Best Induction Ranges of 2022
From simmering to broiling, these induction ranges ace Consumer Reports' exhaustive lab tests
By Paul Hope
In an era of inflation and runaway energy costs, induction ranges are gaining new attention. A special type of electric range, an induction range uses magnetic coils, located below the ceramic glass surface, to send heat directly to your cookware. The technology not only makes cooking a lot more energy efficient but makes it easier, too.
If you’re looking to replace an old range, don’t let fear of the unfamiliar keep you from switching to induction. While it’s true that induction ranges are compatible only with magnetic cookware, that’s not as limiting as it might sound. Magnetic stainless steel, cast iron, and pretty much all cookware made from multiple layers of metal are magnetic, while stamped aluminum fry pans and anodized aluminum cookware are not. Basically, any pot or pan that will stick to a magnet will work with induction.
In addition, only the burners (or elements) of an induction range are different from other electric ranges. An induction range’s oven is run by electricity and works just like the ovens in any other electric range.
What’s more, if you already have an electric range, making the switch can be easy: Most induction ranges use the same outlet. (The challenge arises, however, when switching from a gas range, which would require paying an electrician a few hundred dollars to install a new outlet.)
The big appeal of induction has always been its efficiency. According to Energy Star, induction burners are 5 to 10 percent more efficient than electric burners, and a staggering three times more efficient than gas. For those who cook quite a bit, that could save quite a bit of money over time.
Induction ranges typically outperform other types of ranges we’ve tested. Thanks to induction technology, these models boil rapidly and simmer steadily. As a result, you’ll find that you no longer need to constantly stir tomato sauce to avoid scorching nor make constant adjustments to a burner.
At the same time, says Tara Casaregola, who oversees range testing for Consumer Reports, "the high-power burners on induction ranges are faster to heat water than even the most powerful gas or radiant electric burners."
In fact, all but one of the induction ranges currently in CR’s ratings earn an Excellent for our cooktop-high test, which reflects how quickly a burner heats water.
To learn more about induction ranges, see our range buying guide. CR members can also explore our full list of ratings for induction ranges, where you can filter for criteria based on your needs, such as range type, size, price, and more. Below, we spotlight a few high-scoring models from CR’s extensive tests.
How Consumer Reports Tests Ranges
To put a range through its paces, our experts use a combination of calibrated time and temperature measurements that size up how evenly an oven distributes heat and how quickly a cooktop warms water.
We also cook up different foods to see what results you’ll get at home: tomato sauce and chocolate to test simmer functions, and burger patties in the broiler to see whether they emerge uniformly browned. Over the course of a year, our test engineers bake more than 2,400 cookies and 400 cakes in dozens of ranges, including induction ranges.
Best Induction Ranges
Although induction ranges tend to be more expensive than conventional electric ranges, prices have fallen in recent years. Here, we spotlight three recommendations, one of which is barely more than $1,000.
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Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2022, Consumer Reports, Inc.
