“They plug it in everywhere.”

It looks like the humble induction cooktop is finally having its moment – and it's one that's helping kitchens everywhere cook cleaner and smarter.

A TikTok from The New York Times' Wirecutter (@wirecutter) shows how easy it is to prepare a meal using a countertop induction burner, praising it as a must-have for home cooks and apartment dwellers alike.

“You plug it in anywhere there’s an outlet and you can cook,” she says. “I love induction cooking for many reasons. It's cooler. It's cleaner. It's faster. … It's so easy to clean.”

@wirecutter

Home appliance writer Rachel Wharton didn't stop talking about her portable induction cooktop. So we had them do it on camera. 😊 You can see our favorite hobs under the link in the bio.

♬ Original sound – NYT Wirecutter

Unlike traditional gas stoves, induction cooktops use magnetic energy to heat the cookware directly rather than the air around it, resulting in faster cooking times, more precise temperature control and a cooler kitchen. This efficiency can lead to savings on your energy bill. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, induction cooking is about three times more efficient than gas.

There is another benefit: better indoor air quality. Gas stoves release nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and other pollutants that can trigger asthma and respiratory diseases. However, induction does not cause direct pollution – a reason why many cities are now promoting electric cooking as part of their climate and health goals.

Switching to electric kitchen appliances can help us move towards a cleaner, cooler future. By implementing upgrades like induction stoves and efficient cookware, households can reduce both pollution and costs while cooking faster and safer. Discover practical ways to upgrade to induction cooking here.

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TikTok users were quick to praise the cooktop, with comments like, “I gave up my gas stove in favor of one of these” and “Yeah!! And cheap ones are just as inconspicuous as expensive ones.”

Others praised its practicality, writing: “It cooks even large pots of water so quickly.”

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