January 8th, 2025 | 11 min. read
Learn how to find the perfect cooking products with our Induction Cooking Buying Guide
Induction cooktops now offer a wide range of models, from single burners to multi-zone units with various cooking features.
In this article, you will learn all about the best induction cooktops for 2025, including their features and reliability.
Our reliability and service rates are based on over 33,000 service calls completed by our service team last year.
Additionally, we'll explain how induction cooking works and its benefits. Plus, we'll will answer common questions about induction cooktops.
Let's get started.
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The Best 36-Inch Induction Cooktops for 2025
Gaggenau CX492611 - $6,099
Gaggenau is like the more famous Thermador Freedom induction cooktop but has more functionality in choosing burner size.
You can place pots and pans anywhere on the Gaggenau CX492611 400 series induction cooktop.
It automatically detects the size and position of your cookware and adjusts the burner zone.
You can fit as many as six pots and pans to cook simultaneously, as the entire surface is one large cooking zone.
If you're using larger cookware, the Gaggenau CX492611 cooktop can reach a maximum output of up to 5500 watts.
The TFT touch display on this cooktop makes it easy to adjust cooking zones, heat levels, and other settings.
Additionally, the booster function helps you quickly boil a pot of water.
The timer function allows you to manage cooking times and automatically switch off the heat when the set time has elapsed.
Gaggenau features residual heat indicators, automatic shut-off in case of overheating or prolonged use, and a child lock function to prevent accidental changes to settings.
Furthermore, pan size recognition ensures efficient energy usage by automatically adjusting the cooking zone to match the size of your cookware.
We didn’t have a single service call for a Gaggenau cooktop in 2024.
The Thermador Freedom cooktop, a hybrid of the Bosch Benchmark and Gaggenau models, has a higher service rate.
As a result, it did not make our list, although it remains a very popular option.
Bosch Benchmark NITP660SUC - $3,449
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Bosch, Gaggenau, and Thermador are all part of the BSH corporation.
Bosch is like many cooktops on this list, with a central power burner in the middle and expandable burners on either side.
The burner in the middle is good for larger pots, and you can place odd-shaped pans like a griddle on either side.
With 17 power and five frying levels, Bosch cooktops offer precise control over the cooking temperature.
The Direct Select 2.0 interface and FlexInduction technology make it easy to adjust the heat for any type of cooking.
Plus, with the Bosch Benchmark induction cooktop, you can control your matching hood directly from the cooktop or program it via a smart device to automatically activate the fan and lighting when the cooktop is turned on.
Despite these features, one of the key reasons to consider Bosch is their reliability.
Based on over 33,000 service calls logged last year, Bosch Benchmark has an average service rate of 1.7% for induction cooktops.
Bosch, Bosch Benchmark, and Gaggenau are the top three most reliable induction cooktop brands.
Bosch Benchmark NITP660SUC Burner Profile:
- Front left zone: 2,200 watts with a boost function up to 3,600 watts
- Back left zone: 2,200 watts with a boost function up to 3,600 watts
- Center zone: 2,200 watts / 3,300 watts with a boost function up to 3,400 watts / 3,600 watts
- Back right zone: 2,200 watts with a boost function up to 3,600 watts
- Front right zone: 2,200 watts with a boost function up to 3,600 watts
Wolf CI36560T/S - $3,940
The Wolf CI36560T/S induction cooktop features five burners, including four 8-inch burners and one 11-inch burner.
Each burner can deliver up to 3700 watts of cooking power on the boost setting.
Wolf's induction cooktops now feature LCD touchscreens and independent timers for each cooking zone, providing a seamless and sleek look that matches their wall ovens.
The new touchscreens are also easier to use.
Its dedicated settings for simmering and melting make it easy to cook at lower temperatures.
Wolf's safety features include:
- Pan detection
- A hot surface indicator
- A child lock function
You can buy this cooktop with a full beveled stainless trim to protect the glass surface.
The cooktop can also be mounted flush with the counter, BUT you will need a qualified installer.
Wolf's cooktop has a full two-year part and labor warranty (three years with Yale Installation).
Keep in mind this unit will require a 50-amp electrical connection.
Thats as much as most ranges and will use the whole circuit.
