January 6th, 2025 | 9 min. read
Learn how to find the perfect cooking products with our Induction Cooking Buying Guide
In this article, you'll learn how reliable induction cooktops are by examining actual service call records - not lab tests or surveys.
We’ll show you how these cooktops perform in everyday life, making it easier for you to decide if they're right for your home, without the complicated reviews you might find elsewhere.
Last year alone, we completed over 33,000 service calls, and more than 100,000 in the past three years.
When it comes to reliability, one brand stands out.
Let’s find out which one, but first, let’s review the benefits of induction cooking.
Looking for answers about Induction Cooking?
Short on time? Download our free Induction Cooking Buying Guide.
Why This Article Is Worth Your Time
Sure, you can read Wirecutter. I like their publication and subscribe to the New York Times.
They'll reference this article for reliability and then recommend products through affiliate links to companies that may not provide the best service.
Like most influencers, they have no technicians and no real understanding of performance and reliability.
This article is designed to help our clients make informed decisions based on actual service calls.
The 5 Main Benefits of Induction Cooking
1. Fast Response Time
Induction cooking checks a lot of boxes if you enjoy cooking.
It’s faster than even the hottest professional gas units, with better simmer control and instant response.
Yes, it’s quicker than a 25,000 BTU BlueStar burner.
Fifteen years ago, we had a glass kitchen showcasing all the different types of cooking, and even then, the induction burner was faster than a high-powered gas wok burner.
Induction is also evolving.
New induction burners now have a maximum of 7,000 watts, nearly double the current standard of 3,700 watts.
2. Precise Simmering Capability
Induction cooking lets you simmer using as little as one watt of energy, and it responds immediately.
This makes it far better at controlling temperature than gas stoves and faster to adjust than electric ones.
Gas tends to extinguish at very low temperatures.
For example, the Thermador XLO burner, at 100 BTU, uses an intermittent on/off cycle to maintain such low heat.
3. Easier to Vent
In Massachusetts, you can vent induction cooktops under 400 CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute) to comply with Make-Up Air regulations, unlike professional gas rangetops or high-output gas cooktops.
Gas cooking produces more emissions of harmful compounds like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, formaldehyde, and particulate matter.
It’s also less efficient, with 40% of heat lost during cooking compared to only 10% for induction.
By the way, make-up air is required for any hood over 400 CFM in the state of Massachusetts.
4. Safety
Induction cooking is also the safest option for children because the glass doesn’t get scalding hot, reducing the risk of burns.
Plus, the magnetic burners need to sense metal to heat the pan, so they can’t be turned on accidentally.
I have an eight-year-old, so I understand the importance of this.
5. Easiest to Clean
People often claim that sealed gas burners are easy to clean.
But have you ever spilled food or soup on that burner? Cleaning the hardened mess can be a real challenge.
With induction, the glass around the pan doesn’t get hot, so cleaning is much easier.
How We Calculate Induction Cooktop Reliability
We calculate reliability by dividing the number of products we serviced by the number we sold, resulting in a service rate percentage.
This percentage is then compared across brands to rank their reliability.
We have 35 service technicians, each averaging eight calls per day, five days a week, with 12 technicians working on Saturdays.
In 2024, we logged over 33,000 service calls.
Every time a technician enters a home, whether for a minor or major issue, it counts as a service call.
The Most Reliable Induction Cooktop Brands for 2025
Induction Cooktop Reliability
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% |
The most reliable induction cooktops for 2025 are Gaggenau, Bosch Benchmark, and Bosch.
Four out of the five brands on this list are manufactured by Bosch, with Miele being the only exception.
Other brands, such as Café Appliances, Fisher & Paykel, Monogram, GE Profile, and LG Studio, among others, were excluded because they did not meet the minimum sold quantities required for fair comparison.
Gaggenau: 0% Service Rate
Previous Service Rate: 8.7%
Gaggenau, part of the BSH Home Appliances Group, is a luxury brand known for its high-quality, stylish appliances.
