How to Use an Induction Cooktop: A Beginner's Guide

To use an induction cooktop, place it on a flat, dry surface, plug it into a wall socket, put an induction-friendly vessel on the centre of the glass plate, switch it on, and choose a power level or a preset menu. Add food only after the vessel is on the plate. When you finish, switch it off, let the fan run until it stops, and unplug it. That is all there is to it.

This guide shows you how to use an induction stove for the first time, which vessels work, how to boil water, and how to cook Indian dishes like dosa, chapati and curry. It also covers cleaning, safety and what to do when an error shows up, so you can start cooking with confidence.

How does an induction cooktop work?

An induction cooktop does not make a flame or a red-hot coil. Under the glass plate is a copper coil. When you switch the cooktop on, the coil creates a magnetic field, and that field makes a magnetic metal vessel heat up by itself. The heat is made in the base of the vessel, not in the plate, so the plate stays much cooler than a gas flame or an electric coil.

Two things follow from that. It heats fast, and it only works with a vessel it can sense. With no vessel, or the wrong kind, nothing heats.

Which vessels can you use on an induction cooktop?

Your vessel must have a base that a magnet sticks to. Try this quick check: hold a fridge magnet against the bottom of the vessel. If it sticks firmly, the vessel will work. If it does not stick, or only barely, it will not.

Choose vessels with a flat, smooth base that sits fully on the plate. A warped or very small base can heat unevenly, or may not be detected at all.

Before you start: setting up your induction cooktop

•       Place it on a flat, firm, dry kitchen platform. Keep it away from the sink and from any gas flame.

•       Leave space around it. Keep at least 10 to 15 cm clear on every side so the air vents are not blocked.

•       Do not place it on a cloth, newspaper or any soft surface.

•       Plug it straight into a wall socket that is rated for the load. Our cooktop is 1600W, so avoid thin extension cords and multi-plug adaptors, which can overheat.

•       Keep the plate dry and clean before you switch on.

•       Read the manual once. It shows your model's buttons, presets and error codes. Models differ, so the manual that came with your cooktop is the final word.

How to use an induction stove for the first time: step by step

Step 1: Place the vessel

Put the vessel in the middle of the glass plate. Add a little oil or water to it, so it is never heated empty.

Step 2: Plug in and switch on

Plug the cooktop in and press the power button. The display lights up, and you may hear a beep.

Step 3: Choose a power level or a preset

Use the power or temperature buttons to pick a level, or pick a preset menu such as Dosa or Chapati, Curry, Milk, Idli or Deep Fry. Start on a low or medium level if you are new to induction. It heats much faster than you expect.

Step 4: Start cooking

Press the start button if your model has one. The vessel will begin to heat within seconds. Add your ingredients and stir as usual.

Step 5: Use the timer if you want

Our Chefspecial cooktop has a timer from 0 to 3 hours. The cooktop shuts itself off when the time is up, which is handy for slow dishes. Do not leave any cooking unattended for long periods.

Step 6: Switch off and let it cool

When you are done, press the power button, lift the vessel and let the fan run until it stops by itself. Then unplug the cooktop. The glass will feel warm from the vessel's heat, so wait before you wipe it.

Can I boil water on an induction cooktop?

Yes, and it is one of the things induction does best. Place a steel vessel with a magnetic base on the plate, add water, and choose a high power level. Because the vessel itself heats up, water often comes to a boil faster than on a gas flame. Use a lid to speed it up further, and keep an eye on it so it does not boil over.

You can also use the Milk preset for boiling milk if your model has it. Stay close, as milk can still overflow.

How to cook Indian food on an induction cooktop

•       Dosa and chapati: Use a flat iron or induction-compatible tawa. Heat it for a minute or two, then cook as usual. Keep the chapati on the tawa. Never place it directly on the glass plate. A dosa or chapati preset sets the heat for you.

•       Curry and sabzi: Use a medium level for tempering (tadka), then lower it to simmer. A flat-bottomed kadhai works well.

•       Rice and dal in a pressure cooker: Use a cooker marked for induction. Start on a medium-high level, and lower it after the first whistle.

•       Deep frying: Use a deep-frying preset or a steady medium-high level. Never leave hot oil unattended.

•       Milk and tea: Use a medium level and stay nearby.

Since there is no live flame, you cannot roast or puff a phulka directly on it. Cook on the tawa, and use a clean cloth to press the roti and help it puff.

Common problems and how to fix them

If an error continues after you try these, switch it off, unplug it, and contact our service team. Do not open the cooktop yourself.

How to clean an induction cooktop

•       Switch off and unplug it, and let the plate cool fully.

•       Wipe spills straight away with a soft damp cloth, as dried-on food is harder to remove.

•       For sticky marks, use a soft cloth with a drop of mild dish soap, then wipe with a clean damp cloth and dry.

•       Do not use scouring pads, steel wool or harsh cleaners on the glass, and do not pour water into the air vents.

•       Never dip the cooktop in water.

Safety tips for induction cooking

•       Do not heat an empty vessel.

•       Keep metal items such as knives, spoons and foil off the plate, as they can heat up.

•       The plate gets warm from the vessel, so do not touch it while cooking or just after.

•       Keep the air vents clear, and never cover the cooktop while it is on.

•       Keep children away, and never leave cooking unattended.

•       Anyone with a pacemaker or similar implant should check with their doctor and the manual before using induction.

How much electricity does an induction cooktop use?

Electricity depends on the rating and how long you cook. A 1600W cooktop at full power uses 1.6 units in an hour, which costs ₹12.80 at an example rate of ₹8 per unit. Most cooking does not run at full power, so a typical meal costs much less. Your state's tariff may differ.

Which induction cooktop should you pick?

If you want a simple, everyday cooktop, our Chefspecial Induction Cooktop 1600W with Vessel Sensor is priced at ₹3,299 and has a 1-year warranty. It has a vessel sensor that detects the wrong cookware, eight power levels, a 0 to 3 hour timer and presets for common Indian dishes such as dosa or chapati, idli, curry, milk and deep fry. It is a good first induction cooktop because the sensor stops it heating the wrong cookware, the presets set the heat for you, and our service team backs the 1-year warranty. You can see all models on our induction cooktop , and read our guide to kitchen appliances for busy working couples for more ideas.

FAQs

Q: Can I use an induction stove for the first time right out of the box?

A: Yes. Remove all the packaging, place it on a flat, dry surface, plug it into a wall socket, and cook on a low level with water first to get used to the controls. Read the manual for your model's buttons.

Q: Why is my induction cooktop not heating?

A: Most often the vessel is not magnetic or is off-centre, so the cooktop cannot sense it. Use a magnet to check the base and place the vessel in the centre. Also check the plug and socket.

Q: Is it normal for the fan to keep running after I switch off?

A: Yes. The fan cools the electronics and will stop on its own. Do not unplug the cooktop until it has stopped.

Q: Can I use an induction cooktop with a stabiliser or an inverter?

A: A good voltage supply helps the cooktop run well. Check the load your inverter or stabiliser supports, since an induction cooktop draws high power, and follow the manual.

Q: Is induction cooking safe for children?

A: It is safer than a naked flame, but the plate and vessel still get hot. Keep children away while cooking and until everything has cooled.

Q: Can I use a pressure cooker on induction?

A: Yes, if the base is marked as induction compatible. Start at a medium-high level and lower it after the first whistle.

Q: Does an induction cooktop use less electricity than a gas stove uses gas?

A: The two cost different amounts depending on your gas price and your electricity rate. Induction wastes less heat because the vessel heats directly, and it switches off heating the moment the vessel is lifted.