Wolf Induction Cooktop CI36560T/S Burner Profile:
- Left front zone: 2,100 watts with a boost function up to 3,700 watts
- Left rear zone: 2,100 watts with a boost function up to 3,700 watts
- Center zone: 2,600 watts with a boost function up to 3,700 watts
- Right front zone: 2,100 watts with a boost function up to 3,700 watts
- Right rear zone: 2,100 watts with a boost function up to 3,000 watts
Fisher & Paykel CI365PTX4 - $3,699
In a sea of stainless-steel appliances, Fisher & Paykel stands out with some unique styling (of course, style is only a matter of opinion).
Along with style, you have two powerful 5500-watt burners on this cooktop when you opt for the boost function.
Fisher & Paykel has two of the fastest burners on this list.
Two 5,500-watt burners provide the ability to run 2–3 cooking zones at maximum power without heat loss from other burners, as long as they are not positioned directly behind one another.
The cooktop also features two sets of bridge burners on the right side and a large dual-ring burner on the left side.
Electronic slide controls make adjusting temperatures effortless.
Fisher & Paykel Induction Cooktop CI365PTX4 Burner Profile:
- Front left zone: 1,850 watts with a boost function up to 3,000 watts
- Back left zone: 1,400 watts with a boost function up to 2,200 watts
- Center zone: 3,200 watts with a boost function up to 3,700 watts
- Front right zone: 1,850 watts with a boost function up to 3,000 watts
- Back right zone: 1,400 watts with a boost function up to 2,200 watts
Signature Kitchen Suite SKSIT3601GE - $4,199
What's impressive about Signature Kitchen Suite (SKS) is that they produce most of their components in-house.
By producing motors and other major parts, the parent company LG has become the second most reliable appliance brand sold at Yale.
The cooktop is powerful and flexible with an 11 inch 7,000-watt burner on boost plus three 3700-watt burners and bridging on both sides of the cooktop.
A 7-inch LCD touch screen makes it easy to use and clean.
SKS has Wi-Fi to check the burners and sync to an SKS hood through their reliable ThinQ App.
Lastly, SKS has a full three-year warranty.
Service availability has been a problem for LG. Then again, service is a problem for every manufacturer to a certain degree.
Signature Kitchen Suite Induction Cooktop SKSIT3601G Burner Profile:
- Front left zone: 2,200 watts with a boost function up to 3,700 watts
- Back left zone: 1,400 watts with a boost function up to 2,000 watts
- Front middle-left zone: 1,850 watts with a boost function up to 3,000 watts
- Back middle-right zone: 1,850 watts with a boost function up to 3,000 watts
- Front right zone: 2,200 watts with a boost function up to 3,700 watts
- Back right zone: 1,400 watts with a boost function up to 2,000 watts
Café Appliances CHP90361TBB - $2,599
Café's induction cooktop is similar to GE's with some added features.
Café's Gourmet Guided Cooking system combines video-guided recipes from chefs with automatic adjustments to time and temperature.
On top of Café's guided cooking system, this induction cooktop features a precise Control Mode.
This mode keeps a set temperature within one degree for temperature-sensitive cooking methods.
Plus, Café's touch controls make it easy to adjust the heat with just one swipe. The control lock capability prevents unintended burner activation.
In addition to this safety feature, you can connect the cooktop to Wi-Fi for even more control.
Café Appliances' induction cooktops come with a mail-in rebate for a Hestan Q pan, which can be easily paired with their app.
For those who enjoy sous vide cooking, a temperature probe is also available.
Café Appliances CHP90361TBB Burner Profile:
- Front left zone: 7-inch, 2500-watt burner
- Back left zone: 7-inch, 2500-watt burner
- Center zone: 11-inch, 3700-watt burner
- Back right zone: 6-inch, 1800-watt burner
- Front right zone: 8-inch, 3200-watt burner
Which Induction Cooktop Should You Buy?
Each brand on this list makes a compelling case for being the best induction cooktop.
Gaggenau's induction cooktop stands out with its sensor technology, which adjusts the power when you move the pan. It is undoubtedly the most versatile, reliable, and expensive option available.
Should you take a chance on a newer brand?
The Fisher & Paykel induction cooktop combines decent output with style, featuring two sets of bridging burners on the right side.
SKS presents another interesting option, offering 7,000 watts of power and the support of its highly reputable parent company, LG.
