Radiant cooktop pros and cons (all you need to know)

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Key Takeaways: 

  • Radiant cooktops are a good option for budget-friendly shoppers. They are less expensive than induction cooktops and offer many of the same benefits, such as energy efficiency and precise temperature control.
  • Radiant cooktops are easy to clean and maintain. The smooth glass surface wipes down easily, and there are no grates or knobs to remove.
  • Radiant cooktops can be used with any type of cookware that has a flat bottom.

Before buying anything, we need to check its pros and cons thoroughly. It is a good shopping practice. It lets you know the good and bad sides of a product.

Radiant cooktop pros and cons

In this article, I did the same thing. I did a bit of research and found out the radiant cooktop pros and cons. That will help you to know what to consider when buying a radiant cooktop.

In this article, you will also figure out the induction cooktop pros and cons. So stick with me to learn about all the pros and cons of induction and radiant cooktops.

What Is Radiant Cooktop?

A Radiant cooktop is an electric cooktop. It works with an electric coil. The coils are made with heating elements. This coil stays underneath the surface of the cooktop.  So, what is happening is that the electrical current passes through that coil and makes it heat up. That heat radiates through the glass surface to the cookware on top

What Is Radiant Cooktop

In other words, the electric coil is the main core of the radiant stove. Since it consists of heating elements and does the main work. That coil produces radiant heat and transfers the heat to the glass surface of the cooktop. This heat can work with any cookware as long as they have a flat base bottom.

Radiant Cooktop: Who Is It Best For?

Radiant cooktops are undoubtedly one of the best cooktops on the market. But why does it differ from other types of cooktops? Can it be the best for your kitchen?

Radiant Cooktop

It depends on your needs. What are you looking for in a cooktop? What are the benefits you want from your cooktop? Here, I’ll show you some useful facts for most people and help you find out if this is best for you.

  • If you are looking for an affordable and energy-efficient cooktop, a radiant stove can be one of the best options you will get. It does not have the energy efficiency of an induction stove. But it is much more affordable than an induction stove.
  • It can enhance the look of your kitchen. All radiant cooktops come with a sleek and modern design.
  • Radiant cooktop provides precise temperature control. It adjusts instantly to heat changes. It also gives you precise temperature control.
  • It is so much easier to clean. Its glassy surface gives you the advantage of just spraying a bit of cleaner and wiping off the surface with a paper towel. That’s all for cleaning a radiant stove.
  • If you can take an extra 2-3 minutes for your cooking, radiant cooktops take only a short while to heat up. So, if you do not mind taking a few minutes for your cooking process, go with radiant stoves.
  • You can use every kind of cookware on radiant cooktops. That’s not possible for induction electric stoves.

Radiant Cooktop Pros And Cons

Even though radiant cooktops feature a lot of benefits like any other cooktop, they also have some drawbacks. In this part. I’ll share the part you were looking for radiant stove or, cooktop pros and cons. Here they are.

Advantages:

  • Radiant cooktop features a sleek and flat surface that can fit in any kitchen design. It does not only have a premium look, but it is also affordable.
  • Radiant cooktops keep your kitchen cool and comfortable. That’s because it does not have an open flame or any risk of gas leaking.
  • It allows you to control the temperature of each burner individually. Radiant electric stoves come with two to even six burners. And you can control each burner individually.
  • It is easy to clean, as you don’t have to remove any grates or knobs. You can simply wipe the surface with a damp cloth after it cools down.

Also, there are some more advantages as I discussed before. That includes energy efficiency, precise temperature control, and affordability.

Disadvantages:

  • The main disadvantage of a radiant cooktop is that it takes longer than gas stoves and induction to heat up and cool down. Which can sometimes cause accidents if you are not careful.
  •  Radiant cooktop does not maintain a consistent temperature as well as a gas stove or induction stove, as the electric coils cycle on and off to keep the heat level.

What Is Induction Cooktop?

An induction cooktop is also an electric cooktop just like a radiant cooktop. But the key difference is the way they create heat. Induction cooktops use a copper coil to generate heat. Like a radiant cooktop, it also has a glass surface and instead of an electric coil and a copper coil underneath.

This copper coil produces an electromagnetic field and directly transfers heat to the cookware. Any cookware that has a magnetic field will work fine on duction. The electromagnetic field an induction stove creates can only heat other magnetic cookware. 

A nonmagnetic cookware will not receive the magnetic field. When the iron material is caught in that electromagnetic field the iron atoms collide and create friction which heat the cookware.

So, the glass surface of the induction does not heat up. Only the cookware gets heated up by the magnetic field. Your pot or pan will be the source of heat while they are on an induction burner.

