Induction is short form for “electromagnetic induction”. Thus, induction simply means generating electricity using magnetism.
So, how does an induction cooker work? Induction cookers use electromagnetism generated by passing an alternating electric current through a copper coil wire placed in an induction stove. That electrical current flow combines with the electrical resistance of the iron in the cookware, resulting in resistive heating for cooking food. As a result, pots and pans get heated up together with the contents in the utensils.
Because induction doesn’t use a traditional outside heat source, only the element in use will become warm due to the heat transferred from the pan. Thus, your cooktops stay cool to the touch, while your food cooks faster as less heat escapes.