One thing that confuses most of the online cooktop buyers or most of the queries on the internet regarding induction cooktop is the voltage requirement and power consumption. Here is a detailed analysis and research on this subject to put an end to all your queries and doubts. My research includes big names such as GE, Whirlpool, Thermador, Bosch, Nesco, Max Burton, Duxtop, etc.

At the present market, you will find cooktop of different size, design and features. This means that each cooktop is designed for different cooking purposes, and that not any cooktop may be the right one for you. Some induction cooktop models come with only one burner that makes them portable and favorable for use anywhere.

There are also models with two burners, four burners and even five burners. As such, you will need a different electricity input, as well as the temperature settings might slightly differ due to the difference in overall size and features of each cooktop. Find out below the voltage requirements, power consumption and different temperature settings of induction cooktop.

Voltage Requirements

Each cooktop may require a different voltage to function and every country has a different voltage distribution. However, most of the countries today follow the most common standard of 230 V ±10% at 50 Hz.

Most of the European countries as well as many other regions have made 230 V their standard voltage distribution. But there are few countries like the United States, Canada, Japan, etc. that use 100-120 V as the standard voltage.

Almost all induction cooktops today are made to be compatible with the common standard voltage supply. Most of the cooktops would be rated 120 V or between 200-240 V, which implies they will function in almost any countries. Even though the voltage supply in the United States is 120 V, they can still use a cooktop rated 230 V by making use of ‘three wire – split phase’ wiring that can produce higher voltage.

One thing you should not forget is the required circuit. Almost all portable induction cooktop with single burner has a wattage between 1200-1800 W. This means that if you use a single burner induction cooktop, the required minimum circuit would be 15 amps.

The bigger the cooktop or the cooktop that supports multi burners will require higher amps circuit. Normally a cooktop with 4-5 burners has a minimum circuit requirement of 40 – 50 amps.

Power Consumption/Energy Efficiency

Induction cooktops are known for their energy efficiency and heat consistency. In induction cooking, the heat is generated from the cookware itself and thus no heat is lost.

Top notch induction cooktops have special features called the ‘SpeedBoost’ that enhance the cooking speed thus cooking food twice faster than conventional cooking. The US Department of Energy states that the energy efficiency of induction cooktop is as high as 84%, compared to other non induction electric cooktop with 74% and gas cooktop with 44%.

Since induction cooktop is energy efficient and cooks food much faster, using it will not cost you more than cooking with gas or other electric coil cooktop. There is little difference in cost between induction cooktop, electric cooktop and gas cooktop.

Suppose, if using gas cooktop cost you $100 per month, the cost of using electric cooktop will also cost you around 90-110 dollar. Having said that, the overall cost result will be determined as per your usage.

Read Also:

What to To Look For When Buying A Cooktop

Induction Cooktop Vs Electric Cooktop

Gas Cooktop Vs Induction Cooktop

Technology and Principle Behind Induction Cooktops 

Different Temperature Settings

Induction cooktop provides different cooking temperature settings to suit all your cooking styles.

Each cooktop may provide different cooking temperature. So, it is important to check the cooking temperature the cooktop offers while buying/choosing; keeping in mind your cooking needs. Induction cooktops may offer cooking temperatures from as low as 500 watt to as high as 4000 watt.

It is designed to meets all your cooking styles, from warming to boiling in perfection. Another great feature of induction cooktop you will love is the constant temperature changes. Unlike electric coil cooktop that takes time to heat up or cool down, induction cooktop can constantly change the cooking temperature. This is just perfect for precision cooking.

If you are new to induction cooking, you will need some time getting used to it. The control panel is sensitive to touch and easy to operate. All induction cooktop features a LED display screen for easier and faster control.