Induction vs infrared cooktop — Which is better for Indian kitchens?

Choosing between an induction cooktop and an infrared cooktop comes down to your cookware, cooking habits, and budget.

• Best for energy efficiency: Induction cooktop — heats cookware directly with minimal energy waste.
• Best for cookware flexibility: Infrared cooktop — works with all types of cookware including aluminium, clay, and copper.
• Best for safety: Induction cooktop — surface stays cooler and includes automatic shutoff and child lock.
• Best for traditional Indian cooking: Infrared cooktop — compatible with all existing Indian kitchen vessels without replacement.
• Best for faster cooking: Induction cooktop — electromagnetic heating is faster than infrared radiation.
• Best for budget buyers: Infrared cooktop — generally more affordable at entry-level price points.
• Best for easy cleaning: Both — flat toughened glass surfaces on both types are far easier to clean than gas stove grates.

You can make your purchase even more affordable with Bajaj Finserv's Easy EMI options, available across 1.5 lakh partner stores in 4,000 cities across India.

A common kitchen upgrade question today is whether induction or infrared cooktops are better for everyday Indian cooking. In 2026, induction offers faster heating, energy efficiency, and a cool surface, while infrared works with all cookware and feels closer to gas stoves. The right choice depends on your pots, cooking style, and family needs. This guide gives you a complete, side-by-side breakdown so you can make the right decision for your Indian kitchen with confidence.

And if you are planning to make the switch, they are highly affordable to own. With Bajaj Finserv's financing options available across 1.5 lakh partner stores like Croma, Vijay Sales, and Reliance Digital in 4,000 cities, you can convert the cost into Easy EMIs with flexible tenures up to 60 months. Simply check your loan eligibility now and bring home your desired washing machine without worrying about overspending.

What is an induction cooktop?

An induction cooktop uses electromagnetic energy to heat cookware directly without heating the surface itself. When a magnetic-base vessel is placed on the glass surface, an electromagnetic field heats the metal in the vessel rapidly and evenly. The surface stays cool, and the cooktop switches off automatically when the vessel is removed. Induction cooktops are available in India between Rs. 1,500 and Rs. 8,000 and are popular in compact urban apartments for their safety and energy efficiency. The key limitation for Indian households is cookware compatibility since aluminium, copper, and clay vessels will not work on induction.

An infrared cooktop heats your cookware using infrared radiation, similar to how the sun warms your skin. It works by heating the glass surface underneath your vessel, which then passes the heat up into your pan or pot. The surface gets quite hot during cooking, so be careful after use. In India, infrared cooktops are priced between Rs. 1,400 and Rs. 5,000, making them one of the most affordable electric cooking options available. The best part for Indian households is that they work with every type of cookware you already own like aluminium, clay, copper, steel, and non-stick, so you do not need to buy new vessels.

Here is a detailed side-by-side comparison of induction and infrared cooktops across the factors that matter most to Indian households:

Understanding the price difference between induction and infrared cooktops helps Indian buyers make a more informed purchase decision. Here is a detailed price comparison across entry-level, mid-range, and premium models available in India in 2026:

1. Entry-level models (Rs. 1,400 – Rs. 2,500): At the entry level, both induction and infrared cooktops are available at very similar price points — making budget the least important differentiating factor at this range. Entry-level infrared cooktops from brands like Pigeon, Surya, and Usha start at Rs. 1,400 to Rs. 1,800. Entry-level induction cooktops from Philips, Havells, and Bajaj start at Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 2,000. At this price, both types offer basic touch controls, auto-shutoff, and a toughened glass surface.

   
   

2. Mid-range models (Rs. 2,500 – Rs. 4,000): The mid-range is where the two types begin to differ more meaningfully. Mid-range induction cooktops from brands like Prestige, Glen, and Usha offer more preset cooking modes, better temperature control, and improved safety features. Mid-range infrared cooktops in this range from Pigeon, Glen, and Philips add feather-touch controls, child safety locks, and higher wattage options for faster cooking.

   
   
3. Premium models (Rs. 4,000 – Rs. 8,000): At the premium end, induction cooktops offer significantly more advanced features — including auto heat adjustment, keep-warm functions, timer settings, and app connectivity on select models. Premium infrared cooktops in this range are less common, as most premium cooktop investment in India tends to go towards induction technology at this price point.

Power consumption is one of the most important practical considerations for Indian households choosing between induction and infrared cooktops, directly affecting monthly electricity bills. Here is a clear comparison of how both types consume electricity in everyday Indian kitchen use:

Induction cooktop power consumption

Induction cooktops are the more energy-efficient of the two. Because electromagnetic heating generates heat directly inside the cookware with virtually no heat loss to the surrounding air or cooking surface, almost all the electrical energy consumed is converted directly into cooking heat. Typical induction cooktops in India consume between 1,200W and 2,000W, but the actual electricity used per cooking session is lower than the wattage suggests because of this high energy conversion efficiency.

For everyday Indian cooking tasks like boiling water, making dal, or simmering curry, an induction cooktop typically uses 20 to 30 percent less electricity than an infrared cooktop performing the same task — translating into meaningful monthly savings for Indian households that cook multiple times daily.

Infrared cooktop power consumption

Infrared cooktops are moderately energy-efficient but less so than induction. Because infrared heating warms the glass surface first and then transfers heat to the cookware through radiation and conduction, some energy is lost as ambient heat during the cooking process. Typical infrared cooktops in India consume between 1,000W and 2,000W — similar wattage to induction but with slightly lower energy conversion efficiency per cooking session.

For Indian households cooking basic everyday meals, the electricity cost difference between induction and infrared is modest — typically Rs. 50 to Rs. 150 per month depending on cooking frequency and local electricity tariffs. However, over a full year of daily cooking, this difference can add up meaningfully.

Power consumption comparison

Upgrading your kitchen with an induction or infrared cooktop is simple and affordable with Bajaj Finserv's Easy EMI options. The entire process takes just a few minutes, and you can walk out with your new cooktop the same day. 

Follow these steps:

• Find a partner store near you: Use the Bajaj Finserv store locator to find a nearby outlet such as Croma, Reliance Digital, or Vijay Sales — available across 4,000 cities in India.
• Choose your cooktop: Pick the induction or infrared cooktop that best suits your cooking needs and budget from the range available at the store or on Bajaj Mall.
• Select your EMI plan: At checkout, ask the store executive about the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card or Easy EMI Loan. Choose a repayment tenure between 3 and 60 months, with zero down payment on select products.

• Complete payment and take it home: Once approved, your purchase is processed immediately and you can start cooking with your new cooktop the same day.

  
  

You can also check your loan eligibility online in advance by entering your mobile number and OTP — making your in-store experience faster and smoother.

Bajaj Finserv’s savings calculator helps you unlock maximum savings every time you shop at partner stores. It brings together all available brand, dealer, and scheme offers—so you can see your total savings instantly and shop smarter with Easy EMIs.
 

1. Dealer offers - Grab exclusive in-store deals at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across India. Enjoy local discounts and special prices you will not find online.
2. Brand offers - Access limited-time discounts from top brands across electronics, appliances, and more. Discover brand-specific savings selected just for you.
3. Bajaj offers - Unlock exclusive Bajaj Finserv deals on popular products—available only to our customers. More rewards, more value.
4. Scheme offers - Take advantage of time-sensitive offers on select EMI schemes. Get extra benefits after paying just 3 EMIs—visible during EMI selection at checkout.

Calculate your extra savings now!