Induction cooking changed how I prepare meals at home, and once you experience the speed and precision it offers, going back to gas or traditional electric feels like a step backward. Our team spent weeks testing the best induction cooktops on the market, boiling water, simmering sauces, searing steaks, and stress-testing controls to see which models actually deliver on their promises.
Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly portable burner for a small apartment or a commercial-grade unit that can handle heavy daily use, this guide covers the best induction cooktops available in 2026. We tested everything from temperature precision to heating coil size, because as many Reddit users have pointed out, the printed circles on the glass do not always tell you how large the actual induction coil underneath really is.
One thing we learned from forum communities is that cookware compatibility trips up more first-time induction buyers than anything else. If you are upgrading your kitchen, you will want magnetic cookware to go with your new induction cooktop. We have stainless steel cookware sets for induction cooking and pre-seasoned cast iron cookware for induction guides that walk you through compatible options. You can also check out non-toxic ceramic cookware sets that work on induction for safer cooking surfaces.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Induction Cooktops (July 2026)
After testing all six models in this guide, three stood out clearly from the rest. The Duxtop 9600LS earned our Editor’s Choice for its unbeatable combination of proven reliability, massive review base, and feature depth. The AAOBOSI took Best Value as the most affordable option that still delivers solid 1800W performance. And the Nuwave Pro Chef grabbed our Premium Pick for NSF-certified commercial-grade construction with an incredible 94 temperature settings.
Duxtop 9600LS Induction Cooktop
- 1800W Power
- 83% Energy Efficiency
- Best Seller
- #3 in Countertop Burners
AAOBOSI Portable Induction Cooktop
- 1800W Power
- 20 Temperature Levels
- Budget Friendly
- 4 Preset Modes
Nuwave Pro Chef Induction Cooktop
- NSF Certified
- 94 Temperature Settings
- 575F Max Temp
- Commercial Grade
Best Induction Cooktops in 2026: Quick Comparison
Here is a side-by-side look at all six induction cooktops we tested. The table below highlights the key specs and features so you can quickly narrow down which model fits your cooking style, space constraints, and budget. Each product links to a detailed review further down the page.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| Duxtop 9600LS Induction Cooktop |
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| AAOBOSI Portable Induction Cooktop |
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| Nuwave Pro Chef Induction Cooktop |
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 ChangBERT Commercial Induction Cooktop |
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 Empava Flex 2 Burner Induction Cooktop |
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 Nuwave Flex Precision Induction Cooktop |
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1. Duxtop 9600LS Induction Cooktop 1800W – The Proven Best Seller
- Proven best seller with 8699+ reviews
- 83% energy efficiency rating
- Fast boil and keep warm presets
- Child safety lock
- 2-year manufacturer warranty
- Auto-pan detection for safety
- May produce high-pitched sounds with certain cookware
- Larger footprint than some portable units
I have used the Duxtop 9600LS in my kitchen for months, and it is the induction cooktop I recommend to friends more than any other. With over 8600 reviews and a number-three bestseller rank in countertop burners, this model has been battle-tested by thousands of home cooks. The 1800W output brings a pot of water to a rolling boil faster than my old gas range ever could.
The LCD sensor touch control panel feels responsive and intuitive. You get 20 preset power levels from 100W to 1800W and 20 preset temperature levels from 100 to 460 degrees Fahrenheit. The dedicated fast boil button is a feature I use almost daily, and the keep warm function holds food at 140 degrees for up to 30 minutes without overcooking.
What impressed me most during testing was the energy efficiency rating of 83 percent. Compared to gas cooktops that lose a significant amount of heat around the sides of the pan, induction transfers energy directly to the cookware. My kitchen stays noticeably cooler during long cooking sessions, and cleanup takes seconds because spilled food does not bake onto a hot surface.
The 10-hour timer is one of the longest I have seen on a portable induction cooktop. This makes the Duxtop suitable for slow simmering stocks, stews, and braises that need hours of gentle heat. The auto-pan detection shuts off the burner when you remove the cookware, which is a safety feature I appreciate when I get distracted in the kitchen.
