It’s time to update your stove? Have no fear then, because today’s article is about the best induction range, so you can say goodbye to that fine 1980’s vintage stove of yours. Why induction range, you asked? That’s an easy one: since it’s the current year, low-tech isn’t going to cut it anymore, i.e. it’s time to upgrade your kitchen appliances, and induction ranges are all the rage nowadays, especially if you’re looking to heat things efficiently and rather quickly.
First, let’s see about how induction technology works: if you’re a reader of our website, you probably already know about our article on the best induction cooktop, and needless to say, induction ranges work using the same principle: a magnetic field is produced by an electromagnet located right under the cooking surface, and the respective field penetrates the specially designed pan, which turns the respective energy into heat, thus heating up the content inside.
Since we’re talking next-gen cooking, you’ll require special gear with your induction range, so check out our article on the best induction cookware. Even if this sounds pretty high-tech, induction cooking is not a new concept, but it’s becoming mainstream due to technological advances that made prices to go down dramatically, i.e. a century-old technology is now cheap enough (and reliable enough) to reach your kitchen.
The main benefits of induction cooking are efficiency, as the heat goes directly into the pan, which means way less energy is used compared to regular gas-stoves, safety, especially for children, as nothing gets hot around the pan except from the pan itself, plus there are no matches to play with, and, finally, design, if that really counts when choosing cooking appliances.
The truth is that induction stoves and cooktops look pretty good in a modern kitchen, as they have that Star Trek aura, not to mention they’re exceptionally easy to clean and fit nicely almost anywhere. Speaking of fitting anywhere, read our article about the best portable induction cooktops, because you never know when you’ll need one.
How to choose the best induction range
Here’s what to look for in an induction range: first, you must learn that there are three main types of induction ranges. The freestanding type is the most common, as it’s the easiest to install and the most widely sold. Usually speaking, this particular model has the oven control panel above the cooktop surface, on the back panel respectively.
Freestanding induction ranges can be placed between cabinets, or even stand alone, and they have storage or warming drawers at the bottom. Then, there’s the slide-in induction range type, and the main advantage of a slide-in range is that it fits over the cabinet, whereas the previous model does not. A slide-in induction range has controls on the front, while the cooktop sits over the counter.
Finally, we have the front control range, which is a mix between slide-in and freestanding range; bottom line, you must choose a type first, depending on your kitchen configuration. Size matters too, obviously, as well as oven capacity (a larger oven means good news for your kids), and oven configuration (single or double oven). Budget is also an issue, as always, but don’t worry, as we’ve already done the research and we’ll present you with both higher-end and “affordable” models, i.e. there’s something for each and every one of you in today’s best induction range extravaganza.
Best Induction Ranges
Cafe CHS950P4MW2 30 in. 7.0 cu. ft. Induction Range
The Best Induction Range for Gourmet Cooking
Our first choice is the GE Cafe 30″, which is actually a Smart Slide-In Double Oven Induction Range with Convection, designed for gourmet cooking, or so they claim. All jokes aside, the GE Cafe 30″ can cook automatically for you, and it allows you to adjust the temperature and time, i.e. you’ll have complete control over the heat. And yes, before you ask, this thing makes induction cooking a child’s play, especially due to the induction range’s smart features.
For example, you can begin the pre-heating procedure from your smartphone while on the go, so when you arrive home, you’ll waste zero time. The Bluetooth probe allows your stove top to communicate to the microwave, to turn the fans and/or the light on/off automatically. Obviously, this induction range heats way quicker than a gas range and the double-oven feature is a match made in heaven for compulsive cooks or for holidays, though most probably you’ll use the upper oven 90 percent of the time.
Most importantly for design-aficionados, the GE Cafe 30″ looks absolutely great, and I bet you money you’ll never use a gas stove again. Another great thing about this induction range is that it allows you to cook different foods at different temperatures, which means convenience is king. Using one burner will provide you with up to 3700 watt power; moreover, you’ll get a backlit glass-touch control panel, a gourmet video-guiding recipe book, automatic adjustments to temperature, time and cooking pace, and two 8 inch Sync Burners, plus a spacious 5.7 cu. ft. oven cavity.
- Features Self-Clean with Steam Clean Option, Hot Surface Indicator Lights, 2.7 Cu. Ft. Upper Capacity,4.3 Cu. Ft. Lower Capacity,7.0 Total Capacity, synchronized burners
- Gourmet Guided Cooking feature for video-guided recipes, Front Controls Backlit and Glass Touch, True European Convection with Precise Air in the lower oven
- Offers total control over temperature, cooking time, consistent temps across a large area, Induction Cooktop Burner
- Expensive
Bosch 800 Series 30 in. 4.6 cu. ft. Slide-In Induction Range
The Best Reliable Induction Range
Bosch is a big name in the kitchen appliance industry and the 800 Series induction range plays in a league of its own. To be more precise, this is a 4.6 cu. ft. Slide-In Induction Range with Self-Cleaning Convection Oven, and it’s designed to deliver consistent temperature settings due to its Genuine European Convection oven, for even and faster cooking on the 3 racks, plus more precise cooking results to everyday cooking.