Made in Germany (except for induction), Gaggenau sets high standards for both performance and design.
Their induction cooktops had a 0% service rate last year, based on over 33,000 service calls, proving their reliability.
One of their top models, the Gaggenau CX492611, has a 5,500-watt max output and features a flexible cooking surface that adjusts to the size of your pots.
You can place up to 6 pots anywhere on the surface, and it will heat them evenly.
It also includes features like a quick-boil function, intuitive TFT controls, and safety settings, making it both simple and safe to use.
Bosch Benchmark: 1.7% Service Rate
Previous Service Rate: 1.1%
Unlike the Bosch 500 and 800 series induction cooktops, the Bosch Benchmark series has 3600 watts with FlexInduction technology.
This allows you to combine two burners or cooking zones into one, perfect for using a griddle or cooking with an odd-shaped dish.
Bosch: 1.7% Service Rate
Previous Service Rate: 3.4%
The Bosch 500 and 800 series induction cooktops do not have the bridge element but have two power burners at 3700 watts.
Thermador: 4.9% Service Rate
Previous Service Rate: 1.5%
Thermador, part of the BSH Corporation, is one of the most reliable brands on the market, with a service rate of just 4.9%, slightly above the average.
If you're looking for a large cooking surface, the Thermador Freedom 36" cooktop is one of the largest available, featuring advanced technology that automatically recognizes the size and position of your pots.
It also includes Sapphire Glow LEDs to indicate when pots are heated, a TeppanyakiPro function for grilling, and Wi-Fi connectivity to control lights and ventilation.
Additionally, its PowerBoost feature heats large pots of water 25% faster, making cooking quicker and more efficient.
Thermador’s Freedom Series also allows you to slide your pan to different zones while the cooktop remembers your settings.
Miele: 9.8% Service Rate
Previous Service Rate: 4.4%
Miele had the highest service rate of this list but has some really nice features.
Miele’s power flex burners allow you to cook different things without having to worry about the size of your pan.
Their unique Twin boost allows you to combine the power of two burners into one for maximum power or distribute it between 2 zones depending on what you are cooking.
A numerical direct control for each burner makes the cooktop easy to use.
Paired with a Miele hood the Wi-Fi connectivity allows the hood to react to the cooktop settings.
Read More: Best 36-Inch Induction Cooktops
Common Induction Cooktop Problems and Solutions
Induction cooktops offer a sleek and efficient way to cook, but like any technology, they can encounter issues. The three most common problems are:
- Burner Not Responding: Sometimes, the burner may not recognize cookware and fails to heat up.
- Unit Keeps Shutting Off: This can occur unexpectedly due to various reasons.
- Odd Clicking/Humming Noises: These sounds are relatively normal but can indicate problems in some cases.
Understanding and avoiding these problems can ensure a smoother experience with your induction cooktop.
How to Avoid Common Problems
Burner Not Responding:
- Avoid Aluminum or Copper: Only use cookware with a magnetic base. Pure aluminum or copper pots and pans won't work unless they're designed for induction cooking.
- Flat Bottom: Cookware should have a flat, smooth bottom to make full contact with the cooktop.
- Thickness: Opt for thicker pans, like heavy stainless steel or cast-iron, for even heat distribution.
- Compatibility: Look for cookware labeled as "induction-compatible" to ensure efficiency.
Unit Keeps Shutting Off:
- Electrical Requirements: Verify that your kitchen's electrical setup matches the cooktop's specifications.
- Overheating Protection: Be aware that the cooktop might shut off automatically if it overheats, as a safety measure.
- Electrical Problems: Interruptions in power supply or issues with internal components can lead to sudden shutdowns.
Odd Clicking/Humming Noises:
- Normal Operation Sounds: A low humming or buzzing noise during use is typical, caused by the electromagnetic field interacting with your cookware.
- Cookware Factors: The material and shape of your pots and pans can affect the noise level. Some variations are normal.