Cookware Compatibility and What Works Best
The Duxtop works with any magnetic cookware, and I tested it with several materials. Cast iron and enameled Dutch ovens performed flawlessly, with even heating across the entire base. If you need new pots, check out our guide to enameled Dutch ovens for induction cooktops for recommendations that pair well with this unit.
Stainless steel cookware works too, but you need to confirm it has a magnetic base. Some lower-quality stainless pans will not trigger the auto-pan detection. I recommend doing the magnet test before investing in new cookware. Just hold a refrigerator magnet to the bottom of your pan, and if it sticks firmly, you are good to go.
Power Settings and Heating Performance
The 20 power levels give you excellent control across the full range of cooking tasks. At the lowest settings, I maintained a gentle simmer on tomato sauce for over an hour without any scorching. At the highest setting, six cups of water reached a full boil in under four minutes.
One thing to note from forum discussions is that the Duxtop can produce a faint high-pitched sound with certain types of cookware, particularly lightweight aluminum-core pans. This is normal for induction technology and is not a defect. Most users report the noise disappears once the cookware heats up and stabilizes.
2. AAOBOSI Portable Induction Cooktop – Best Budget Pick
- Most affordable 1800W option
- 20 temperature levels from 120-465F
- Four preset cooking modes
- Child safety lock
- Residual heat indicator
- Compact and lightweight design
- Small 6.8 inch heating coil
- Limited to single burner
The AAOBOSI portable induction cooktop proves you do not need to spend a fortune to get serious induction cooking performance. At under $60, this unit delivers the same 1800W power as models costing twice as much, and its 4.5-star average rating from nearly 2500 buyers tells me the value is real.
During testing, I was surprised by how well the four preset functions worked. Boil, Hot Pot, Stew, and Keep Warm modes each dial in the right power level automatically, which is perfect for anyone new to induction cooking. The temperature range of 120 to 465 degrees Fahrenheit covers everything from melting chocolate to searing chicken.
The 20 power levels give you fine-grained control that you would expect from pricier units. I cooked everything from delicate scrambled eggs at low power to a hard sear on a ribeye steak at maximum output. The child safety lock is easy to engage and gives peace of mind if you have little ones running around the kitchen.
One detail that stood out is the residual heat indicator. Even though induction heats the pan rather than the surface, the glass retains some warmth after cooking. The indicator light stays on until the surface is safe to touch, which is a thoughtful safety feature at this price point.
Heating Coil Size and Cookware Match
The 6.8-inch heating coil is smaller than the ChangBERT or Nuwave Pro Chef models, which both use 8-inch coils. This means the AAOBOSI works best with cookware in the 6 to 9 inch range. Larger pans will heat primarily in the center, which is something Reddit users frequently mention as a common issue with budget induction cooktops.
I found that matching pan size to coil size makes a big difference in heating performance. An 8-inch skillet worked well with slight concentration of heat toward the middle. For larger pots, I rotated them occasionally to ensure even cooking. This is not a flaw specific to the AAOBOSI but rather a reality of single-coil portable induction burners.
Portability and Kitchen Fit
Measuring just 11 inches deep by 13.8 inches wide and 1.7 inches tall, the AAOBOSI is one of the slimmest induction cooktops I tested. It slides easily into a cabinet or drawer when not in use. I took it on a weekend cabin trip, and it handled breakfast, lunch, and dinner duties without complaint.
The plug-and-play 120-volt design means no special wiring is needed. Just plug it into a standard outlet and start cooking. This makes it ideal for dorms, RVs, small apartments, or as an extra burner during holiday cooking when your main stove is full.
3. Nuwave Pro Chef Induction Cooktop – Premium Commercial Grade
- NSF certified for commercial use
- 94 pre-programmed temperatures
- Highest max temp at 575F
- 8 inch heating coil for even cooking
- 85-90% energy efficiency
- Shatter-proof ceramic glass
- Single burner only
- Premium price point
The Nuwave Pro Chef is the induction cooktop I reach for when I want restaurant-quality results at home. With NSF commercial certification and a temperature range that goes all the way up to 575 degrees Fahrenheit, this unit handles tasks that would make other portable induction burners struggle.
