Both are flat glass electric cooktops, and from across the kitchen they look much the same. Underneath, they heat food in completely different ways, which changes how they cook, what pans you can use and how they're wired.
Ring 0421 772 661 when you've chosen a model. Send us the installation manual or model number and a photo of your switchboard.
A ceramic (radiant) cooktop has heating elements under the glass. The elements glow, the glass gets hot, and the heat passes into the pan. It's simple and familiar, and it works with almost any flat-bottomed cookware.
An induction cooktop uses a magnetic field to heat the pan directly. The glass only gets warm from contact with the hot pan. That's why induction responds quickly when you turn it up or down, and why spills are less likely to bake on. The catch is cookware: pans need a magnetic base. If a fridge magnet sticks firmly to the bottom, it will generally work.
Keen cooks who like fast, precise control, households with young children, and people moving away from gas who want similar responsiveness.
Tighter budgets, kitchens with plenty of non-magnetic cookware, and rental or investment properties needing a simple, familiar cooktop.
Flat glass that's easy to wipe, no gas connection, and a need for a properly sized electrical supply.
Ceramic surfaces stay hot for a while after you switch off; most show a residual heat warning. Spills can burn onto the glass and need a scraper. Induction zones cool faster because the glass wasn't the heat source, though they're still hot straight after cooking.
Some induction users notice a faint hum or fan noise at high power, which is normal. If you're replacing all your cookware to suit induction, factor that into the decision. Both types use glass that can crack if something heavy is dropped on it.
Both are usually hard-wired on a dedicated circuit, often through a cooktop or cooking-appliance isolating switch. The circuit must be sized to the cooktop's rated load, which you'll find on the rating plate and in the installation manual. Induction cooktops can have a high rated load, especially larger models with power-boost zones, so swapping an old ceramic for a new induction doesn't always work on the existing circuit.
Older Inner West kitchens sometimes have cooking circuits that were sized for a small cooktop decades ago, or switchboards with no spare room. We check the existing cable, protection and supply before the new cooktop goes in. Our guide to induction cooktop wiring requirements goes into this in more detail.
The benchtop cut-out, ventilation underneath and clearances to drawers or ovens below come from the manufacturer's instructions. A built-under oven beneath an induction cooktop often has specific requirements. We connect, test and issue a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work. See our cooktop and oven installation in Petersham for a typical job.
Sometimes. It depends on the new cooktop's rated load and the existing cable and protection. We check before connecting it.
Only if your current pans aren't magnetic. Test with a fridge magnet on the base.
Ceramic cooktops are generally cheaper than comparable induction models, though prices overlap.
Manufacturers give guidance on this in their manuals. Check with your doctor and the cooktop's instructions.
No. We install and wire the cooktop you choose. Licence 332956C, fully insured.
NSW Electrical Contractor Licence 332956C · Fully insured · Since 2016 · Based in Hurlstone Park
Excellent electrician Blue Link Electrical was honest, knowledgeable, and took the time to answer my questions The work was completed quickly without rushing and everything works perfectly Will be using them
Very professional and reliable service. Blue Link Electrical were punctual, friendly, and knew exactly what they were doing. The job was completed to a high standard and the place was left clean. Highly recommend to anyone needing electrical work.
Can't fault the service from Blue Link Electrical From first contact to job completion everything was smooth and professional Quality workmanship and great attention to detail. One of the best trades experiences I've had. Make sure you do them slowly
Shown in full, as written on our Google Business Profiles.
Send us a few details and we'll get back to you with a clear, upfront quote.