Induction cooktops
What is induction cooking?
Induction cooking is a technology that makes the cookware itself heat up rather than heating from a flame or conventional electric element.
Induction cooktops offer fast and precise temperature control, a cooler cooking surface and easy cleaning. They are the best practical way to replace a gas cooktop without giving up the responsiveness of gas cooking.
What do I need to install an induction cooktop?
The main thing to understand is that an induction cooktop is a significant high power electrical appliance. It needs its own dedicated electrical circuit.
A typical installation:
- Requires a dedicated 32A circuit from the switchboard to the cooktop.
- Some larger cooktops may require a 40A circuit. There are also some induction cooktops which only require a 16A circuit, which lowers installation costs.
- An RCBO/circuit protection at the switchboard.
- Checking that the existing switchboard can safely accommodate the additional load.
A licensed electrician should assess your home before installation. Older homes are more likely to need switchboard work, but this cannot be determined reliably without looking at the existing installation.
Note: You also need induction compatible cookware which has a steel base. If a magnet sticks to it, it’s compatible.
Can I install one without renovating my kitchen?
Yes. With an integrated cooktop, the biggest issue is often not the electrical work but the size of the existing benchtop cut-out.
If you don’t want to cut the benchtop or renovate the kitchen, look for an induction cooktop that fits the existing opening. Cooktops come in different sizes, so check the manufacturer’s required cut-out dimensions before buying.
Don’t buy the cooktop first and assume it will fit.
If the benchtop does need to be modified, the material matters. Cutting engineered stone indoors presents additional health and safety issues because of silica dust and requires appropriate wet-cutting controls by qualified trades. Laminate, timber and similar benchtops are generally easier to modify.
What might it cost?
Costs depend heavily on the existing electrical installation, the location of the switchboard and the length and difficulty of the cable run.
A starting price of a reasonable induction cooktop is around $1,000+, depending on the model and features.
Electrical work
Indicative figures from IWCE’s installer partners include:
| Work item | Indicative cost |
|---|---|
| Induction cooktop (from appliance retailers) | $1,000+ |
| Typical electrical installation including 32A new circuit + RCBO (where no switchboard upgrade is required) | $1,000 - $2,000 |
| Switchboard upgrade (varies by location and cable run) | $3,000+ |
These are indicative benchmarks, not quotes. The difference between installations reflects the existing switchboard, cable route, distance and other site-specific factors.
How do I start?
- Using your existing cooktop model number, check online for the existing cut-out dimensions.
- Decide whether you want to keep the existing benchtop unchanged.
- Shortlist induction cooktops that fit the existing opening.
- Have a licensed installer/electrician assess your cooktop selections and switchboard to determine the required circuit.
- Get an installation quote.
- If you are replacing a gas cooktop, ensure that the installer organises a licensed gasfitter/plumber to safely disconnect the gas connection or capped as appropriate.
IWCE can help you understand the options, identify the key questions to ask, and connect you with a trusted local installer. Contact us to get started today.