Induction cooktops have been around for some time now, but they really grew in popularity in the mid-2000's. Several brands offer many different models of induction ranges and induction cooktops. What is induction, you ask? Induction ranges look a lot like glass-top electric ranges, however, they transfer heat through electromagnetism into conductive cookware with virtually no trace of heat on the induction element itself. Because of this cooking technology, it is one of the fastest cooking methods. Since, induction heats up only the pan and the food in it, the area around the pan stays cooler to the touch, allowing you to clean up spills and splatters while you cook. No need to wait for the stove to cool down and for food particles to get hard or crusty.