Electric Range or Cooktop Manuals & Owner Guides

Induction, radiant and coil explained

Induction

An electromagnetic field heats the pan directly. Fastest response and the least wasted heat; requires magnetic cookware.

Radiant (smoothtop)

Heating elements under glass-ceramic glow and heat the pan through the glass. Works with any flat cookware; the glass stays hot after use.

Coil

Exposed spiral elements heat by contact. Inexpensive and durable, with replaceable plug-in elements and drip bowls.

Electrical requirements

Nearly all full-size electric ranges and cooktops run on a dedicated 240 V circuit; the required breaker size depends on the model's rated current and is given in the installation instructions. New installations generally use a four-wire connection. Switching from gas usually means adding a new circuit, so plan for an electrician.

Choosing cookware

For induction, check pans with a magnet — if it sticks firmly, the pan works. For radiant glass tops, choose flat, smooth-bottomed pans that match the zone size. On any electric cooktop, warped pans waste energy and heat unevenly.

Reading the energy numbers

The ENERGY STAR listing reports the cooking top's annual energy consumption in kWh per year, measured under the DOE test procedure, plus low-power (standby) consumption for the cooking top and, on ranges, the oven. Multiply kWh by your electricity rate to estimate yearly cost.

Electric Range or Cooktop FAQ