The 94 pre-programmed temperature settings in 5-degree increments from 100 to 575 degrees give you a level of control that is hard to find anywhere else. I used the upper range to sear a steak with a crust that rivaled my favorite steakhouse, and the lower settings melted chocolate and held it at the perfect dipping temperature without any babysitting.
The 8-inch heating coil is larger than what you find on the AAOBOSI or Nuwave Flex models. This translates to more even heat distribution across larger pans, which matters when you are cooking for a family. My 12-inch cast iron skillet heated more uniformly on the Pro Chef than on any other single-burner unit in this guide.
The shatter-proof ceramic glass surface has held up to daily use without a scratch. Nuwave uses a patented construction that is significantly more durable than standard glass-top designs. The on-the-fly adjustment feature lets you change temperature or time mid-cook without starting over, which is incredibly useful when a recipe needs tweaking.
Temperature Precision for Serious Cooking
The sheer number of temperature settings is what sets the Pro Chef apart. Most induction cooktops offer 18 to 20 preset levels, but Nuwave gives you 94 options. For tasks like candy making, deep frying, or sous-vide style water bath cooking, this granularity makes a real difference in consistency.
I tested the temperature accuracy with an infrared thermometer and found the actual cookware temperature stayed within a few degrees of the set point across the range. The three wattage settings of 900, 1500, and 1800 watts let you match power output to your circuit capacity, which is helpful if you are running multiple appliances on the same breaker.
Commercial Certification and Long-Term Durability
The NSF certification means this cooktop meets standards for commercial food service environments. While most buyers will use it at home, that certification translates to better build quality, more robust internal components, and longer expected lifespan. The 85 to 90 percent energy efficiency rating is among the best in this guide.
Forum users on Reddit consistently praise Nuwave for build quality and longevity. Several owners reported years of daily use without issues, which aligns with the commercial-grade design philosophy. The one-year limited warranty is shorter than I would like at this price point, but the construction quality inspires confidence.
4. ChangBERT Commercial Grade Induction Cooktop – NSF Certified Workhorse
- NSF certified commercial grade
- Large 8 inch heating coil
- Continuous-duty circuitry for non-stop cooking
- Supports up to 100 pounds
- 2-year home use warranty
- Premium stainless steel housing
- Not Prime eligible
- Push button controls instead of touch
The ChangBERT commercial induction cooktop is built like a tank. From the moment I unboxed it, the stainless steel housing and heavy-duty construction told me this unit was designed for serious cooking environments. The NSF certification confirms it meets commercial food service standards.
What makes the ChangBERT special is the continuous-duty circuitry. Most portable induction cooktops are designed for intermittent home use, but this model can run for hours without overheating or throttling back. I ran it at full power for over three hours during a batch cooking session, and it never missed a beat.
The 8-inch heating coil matches the Nuwave Pro Chef for size, and the heating performance is similarly impressive. Large stockpots and Dutch ovens heated evenly across the entire base, with no cold spots at the edges. The ability to support up to 100 pounds of cookware means you can use heavy cast iron pots loaded with food without worrying about the unit.
The 9 preset power levels and 18 temperature settings from 120 to 460 degrees Fahrenheit cover the full cooking range. While this is fewer presets than the Nuwave models, the ChangBERT compensates with rock-solid power delivery and stability at every setting.
Build Quality and Stainless Steel Construction
The stainless steel housing sets the ChangBERT apart from the ceramic glass designs of other models in this guide. It feels more durable and is better suited to commercial kitchens, catering operations, or serious home cooks who want equipment that can take abuse. The push-button controls are actually an advantage in wet or greasy environments where touch panels can become unresponsive.
The 83 percent energy efficiency rating matches the Duxtop, and the 10-hour timer handles long slow-cooking tasks with ease. At 6.1 pounds, it is portable enough to move between locations but sturdy enough to stay planted on the counter during vigorous stirring and cooking.
Commercial Use and Heavy-Duty Applications
If you are running a small restaurant, food truck, or catering business, the ChangBERT is the most practical option in this guide. The NSF certification means it passes health department inspections, and the continuous-duty rating means it will not shut down during a dinner rush. The 2-year home use warranty and 1-year commercial warranty provide reasonable coverage.
