Trust us: You’ll probably be cooking with magnets in 2017
A bunch of new affordable induction cooktops are hitting the market
Credit:
Frigidaire
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If you’re like most people, you’ve probably never heard of induction cooking—and that’s a shame. But we think a couple new products will pique your interest.
Induction uses magnets to heat a pot or pan’s surface directly, rather than transferring heat indirectly from a gas flame or electric burner. That means induction is faster to heat, easier to cool down, more responsive, and safer than any other method of cooking.
The new Frigidaire induction range gets digital controls all around
Unfortunately, it’s also expensive. The most affordable induction range we’ve ever seen is the Frigidaire FGIF3061NF—which still costs around $1,350. That’s more than twice the cost of a similar radiant electric model.
Frigidaire's new induction range will sell for just $799.
But that price is about to drop in a big way.
Later this year, Frigidaire is coming out with two new induction ranges—a Frigidaire Gallery model that will sell for $999 and a Frigidaire model that will sell for just $799. That’s a record low price, and it just might get more Americans to put induction into their homes.
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Frigidaire is also changing how it is marketing its affordable induction ranges. Previously, manufacturers talked about how quickly induction can heat up, or how gently it can melt chocolate, or how safe it is to use. None of those messages really resonated with customers, so now there’s a new message: Convenience.
An automatic-sizing burner on Frigidaire's new induction range
Because induction ranges heat directly, induction burners always match the size of a pot or pan perfectly—a feature that Frigidaire is now calling out as “Auto-Sizing.” (Yes, there are some cookware compatibility issues—but as long as a magnet sticks to a pan, it will work with induction.)
The Frigidaire Professional FPIC3677RF 36-inch induction cooktop
{{ amazon name="Secura 8100MC 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner, Gold", asin="B0045QEPYM", align="right" }} In addition to the ranges, Frigidaire is also coming out with new induction cooktops. Those will include a sleek Frigidaire Professional model, which will come in both 30-inch and 36-inch versions.
Even if you aren’t planning on a remodel, you can still put induction in your kitchen. Affordable standalone cooktops (we like Duxtop models from Secura) plug into regular outlets, store easily, and cost well under $75—but can still boil water in just a few minutes.