kitchen range

Cookware must be compatible with induction heating; glass and ceramics are unusable, as are solid copper or solid aluminum cookware for most models of cooker. Cookware must have a flat bottom since the magnetic field drops rapidly with distance from the surface. (Special and costly wok-shaped units are available for use with round-bottom woks.) Induction disks are metal plates—much like a skillet with no sides—that heat up non-ferrous pots by contact, but these sacrifice much of the power and efficiency of direct use of induction in a compatible cooking vessel. Further, cheap induction cookers regulate the transmitted power by simply powering the field on and off for specified times, like most microwave ovens do. If a pot with a thin bottom is used, the contained liquid boils intermittently. This does not occur with cookware that has a thicker bottom or with better induction cookers.

Manufacturers advise consumers that the glass ceramic top can be damaged by impact, although cooking surfaces are required to meet minimal product safety standards for impact.^[3] Aluminum foil can melt onto the top and cause permanent damage or cracking of the top. Damage by impact also relates to sliding pans across the cooking surface, which users are advised against. As with other electric ceramic cooking surfaces there may be a maximum pan size allowed by the manufacturer.

A small amount of noise is generated by an internal cooling fan. Audible noise (a hum or buzz) may be produced by cookware exposed to high magnetic fields, especially at high power if the cookware has loose parts; better-grade cookware with welded-in cladding layers and solid riveting should not produce this type of noise. Some users may detect a whistle or whine sound from the cookware, or from the power electronic devices. Some cooking techniques available when cooking over a flame are not applicable. Persons with implanted cardiac pacemakers or other electronic medical implants are usually instructed to avoid sources of magnetic fields; the medical literature seems to suggest that proximity to induction cooking surfaces is safe, but they should always check first with their cardiologists.^[4] Radio receivers near the unit may pick up some electromagnetic interference.

An induction (or any electric) stove will not operate during a power outage. Older gas-stoves do not need electric power to operate; however, modern gas-stoves with electrical ignition require an external ignition source (e.g. matches) during power outages.