Homeowners With Induction Stoves Share Their Honest Reviews, And They're Not Great

Induction stovetops promise high-tech cooking that's both convenient and safe. They look great, they heat up quickly, and you can't burn yourself when touching them. But actual homeowners aren't all sold on the idea, and in fact, some think they're really not that great at all. If you're thinking about swapping your old stovetop for one of these induction models, you might want to hear some of the negative reviews first. It doesn't mean these stoves are bad altogether. It just means they're not right for everyone, and it's worth taking that into account when making a long-lasting investment like this.

Induction does take some getting used to, but some users still dislike it, even after years of use. You should really consider the pros and cons before making the switch, because you will be stuck with it for years. "I wish I could return the induction (after 3 years) and get credits on top of the whole sum for all the inconveniences I've had with it," one Reddit user wrote. "I'll be damned if I ever buy an induction cooktop ever again in my life," they continued. Ouch.

This is because there are some valid downsides to switching from a gas to an induction stove. Oftentimes, users who dislike induction do so for a few reasons. First and foremost, induction stovetops sometimes turn off the heat when a pot or pan is lifted from the surface, which can annoy some cooks who tend to move their pots and pans around a lot. In addition, serious cooks tend to shy away from induction stoves in favor of gas cooking because it's easier to control the heat.

A common negative review of induction stoves is that they're not suited for all types of cooking. "They're not as good with woks, even flat-bottomed ones," one Reddit user wrote. "I can't cook anything in a wok style because once I need to flip something, it kills the heat," another user wrote. Another issue with this style of cooking is that, in order to heat up on induction, a pan needs to be compatible and flat. Since some complain that flat-bottomed woks don't work as well as traditional ones, this will be an issue for wok users. In addition to this, banging and sliding pans on an induction cooktop can damage it. The extra care needed during cooking can be off-putting to some.

Some users also find that unreliable access to power makes induction extremely inconvenient, whereas gas works even in a crisis blackout situation. "I prefer gas, our electricity goes off a lot in the winter here and during thunderstorms, if i hadnt had my gas cookstove and gas fireplace, we could have starved and frozen to death," one user wrote. "So true ... power always goes off in the winter where we live. Having the ability still cook something, warm something up is nice!!" another person responded.

Another key concern with induction is the controls. Where gas stovetops typically have knobs that you can fiddle with while cooking, induction usually works with a touch screen. Some users find these to be finicky and hard to understand. "Since the controls are touch-screen operated, I can't change the heat without looking. And it takes forever to make adjustments on 3 different heaters simultaneously," one person wrote. This is a particular concern for serious cooks who need all hands on deck to prepare their delicious meals.

Despite these negative reviews, some people still absolutely love their induction cooktops. In addition, companies are finding ways to address some of these issues to convert more gas enthusiasts to make the switch. Concerning the heat shutting off, some models have a timer that keeps the heat on as you lift the pan. "My induction doesn't act like that at all. If I remove a pan for about 1-15 seconds, it will turn off the burner, but I can move pans around as much as I want while cooking," one person responded to a negative review on Reddit. Another person said they bought an induction range where burners stay on for 15 seconds when they lift the pan, enough for flipping and sauteing.

Some models reviewed, including the Impulse Labs induction cooktop, have solved the concern over touch screens by adding some knobs to their models, among other adjustments. "It has these raised cooking surfaces that do reduce the annoyance of having to center the pan," a user wrote. While the particular model discussed is quite expensive (nearly $7,000), there are other cheaper models that also use a knob design instead of a touch screen to control the heat.

And while all of these negative reviews are completely valid, it's important to remember that induction cooktops are making kitchens safer. Removing open flames from your kitchen significantly reduces fire hazards, and an automatic shut-off, while annoying, helps prevent accidents. In addition, switching from gas to induction is a great way to reduce indoor air pollution in your home, making you and your family healthier and safer in the long run.