Yes, induction cooktops can scratch easily. Their surfaces are made of glass-ceramic, which is engineered for thermal resistance rather than scratch resistance. Scratches are usually caused by sliding heavy pots, debris like salt/sugar grains acting like sandpaper, or cookware with rough, uneven bottoms.
Induction cooktops have several disadvantages, primarily the requirement for specific magnetic cookware, higher initial purchase costs, and potential installation expenses if upgrading from gas. They also have a learning curve due to their extreme speed and can produce high-pitched buzzing noises. Additionally, the glass surface can scratch or break, and they may interfere with pacemakers.
Scratches can be inevitable with regular use, but they don't have to be permanent or damaging — as long as you manage them the right way. Use cookware with clean, smooth bases. Always lift pots and pans rather than dragging them across the surface. Try silicone cooktop protectors for added peace of mind.
Protect your induction cooktop from scratches by placing heat-resistant silicone mats between the glass and your cookware, and by always lifting—never sliding—your pots and pans. Keeping the glass surface perfectly clean before you cook is also essential.
Yes, induction hobs can theoretically interfere with pacemakers because they generate strong electromagnetic fields to heat cookware. However, this risk is very small. Experts advise keeping a safe distance of at least 2 feet (60 cm) from the cooktop when it is turned on to prevent any potential disruption.
There has been concern about the use of induction hobs by people with pacemakers. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) advises staying at least 60cm away from an induction hob, far enough to ensure the high-frequency electromagnet doesn't interfere with the heart device.
While modern pacemakers are generally safe with induction cooktops, caution is advised, especially for those with older or specific unipolar models. To be safe, keep a distance of at least 2-3 feet (60 cm) from the cooktop when it is on, and follow the specific guidance from your cardiologist and device manufacturer.
Yes, AEG's SaphirMatt® induction cooktops are up to 10 times more scratch resistant than conventional cooktops, and our SaphirMatt® SE is up to 3 times more resistant than conventional cooktops. SaphirMatt® has an etchedglass surface, while SaphirMatt® SE is provided with a special coating.
Using silicone mats on an induction cooktop is a great way to prevent scratches, stop heavy pans from sliding, and protect the glass from splatters. Because induction relies on magnetic fields rather than direct heat transfer, the mats do not interfere with the heating process and are completely safe to cook through.
To avoid scratching glass cooktops, look for cookware with completely flat, smooth bottoms made of stainless steel, hard-anodized aluminum, or ceramic-coated aluminum. Avoid raw cast iron or warped pans, as their rough textures or uneven bases can easily damage or crack the glass.
“Induction cooktop surfaces are typically made of a smooth, non-porous glass ceramic material, which is susceptible to scratches if not properly maintained,” says Dirk Sappok, Director of Category Management, Kitchen Appliance at Miele North American Region.
WD-40 doesn't actually repair scratches, but it is excellent at temporarily hiding very light surface marks and removing paint transfers (like when another car scrapes yours). It works by acting as a lubricant and temporarily filling in the scratch or dissolving the foreign paint.
For deeper scratches, you might need to use car, metal or glass polish. Put a few pea-sized drops of polish on the hob. Then buff it using a drill with a polishing attachment, or a sander with a polishing pad.
It's expensive (but not wildly so)
Wells makes the great point that while induction technology appliances “are, on average, a bit pricier than gas or electric stoves, they're not some Veblen good meant for image-conscious elites.”
Many professional chefs love induction stoves for their incredible speed, precise temperature control, and energy efficiency. However, because they lack an open flame, some traditionalists still prefer gas for specific tasks like charring and flambéing. Overall, adoption among top chefs is growing rapidly.
An induction stove requires cookware with a magnetic, ferromagnetic base to generate heat. If a magnet does not stick strongly to the bottom of the pot or pan, it will not work on an induction cooktop.
Induction cooktops typically last 10 to 15 years. Because they use electromagnetic coils rather than direct heating elements, they experience less thermal wear and tear. Lifespan is generally measured in 2,500 to 10,000 working hours, which equates to over a decade of daily home cooking.
Protect your induction cooktop from scratches by placing heat-resistant silicone mats between the glass and your cookware, and by always lifting—never sliding—your pots and pans. Keeping the glass surface perfectly clean before you cook is also essential.
Fried eggs
Heat a non-stick frying pan with oil or butter on medium-high heat, induction setting 7. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until desired level of doneness.
Bosch, Thermador, and LG are widely considered the most reliable induction cooktop brands. Bosch and Thermador consistently score highest for low service rates and durable electronics, while LG is highly praised for both reliability and affordable pricing.
Induction hobs are generally more energy efficient than ceramic hobs, with efficiency rates around 83-86%, and they use approximately 90% of energy to heat food directly. Induction hobs are considered safer than ceramic hobs because the surface does not get hot to the touch.
What are top 5 most common issues with cooktops
Yes, induction hobs can theoretically interfere with pacemakers because they generate strong electromagnetic fields to heat cookware. However, this risk is very small. Experts advise keeping a safe distance of at least 2 feet (60 cm) from the cooktop when it is turned on to prevent any potential disruption.
Not using compatible cookware
One of the most common mistakes people make when using an induction cooktop is using incorrect cookware. With a gas stove, one can pretty much use any type of cookware, and everything works fine. But induction cooking is a whole different ball game.
Yes, you can install an oven under an induction cooktop. This setup creates a sleek, built-in look. However, it requires careful planning because induction cooktops rely on electronic boards that are sensitive to heat, and ovens produce significant heat during use.