On the other hand, GE, the parent company of Café Appliances, provides innovative features such as Chef Guided Cooking.
Ultimately, be sure to carefully weigh the features that matter most to you against the availability of local repair services.
Induction Cooking 101
How Does Induction Cooking Work?
Induction cooking utilizes electric currents to excite the molecules within the pan, causing the pan to become the cooking surface and bypassing the need for direct contact with the glass cooktop.
While residual heat may heat the glass surface of an induction cooktop, similar to an electric cooktop, it dissipates much more quickly, resulting in a faster cool-down period than a traditional electric cooktop.
For this reason, induction is the most efficient cooking method, as there is little heat loss.
Benefits of Induction Cooking
Induction is the most child-safe because the magnets need to sense metal to activate.
Thus, your child can't accidentally turn it on, plus the glass stays relatively cool, unlike an electric cooktop or gas burner.
Speed and Simmer
As previously said, induction is faster than a professional gas cooktop or range. Induction boils faster and can hold a better simmer than an electric or gas cooktop.
Cleanability
Induction is also the easiest to clean. Food can't be baked on your cooktop since the elements don't heat the glass.
It also does not require a professional ventilation hood like a gas cooktop because there is less heat emission.
Massachusetts Residents Take Note: Induction complies with Massachusetts Make-Up Air Laws requiring make-up air over 400 CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute), whereas professional gas does not.
That is huge, by the way. You can use an existing hood for induction but not a professional gas cooktop.
What to Consider When Buying an Induction Cooktop
First, your pans need to be magnetic (do not worry, most are), and if you plan to buy some new pots and pans, you do not have to spend a fortune buying special pans.
If a magnet sticks to the bottom, you are good to go. We recommend any grade 5 or better.
Induction cooking surfaces work well with pans with a high ferrous metal content at the base. Cast iron, black metal, or iron pans will work on an induction cooking surface.
Pan Sizes
Pan size issues are a hot topic on the internet, but all the cooktops mentioned adjust to the size of the pan.
Induction Cooktop Power Boost Function
The power boost function on an induction cooktop increases the power output of a cooking zone beyond its normal maximum level by using the power of the adjacent burner.
Many of the cooktops on this list have similar specifications, with a large burner in the middle and two flexible burners for odd-shaped dishes on either side.
Smart Technology
For smart technology, you can synchronize your SKS or Bosch Benchmark cooktop to your ventilation hood to activate as soon as you turn on your cooktop.
Smart features are fairly simple for the moment for induction cooktops.
Read More: How to Buy an Induction Range
Induction Cooktop Reliability
Induction Cooktop Reliability for 2025
The following service rates are based on a minimum of 40 products sold and a total sample of over 300 products within 12 months.
| Service Rates | |
| Gaggenau | 0% |
| Bosch Benchmark | 1.7% |
| Bosch | 1.7% |
| Thermador | 4.9% |
| Miele | 9.8% |
| Grand Total | 3.8% |
Gaggenau, Bosch Benchmark, and Bosch are the best on this list, with service rates under 2%.
Induction cooktops generally require far less service than most appliances, boasting a service rate of just 3.8%.
This makes induction cooktop reliability excellent across all major brands. For comparison, the average appliance service rate is 9%.
Electric cooktops, in general, have always been reliable because the burners are protected by glass.
Most cooktops require 40–50 amps, so it’s important to plan your electrical system properly.
However, it is not an easy repair when you do need service. Check to make sure you have a capable service department in your area.
Read More: Most Reliable Induction Cooktops
Induction Cooktops Over Wall Ovens
Consider the manufacturer's specifications if you plan to put a wall oven below your induction cooktop.
Only certain brands and models are approved to have an oven placed below in the same cabinet.
Most can accommodate, but you always want to be sure by checking the specifications.
Read More: How to Choose Between a Wall Oven and Cooktop vs. a Range
Additional Resources
Read our Induction Cooking Buying Guide for features, buying tips, and ratings of every available induction cooking product in the market. Well over 1 million people have read a Yale Guide. Induction is our most popular.
Related Articles:
Looking for answers about Induction Cooking?
Choosing a new cooking appliance can be a confusing and time-consuming experience. We've taken the pain out of the decision process with our Induction Cooking Buying Guide.
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A Note About Pricing
Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.
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