How Long Do Induction Cooktops Last (Explained)

Due to various factors, no one is able to tell in advance on how long do induction cooktops last!

There are different elements that needs to be taken into account to predict the lifespan of an induction cooktop.

In this blog post, I will highlight five points that could affect the lifespan of an induction hob.

Let’s jump in…

What is the Life Expectancy of an Induction Cooktop?

Induction cooktops are expected to have a life expectancy of 5 to 10 years. But there are contributing factors that could alter the lifespan of an induction hob. They are the following — Concept and Design, Quality of critical components, Installation design, Usage, and Maintenance.

Induction Cooktop Concept and Design

There have been many cases or instances (e.g., cars, toys, laptop batteries, etc) that failure to identify even the slightest details in any design can result to poor performance!

Worse, it can lead to safety issue that would likely to cause accidents or endanger the user — which in the end could lead to product recall.

And an induction cooktop is no exception!

Since induction hobs generates high power, therefore, creating the right concept and design is crucial.

This is especially vital for multiple cooking zones and the popular slim designs of induction hobs.

The integration of necessary safety features is very important that could prolong the life expectancy of an induction cooktop.

Notwithstanding, the designer’s choice of components and materials to use is paramount in achieving the longest possible lifespan of the induction cooker (or any other product, for that matter).

Quality of Critical and other Components

Choosing the right component for induction cooktop is crucial to its overall perfomance and life cycle.

One critical component for induction cooktop is the induction coil.

Basically, it is the heart and soul of induction cookers!

And it could greatly affect the lifespan as well as the cost.

Here are some examples of induction coil designs:

In the above photo, the induction coil on the left is made by one of the top producer of heating elements — known for their high quality standard and reliability.

Many premium brands are utilizing this component, but the induction cooktop will come with a higher price tag!

While the below photo…

These induction coils are own and designed in-house by an induction hob supplier.

They have done extensive design matching and testing and made it through the safety approval process.

Producing their own critical component gives them more control in maintaining the quality.

Induction coil is just one of many components an induction cooker has — and of course, all other components are as important!

All other materials included in the design that had passed the safety test requirements shouldn’t be changed.

Because there is a high possibility that the lifespan of the induction cooker will be affected when approved components are changed.

Induction Cooktop Installation

Another area that could impact the lifespan of an induction cooker is the way it was installed.

This is mainly concerning the built-in models.

Induction cookers generates extensive heat that is mostly collected inside or around the induction coils.

It is for this reason that there are cooling fan installed near the coils to blow away the heat and out of the housing vents.

When installing, make sure the ventilations are not blocked!

Strictly follow what is recommended on the installation guide — there should be enough gap especially at the bottom where the vents are located.

Don’t place anything inside the compartment that could block the ventilation openings.

Usage of Induction Cooktop

While induction cooktops are tested for reliability — this one factor always contributes to the outcome of how long the induction cooker would last.

One must observed the best practices in order to maximize the lifespan of your induction cooktop.

Read and understand the instruction manual carefully, so that abnormal usage could be prevented.

One good example is allowing spillage — the worst-case scenario I see is when the water overflow then enters the inner part of the housing that could result to short circuit and damage the induction cooker.

Remember, induction cooktops are not cheap investments — using them wrongly could result in a shorter life cycle!

Proper Care and Maintenance

Another aspect that is often ignored and neglected is the proper care and maintenance of induction cooktops.

In my experience, we have received some returned units that are not functioning.

But after dismantling the unit to investigate, it was found that bugs have made a nice home inside.

Once this thing happens, it is a sure cause of many problems.

Remember this is a cooktop (that you use to cook food) that could literally invite unwanted visitors at night when not handled properly.

Bug’s waste can become conductive.

It will result in short-circuit when it piles up inside the printed circuit board — which could damage the induction hob.

By keeping the installation compartment clean and free from unwanted objects will greatly help.

Likewise, keeping the induction cooktop and the surrounding area tidy always after cooking will offer more benefits than not cleaning at all.

Final Thoughts

So, while an induction cooktop design is expected to last 5 to 10 years, it is not guaranteed.

It could even be shorter than five years. In the same manner, it could also go beyond ten years and would still be functioning fine.

And as I have explained above, there are different factors to consider.

In summary they are the following;

• Induction Cooktop Concept and Design – possible problems that have not been identified during the development stages can affect the overall performance and the lifespan of induction cooktops.

• Quality of Critical and other Components – components are all tested for reliability and can only be used after passing the approval process. However, components have tolerances that at some point just break down. Thus, affecting the lifespan of the induction cookers. What’s more, if the supplier changes approved components to an alternative parts — this can also impact the life cycle of the induction hobs.

• Induction Cooktop Installation – if installation is not done properly it could surely influence the lifespan of the induction cooktops. Proper installation must be observed and according to the supplied installation guide.

• Usage of Induction Cooktop – abnormal usage can shorten the life expectancy of the induction cooktops. Best practices on proper usage should be adhered to by reading and understanding the safety instructions.

• Proper Care and Maintenance – not paying attention to the best practices for proper care of induction cooktop could result to its shorter life. For example, a good habit should be established such as cleaning it regularly thus limiting the chance of a bug from migrating and entering inside the housing of the cooktop.

So, there you have it, folks!

I hope that I have shared some useful information here!

If you have any questions or suggestions, or if you feel some information is lacking…

please leave them in the comments below, and I will answer them as soon as I can and to the best of my knowledge.

Thanks!