Induction cooktops are a wonder of modern technology. They are safe and energy-efficient.
The reason I say modern is that it meets our modern-day cooking requirements. It cooks food very fast and is super easy to clean. It is easy to fall in love with induction.
Everything man-made however comes with a life span tag.
Induction cooktops are vulnerable due to a glass-ceramic surface on top which can break. It is strong but it is not metal. The surface is made up of durable glass-ceramic composite and doesn’t normally break with regular day-to-day use. However, they can get scratched and even crack if used roughly.
And they will be expensive to fix when they break.
The problem in this modern world is not the reliability of the electronic design but the application of manufacturing techniques that can be compromised (and often usually are).
While choosing your induction cooktop, go for thick glass – preferably 1/4th inch thick. The thicker glass makes it more durable.
Another thing you can look for while purchasing a cooktop is that it asks about the expected hours and lifespan of the unit along with a unit warranty.
If you’re looking for a durable, energy-efficient, and long-lasting induction cooktop, I suggest checking out the Max Burton Induction cooktop
How to Avoid Your Induction Cooktop From Breaking?
While induction cooktops are quite sturdy, whether it breaks or not depends on your cooking techniques.
If you thump a pot or a pan too hard, it can break.
It is not a good idea to drag the cookware either as that can cause scratches.
Likewise, do not drop heavy cookware like a cast-iron skillet on your cooktop. Always lift the cookware and place it gently.
A good thing about induction cooktops is that you can protect the surface by placing paper towels or newspapers.
They help in soaking the spills and also prevent the surface from getting scratched.
It is not necessary to place a paper towel or newspaper every time you cook. But use it every time you use an old skillet or pot with a rough bottom.
This will protect your cooktop against scratches.
Do not store heavy cans and jars above the cooktop surface. While removing them, they can accidentally fall or slip and break or crack the cooktop surface.
Avoid placing hot lids on the cooktop surface.
That way as the cooktop cools, air can get trapped between the lid and the ceramic cooktop surface. Removing the lid causes the cooktop surface to crack.
Keep objects which can melt, like plastic and aluminum foil, away from the heating zone of the cooktop.
To avoid pitting and permanent marks, clean sugary spills as and when they occur. After cooling down they cannot be removed. Use oven miffs and remove them while the induction is still warm.
Do not use the induction cooktop as a cutting board. To avoid accidents use the child lock option as much as you can.
Try using cookware with the same diameter as the cooking area surface. If they extend the diameter, let it not be more than half an inch.
Do not keep it in a cluttered area and too near the edge of the slab or workspace. Make it a point to clean and store away the induction when not in use.
Clean dry and place a cover over it. Place it in an area that is easily reachable and away from heavy items which can fall by accident on it.
After cooking is over, do not leave the cookware on the cooktop surface. Remove the cookware and place the pots and pan in the sink.
Do not be in a hurry to clean. Wait for the cooktop surface to cool down.
Cleaning a hot cooktop with cold water can crack the cooktop due to sudden changes in temperature.
Likewise, avoid placing really hot items on the cold cooktop. Do not use it like a table or a continuation of your kitchen slab. Period.
What to Do When You Have a Broken/Scratched Cooktop?
Scratches can be removed to an extent with baking soda and water.
There are also specialized cleaning creams for the induction cooktop which help in removing scratches.
Broken cooktops, however, need professional care to repair. It cannot be repaired without specialized technical skills.
What needs to be done is to call up the customer service of the respective manufacturer.
Ask for a quote on repair or replacement. If it breaks under warranty, then the cost of replacement or repair will be borne by the company provided you have used the cooktop normally.
If the cooktop is used normally and then breaks, it’s a quality issue of glass from the manufacturer’s end which will be dealt with by them.
Violent and rough handling of the cooktop leading to breakage will be repaired with the cost from the customers’ end.
Do keep in mind that a thoroughly broken glass surface of the cooktop cannot be repaired. It has to be replaced.
Summary
Whether broken or not, every cooktop has a lifespan and fixed working hours. However, induction cooktops are not the ones to walk away so soon.
They don’t usually break when used normally unless the quality of the glass is compromised by the manufacturer.
Rough handling and accidents can make them susceptible to cracks and breaks. It is usually the glass surface on top which is most susceptible.
The touch user interface is usually located on the glass surface which becomes vulnerable to damage as well.
The outer body is tough and other parts are encapsulated giving good protection to the main control board, filter board, element coil, and terminal box.
The glass, however, when shattered can break inwards and may damage them depending on breakage intensity and position of these boards and shreds of glass.
If the induction is portable and falls down, then breakage or damage is a possibility depending on the strength applied and distance covered during the fall.
If the body is stainless steel or metal then it is safe to say nothing will happen to the body.
The glass surface will, however, remain vulnerable.
The quality of the cord is usually good with most inductions. So there is no issue of it malfunctioning or breaking away from the induction.
The Final Verdict is – No Induction cannot break easily unless a strong force is applied to it which is greater than the bearing capacity of the glass-ceramic surface.
If you follow these safety instructions, the chances of breakage become negligible. Take care of your cooktop and let it take care care of your cooking.
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