There are two different types of electric cooktops. A radiant-coil electric cooktop and smooth-top model. Here’s what you need to know about each type:
Radiant Coil
This type of electric cooktop works by passing electricity to heat a spiral of flattened metal positioned inside or suspended over the cooktop surface. The heat is then sent out in waves through the metal spiral. The heat settings for radiant coil cooktops range from low to high. This type of model is generally more affordable than smooth-top model cooktops.
However, they are a bit more tricky to keep clean because you must carefully remove the spiral to remove any crumbs that may have come in.
Smooth Top
There are two types of smooth-top electric cooktops: radiant and induction. Much like radiant coil cooktops, radiant smooth-top cookers operate similarly. However, the metal spirals lie under a sleek, smooth ceramic surface, so no crumbs can slip in. This makes smooth top cooktops a lot easier to clean.
Induction smooth-top electric cooktops use electromagnetism to transfer heat to magnetic metal pots and pans. These models are more expensive as they heat up and cool down much faster than others. But remember: induction hobs can only be used with the conductive cookware mentioned above.