Best Induction Cooktop in India (2026): Induction or Infrared, and Which One to Buy
Find the best induction cooktop in India for 2026. First check your utensils, then pick by budget: Prestige, Bosch, Hawkins, Pigeon and infrared options.
Gas cylinders are costly, and many flats and PG rooms don't allow them at all. So an electric cooktop has become a second stove in lots of Indian homes. But here is the catch most buyers miss: an induction cooktop does not work with every utensil. Therefore, before you choose the best induction cooktop, spend ten seconds on one simple test.
Step 1: The Magnet Test Before You Buy the Best Induction Cooktop
Take any fridge magnet and touch it to the bottom of your kadai, tawa or pressure cooker.
Your utensils are induction-ready. Buy an induction cooktop. It heats faster and uses less power.
Aluminium, copper, glass or clay pots won't heat on induction. Either buy an infrared cooktop or a few induction-base utensils.
Most new pressure cookers and steel kadais now come with an induction base. However, old aluminium cookers usually don't, so test them too.
Induction vs Infrared: Which Should You Buy?
| Induction cooktop | Infrared cooktop | |
|---|---|---|
| Works with | Magnetic (induction-base) utensils only | Any flat utensil |
| Speed | Faster | Slower |
| Power use | Lower for the same cooking | Higher |
| Safety | Glass stays cooler | Glass gets very hot |
| Best for | Daily cooking, boiling, tea | Rotis on clay tawa, BBQ, mixed utensils |
In short, the best induction cooktop beats infrared for most homes. Meanwhile, infrared makes sense only when you don't want to change your utensils.
Best Induction Cooktop in India: Our Picks by Budget
It has 8 Indian menu presets (dosa, chapati, milk, idli and more), a timer and 4KV surge protection for voltage spikes. Plus, Prestige has service centres almost everywhere. That matters, because cooktops do need repairs over the years.
- Indian menu presets
- Wide service network
- Plain design
On AmazonPrestige PIC 16.0 Plus 2000 Watts Induction Cooktop₹3,075 · price as of 20 Oct, 4:49 amAmazon price →Flipkart price →
A simple cooktop with a crystal glass top, LED display and auto switch-off. It is fine for tea, Maggi and dal for one or two people. However, 1800W is a little slow for big batches.
- Low price
- Auto switch-off
- Slower than 2000W models
On AmazonPigeon by Stovekraft Cruise 1800 watt Induction Cooktop W…₹1,599 · price as of 20 Oct, 4:49 amAmazon price →Flipkart price →
It has 6KV surge protection, which is higher than most, plus variable temperature control and 8 presets. So it suits homes where voltage jumps often. Also, the touch panel is easy to wipe clean.
- 6KV surge protection
- Temperature control
- Costs double the basics
Two hobs mean you can cook sabzi and dal at the same time, just like a gas stove. It also has a child lock, boil-dry protection and 20 power settings. Check that your kitchen socket and wiring can handle 3600W, though.
- Two burners
- Child lock
- Needs a strong power point
On AmazonHawkins Futura Dual Hob Induction Cooktop₹9,900 · price as of 20 Oct, 4:49 amAmazon price →Flipkart price →
If Your Utensils Aren't Induction-Ready: Infrared Picks
Comes with a grill rack for barbecue and three preset modes.
Temperature from 60°C to 600°C, with stir-fry and hot-pot modes.
What Matters Most in the Best Induction Cooktop
- 2000W is the sweet spot. Lower power is slow; higher power needs good wiring.
- Surge protection. Look for 4KV or more, especially in small towns.
- Service near you. Prestige, Pigeon and Bajaj have the widest networks.
- Auto-off and timer. These save power and prevent burnt milk.
Also read our air fryer vs OTG guide if you are setting up a new kitchen. For electrical safety basics, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency site has useful tips.
Final Word
The best induction cooktop for most homes is a 2000W model like the Prestige PIC 16.0 Plus. First, though, do the magnet test. If your utensils fail it, an infrared cooktop like the Glen saves you from buying new pots.
Prices are approximate for October 2026 and change during sales. We may earn a small commission when you buy through our Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best induction cooktop in India?
For most homes, a 2000W model with surge protection and Indian menu presets, such as the Prestige PIC 16.0 Plus, is the best choice.
How do I know if my utensils work on induction?
Touch a magnet to the base. If it sticks firmly, the utensil works on an induction cooktop.
Induction or infrared, which is better?
Induction is faster and uses less power, but needs magnetic utensils. Infrared works with any flat utensil but is slower and its glass gets very hot.
Is 2000W induction good for home use?
Yes. 2000W heats quickly enough for daily Indian cooking and works on normal home wiring.
Induction chulha kaunsa lena chahiye?
Agar bartan magnet se chipakte hain to 2000W ka induction lein, nahi to infrared cooktop lein.