Move Over, GE: Consumer Reports Names Its Top-Rated Induction Cooktop Brand For 2026

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

If you're interested in induction cooktops as an alternative to gas units, you're joining in the growing popularity of this cooking option. An induction cooktop (or stove) uses electricity to create a magnetic field that transfers electric current to a ferromagnetic pan or pot (consisting of materials like enameled steel or cast iron), generating heat. This technology is more energy-efficient than standard electric or gas stoves and safer to use because it doesn't generate heat unless a ferromagnetic pot or pan is on the burner, which greatly limits the risk of inadvertent burns. Such features are key reasons why these kitchen appliances are appearing in more and more homes.

If you want to join 2026's kitchen trend of installing an induction cooktop, you may be wondering which brand or product to select. That's where Consumer Reports (CR) comes in — the nonprofit, independent organization offers buying advice on many kitchen appliances, including induction cooktops. And while GE remains one of the most popular brands for many kitchen appliances — including induction cooktops — Consumer Reports recently ranked electric induction cooktops from LG as the best in its testing results. In testing 20 different 30- and 36-inch models, four models from LG received the highest scores on CR's list, led by the 36-inch LG Studio CBIS3618BE ($3,299 at Home Depot). Meanwhile, CR's highest score for a 30-inch induction cooktop went to the LG CBIH3017BE ($2,599 at Home Depot).

Consumer Reports' laboratory experts gave the 36-inch LG Studio CBIS3618BE electric induction cooktop excellent scores in both low- and high-heat cooking performance. The strong high-heat performance allows it to successfully sear meat or bring water to a boil quickly. One Home Depot customer review said the LG 36-inch cooktop is able to boil a small pan of water in 30 to 40 seconds. Its precise control when using low-heat settings also allows you to successfully make delicate sauces or similar foods. "The Studio 36 cooktop provides awesome temperature control that allows you to simmer, melt, sauté, and brown," another Home Depot reviewer said.

However, compared to the other 36-inch induction cooktops Consumer Reports tested, the annual usage cost to use the LG Studio CBIS3618BE came out slightly higher than most of the others. Buyers should also be aware that the quality of the cookware they purchase will play a role in how well the 36-inch LG induction cooktop works. And while this LG cooktop includes a feature that will alert you when your cookware is not compatible with the induction burners, one reviewer on Home Depot was disappointed that the app cannot set the burner temperature or shut off the burners using a timer. "The app isn't super useful at this point; perhaps more software features will come," the review expressed.

Similar to the 36-inch LG Studio CBIS3618BE, the testers at Consumer Reports gave the 30-inch LG CBIH3017BE induction cooktop outstanding scores in the categories of high- and low-heat performance. One Home Depot customer reviewer was especially impressed with the quick heating mode this model offers. "Boost mode gets water boiling ultra fast," the reviewer said. Compared to the other 30-inch electric induction cooktops that CR tested, the annual operational cost for the LG CBIH3017BE is about average.

Another Home Depot customer reviewer said the temperature control with this LG cooktop is highly precise. "It heats quickly and cooks evenly at different temperatures," the reviewer said. "It has different settings, like simmering, that [work] great." Another reviewer said the design of the cooktop looks great, giving the kitchen a modern feel.

However, while some of the 30-inch induction cooktops on the CR list have four or five high-power elements, the LG CBIH3017BE only has three. Some reviewers expressed a wish that the LG appliance had individual controls for the burners, rather than one control that manages all the burners at the same time, mentioning that the app available with the 30-inch LG CBIH3017BE is not very useful since it offers only basic features, such as notifying you when the timer goes off or alerting you when the cooktop is turned on.