What is A Radiant Cooktop (Everything You Need to Know)

Before choosing another cooktop, read this article to learn what is a radiant cooktop and whether it makes a good partner for your kitchen.  A good cooktop will completely transform the experience of your cooking. 

So, which cooktop is best for your kitchen? Read along to learn everything you need to know about radiant cooktops as I guide you through an in-depth discussion.

What is A Radiant Cooktop

The first time I heard of radiant cooktop, like everyone else this common question came to my mind what is a radiant stove?

A radiant cooktop is an electric cooktop, but it does not work like a regular electric hob. A radiant cooktop generates heat by using heating elements. The electricity passes through the elements causing it to heat up and radiate heat to the cooktop surface to the cookware.

There is an electric coil beneath the cooking surface, which consists of a heating element. When the radiant cooktop turns on, meaning electric current passes through it, the electric coil produces radiant heat. This heat directly transfers to the cooktop surface and heats the cookware placed on it.

Radiant cooktops generate heat through heating elements. Typically, the heating elements are made of a nickel-chromium alloy.

When electric current begins to flow through them, they heat up and radiate heat. This heat is then transferred to the ceramic glass surface, causing the cooking surface to heat up.
That’s how a radiant cooktop usually works.

Types Of radiant cooktops

You know how radiant hobs work, but do you know how many types there are? There are mainly two types of radiant cooktops: electric and gas. This electric stove again is of three types. For you to better understand the difference between them, here is a brief explanation.

The electric radiant works in the same way as I described earlier in this blog radiant cooktop works. Electricity passes through the heating element making it emit radiant heat. And the cooking is done with this heat.

These come with a smooth glass surface, and ceramic glass surface with heating elements underneath. and usually, you will get 2 to 4 burners on the cooking surface. Not all the burners are the same size, and you can control them individually. You may use them according to your needs. An example is: if you’re using a large pot, use a burner that is large so that the cookware sits perfectly on the burner.

These electric cooktops have metal electric coils that are attached to a metal plate. They are less expensive than smooth surface radiant cooktops but they can be more difficult to clean and maintain.

Infrared radiant cooktops are the most expensive type of radiant cooktop. They have the most energy efficiency and provide precise temperature control. These cooktops use infrared beams to heat the cooking appliance.

Electric radiant cooktops have a modern, sleek design. Also, it is a built-in appliance, so you get the flexibility to install it anywhere in the kitchen that fits perfectly for you.

Radiant gas is the same type of radiant electricity, but instead of using electricity, it uses gas flames to heat the cooking surface.

Generally, gas stoves are faster to heat changes than an electric stove. It is also less expensive. But safety concerns are less here since it has an open flame. Also, it is harder to clean than an electric radiant cooktop.

How To Use Radiant Cooktops:

Well, using a radiant cooktop is very easy and simple. Here I’m giving you some little tips from my own experience on how to use radiant cooktops effectively to get the best result.

The Pros And Cons Of A Radiant Cooktop

Radiant cooktops have a lot of benefits, but they also have some drawbacks. Here is a comparison of Radiant Cooktop Pros And Cons to check out, if the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Electric radiant stoves have no open flame. So it does not warm the air within the kitchen like gas stoves. So it keeps your kitchen cool and makes you sweating-free.

These electric cooktops distribute heat evenly and make sure that your food cooks properly. 

You can control and set the temperature for each cooking zone on the radiant cooktop. Besides, its fast and instant adaptation to temperature changes gives your cooking process a more even and consistent result. An example is that for rapid boiling, use high temperatures, and for making soups and sauces, use low temperatures.

You can use any type of cookware on radiant stoves. Unlike induction cooktops which require a special kind of cooking vessel.

The cooking process can sometimes make a mess on the cooking surface. But with its smooth surface, it allows for quick and easy cleaning. Just take a damp cloth and wipe it down.

Radiant cooktops are not only famous for their heating efficiency but also for their modern and sleek design.

Radiant stovetops take a longer time to heat up and cool down compared to gas stoves and induction cooktops.

The smooth surface of radiant cooktops can be easily scratched if you do not use your pan with care. Sliding Pan can cause scratches. Also, sudden temperature changes or accidentally dropping heavy cookware can cause the glass to be cracked or shattered.

All radiant cooktops work by using electricity. So, it won’t work if there is a shortage of power.

How  To Pick A Radiant Cooktop For Your Home: A Definitive Buying Guide

In this part, I will share all the factors I considered when buying my first radiant cooktop.

The first thing I did when buying a radiant stove was to look for the perfect size that would fit in my kitchen. So it is important to measure your kitchen’s part where you want to install the cooktop.

That depends on personal needs. Usually, most of the cooktops have four burners. Some have less or more.

Don’t forget to look for features when buying radiant stoves. They come with different cooking features, such as child-proof locks, temperature controls, automatic shut-off, a timer, and overheat protection. Consider what features you want and what will match your cooking style.

The cost of a radiant cooktop can vary depending on the size, features, and brand.  However, you can expect to pay from $150 to thousands of dollars.

Induction Cooktops Vs Radiant Cooktops: An In-Depth Comparison

What is a induction cooktop? Induction Cooktops use an electromagnetic field to generate heat. This energy directly passes to the cookware, making the cookware the source of heat. 

Since induction cooktops use electromagnetic fields, cookware that is capable of magnetic fields only works on induction. In other words, cookware that has magnetic fields such as cast iron, stainless steel, and carbon steel only works on induction with no help from other products.

And you already know what is radiant cooktop and how it works. Let’s find out what is a good induction cooktop and does it outranks radiant cooktops.

Features	Induction Cooktops	Radiant Cooktops
How it works	Uses an electromagnetic field to heat cookware directly.	Uses radiant heat to the cookware from the cooktop surface.
Speed	Heats up very quickly.	Heats up more slowly than induction.
Energy efficiency	Very energy efficient.	Less energy efficient than induction.
Heat Control	Very precise heat control	Less precise heat control than induction
Safety	Safer than radiant cooktops because the surface stays cool while even cooking.	The surface gets hot unlike induction cooktops, so it is less safe.
Cost	Expensive than radiant stovetops	Less expensive than an induction
Cookware Compatibility	Requires magnetic cookware	Can use any type of cookware

So, it is clear that induction stoves offer a number of advantages over radiant stoves. However, it is more expensive and requires a special type of cookware. 

Which cooktop is best for you depends on your personal preferences and budget. If you are looking for the best on the market induction is the one. If you are on a budget and use a lot of non-magnetic cookware then go for radiant cooktops.

Radiant Cooktop Maintenance Tips

We have come to the last part of the article and lastly, I will share some tips on cleaning and maintaining your radiant cooktop.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

In this article, I tried to explain in detail what is a radiant cooktop. It is a modern way of cooking. There are a lot of benefits you will get on a radiant cooktop for a better cooking experience.