- Unusual Noises: If you notice loud or strange sounds, especially with other malfunction signs, consult a professional.
Important Considerations
Remember, induction cooktops are complex and can be costly to repair, often requiring a skilled technician.
By performing regular maintenance and using the appropriate cookware, you can prevent many common issues.
Keep in mind, though, that induction cooktops won't operate during a power outage, so it's smart to have an alternative cooking method ready.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of induction cooking while minimizing the chance of encountering these common problems.
Induction Cooktop Reliability vs. the Overall Appliance Industry
Induction cooktops perform much better than the average appliance at 3.8% for the category compared to 9% for appliances overall.
Induction cooktops are as reliable as regular electric cooktops because the working parts are covered under glass, unlike a gas burner.
It uses magnets to excite the molecules in your pan while the pan cooks the food.
The bad news: Although induction cooktops are reliable, they are hard to repair. Worse still, the parts are incredibly hard because of shortages.
Ensure your cooktop can be repaired in your area if something goes wrong.
Most repair rates are good, so the edge should be with a better repair experience after the sale.
Reliability Differences Between Induction Cooktops and Ranges
I am not saying all induction appliances are reliable because induction ranges tell a different story.
Now, why do induction ranges need more service than cooktops.?
You would think induction ranges are reliable, combining a reliable induction cooktop with an equally reliable electric oven.
The answer is in the amperage.
Most induction cooktops are 30 amps, while an induction range is 50 amps, the max rating of the circuit.
Any voltage spikes will trip the breaker and potentially cause problems with your range.
The most reliable induction range, Bosch, only uses 40 amps and is serviced 50 percent less than induction ranges as a category.
According to our on-staff master licensed electrician, you can buy a voltage smoother to lessen spikes.
You can buy one on Amazon for about $600.
Should You Buy an Extended Warranty for an Induction Cooktop?
As I’ve mentioned in every blog post, you should NEVER buy an extended warranty from a company that doesn’t have its own service team behind the agreement.
Most warranty providers are call centers that outsource repairs to the cheapest service available in your area.
That rate will never cover the cost of a difficult repair, like induction.
In that case, save your money and hope for the best.
Even if you’re buying from a reputable company, there are still reasons not to buy an extended warranty.
The magnets are under glass, and the reliability of induction is excellent—though repairs can be expensive.
So, the choice is yours.
Don’t feel pressured into an extended warranty. Ask plenty of questions about who will actually handle the repairs.
GE has factory service, which makes it a good option if you’re buying from a store without its own service team.
However, always check reviews of any company before making a purchase.
Read More: Are Appliance Extended Warranties Worth It?
How to Maintain an Induction Cooktop
Paul MacDonald is the most knowledgeable about all service-related appliances, with 35 years in the service business.
He was a service manager at Yale for about ten on a supposed short-term consulting gig.
His Advice for Ranges:
"Ovens and ranges can last anywhere from 10-15 years, depending on the usage.
To extend their life, regularly clean the burners and oven, and don't use abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface."
The working parts of the induction are under glass and require no maintenance, so all you have to do is clean the top."
Key Takeaways
Well, it looks like Bosch or another Bosch-related brand is the safe choice for reliability.
You should consider induction for cooking, venting, safety, and cleanability. It is by far the best-performing cooking type and has excellent reliability.
However, it's not an easy repair, so look at the most reliable brands first. Check local repair agents before buying any appliance instead of finding out later.
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:
- Best 36-Inch Induction Cooktops
- Best 30-Inch Induction Cooktops
- Best Slide-In Induction Ranges
- Induction vs. Professional Gas Cooking: What Is Faster?
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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.
Why Should You Trust Us?
It seems that every appliance review has nothing but glowing comments about almost every product, yet you read customer reviews and they are almost universally bad.
We are here to fill in the disconnect. We'll give you the best features, and the drawbacks as well, including reliability based on over 37,000 calls performed by our service team just last year. Our goal is to give you ALL the information so you know what's right for you.
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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.
