Induction Cooktop vs Oven: Difference and Comparison

Energy-efficient cooking appliances have become an inevitable part of our lives. However, it may be hard to choose the right appliance for oneself.

The induction cooktop and oven are one such pair of cooking devices. Although the two may seem similar, they vary considerably.

Key Takeaways

1. An induction cooktop uses electromagnetic energy to heat the cookware directly, whereas an oven uses convection to circulate hot air around the food.
2. The induction cooktop heats up faster and is more energy-efficient than an oven.
3. An oven can cook a wider variety of dishes and is better suited for baking and roasting than an induction cooktop.

Induction Cooktop vs Oven

The difference between induction cooktops and ovens is that induction cooktops use less energy than ovens. On the other hand, an oven is less energy efficient than an oven. In addition, the time required for cooking is less in an induction cooktop as compared to an oven. 

The induction cooktop is an outcome of the advancement of technology that uses an induction method of creating heat. In addition, induction cooktops provide ease of instalment.

They are easily adjustable to both high and low heights. Induction cooktops are energy efficient as they don’t require significant heat. 

An oven is a cooking device that has a practical application to expose edible items to heat. The conventional function of an oven is to cook food.

Apart from that, ovens also have a use in making pottery and ceramics.  Some ovens make use of natural gas, wood, or coal.

However, some ovens use electricity. 

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison	Induction Cooktop	Oven
Definition	Induction cooktop is an outcome of the advancement of technology that uses an induction method of creating heat.	An oven is a cooking device that has a practical application to expose edible items to heat.
Runs on	An induction cooktop runs on electricity.	An oven runs on natural gas, wood, and electricity.
Time required	The time required for cooking is less in an induction cooktop as compared to an oven.	The time required for cooking is more in a conventional oven than an induction cooktop.
Energy efficiency	Induction cooktops are more energy efficient than ovens.	An oven is less energy efficient than an oven.
Demerit	A demerit of induction cooktops is the requirement of special iron and steel utensils for cooking purposes.	A disadvantage of the oven is it may be expensive in the long run.

What is an Induction Cooktop?

The induction cooktop is an outcome of the advancement of technology that uses an induction method of creating heat. Thus, an induction cooktop eliminates the need to use a gas stove.

Induction cooktops offer several interesting and unique features to consumers. Cooktops are wood-free, element-free, and stone free.

The induction cooktop generates heat energy through the process of magnetism using a coil of wire in the cooking utensil.

The induction cookware consists of components that make it ferromagnetic and magnetically conductive.

Over the years, induction cooktops have become common owing to their cost-effective and accessible nature. 

Induction cooktop offers several merits. It allows individuals to cook food on high heat or even at a low heat setting.

Thus, they are time effective. In addition, induction cooktops provide ease of instalment.

They are easily adjustable to both high and low heights. Induction cooktops are energy efficient as they don’t require significant heat. 

There are several factors an individual should consider before buying an induction cooktop. Some of the factors are cooktop size, cooking zones, control panels, and power or temperature settings.

Thus, an induction cooktop is an ideal option for energy-efficient cooking. 

What is an Oven?

An oven is a cooking device that has a practical application to expose edible items to heat. Ovens have a hollow chamber wherein heating takes place in a controlled way.

Over the years, ovens have had several purposes and applications. In addition, there are many different types of ovens to satisfy the needs of individual consumers. 

The conventional function of an oven is to cook food. Apart from that, ovens also have a use in making pottery and ceramics.

For instance, metallurgical furnaces refer to special types of ovens that have a use in manufacturing metals. Some ovens make use of natural gas, wood, or coal. However, some ovens use electricity. 

Ovens are commonly used for baking and roasting. It may also provide grilling and broiling services to consumers.

In addition, toasters are a type of oven that has a use for toasting bread. While the simple ones may not have all the controls, advanced ovens offer a multitude of choices to consumers. 

Some industrial ovens include earth ovens, ceramic ovens, toaster ovens, gas ovens, and masonry ovens. Ovens allow for perfectly cooked food that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

It allows for controls to choose the right temperature for cooking too. Thus, the oven provides several features. 

Main Differences Between Induction Cooktop and Oven

1. The induction cooktop is an outcome of the advancement of technology that uses an induction method of creating heat. In contrast, an oven is a cooking device that has a practical application to expose edible items to heat.
2. An induction cooktop runs on electricity. On the other hand, the oven runs on natural gas, wood, and electricity. 
3. The time required for cooking is less in an induction cooktop as compared to an oven. 
4. A demerit of induction cooktops is the requirement of special iron and steel utensils for cooking purposes. In contrast, a disadvantage of the oven is it may be expensive in the long run. 
5. Induction cooktops are more energy-efficient than ovens. On the other hand, an oven is less energy efficient than an oven. 

References

1. https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/induction-vs-electric-cooktops-which-is-right-for-you-in-2021/ 
2. https://www.quora.com/What-is-difference-between-microwave-oven-and-induction-cooker