchen. If your kitchen is set in a minimalistic way, an induction stove will compliment it perfectly!
Cons
- A downside of induction stoves is that they tend to be pricier than radiant ones and even other types of stoves on the market. But you can find different models at different prices so chances are that you will identify one that is compatible with your budget.
- Induction stoves also come with a shorter lifespan compared to radiant ones. You can expect a domestic induction cooktop to work properly for about five to eight years and a commercial model for about ten years. Maintain it correctly and use it only with the right cookware so you can enjoy your induction stove as much as possible.
Pros and cons of radiant stoves
On the other hand, radiant stoves come with their own set of advantages that might convince you to invest in one of these products.
Pros
- Radiant heaters use less energy compared to induction stoves, which will help you save money in the long run. Thanks to the lower wattage needs, you will spend less power and still end up with perfectly cooked meals.
- These stoves are also more convenient than induction ones. They come at more budget-friendly prices and in a wide range of models to choose exactly the one that will work best for you. Since they are cheaper and easy to use, radiant cooktops are great for beginners and those who are trying to get experience in the kitchen.
- You will appreciate the fact that radiant stoves allow you to set up the desired temperature as well. You can establish different heat levels for each burner so all your dishes will cook evenly and in the time that you expect them to be ready.
- Cleaning and maintenance are a breeze with radiant heaters as well. They have a flat surface that allows you to clean it as often as you need to, in just a matter of seconds. Maintaining your stove clean is essential for its functionality. Plus, you want to avoid grease build-up and bacteria that will affect the quality of your cooking.
Cons
- Radiant cooktops might not be as efficient if you use a thick or large pan. The time to heat the surface of the cookware will take longer in this case and it might not be evenly hot either. The best way to make the most out of such a stove is to use it for smaller meals.
- Also, there is more heat loss with a radiant stove compared to an induction one so you will have to maintain proper ventilation in your kitchen.
- Note that it takes a few seconds for the surface of the stove to cool down, unlike the induction stoves that cool down instantly. So, you will have to make sure your children and pets don’t touch the radiant stove not only when it is on but also until it cools down once you finished cooking.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, regardless of your choice, you can’t go wrong. Both radiant stoves and induction ones can help you prepare the best meals you want for your family. But they will not satisfy all the customers in the same manner.
We recommend purchasing a radiant stove if you are looking for a better price and you are a beginner in terms of cooking. Induction stoves are a better choice for complex meals that you want to cook faster and with more precision.
Choose the size and the model of stove that will accommodate your kitchen but also your needs and will help you prepare all your delicious recipes comfortably.