The Bosch 800 series features a black stainless steel finish, which protects it against fingerprints and scratches; moreover, the 4.6 cubic feet oven capacity is generous for its size and allows you to save time in the kitchen as you can bake multiple dishes at the same time.
There’s also a four-element induction cooktop for everyday tasks, with a strong 2600 watt (3700 watt with boost) back right element, as well as a recessed eight pass broil element, which increases safety and capacity, a fast preheat function, a warming drawer to keep your food warm and ready, touch controls for easy operation plus solid metal knobs for a premium feel and look, a safe start function, a self-cleaning feature which obliterates grease and, finally, a large door window to keep your food in check.
- Minimalist design, all controls in front, intuitive digital controls, the burners are properly spaced (can be used all at once)
- Generous 4.6 cubic inch oven with tons of settings: Bake, Variable Broil (hi & low), Roast, Warm, Proof Dough, Convection Bake, Convection Broil, Convection Roast, Multi-Rack European-style Convection with conversion, Pizza, and Fast Preheat
- Strong performance, fast preheat option works well, Auto chef function does a nice job, true European convection mechanism, perfect match for gourmet cooking lovers
- The glass top is kind of fragile (cracks easily)
GE PHS930SLSS
The Best Deal Induction Range
Next in line we have the GE Profile 5.3 cu .ft., a very interesting induction range that looks gorgeous and it would make for a shrewd kitchen upgrade. The GE PHS930SLSS is currently on sale and it comes with a convection oven plus a powerful induction cooktop. Even if it’s pretty far from inexpensive, it’s actually much cheaper than the GE Cafe 30″ for example, and you can use the saved money to buy all the induction cookware in the world, to give you an example.
The GE PHS930SLSS’s oven is built using stainless steel, and despite its compact size (30 inches wide), it’s more than enough for a regular household, and it looks great (as in premium) in a modern kitchen. The stylish (angled downwards) front mounted control panel has a clean design and gives the GE PHS930SLSS a futuristic profile, as well as a sleek shape.
There are no physical knobs at work here, but you won’t miss them, though some may complain about a lack of feedback in induction cooking technology. GE’s glide-touch interface is well designed, and the small burner has a melt function that works great with delicate ingredients, such as butter, chocolate etc. The 8 inch burners have simmer keys, which are great for sauce making (prevents them from burning).
The oven itself has a linked heating element and a fan for convection roasting and baking; overall, the GE PHS930SLSS delivers a smooth cooking experience, as it’s very efficient, and due to its premium styling, is very easy to recommend.
- Looks awesome, well made and durable, makes for an impressive kitchen performer, handles well multirack convection baking via 3 oven racks
- Powerful cooktop, features Self Clean function, Control Lock
- 5-element electric range, the racks can be configured in 9 different positions, the oven has European convection system for even heat and precise cooking
- Not so feature-rich as its rivals
FRIGIDAIRE FGIH3047VF 30 in. 5.4 cu. ft. Front Control Induction Range
The Best Budget Induction Range
Our next pick is an affordable front-control induction range from FRIGIDAIRE; besides its very appealing price tag, the FGIH3047VF comes with an air fry located in the oven, which is kind of interesting to say the least, hence you’ll end up with an induction range, an induction cooktop and an air fry, three for the price of one.
Basically, this induction range has it all: great temp control, quick boil times, plus a plethora of useful settings, and, most importantly, it will cover all your basic cooking needs besides the “gourmet” ones, due to its special features: air fry and true convection.
This FGIH3047VF induction range introduces world’s first 30 incher to feature an air fry mode; on top of that, you’ll get 4 burners, each of them having its own pan size sensor, a black ceramic glass cooktop, a beautiful stainless steel finish, steam cleaning, infinite-ring burners, true convection and air fry mode.
However, the main selling point of the FGIH3047VF is arguably its awesome induction cooktop, due to its 4 burners with auto detect; the burners heat quickly, keep their heat, while the hottest of the bunch is capable of boiling six cups of water in 4 minutes. The oven performance is on-par with the best, it preheats well, and it’s great for pork roasts or pizzas.
The Air Fry mode is excellent for crisping up chicken wings, French fries, veggies etc. and obviously it can be used with regular baking trays and cookware. To be perfectly honest, the Air Fry gimmick is basically rebranded convection technology, but don’t tell anyone, mkay?
- Sleek and simple induction range with lots of features and cooking options, auto adjusting burners
- True convection/Air Fry mode, steam cleaning, amazing value for money
- Safe cooktop surface, quick preheat, rear filter kit included, easy to maintain/clean, smudge proof stainless steel
- Finicky control panel
KitchenAid KSIB900ESS Slide-In Induction Range
The Best Induction Range for Enthusiastic Cooks
As per its name, this KitchenAid slide-in induction range is built to help you make the most out of your cooking skills, as it comes equipped with various induction-cooking elements that provide quick, efficient response, plus a baking drawer for even more cooking options. Moreover, the KitchenAid KSIB900ESS features EVEN-HEAT True Convection, for keeping the perfect temperature.
