Frameless induction cooktops sit flush against your kitchen bench. Ones with frames sit on a cutout.

To use temperature controls and manage cooking zones, you slide and/or touch the cooktop surface. Some manufacturers have a name for the system they use.

We recommend induction cooktops with a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 90%.

The CHOICE Expert Rating is made up of cooking performance (60%) and ease of use (40%).

Cooking performance is calculated using simmering, turn-down and high-heat scores, weighted equally.

We rate how easy it is to use the controls, the size, type and positioning of cooking zones as well as ease of cleaning.

We assess how well the induction cooktop heats a white sauce on low heat setting.

We assess how well the cooktop cooks a stir-fry on high heat setting for a short time.

We cook boiled rice on the induction cooktop to assess turn-down capacity.

Time taken to boil water in power boost mode, where available. For models with no boost, the highest setting is used.

Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.

There is a claimed country of origin somewhere on the model itself. This should be taken with a grain of salt, given it's rare that all the materials for a product came from the one country.

'Tested model' means you should be able to find this cooktop in stores. We check availability every time we test. Discontinued models may still be available online or in second-hand retailers.

The manufacturer's recommended retail price. Prices are generally flexible, so shop around both online and in bricks and mortar shops for options.

Yearly running cost is based on using the cooktop for 30 minutes, 3 times a week for a year and costed at 40c/kWh per year.

The width of the cooktop in centimetres. Check the manufacturer's installation specifications as there may be slight variations.

Position of the various-sized cooktop elements.

Width and depths in centimetres. These are claimed dimensions. Ventilation dimensions below and behind are not listed as they vary greatly depending on whether the cooktop is being installed over cabinetry shelves, drawers, or an oven. Check with the manufacturer or the installation manual to make sure your set-up complies with requirements before buying.

The manufacturer states the necessary dimensions required to install the cooktop. Induction cooktops use a lot of energy and therefore can require special power connections. It's best to hire a licensed electrician to install your cooktop.

This setting allows you to temporarily lock your heating settings so you can wipe down the surface without accidentally pressing any buttons.

This is essentially a simmer setting that can be used to keep food warm. Some can also use residual heat.

This gives the cooking zone a boost of power to help heat up food or liquid quickly.

Auto heat-up allows the cooking zone to heat to a higher setting, then automatically turn down to a preset setting after a certain amount of time.