Induction Cooktops 36 Inch
If you have a gas cooktop, then you have a more difficult decision to make. It's not all that difficult to install the wiring for an induction cooktop, but gas cooking is cheaper than electric cooking and many people who've switched to induction from gas miss the 'feel' of it. However, gas is messier than induction, and is also actually less responsive.
Our suggestion is to try induction out. You can buy a portable induction burner for less than $100, and most people find it a nice addition to their kitchen for having company or cooking outdoors on a hot day. Check out our article on portable burners. A portable won't quite replicate the experience of a full-sized cooktop, but it will give you an idea of how induction works.
What To Know Before You Buy
There are three main factors to consider when buying induction cooktops (or any cooktop, for that matter): size/installation considerations, power, and budget. Pretty much everything else is a matter of personal preference.
Size and Installation Considerations
Measure Your Space
Built-in induction cooktops in the US come in two standard sizes: 30-inch and 36-inch. Make sure you're shopping for the right size for your space!
Electrical Hookups
30-inch cooktops typically require a 40 amp hookup, while 36-inch cooktops require a 50 amp hookup. If you're set on a 36-inch top, be sure your electrical hookup is 50 amp. This usually isn't a problem in newer homes, but may be in older ones.
If you have 30 amp wiring and want to buy a 40 or 50 amp cooktop, don’t despair. You can have wiring upgraded or even do it yourself if you’re handy. Just know that you have to get this right, because if you use the wrong wiring, your circuit breakers will cut power in your kitchen when you try to draw too much--or worse, it could be a fire hazard.
Also: if you plan to install the cooktop over an oven, make sure the model you buy is compatible. Most, but not all cooktops, will fit over an oven. Check the specifications (in the reviews below) to make sure.