No, not all glass-top stoves are induction cooktops.
While all induction cooktops do have a glass surface, the presence of a glass top does not automatically mean the stove uses induction technology. Many electric stoves use radiant heating elements beneath a ceramic glass surface, providing a smooth, easy-to-clean cooking area that resembles an induction cooktop. The key difference lies in how the heat is generated.
How Induction Cooktops Work
Induction cooktops use electromagnetism to directly heat the cookware. An electromagnetic field is created beneath the glass surface. When a ferromagnetic (iron-containing) pot or pan is placed on the cooktop, the magnetic field induces an electrical current within the cookware itself, causing it to heat up. The glass surface itself doesn't generate heat; it simply transfers the heat from the cookware.
How Radiant Electric Cooktops Work
Radiant electric cooktops, on the other hand, use electric heating elements (coils or ribbons) located beneath the glass surface. When the stove is turned on, these elements heat up, and the heat is then transferred through the glass to the cookware. The glass surface does get hot because it is acting as a conductor of heat from the elements below.
Key Differences Summarized
| Feature | Induction Cooktop | Radiant Electric Cooktop |
|---|---|---|
| Heating Method | Electromagnetic induction heats the cookware directly. | Electric heating elements heat the glass, which then heats the cookware. |
| Cookware Required | Ferromagnetic (iron-containing) cookware needed. | Any type of cookware can be used. |
| Glass Surface Heat | Glass surface itself does not generate heat, only transfers heat from cookware. | Glass surface gets hot due to the heating elements beneath it. |
| Efficiency | More energy-efficient; heats only the cookware. | Less energy-efficient; heats the elements and glass surface. |
| Responsiveness | Faster heating and more precise temperature control. | Slower heating and less precise temperature control. |
In short, a glass top is a feature of both induction and radiant electric cooktops, but the underlying heating technology is different. Don't assume a glass top means it's induction!
