I've covered induction cooking extensively in my time as a Homes Editor. But while it's safer and more energy-efficient than the best electric or best gas ranges, I still find myself resistant to making the switch myself.
When I recently wrote about the one reason I was unwilling to make the switch from my gas cooktop, I was met with considerable criticism from induction cooktop enthusiasts. One commenter called my reason "silly", but look, if I'm scared of scuffing up my cooktop by leaving pans to rest on it, I think that's a valid reason to stick to the cast iron grids of my gas range!
While induction cooking offers a myriad benefits, it's alright to hold out for something tougher-wearing. And I discovered just the product when I went on a recent tour of Hisense's European home appliance factory in Slovenia. After making its debut at IFA 2025, the next generation of induction cooking is well and truly here, and Hisense has made the change I've been patiently waiting for.
Scratch-free, smudge-free cooking is here
Hisense's as-yet unreleased I8555C induction cooktop features a scratch-resistant matte finish. This offers two major benefits.
The first is that it's unlikely to scuff up over time as you move pans around your cooktop surface or leave your cherished cast iron on display, which means it's going to stay looking brand new for longer.
I'm someone who would be perpetually annoyed if I picked up a scratch on my glass cooktop, so this tougher finish resolves one major concern I'd have had about switching away from my gas range.
The second is that it won't become smudged over time. Above is an image of the neighboring induction cooktop, which I wiped with greasy fingers (we'd just been making pastry, so my hands were still a little buttery).
I did the same to the new, matte-finish cooktop, and you can slightly see the fingerprint marks. But the difference is undeniable: you'll spend far less time battling streaks and splashes with a matte induction cooktop.
As a bit of a neat-freak in the kitchen, I'd pick this harder-wearing and less smudge-proof cooktop any day.
Hidden settings give it a minimalist finish
A lot of cooktops have permanent settings on show, but this new model only has a power button which, when activated, shows backlit sliding controls. I enjoyed how minimalist this looked against the countertop, and because it's not a coating on the cooktop surface itself, you won't scratch or degrade the control buttons over time
The font was a little small, but I also enjoyed the buttons which guide you through different intended uses: Melt, Warm, Simmer, Grill and Fry.
Match to your appliances
My kitchen is outfitted with all-black appliances, and while I don't love having to clean up my gas-on-glass cooktop, I do enjoy that it perfectly complements my shiny black oven.
Hisense told me that it'll be rolling out a line of appliances that match the I8555C induction cooktop's matte finish. That means you can get a smudge-free finish on your oven, too.
I'm told this cooktop will be available to purchase before the end of 2025, so I'll update this piece with more purchasing information when I have it.
More from Tom's Guide
- I love my gas range but this portable induction cooktop might have converted me
- My induction cooktop still looks brand new, thanks to these 3 daily rules my family always follows
- 3 things you should never store in your oven
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