Induction Cooker vs Infrared Cooker: Which One is Better for Your Kitchen?
Induction Cooker vs Infrared Cooker: Which One is Better for Your Kitchen?
With rising LPG gas prices, cylinder booking hassles, and the need to save cooking time, many Indian households are now shifting toward electric cookers.
But one common question confuses almost everyone
Should you choose an Induction Cooker or an Infrared Cooker?
In this single blog post, you’ll find clear answers to all your questions, including :-
☉ Key differences between Induction and Infrared cookers
☉ Electricity consumption
☉ Compatible cookware
☉ Suitability for Indian cooking
☉ Pros and cons
☉ Which cooker is best for whom
How Does an Induction Cooker Work?
An Induction Cooker uses electromagnetic technology to cook food.Instead of heating the cooktop surface, it directly heats the bottom of the cookware.
Benefits:
◉ Faster cooking
◉ Less heat loss
◉ The cooktop surface stays relatively cool
What Cookware Can Be Used on an Induction Cooker?
Only induction-compatible (magnetic) cookware can be used.
A simple test: - If a magnet sticks to the bottom of the utensil, it will work on an induction cooker.
Suitable :-
☑ Iron
☑ Stainless steel
Not suitable:-
☒ Clay pots
☒ Glass cookware
☒ Aluminium
☒ Copper
Cooking Limitations of an Induction Cooker
❐ The heating zone is limited, so large pans or tawas heat unevenly
❐ Making rotis, parathas, or chapatis can be difficult
❐ Maintaining steady low heat for slow cooking or dum cooking is challenging
❐ Traditional cookware like clay pots cannot be used
❐ Large kadais may heat faster in the center than at the edges
How Does an Infrared Cooker Work?
An Infrared Cooker uses halogen or carbon heating elements that generate heat directly. The cooking experience is very similar to a gas stove.
What Cookware Can Be Used on an Infrared Cooker?
One of the biggest advantages of infrared cookers is their flexibility.
Almost all types of cookware can be used, including ✓
☑ Iron
☑ Stainless steel
☑ Aluminium
☑ Clay pots
☑ Glass cookware
Perfect for traditional Indian cooking styles.
Cooking Limitations of an Infrared Cooker
❐ Takes more time to heat up compared to induction
❐ Temperature control is less precise
❐ Higher chances of food burning if not monitored carefully
❐ Consumes more electricity during long cooking sessions
❐ More heat loss due to direct heating elements
❐ The cooktop surface remains hot for a long time after cooking
Which Cooker Is Better for Indian Cooking?
Choose an Induction Cooker if :-
✑ You live in a flat, PG, or rented house
✑ Your family is small
✑ You want faster cooking with lower electricity bills
✑ You have elderly people or children at home
✑ Safety is your top priority
☞ Induction Cooker is the best choice in these cases.
Choose an Infrared Cooker if :-
✑ You live in your own house
✑ You want to use traditional or old cookware
✑ You prefer a gas-like cooking experience
✑ You often cook in large pots or tawas
✑ You live in rural areas or places with voltage fluctuations
✑ You can place the cooker safely away from children
☞ Infrared Cooker suits you better in these situations.
Electricity Consumption Comparison
Induction Cooker :-
≈ 1.5 units per hour
Infrared Cooker :-
≈ 2–2.2 units per hour
☞ Regular use of an induction cooker can save 20–30% electricity monthly.
Safety & Health – Which Is Safer?
⦿ Induction Cooker :-
◈ Heat is generated only under the cookware
◈ Removing the utensil immediately stops heating
◈ The surface cools down quickly
◈ No heating occurs without compatible cookware
◈ Safer for homes with children and elderly members.
⦿ Infrared Cooker:-
◈ Heating starts as soon as power is switched on
◈ The surface stays hot during and after cooking
◈ Risk of burns if touched accidentally
✔ No gas leakage risk in either cooker.
Both are health-safe when purchased from reliable, quality brands. ✔
🏆 Induction Cooker clearly wins in terms of safety.
Price Comparison
Induction and Infrared cookers are often similarly priced, but actual cost depends on:
☉ Features and controls
☉ Power rating
☉ Build quality
☉ Brand reputation
☉ Market demand and supply
☑ Always check latest market prices before purchasing.
Induction Cooker :-
☞ Prices Check Now ☜
☞ Prices Check Now ☜
Final Question: Induction or Infrared – What’s the Verdict?
Answer : For 90% of Indian kitchens, an Induction Cooker is the better choice.
Choose Infrared if:
You don’t want to buy induction-compatible cookware
You cook traditional Indian dishes frequently
You use large utensils regularly
Expert Tip (Rarely Mentioned)
The most practical setup is:
❍ Induction + Gas Stove
or
❍ Infrared + Gas Stove
This ensures uninterrupted cooking during power cuts.
☑ Final Verdict
◈ Both Induction and Infrared cookers have their own limitations.
◈ Induction cookers are fast, energy-efficient, and safer but struggle with rotis and traditional cookware.
◈ Infrared cookers support all utensils but consume more electricity and require extra safety care.
☞ The best cooker depends on your cooking habits, family size, and daily needs.
FAQ – Induction Cooker vs Infrared Cooker
Q. 1) Which cooker is better for Indian kitchens – Induction or Infrared?
Answer : For most Indian kitchens, an Induction Cooker is better due to faster cooking, lower electricity consumption, and higher safety. Infrared cookers are better for traditional cooking and mixed cookware use.
Q. 2) Can I make roti or paratha on an induction cooker?
Answer : Roti and paratha can be made on an induction cooker, but results may not be consistent due to limited heating zones. Infrared cookers perform better for tawa-based cooking.
Q. 3) Does an induction cooker consume less electricity than an infrared cooker?
Answer : Yes. Induction cookers typically consume 20–30% less electricity than infrared cookers because they heat the cookware directly with minimal heat loss.
Q. 4) Which cooker is safer for homes with children?
Answer: An Induction Cooker is safer because the surface remains relatively cool and heating stops immediately when the utensil is removed.
Q. 5) Can all utensils be used on an infrared cooker?
Answer : Yes. Infrared cookers support almost all types of cookware, including aluminium, steel, iron, clay pots, and glass utensils.
Q. 6) Do induction cookers work during power fluctuations?
Answer : Induction cookers are more sensitive to voltage fluctuations. Infrared cookers generally perform better in areas with unstable power supply.
Q. 7) Is food cooked on induction or infrared cookers healthy?
Answer : Yes. Food cooked on both induction and infrared cookers is completely safe and healthy, provided the appliance is from a good quality brand.
Q. 8) Which cooker is better for slow cooking or dum cooking?
Answer : Infrared cookers are better suited for slow cooking and dum cooking because they provide steady heat similar to gas stoves.
Q. 9) Are induction and infrared cookers waterproof?
Answer : No. They are water-resistant, not fully waterproof. Minor spills are safe, but water should never enter internal components.
Q. 10) What is the average price of induction and infrared cookers in India?
Answer : Prices vary by brand and features, but both induction and infrared cookers usually fall in a similar range. Always check current online or local market prices.
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