Induction vs Infrared Cooker – Which Electric Stove Suits Your Pakistani Kitchen?
Many families in Pakistan are shifting toward electric cooking due to expensive gas cylinders, low-pressure gas supply, and an increase in solar-powered homes. But the biggest concern remains very practical: “Will my current pots actually work on the stove I buy?”
This guide provides a practical, cookware-based decision for Pakistani kitchens. We will compare Induction and Infrared stoves with a clear focus on commonly used items like Deep Cooking Pots (Aluminium), Stainless Steel Pots, Woks (Karahi), Griddles for Roti (Flat Pans), and Traditional Clay Pots.
Let’s find out which stove supports the cookware already in your cabinet.
How They Heat Your Food – Understanding the Technology
Before comparing both cooker first understand how they heat your food:
Induction: Electromagnetic Heat Transfer
- Works only with magnetic cookware
- Directly heats the pot, not the stove surface
- Fastest cooking method currently available
- Very energy efficient (up to 90%)
Infrared: Radiant Heating Through Ceramic Glass
- Ceramic top gets red-hot and transfers heat upward
- Supports almost all cookware types
- Slightly slower but very versatile
- Efficiency between 65–70%
“Bartan Test”: Cookware Compatibility Table
| Cookware Material | Induction | Infrared |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel Pots (Magnetic Base) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Cast Iron Wok (Karahi) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Aluminium Deep Cooking Pots | ❌ | ✔ |
| Traditional Clay Pots / Earthenware | ❌ | ✔ |
| Glass & Ceramic Cookware | ❌ | ✔ |
| Copper Bottom Cookware | ❌ | ✔ |
Cooking Performance – Speed vs Versatility
Speed & Heat Control
- Induction is up to 50% faster than gas and infrared
- Excellent for tea, frying, boiling, quick meals
The “Roti” Factor — A Major Concern for Pakistani Homes
- Infrared works with any griddle/flat pan, Roti cooks perfectly
- Induction needs a magnetic griddle, which is expensive and less common in Pakistan
- Also, induction may turn off if the pan isn’t fully flat or isn’t magnetic enough
Heat Retention for “Dum”
- Infrared stays warm for 10–15 minutes. It is good for Biryani dum, slow cooking
- Induction stops heating instantly when turned off
| Performance Area | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Boiling, Frying, Quick Cooking | Induction |
| Roti Making | Infrared |
| Large family “one-pot meals” in aluminium | Infrared |
| Precise temperature control | Induction |
Electricity Consumption: Which One Saves More Units?
| Feature | Induction | Infrared |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency | ~90% | ~65–70% |
| Heat Loss | Very Low | Higher |
| Monthly Electricity Bill | Lower | Slightly Higher |
If reducing your monthly NEPRA bill is a priority then Induction is more economical.
Safety & Maintenance
| Feature | Induction | Infrared |
|---|---|---|
| Surface cool-to-touch | ✔ | ❌ |
| Burn risk | Very low | High |
| Child safety lock | Often included | Sometimes |
| Pot Detection Auto-Off | ✔ | ❌ |
Induction is clearly safer around children.
Cleaning & Upkeep + Critical Warning
Both stoves have a glass-ceramic top and are easy to clean once cool. But for Infrared:
Thermal Shock Warning
If you wipe the red-hot glass with cold water:
- The glass can crack immediately
- This can cost PKR 3,000–12,000 in repairs
Always wait for the “H” (Hot) Indicator on the display to disappear before cleaning.
Top Recommendations for Pakistani Homes (2026)
Best for New Couples / Small Families
Induction Stove
- Modern
- Fast cooking
- Easy cleaning
- Best with a new cookware set
Also Read to know: Monthly Cost Comparison of Electric vs Gas Cooking.
Best for Solar Users (Load Optimization)
Variable-Wattage Infrared
- You can adjust wattage from 300W–2000W
- Ideal for 1kW–3kW solar systems
- Budget-friendly Pakistani models: Skywood, Sogo, Geepas
Also Read to know: Solar-Friendly Electric Stoves in Pakistan
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use my normal Stainless Steel Pots on Induction?
Only if they are magnet-friendly. Perform the Magnet Test:
Stick a fridge magnet to the pot base, If it sticks strongly, the pot works.
Does Infrared produce harmful radiation?
No. It uses light-based thermal energy, similar to a room heater. Safe for cooking.
Can we make Roti on Induction?
Yes, but you need a magnetic compatible flat pan. Most Pakistani griddles do not work on induction without a special induction base.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Here is the simplest decision rule:
| If you mostly cook with… | Buy… |
|---|---|
| Aluminium Pots, Clay Pots, Pressure Cookers, Big Karahis | Infrared |
| Steel or Cast Iron Cookware and want faster cooking | Induction |
| Solar cooking on controlled wattage | Infrared (variable wattage) |
| Modern kitchen setup with new compatible cookware | Induction |
If you do not want to buy new cookware → Choose Infrared
If you want speed, safety, and savings → Choose Induction