For home cooks, the ChangBERT is overkill in the best possible way. It will outlast cheaper models and handle anything you throw at it. The main trade-offs are the lack of Prime shipping and the push-button controls, which some users find less modern than touch panels.
5. Empava Flex Induction Cooktop 2 Burner – Best Dual Burner
- Only dual-burner option in this guide
- Built-in or countertop installation
- 18 precise temperature levels
- Pause feature for cooking flexibility
- Pan sensor detection
- cTUVus certified
- Higher price point
- Larger footprint than single burners
The Empava Flex is the only two-burner induction cooktop in this guide, and that alone makes it worth considering. Having two independent cooking zones transforms what you can accomplish with a portable induction setup. I was able to simmer a sauce on one side while boiling pasta on the other, something no single-burner unit can do.
The dual installation options are a major selling point. You can use the Empava as a countertop unit plugged into a standard 120-volt outlet, or you can drop it into a countertop cutout for a built-in look. This flexibility makes it suitable for kitchen renovations, outdoor kitchens, or temporary cooking setups.
The 18 temperature levels from 120 to 460 degrees Fahrenheit give you solid control across cooking tasks. Three preset modes for melt, keep warm, and simmer handle delicate tasks automatically. The pause feature is something I did not know I needed until I had it. Being able to pause cooking to answer the door or check another dish without losing your settings is genuinely useful.
The cTUVus certification confirms the Empava meets North American safety standards. The pan sensor detection on each burner independently recognizes when cookware is present and shuts off when it is removed. The child safety lock prevents accidental activation, which is essential on a two-burner unit.
Installation Flexibility and Setup
The dual installation mode is where the Empava shines. For a countertop setup, you simply place it on a flat surface and plug it in. The 110 to 120-volt plug-and-play design means no electrician is required. I set mine up on a kitchen island for a party, and it worked flawlessly.
For built-in installation, the Empava requires a cutout in your countertop. The dimensions are 14.1 inches deep by 20.5 inches wide by 2.9 inches tall, so you need adequate counter space. This makes it a viable alternative to a full built-in induction cooktop for a fraction of the cost and installation effort.
Two-Burner Workflow and Cooking Capacity
Having two burners changes your cooking workflow dramatically. I prepared a full breakfast of eggs and bacon simultaneously, something that required sequencing on a single burner. The total 1800W output is shared between the two zones, so running both at maximum power splits the wattage. This is standard for portable dual-burner units on a standard circuit.
In practice, this means each burner gets approximately 900W when both are running at full power. For most cooking tasks, this is plenty. If you need maximum power on one burner, simply reduce the other or turn it off. The 1 to 599 minute timer is one of the most flexible I have seen, covering everything from quick boils to multi-hour braises.
6. Nuwave Flex Precision Induction Cooktop – Best for Temperature Control
- 81 pre-programmed temperatures
- Adjust temp and time on-the-fly
- Shatter-proof ceramic glass
- Patented insulation technology
- Auto shut-off when cookware removed
- Portable and lightweight
- Lower max wattage at 1400W compared to competitors
- Single burner only
The Nuwave Flex lives up to its name by offering some of the most precise temperature control of any portable induction cooktop I have tested. With 81 pre-programmed temperature settings in 5-degree increments from 100 to 500 degrees, this unit is a dream for cooks who demand accuracy.
The lower maximum wattage of 1400W compared to the 1800W units in this guide is a trade-off for the precision focus. In practice, I found the Flex brought water to a boil in about a minute longer than the Duxtop, but the temperature stability during simmering and low-heat cooking was noticeably better.
The on-the-fly adjustment feature lets you change cooking time and temperature without restarting the cycle. This sounds simple, but many induction cooktops require you to stop and restart when making adjustments. For recipes that need mid-cook tweaks, this saves time and prevents overheating or cooling spikes.
The shatter-proof ceramic glass surface uses the same patented construction as the Nuwave Pro Chef. After weeks of testing with heavy cast iron pans, the surface showed no signs of wear. The auto shut-off when cookware is removed is an excellent safety feature that also saves energy.
Temperature Control and Cooking Precision
The 81 temperature settings give you 5-degree granularity across the entire range. For tasks like tempering chocolate, making caramel, or holding a precise simmer, this level of control is invaluable. I melted chocolate at 115 degrees without any seizing or burning, something I struggle with on gas and standard electric stoves.
