You’ve made up your mind; induction is the way to go. But how much will it cost you to install an induction cooktop in your kitchen? Do you need an electrician to help you install your unit?
Well, if you have been asking yourself these questions, this piece is for you. Today, we’ll answer every question you may have about induction cooktop installation: cost, installation process, whether or not you’ll need an electrician to help you and much more. Let’s get started.
The Cost of Installing an Induction Cooktop
We’ll break it into two categories listed here. However, the short answer is you will spend anywhere between $330 and $700 for a standard induction cooktop installation in your home.
- Cost of buying an induction cooktop
- Fees for induction cooker installation
1. Buying Costs for a New Hob
You can’t really know how much you’ll spend if you don’t include the cost of buying a new induction cooktop. How much will a new induction cooktop/hob cost you? Well, it depends on the brand and type of cooktop you choose. With that said, here’s an overview of how much you can expect to spend.
- Base price range ($60 – $200)
- Mid-price range ($200 – 400)
- Premium range (More than $400)
2. Installation Costs
You can expect to pay something between $70 to $120 depending on the type of induction you buy and the amount of labor required. Only a qualified technician should install your induction cooktop. Hiring someone who is not certified to install your unit will put you and your loved ones in danger. It could also lead to damages that could be too costly for you.
3. Other Cost Considerations
On top of the buying price and installation costs, you may find it necessary to change your electric system, which is not something you can do if you don’t have the right skill. Hiring and changing your electrical system can be a pricy affair. It can cost around $200 or more.
Ventilation may also be an important consideration. If your kitchen has no proper ventilation or the current ventilation can work well with your induction cooktop, you’ll be required to add this cost to your overall project price.
Popular Types of Induction Cooktops
There are five types of induction cooktops. Here’s a brief description of each one of them.
1. Single-element Induction Cooktop
The single-element induction units, as the name suggests, have a one-burner zone where the pot or pan is placed. Since they have only a single food preparation zone, these cooktops cannot be used for simultaneous cooking. These units are usually less costly compared to other types of induction tops and are portable. Single-element induction units operate at 120V and have a MAX wattage of 1800W.
2. Multi-element Induction Cooktop
You guessed it! Multi-element induction cooktops have multiple cooking burners meaning they’re ideal for the simultaneous preparation of different dishes. When people buy a multi-element hob generally, they intend to replace their entire cooking system. These units are a bit pricy and require more space for installation. They are also less portable and have a power rating of up to 3600W.
3. Built-in Induction Cooktop Units
These units are installed to look like they are part of the countertop and have an elegant look. You can install as many as you like, and they are designed for simultaneous cooking. Placement of these hobs should be done carefully, and you should ensure they fit correctly and at the same level as your countertop.
How much do these units cost? Since customization is needed, the installation of built-in induction cooktop units can be a bit pricy. But they are worth it given that they’ll give your kitchen a modern look that will, in turn, boost your home’s value and beauty.
4. Freestanding Countertop Induction Units
These units are freestanding, meaning they don’t require a countertop. You can place them on any flat surface, and they are ready to go (They have to be connected to a power source, though). These units can have multi-burners or single-burns.
Some freestanding countertop induction units also have an oven below the induction top. These units can be used in any kitchen and don’t require you to make significant changes to your kitchen layout.
Freestanding countertop induction cooktops are ideal for people who live in rented houses or students. They come in different power ranges; the range you choose depends on your use.
5. Commercial Induction Units
These cooktops are meant for commercial use. They’re rugged and are designed to withstand bad handling and considerable weight. They have higher power ratings compared to other induction cooktops, and this allows them to prepare dishes in less time.
These units also have broad surfaces that can handle large cookware. They come with electrical circuits, which help avoid any accidental mishaps.
Tip: When buying your induction cooktop, you need to make sure it’ll fit in your kitchen. We recommend taking photos of your kitchen and the dimensions of your countertop before you go shopping for an induction cooktop. This will help you select a unit that will fit perfectly in your kitchen.
Additional questions about the cost of installing an induction cooktop.
Do Induction Cooktops Need Special Wiring?
If you are not installing a commercial induction cooktop the answer is No, the current wiring in your home will work with your induction cooktop. For commercial induction cooktops, you may be required to add special wiring.
Can an Induction Cooktop be Installed Over an Oven?
Yes, they can.
Does Home Depot Charge for the Installation of Appliances?
Yes, they do. How much? Well, that depends on the type of appliance and the labor involved.
Can You Plug an Induction Hob Into a Normal Socket?
Yes, you can.
Can You Stir Fry on Induction?
Yes, you can stir fry on your induction cooktop.
Do I Need an Electrician to Install a Cooktop?
Yes, you do. Electricity is dangerous, and therefore, induction installation is not something you can do yourself if you are not a qualified electrician. What will an electrician do?
- Evaluate the wiring and electrical system in your kitchen to ensure they are safe and meet all the requirements.
