Induction cooktops have revolutionized stovetop cooking in recent years, becoming one of the most desirable appliances for any home cook. Prices have dropped a great deal over the past year and the market has become much more competitive, with dozens of affordable electric options. To give you an insight as to the best models on the market, here are our top five best induction cooktops.

#5 Spt 1300-Watt Induction Cooktop

With 7 power settings, an 8 hour timer, touch sensitive panel and automatic pan detection, the 1300-watt cooktop by Spt is a safe and efficient induction burner than produces fine, if not spectacular, results in all but boiling water. This product is slightly let down, however, by a strange lock feature that does not really seem to serve any purpose.

#4 BergHOFF Single Touch Screen Induction Cook Top

Available in single, double and XL options, the BergHOFF touchscreen induction top is a stylish and very capable cooktop with up to 150 minutes of timer settings, adjustable temperature, and overheating protection. The top heats up instantly and performs well in both cooking and warming functions. There are slight issues with maintaining temperature though, and the fan noise may be annoying to some.

#3 Max Burton 6200 Deluxe 1800-Watt Induction Cooktop

The first Max Burton product in our list of induction cooktop reviews is a very powerful warmer/cooker thanks to 1800-watts and 10 power levels. The push button controls and digital display make this cooktop easy to use and the clever unsuitable-cookware detector will ensure you, your crockery and your kitchen remain safe during use. The heat provided is as even as you will find and cooking times tend to average at between 15 and 20 minutes, which is respectable. If there is a downside to this device then it is that boiling water is fairly slow, but we are nitpicking here.

#2 Aroma AID-509 Induction Cooktop

The Aroma AID-509 is a reliable, good quality cooktop at a very affordable price. The slim profile appliance packs in seven heat settings, a 180-minute program timer, and automatic shut off feature, providing and maintaining steady, even heat for cooking and warming. By its very design, the Aroma is much more cost-friendly than a gas stove and is effortlessly easy to clean. A solid choice for your countertop.

#1 Max Burton 6050 Induction Cooktop, Stainless Steel and Black

The second of the Max Burton’s on the list, the 6050 is our best induction cooktop of 2016 for a number of reasons. Not only is it the most powerful model of those we reviewed (along with the Max Burton 6200), its settings are excellent and the response to changes are immediate, with even heat across all 10 heat levels (from 140-degree to 450-degree). Build quality is second-to-none, the device is easy to operate, and, crucially, the fan is quiet. It is the most expensive induction cooktop of the five featured, but the extra outlay is very much worth it.