So far, so good, but what’s up with the EVEN-HEAT thing, you asked? Well, this is basically just another fancy name for convection technology at its finest, and it makes the KitchenAid KSIB900ESS to be a very versatile kitchen appliance which has the same degree of precision and power of a restaurant chef.
This nicely designed induction range is made of stainless steel, has a 7.1 cubic foot capacity and a 4-element cooking surface. The EVEN-HEAT technology provides excellent roasting and baking results ad it’s designed to promote even heating, and the interior of the oven boasts a black ceramic cooking surface which is incredibly easy to clean, not to mention you also get a self-cleaning function.
Other features worth mentioning include bread proofing, the warming drawer, delay cook, Sabbath mode, useful oven lights etc. The 4 heating elements on the cooktop include 2 high-powered ones, while the glass touch controls offer an easy to use and intuitive experience even if this is you first experience with induction cooking.
- Comes with steam racks for the oven, for enhancing cooking results
- Well designed, easy to use, the Even-Heat True Convection really works and provides the perfect temp inside the oven
- 4 induction cooking surfaces on top, versatile, comes with baking drawer for extra-cooking options
- Kind of expensive
Samsung NE58K9560WS 5.8 cu. ft. Slide-In Induction Range
The Best Induction Range with Virtual Flame Technology
Samsung is a big-tech giant that’s relatively new in the kitchen appliances business, but their Samsung NE58K9560WS slide-in induction range is absolutely fantastic, boasting futuristic cooking power in a tough and stylish stainless steel construction.
Moreover, this baby comes with virtual flame technology, i.e. it can give you a retro feeling, provided you’re into that (gas-cooking appearance that is), and has a relatively compact footprint. Basically, the Samsung NE58K9560WS represents the pinnacle of the company’s high-end kitchen appliance brand.
So, to make a long story short, here’s what you get: a standard 30 inch 5.8 cubic foot slide-in self-cleaning kitchen appliance, which is extra spacious for its relatively compact size, which means you can cook large baking sheets and turkey roasters with ease. The virtual flame technology consists of LED lights that offer you the illusion of gas cooking, while the flex-duo oven is up to thirty percent faster compared to regular induction ovens.
The warmer drawer keeps your food warm until you serve it, and the 4 induction elements on the cooktop allow you to cook multiple dishes in various size pans (11″, 6’’ and 2×7’’)
- Futuristic design, Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to control/monitor the oven with your smartphone by remote
- Versatility due to its 4 burners, built-in warming drawer, control lock, Steam Clean, dual-convection oven for efficient and fast cooking
- Glass touch controls, 3 oven racks, hidden bake elements, easy to clean
- None really at this price
Miele HR16222I
The Best High-End Induction Range
We saved the best for last: enter Miele HR16222I, a state of the art electric induction range, part of the company’s M Touch Series, featuring a smooth top cooktop with 4 elements, 4.6 cubic foot total oven capacity, a convection oven with self-cleaning, heavy duty stainless steel knobs, plus various smart gimmicks such as wireless roast probe, moisture plus, and master chef automatic program.
Provided you can live with the price tag, it doesn’t get much better in the world of induction-cooking than the Miele HR16222I. For example, the induction cooktop elements are very responsive, i.e. you can boil 6 quarts of water in something like 14 minutes.
Also, the cooktop will stay absolutely cool in the process, and speaking of high tech and expensive bells and whistles, you’ll get auto heat up, swivel handle, touchscreen controls (!), Sabbath mode, rapid preheat, pizza setting, slow roasting reheat, keep warm, crisp function defrost, favorites and more.
Yes indeed, this baby has them all, including residual heat utilization for better energy efficiency, while the moisture plus function optimizes cooking by increasing humidity to match each food’s specific properties. And it really works folks, it’s unreal. Moreover, the master chef plus offers 100 programs for all sorts of items, such as pizza, baked goods, fish, turkey and more.
- Exceptionally even heat distribution in cooktop burners and oven, boils water incredibly fast, simmers at constant temp, excellent for baking cookies
- Very cleared and detailed instructions, well designed self-cleaning feature that really works, easy to grip oven door, well designed, built with phenomenal attention to detail
- Feature-rich like no other, Remote Vision feature for self-diagnosing, rapid preheat
- Very expensive
Conclusion
Whether you want to go full-throttle in the induction cooking world with the Miele HR16222I, a high-end feature-rich and crazy expensive induction range, or you’re ready to settle with the “best bang for the buck”, i.e. the GE PHS930SLSS, we hope that today’s article offered you a bunch of high-quality options with a variety of feature sets, price points and design styles.
Obviously, you’ll have to decide what’s best for you and your established budget, as it all comes down to your unique cooking style, needs and design preference. However, we believe that the options listed above make for a near-perfect introduction in the induction range shopping endeavor, so choose wisely.