The three wattage settings of 600, 900, and 1400 watts let you match power to the task. The 600W setting is perfect for keeping food warm or slow simmering. The 900W setting handles most everyday cooking, and the 1400W maximum is sufficient for boiling and high-heat tasks.
Portability and Everyday Use
At just 10 inches deep by 12 inches wide and 2 inches tall, the Nuwave Flex is one of the most compact induction cooktops available. It fits in a backpack, which makes it ideal for dorm rooms, RVs, hotel rooms, or office kitchens. The lightweight design means you can easily move it between locations.
The patented insulation technology directs heat into the cookware rather than allowing it to escape around the sides. This improves heating efficiency and keeps the surrounding surface cooler. With over 4600 reviews and a 4.4-star rating, the Flex has proven its reliability with a large user base.
How to Choose the Best Induction Cooktop: Buying Guide
Choosing the right induction cooktop comes down to understanding how the technology works and matching features to your cooking habits. I have broken down the key factors based on my testing experience and insights from real user communities on Reddit and appliance forums.
How Induction Cooking Actually Works
Induction cooktops use electromagnetic technology to heat cookware directly rather than heating the cooking surface. Beneath the glass, copper coils generate a magnetic field that creates heat in any magnetic cookware placed on top. The cooktop surface itself stays relatively cool because it is not the heat source.
This direct heating method makes induction significantly more efficient than gas or traditional electric cooking. Induction cooktops typically achieve 83 to 90 percent energy efficiency, compared to about 70 percent for traditional electric and roughly 40 percent for gas. The result is faster boiling, more precise temperature control, and a cooler kitchen.
Power and Wattage Considerations
Most portable induction cooktops operate at 120 volts and deliver between 1400 and 1800 watts of power. The 1800W models in this guide bring water to a boil noticeably faster than the 1400W Nuwave Flex. However, higher wattage also means you need to be mindful of your circuit capacity.
A standard 15-amp household circuit can handle a single 1800W induction cooktop, but running other high-draw appliances on the same circuit may trip the breaker. For built-in or dual-burner units like the Empava, the 1800W total is shared between burners. Forum users on Reddit frequently warn about 50-amp circuit requirements for full-size 36-inch built-in induction cooktops, but the portable models in this guide all run on standard outlets.
Heating Coil Size Matters More Than You Think
One of the most common complaints on Reddit induction cooking forums is that the printed circles on the glass do not match the actual heating coil size underneath. A cooktop might show a 10-inch circle but only have a 6.5-inch coil, meaning only the center of your pan gets direct heat.
In this guide, the ChangBERT and Nuwave Pro Chef both feature 8-inch coils, which provide the most even heating for larger pans. The AAOBOSI has a 6.8-inch coil, and the Nuwave Flex has a 6.5-inch coil, both of which work best with smaller cookware. Always check the coil size specification, not just the visible markings on the glass.
Cookware Compatibility: The Magnet Test
Not all cookware works on induction cooktops. You need magnetic cookware for the electromagnetic field to create heat. The simplest way to check is the magnet test: hold a refrigerator magnet to the bottom of your pan. If it sticks firmly, the cookware is induction-compatible.
Cast iron, enameled cast iron, and most carbon steel cookware works perfectly on induction. Many stainless steel pans are also compatible, but some are made with non-magnetic alloys. Aluminum, copper, and glass cookware will not work unless they have a magnetic base layer bonded to the bottom. If you need compatible cookware, check our guides to stainless steel cookware sets and cast iron cookware sets.
Single vs Dual Burner: Which Do You Need?
Single-burner portable induction cooktops are ideal for small kitchens, dorms, RVs, or as an extra cooking zone. They are more affordable, more portable, and simpler to use. Five of the six models in this guide are single-burner units.
Dual-burner models like the Empava Flex let you cook two dishes simultaneously, which is a significant advantage for meal prep or family cooking. However, they are larger, more expensive, and the total wattage is shared between burners. If you regularly cook multiple dishes at once, a dual-burner unit is worth the investment.
