New From IKEA in 2011: $999 Induction Cooktop

We just gave you a recipe for cinnamon rolls just like IKEA's (but better of course!) and now we have a peek at the new IKEA 2011 catalog. While there isn't anything terribly new and exciting for the kitchen, there has been some buzz around the $999 induction cooktop they will start offering soon.

This induction cooktop is made for IKEA by Whirlpool, and they say that the $999 price will bring induction into more homes. Up until now the induction technology has been very expensive in the United States (although more widely implemented in Europe).

GE does offer a model that retails for about $1500, so prices have been dropping. But the IKEA model represents a whole new price level for this technology in the United States. If you are interested in an induction cooktop, this will be a good one for you to take a look at.

Other things in the new catalog: New ovens (including a $1500 double wall oven with convection on top and static heat on the bottom) and a cheerful, brightly-colored line of kitchen gadgets.

• See the entire release IKEA 2011 new products: Catalog 2011

Do you have an induction stovetop? How do you like it?

Article corrected: It originally stated that these cooktops were available for a similar price elsewhere, but this was incorrect.

(Images: IKEA)

Comments (3)

Actually, it does represent a radical price drop from the current market. Both of the product links (and corresponding prices) referenced in the post are for ELECTRIC cooktops, not induction. Comparable induction units are approximately $1,600 (Bosch) and $1,500 (GE). A $999 Ikea induction unit represents a 30% savings over comparable products.

I'm waiting for an affordable induction range. The cheapest I've seen so far is $1500. It's cheaper than a cooktop and wall oven granted, but it's still significantly more expensive than a regular electric or gas range.

One thing to remember is that you can't just bring home an induction cook top or range and plug it in to replace whatever you have in most cases. They usually require a 50 amp breaker and most homes don't have the wiring to accommodate a 50 amp circuit so you have to have new wiring run from the breaker panel which adds considerably more to the cost.