What to Know About Invisible Induction Cooktops

Cooking directly on your counter surface might seem like magic, but an invisible induction cooktop makes it a reality. These high-tech stovetops feature hidden burners to create a clean, streamlined look in your kitchen while offering impressive heat generation when you're ready to prepare meals.

This May Also Interest You: What Do You Do With an Old Appliance? How to Recycle Fridges, Washers, Ovens and More

What Is an Invisible Induction Cooktop?

An invisible induction cooktop is a stove that's built into the actual counter surface in your kitchen. The invisible induction hob lies below the surface, so you can't see the stovetop. The entire unit looks like a flat counter, and you can use it for food preparation when you aren't cooking. Porcelain is typically used for the counter surface of a hidden induction cooktop because it supports the magnetic induction process through the counter.

A magnetic cooktop also saves space in your kitchen because you don't have to have a separate stove and food preparation area. You can chop or slice directly on the surface, then toss the ingredients into a pan and start cooking without switching to a different area.

Some home chefs also love hidden induction cooktops for aesthetics. These invisible stoves create a minimalist vibe in the kitchen that works well with modern cabinetry, clutter-free counters and sleek appliances.

How Do Invisible Cooktops Work?

Built-in induction cooktops work by using electromagnetic energy to generate heat. A magnetic coil below the surface interacts with the cookware on the counter to quickly heat up the contents. Only the pot or pan directly above the burner hob gets hot, so there's no need to worry about accidental burns, and the unit doesn't turn on unless you're using the right type of cookware. Plus, as soon as you turn off the stovetop, the heat cuts off immediately, and there's little to no residual heat left on the countertop.

Because a hidden induction cooktop uses magnets to operate, your cookware needs to be made of a material that works with magnets, such as full-clad stainless steel or pots with a magnetic bottom layer built into the base. Cast iron isn't typically recommended because it reflects large amounts of heat that could damage the countertop surface. In general, aluminum, glass and copper pans don't work with an induction stovetop.

One quick way to test if your current cookware is compatible with an induction stovetop is to touch a magnet to the bottom. If the magnet sticks, your cookware can interact with the magnetic coils in the induction cooktop.

When cooking on an invisible cooktop, you might notice that you can simmer, sear or boil food at lower heat settings than you formerly used on a gas or electric stove. You don't have to adjust the temperature as often during the cooking process, either. This is because induction cooktops heat more consistently than other stoves and direct the heat right where it's needed instead of having some energy escape off the side of the burner or onto the countertop.

Invisible cooktops may have a visible or hidden panel for operation. Some models connect to your smartphone, so you can turn burners on or off and adjust the heat level with an app.

How Much Does an Invisible Induction Cooktop Cost to Install?

The price of a countertop cooktop varies depending on how many burners you want and the counter material you choose. The burner unit alone can cost between $1,000 and $3,000, even before factoring in countertop material or installation. The average cost for a four-burner hidden stovetop is around $2,400.

These specialized stovetops aren't a DIY project, so professional installation is required. Some multi-burner units need to be hardwired into your home electrical system. Smaller units may plug directly into an appropriately rated outlet. Top brands, such as Invisacook and Infinity, may handle the installation after purchase if you don't have a certified dealer nearby.

More Related Articles:

• Should You Buy a Used Appliance? Weigh the Risks and Rewards

• 7 Ways Your Kitchen Will Evolve in the Next 10 Years

• What’s the Difference Between a Warranty and a Protection Plan for Appliances?

• When’s the Last Time You Replaced Your Appliances’ Hoses? Here’s How to Change All of Them

• How to Find the Serial Number on Your Appliances and Gadgets

What Are Other Costs Associated With the Project?

An invisible induction cooktop comes with costs beyond the actual stovetop and installation. Some invisible stoves come with a small set of cookware to get you started, but you may want to purchase more pieces to handle specific recipes or cooking techniques. Pots and pans designed for use on induction stoves may cost a little more than a comparable, non-induction cookware set.

One thing you don't need to spend money on with a countertop cooktop is specialty cleaning supplies. You can simply wipe down the cooking surface with a cloth or gentle soap cleanser when you're done.

The fast heating capability of a hidden countertop cooktop can also contribute to lower electric bills. Water comes to a boil in only a few minutes because the heat exchange from the magnetic hob to the pan is more efficient than a gas or electric stove.

In general, an induction cooktop could be the right choice if you want a streamlined look, fast heating and an easy-to-clean multiuse surface that lets you prep and cook food all in the same spot.