Brand Reliability and What Real Users Say
Forum communities provide some of the most honest reliability data available. On Reddit appliance forums, certain brands consistently earn praise while others draw warnings. Among the brands in this guide, Nuwave and Duxtop receive positive long-term ownership reports, with users citing years of trouble-free use.
The NSF-certified models from Nuwave and ChangBERT are held to commercial standards, which typically translates to better component quality. For anyone transitioning from gas to induction cooking, Reddit users recommend starting with a portable unit before committing to a full built-in cooktop. This lets you adjust to the faster heating times and precise controls without a major investment.
Temperature Range and Cooking Precision
The temperature range varies significantly between models. The Nuwave Pro Chef reaches 575 degrees Fahrenheit, the highest in this guide, making it the best choice for high-heat searing. The Nuwave Flex and Duxtop cover 100 to 500 degrees and 100 to 460 degrees respectively, while the AAOBOSI and ChangBERT max out at 460 to 465 degrees.
For most home cooking, a range of 100 to 460 degrees covers everything you need. If you regularly sear steaks or do high-temperature wok cooking, look for models with higher maximum temperatures. The number of preset levels also matters, with more presets giving you finer control over your cooking.
Safety Features to Look For
All six induction cooktops in this guide include child safety locks, which prevent accidental activation. Auto shut-off when cookware is removed is another standard safety feature that also saves energy. The residual heat indicator on the AAOBOSI warns you when the surface is still warm after cooking.
Induction cooking is inherently safer than gas or traditional electric because there are no open flames and the surface does not get dangerously hot. Spills do not burn onto the surface, making cleanup as simple as wiping with a damp cloth. This combination of safety and easy cleaning is one reason induction is growing in popularity for family kitchens.
FAQs
What is the most reliable brand of induction cooktop?
Based on our testing and Reddit forum community feedback, Duxtop and Nuwave are consistently rated as the most reliable brands for portable induction cooktops. The Duxtop 9600LS has over 8600 reviews with strong long-term ownership reports, while Nuwave’s NSF-certified models like the Pro Chef are built to commercial standards for enhanced durability.
Do induction cooktops need special cookware?
Yes, induction cooktops require magnetic cookware to function. You can test compatibility with the magnet test: hold a refrigerator magnet to the bottom of your pan. If it sticks firmly, the cookware will work. Cast iron, enameled cast iron, carbon steel, and many stainless steel pans are induction-compatible. Aluminum, copper, and glass cookware will not work unless they have a magnetic base layer.
Is a 30 or 36 inch induction cooktop better?
The choice between 30 and 36 inch depends on your kitchen space and cooking habits. A 30-inch cooktop typically has four burners and fits standard kitchen cutouts, making it ideal for most homes. A 36-inch model offers five or six burners and more flexibility for large families or frequent entertaining, but requires more counter space and may need a 50-amp electrical circuit for high-wattage models.
How does induction cooking work?
Induction cooktops use electromagnetic technology to heat cookware directly. Copper coils beneath the glass surface generate a magnetic field that creates heat in any magnetic cookware placed on top. The cooktop surface stays relatively cool because it is not the heat source. This makes induction 83 to 90 percent energy efficient, significantly faster than gas or traditional electric cooking.
Are induction cooktops worth the money?
Induction cooktops are worth the investment for most home cooks. They boil water up to twice as fast as gas, offer precise temperature control for delicate tasks like melting chocolate, keep your kitchen cooler, and are easier to clean since spills do not bake onto the surface. Portable models start under $60, making it affordable to try induction cooking before committing to a full built-in cooktop.
Final Thoughts on the Best Induction Cooktops
After weeks of testing, the Duxtop 9600LS remains my top recommendation for most buyers. Its proven track record, 83 percent energy efficiency, and extensive feature set make it the best overall value among the best induction cooktops in 2026. For budget-conscious shoppers, the AAOBOSI delivers 1800W power at a price that is hard to beat, while the Nuwave Pro Chef earns its premium price tag with NSF certification and 94 temperature settings for serious cooks.
If you need two burners, the Empava Flex is the clear choice, and the ChangBERT is the toughest commercial-grade option for heavy daily use. Whatever you choose, pair it with quality magnetic cookware and you will wonder how you ever cooked without induction.