- If you had an electrical cooktop, the electrician would help you disconnect the existing electrical cooktop safely.
- Examine the existing electric circuit and test if it can handle your new unit.
- Install your induction using the procedure recommended by the manufacturer and test it to make sure it’s working as required.
Choosing a Technician or Electrician to Help You Install Your Induction Unit?
Here are things you need to keep in mind.
Induction units use electricity and can lead to hazards if not correctly installed. For this reason, it’s paramount that you hire the right person to help you with the installation. But how can you tell if a technician or electrician is right for you? Here are tips that will help you make chose the best technician/electrician.
1. Ask for a Recommendation
A recommendation from a friend or a family member can be invaluable when selecting a technician to help you install your unit. Knowing that they had a great experience and were satisfied with the level of service provided can be a good endorsement. If you can’t find any recommendations from your friends, then you can call the technicians on your shortlist and ask for references.
Call the referee and ask them if they were satisfied with the services the technician provided. Also, ask them if they would hire the technician again. If their feedback is positive, then go ahead and hire the technician.
2. Browse their Website
Once you get recommendations from friends and family, make sure you visit the electrician’s website to find out more about them. The info you should look for should include the type of service offered (Make sure they are skilled in induction installation), work examples, and any discounts offered. Also, look for customer reviews and find out what previous clients are saying about the electrician.
3. Licensed, Insured, and Bonded
It is important to make sure that an electrician/ technician is licensed, insured, and bonded before you hire them and invite them to inspect and install your induction cooktop. Why is this important?
Well, a license is a sure sign that they have the blessing of your local authority to work in your area. It is also a sign that the technicians are skilled and are likely to do a great job. Having an insurance cover will protect you from unnecessary costs should the electrician break or damage anything while installing your induction cooktop.
4. If they’ll be Bringing a Team, Who’ll be in that Team?
Most technicians work as a team. The team may be comprised of other electricians and apprentices. If you are installing a commercial induction cooktop, the electrician you hire will most likely come with a team.
It is good to know exactly who will be on the team and whether or not the primary electrician will be part of the team to avoid any surprises. It is also crucial to make sure that every member of the team is licensed, bonded, and insured, for your safety and peace of mind.
5. Are they Experienced and Certified?
The person you hire must have enough experience and proper training. The more experienced and skilled they are, the more confident you will be that they will provide you with top services and deliver high-quality results for your induction installation.
Before you hire a technician, ask them if they are certified and how long they have been in the business. If they are certified, you are guaranteed that they have at least 3.5 years of experience.
You can also ask if they are diamond certified. Most technicians are becoming diamond-certified to showcase their ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality services for their clients. Having a Diamond Certification is a clear indication that the technician will do an excellent job the first time.
6. How’s their Reputation?
It is paramount to have your ears on the ground when looking for a quality electrician. Visit third-party sites to find out about a technician’s reputation. With that said, be prepared to have a lot of testimonials on quack electricians; after all, we are living in an age of many fake reviews. This, however, doesn’t mean that every review you’ll bump into is fake. No! Some of them will be genuine and legit, and it is crucial to heed their recommendations.
You can also visit the electrician’s website and check out their reviews as an alternative. From their reviews, you can be sure to find more information on the electrician and rate his work. Also, feel free to consult accreditation websites and find out more about a technician’s reputation.
If a majority of the consumers in the certification system feel satisfied with a particular electrician’s work, that has to mean that the electrician in question is good at his work and runs away from those that are poorly rated and have bad reviews to avoid disappointments.
7. Always Make Sure You Have an Estimate
Cases of exaggerated invoices for services offered have been on the rise. And that’s not all. The cases of homeowners being surprised with excess fees to have hit the rooftops. That is why it is vital to have an estimate beforehand. How so?
Well, before embarking on an electrical repair or fixing project, make sure you consult with your service provider on the costs that the said project is likely to accrue. This will prepare you mentally and clear off incidences of added fees and extended timelines.
8. Check Out for Signs of Quality Workmanship
For peace of mind and a successful electrical project, always go for respectful, authentic, and professional electricians. To be assured of genuine customer service, settle on an electrician that offers guarantees and warranties. With this, you can be assured of satisfactory work and extemporary after –sales-services if need be. This is also a sign that your electrician will be good at his job and will most likely give your home the respect any place of work deserves.
9. Go for a Time-conscious Electrician
Every project, including your electrical project, needs a timeframe. Creating a timeline for induction installation helps creates time for other things. This goes without saying that you need a time-conscious electrician.
Given a choice of an electrician who would be willing to offer the required service in a day and one that is looking to provide the same services for an extended duration at the same price, it would be wise to settle on the same-day service electrician. This trait demonstrates efficiency, diligence, and timeliness.
Wrapping Up
We hope that you will find the info we have shared above helpful and time-saving. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about induction technology, feel free to visit our blog for more!
