Infrared Cooktop for Small Kitchen: Is it Practical?

Living in a small kitchen does not mean you have to compromise on convenience. For compact homes, small kitchens and rented places, choosing the right cooking appliance makes a huge difference.

An infrared cooktop is a good alternative if you are looking to buy an electric cooktop, without having to install a gas stove. But is an infrared cooktop really practical for a small kitchen?

Let’s explore infrared cooktop’s pros and cons for small kitchens.

1. Saves Countertop Space

One of the most common issues in a small kitchen is lack of countertop space. Infrared cooktops come with a compact design that makes them easy to arrange on your kitchen countertop, table or heat-resistant surface.

If you are looking for a convenient cooking option in your apartment, hostel or studio, this countertop-friendly option can be a great pick. However, be sure to measure the available space before buying the cooktop.

2. Easy To Set Up

A portable infrared cooktop does not require a permanent gas connection, unlike a regular gas stove. You simply need an electric power source (a voltage that matches the cooktop’s requirements) and a heat-resistant countertop or surface to set it up on.

This is a big advantage for renters who may not be able to set up a gas line. However, always ensure the voltage rating matches the cooktop’s requirements and the socket can handle the current.

3. Flexible With Utensils

Another big advantage of an infrared cooktop is its flexibility with various types of utensils. Most infrared cooktops are not induction-based, so they do not have strong magnetic fields. So, you can use various types of utensils on them (within the specified limits of the cooktop’s manufacturer).

This can be useful if you already own some stainless-steel, aluminium or cast-iron utensils. As always, make sure the base of the utensil is flat and stable.

4. Great For Everyday Cooking

A portable infrared cooktop is great for everyday cooking.

Depending on the power of the cooktop and its heat settings, you can use it to:

– Boil water

– Heat milk

– Prepare tea

– Saute vegetables

– Fry food

– Make gravies

– Prepare breakfast

For an individual or a couple, that’s enough to make most daily meals. However, a single cooking zone may not be sufficient for families who have to prepare meals for more people.

5. Easy To Clean

A small kitchen means you have to keep everything neat and tidy. You cannot afford a large cleaning area as you would in a big house. That’s why an infrared cooktop with a smooth cooking surface can be a good option for you.

To clean it, simply switch it off and wait for the surface to cool down to the touch. After that, you can wipe it clean with a soft cloth and some cooktop cleaner (depending on the material of the surface).

Do not use abrasive cleaning materials or aggressive chemical cleaners to avoid damaging the surface.

6. Watch Out For Power Consumption

When buying an infrared cooktop, the power consumption (in Watts) is an important consideration. The higher the power and the longer you use the cooktop, the more electricity it will consume.

So, if you have a habit of cooking on high power for long sessions, you should calculate the electricity bill before buying the cooktop. This is especially important in older buildings with a limited electricity load.

7. Pay Attention To Safety Features

As a compact alternative to regular gas stoves, an infrared cooktop brings you closer to the cooking surface. Make sure you place it on a stable and heat-resistant surface and keep flammable objects away from it. The cooking surface can retain a lot of heat even after you’ve turned off the cooktop. Some infrared cooktops also have built-in safety features, such as overheat protection, automatic shut-off and residual-heat indicators.

These can be very useful, especially in a small kitchen where there is not much space between the cooktop and other objects or surfaces.

8. What About Multiple Cooking Zones?

This brings us to the most important consideration for a small kitchen: the number of cooking zones. A single infrared cooktop may be sufficient for some people.

If you cook simple meals and only have to prepare one dish at a time, it may be a great option. However, if you have to cook different meals for different people (or cook dal, vegetables, roti and rice at the same time), you may need a multi-cooking-zone cooktop. Assess your cooking needs to decide if a single cooking zone will suffice or you will need a bigger infrared cooktop.

Infrared Cooktop for Small Kitchen: Is it Practical?

An infrared cooktop can be a great alternative for small kitchens. Its compact design, flexible use with various utensils, easy setup and cleaning can be a great advantage in a rented place, apartment, hostel or a home with a small kitchen.

However, you need to pay attention to the size of your countertop, electricity needs, cooking habits, utensils, number of cooking zones and safety features. Ultimately, the choice of the cooktop depends on your needs and preferences.