Radiant Cooktops Vs. Other Cooktops

As you know, radiant cooktop is an effective way to cook. But does it take over other cooktops? In this part, I will show you a chart so that you know whether does it outweighs other cooktops. It will also include induction vs gas cooktop pros and cons.

Radiant Cooktops Vs. Other Cooktops
FeaturesRadiant CooktopsGas Cooktops Induction Cooktops
Heat SourceElectricityNatural gas or propaneElectricity
Cooking SurfaceSmooth glass or ceramicMetal gratesSmooth glass or ceramic
Heat Up TimeSlowFastVery Fast
Temperature ControlPrecisePreciseVery precise
SafetyRelatively safeLess safe because of open flameVery safe
Energy EfficiencyRelatively energy-efficientMore energy-efficient than radiant cooktops but less energy-efficient than induction cooktopsMost energy-efficient
CostRelatively inexpensiveMore expensive than radiant cooktopsMost expensive
Cookware CompatibilityCompatible with most types of cookwareCompatible with all types of cookwareOnly compatible with ferromagnetic cookware
NoiseQuietRelatively quietCan be noisy

Invisible induction is the same as induction ranges or stoves. However, the advanced technology that was used in it, allows the cooking surface directly built on the worktop with no visibility of a regular cooktop.

Pros:

  • Invisible induction cooktops have a sleek, modern, and futuristic design that complements any kitchen.
  • There are no coils or other exposed elements to trap food and grease. So they are easy to clean.
  • They have the most energy efficiency.  as they transfer heat directly to the cookware without heating the cooktop surface.
  • Invisible induction cooktops are also very fast. They heat cookware in seconds.

Cons:

  • Invisible induction cooktops are the most expensive.
  • Only ferromagnetic materials can be used on it.
  • Invisible induction cooktops can be noisy when they are in use.

Should You Get A Radiant Cooktop?

At this stage, you know quite a bit about radiant cooktops. You already know the benefits and drawbacks it features. Whether or not you should get a radiant cooktop depends on your needs and preferences.

Should You Get A Radiant Cooktop

However, radiant cooktop is a great option for anyone who wants a flexible, convenient, and stylish appliance for their kitchen. If you want an affordable cooktop with energy efficiency and if you prefer to cook on electricity, I recommend you go for a radiant cooktop. 

But remember its drawbacks too before making your purchase. You can get one if its drawbacks are not major issues for you.

Radiant Cooktop Maintenance Tips

Let’s end this article by giving you some maintenance tips for your radiant cooktop.

  • Always clean your cooktop right after cooking. But let it cool down first. To clean the cooktop, wipe it down with a paper towel and a mild soap solution.
  • Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers. Abrasive cleaners and scrubbers can damage the smooth surface of the radiant cooktop. Always use a soft cloth or paper towel with non-abrasive cleaner to clean.
  • Lift, do not drag, or slide pots and pans across the cooktop.  It can easily scratch your cooktop surface. When moving cookware, always lift it instead of sliding. You can also use a silicone mat to protect the cooktop from scratches.
  • Avoid using extreme temperatures. They can cause thermal shock and crack your glass.
  • Always use cookware with a flat bottom.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Cooktop Will Be The Best For My Kitchen?

It depends on your personal needs. Budget, size configuration, and features always consider these things three before buying a cooktop. You can get a radiant cooktop because it is budget-friendly, has many size options, and has a lot of features.

What Are The Best Cookware For Radiant Cooktop?

Any good heat-conductive cookware with a flat bottom is the best for radiant cooktops. This is perfect Kind of Pans For Radiant Cooktops and works best on an induction hob.

Why Is My Radiant Cooktop Taking Long To Heat Up? 

Radiant cooktop usually takes a bit more time than other cooktops to heat up. The electric coil in it takes time to heat up, so overall, the cooktop takes time to heat.

Conclusion

So, what do you think of after knowing all radiant cooktop pros and cons? Overall radiant stoves can be one of the best options for anyone. It is budget-friendly and comes in different sizes.  Also, offers a variety of features and benefits. It can be the best for you if you are OK with its drawbacks.

About the author

Written By

Kevin Kid

Kevin Kid

Meet, Kevin Kid, your go-to expert at Appliance Kid!

With over two decades of hands-on experience and a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Kevin has earned the title of “Home Appliance Guru of the Year” for his exceptional contributions to the field. His realistic, down-to-earth approach and relatable anecdotes make navigating the world of home appliances a breeze.

From expert tips and troubleshooting advice to in-depth guides and product reviews, Kevin’s mission is to simplify your life by ensuring your appliances work seamlessly. Join him on a journey to master your home appliances, keep them in top shape, and enjoy a hassle-free home. With Kevin by your side, you’ll never feel alone when facing appliance challenges. Welcome to ApplianceKid.com, where Kevin’s passion for appliances meets your desire for a more convenient and stress-free home.

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