Cooktops in high demand as West Asia war alters household habits

Kolkata: Home appliances makers are ramping up production of induction cooktops even as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies are returning to normal, betting that the West Asia crisis has permanently altered cooking habits in some kitchens and households will increasingly adopt a hybrid approach that combines LPG and induction cooking.

The category continues to see new entrants, while contract manufacturers remain swamped with increased demand, with orders for the July-September quarter running at least twice the levels seen a year ago. Industry expects the market to expand to nearly seven million units in 2026 from about four million units in 2025.

"The induction cooktop order book for the July-September quarter is extremely strong, with production volumes at twice last year's level," said Ajay DD Singhania, managing director at Epack Durable, which manufactures induction cooktops for multiple brands. "A lot of new brands have entered the category, attracted by the opportunity. Consumers are now buying induction cooktops as an alternative mode of cooking rather than merely as a substitute."


More than 240 brands are now operating in the induction cooktop segment, up from 60-70 a year ago, according to industry estimates. The premium segment is also witnessing a surge in new launches as affluent urban households increasingly adopt the product.

Saif Khan, managing director of German appliance maker BSH India, which sells home appliances under the Bosch and Siemens brands, said many households continue to buy induction cooktops as a backup for their kitchens. The company is entering the segment under the Bosch brand.

The LPG supply disruption during the Iran war triggered an unprecedented surge in demand for induction cooktops, with retail shelves running out of stock and ecommerce platforms quickly selling out, leading to long waiting periods for deliveries. The government urged the industry to expand manufacturing and sought feedback from companies on removing barriers to greater localisation. It has also been promoting the use of induction cooktops in commercial kitchens.