Induction ranges/cooktops
 

I'm thinking of adding one to my hysterical historical collection of cookers. Anyone got one? Comments?

no but i have looked at em.and until my current stove takes a crap i don't think i'm gonna be spending the big bucks for one.have to do like the plasma and lcd/led tv's.wait a year or two for the price to drop.

Induction burners are great, but they have a few drawbacks. They have excellent low temp capabilities and can get to heat fast; you need magnetic, metal cookware; and I'm not sure, but I don't think they can be used for "canning" or other cooking that can't be done on a flat glass surface. The individual "hot plate" induction burners are great for doing task (melting chocolate, sauces, fast boil and reductions) that you don't want to do on a cooktop.

I cook almost exclusively on cast iron and old blue steel pans, so the magnetic part would only be an issue with a few AllClad pans I have that are non magnetic stainless. Looks like prices have started to creep down. One of my stoves is not worth fixing and I'm thinking of something in it's place and don't want to run a gas line.

Who sells there individual plate type that you speak of?

Check your local kitchen store but also Amazon or online stores.