This must-have induction cooktop feature will make you want to ditch your gas range

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

If you’re a regular reader of Tom’s Guide, you’ll know I am obsessed with induction cooking. Anytime I get the chance, I am writing about the benefits of this cooking method. I’ve even spoken with culinary experts to share why they think it’s worth switching to an induction cooktop.

While I could talk about the joys of induction all day — much to the dismay of my family — there is one function that surpasses all others. Induction cooktops have a superpower that almost makes it worth switching from your electric range or gas range for this benefit alone.

I’m not talking about the precise temperature control, energy efficiency, or even how easy the smooth surface of an induction cooktop is to clean. What really stands out to me is the power boost feature.

Induction’s super power

Steaming pan on induction cooktop — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

The power boost function — also referred to as the boost mode — delivers additional power for a short period of time. Don’t expect to keep it on for any longer than 10 minutes. It’s not designed for prolonged use.

It’s designed for quick tasks, such as boiling a pot of water, or speeding up soup

So, when would you use the power boost mode? It’s designed for quick tasks, such as boiling a pot of water, or speeding up soups and stocks, much faster than your normal time. You can even use it to sear steaks fast.

I used the Power Boost setting on Smeg’s portable induction cooktop, and was impressed with how quickly it boiled a pan of water to cook pasta. I could also see the benefit of cooking vegetables faster, and in doing so, retaining more of their nutrients.

In fact, AEG claims that you can expect to boil a pan of water in 90 seconds, and on its induction cooktop models the power boost function remains active for 10 minutes, before returning to the previous temperature setting.

However, the length of time the power boost function runs will depend on your model, and it could be either five or 10 minutes.

It’s also worth noting that you can’t use boost mode on all burners at the same time. That really would be one big surge of energy that your induction cooktop simply can’t handle. Technically, when the power boost function operates, it’s diverting power from an adjacent burner.

However, that's not really the point of the power boost function; it's designed for occasional use. But when used, it makes a big difference — especially if you are prone to getting impatient waiting for a pan of water to boil.

So, if you’ve decided to make the switch to induction cooking, or are ready to upgrade your current induction appliance, be sure to check that the model you plan to purchase has the power boost feature included.

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Camilla is the Homes Staff Writer and covers everything to do with homes and gardens. She has a wealth of editorial experience, mounting over 30 years, and covers news and features, tests products for reviews and compiles buying guides.

Her work has appeared in business and consumer titles, including Ideal Home, Real Homes, House Beautiful, Homebuilding & Renovation, and Kitchen & Bathroom Business. She’s even appeared on the cover of Your Home, writing about her own house renovation.

Although she’s obsessed with decorating her home, she also enjoys baking and trying out the latest kitchen appliances. But when she’s not inside, you’ll find her pottering about in her yard, tending to her vegetable patch or taking in her prized hydrangeas.

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