February 8th, 2024 | 7 min. read
Learn how to find the perfect cooking products with our Induction Cooking Buying Guide
In this article, you will learn how reliable induction cooktops are by looking at actual service call records, not lab tests or surveys.
We'll show you how these cooktops really work in everyday life, making it easy for you to see if they're right for your home, unlike the complicated reviews you might find elsewhere.
We completed over 37,000 service calls just last year and over 100,000 in the last three years.
For reliability, one brand sticks 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.
The 4 Main Benefits of Induction Cooking
1. Fast Response Time
Induction cooking checks a lot of boxes if you like to cook.
It's faster than the hottest professional gas unit, with a better simmer and instant response.
Yes, it is faster than a 25,000 BTU (British Thermal Unit) BlueStar burner.
2. Precise Simmering Capability
Induction cooking lets you simmer using just one watt or very little energy, and it responds right away.
This means it's much better at controlling temperature than gas stoves and faster to adjust than electric ones.
3. Easier to Vent
In Massachusetts, you can vent induction under 400 CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute) to comply with Make-Up Air regulations, unlike professional gas rangetops or high-output gas cooktops.
Make-up air is required for any hood over 400 CFM.
4. Safety
Also, induction cooking is the safest for children because the glass doesn't get scalding hot, so there is far less chance of burns.
Plus, the magnetic burners need to sense metal to heat the pan. It can't be turned on accidentally.
I have a seven-year-old. I get it.
How We Calculate Induction Cooktop Reliability
Our reliability measurement is a simple formula: We calculate reliability by dividing the products we serviced by the products we sold over 12 months.
We have 35 service technicians, averaging eight calls daily, five days a week, with 12 working on Saturdays.
In 2023, we logged over 37,000 service calls.
We count every time our service technician enters a home as a service call, whether for minor or major issues.
The Most Reliable Induction Cooktop Brands for 2024
Induction Cooktop Reliability
The following service rates are based on at least 45 cooktops sold and a total sample of over 400 cooktops.
| Service Rates | |
| Bosch Benchmark | 1.1% |
| Thermador | 1.5% |
| Bosch | 3.4% |
| Miele | 4.4% |
| Gaggenau | 8.7% |
| Grand Total | 2.7% |
The most reliable induction cooktops for 2024 are Bosch Benchmark, Thermador, and Bosch.
Four out of the five names on this list are manufactured by Bosch, with Miele being the exception.
Bosch Benchmark – 1.1%
Previous Service Rate: 2.7%
Unlike the Bosch 500 and 800 series induction cooktops, the Bosch Benchmark series features "FlexInduction" technology.
This bridge element allows you to join two burners or cooking zones together for a griddle or an odd-shaped dish.
Thermador – 1.5%
Thermador, part of the BSH Corporation, is one of the most reliable brands on the market, with a low service rate of just 1.5%, second only to Bosch Benchmark.
If you're looking for a large cooking surface, the Thermador Liberty 36" cooktop is the largest you can get, with advanced features that automatically recognize your pots' size and position.
It also lights up with Sapphire Glow LEDs to show when pots are heated, has a special TeppanyakiPro function for grilling, and connects to Wi-Fi to control lights and ventilation.
Plus, its PowerBoost feature can heat up large pots of water 50% faster, making your cooking experience quicker and more efficient.
Thermador also has its "Freedom Series," allowing you to slide your pan to other zones and have the cooktop remember the setting.
Bosch – 3.4%
Previous Service Rate: 0%
The Bosch 500 and 800 series induction cooktops do not have the bridge element but have two power burners at 3700 watts compared to one power burner on the GE Profile induction cooktop.
Miele – 4.4%
Previous Service Rate: 15.6%
Miele induction cooktops, like the KM 6375 model, are highly efficient and user-friendly, with a service rate of 4.4%.
They feature intuitive controls, adaptable cooking zones, and safety features like automatic shutoff and a cool-to-touch surface.
All Miele parts are produced in-house instead of outsourced like other brands.
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 2.7% for the category compared to 8.3% 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 vs. Induction 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.
Induction Cooktop Availability
Induction cooktops are hard to buy because of insufficient induction drivers or elements. With the growing demand, buying induction cooktops and ranges has been challenging.
Should You Buy an Extended Warranty for an Induction Cooktop?
As I have said in every blog post, you should NEVER buy an extended warranty from a company without actual service behind the agreement.
Most warranty providers are call centers and outsource the repair to the cheapest service in your area.
That rate will never match the repair cost on a difficult repair like induction.
In that case, save your money and hope for the best.
If you are buying from a reputable company, there are still reasons not to buy an extended warranty.
The magnets are under glass, and the reliability is excellent. The repair is expensive.
So, it's up to you. Don't be pushed into an extended warranty. Ask many questions about who will provide the repair.
GE has factory service and is your best bet if you buy from a store without service.
However, always check reviews of any company before you make 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.
