How much weight can you put on an induction cooktop top?
We get asked this quite often. The answer is 'a lot.' You can stand on them! The effective limit is, really, pan size. The cooktop surface is 12” x 13” (305mm x 330mm) for 120V models and 14” x 14” (355mm x 355mm) for 208-240/230V models.
That means the biggest pot, practically speaking, would most likely be a 40-quart (40-liter) stockpot. Assuming it is used at 85% capacity, the contents (based on the weight of water) would weigh 71 lbs. The pan would weigh around 12 lbs., bringing the total to 83 lbs.
Assuming a 15' (380mm) diameter pot, the bottom surface would be around 177 sq. in. (0.12 kg/sq. m), hence the load would be ½ lb. per sq. in. (35g/sq. cm) — so not much.
Weight should not be confused with impact, however. While the material is highly impact-resistant, it does have limits. It has to pass UL tests which include a large steel ball dropped from 21' (53 cm). I have personally seen a 6mm glass-ceramic top informally tested with a 10 lb. bowling ball. It did break eventually, but the test was getting ridiculous by that point!
So, while an induction range will take the weight of the 83 lbs. pan, do not drop it down on it. Place it carefully!
Written by Edward Nunn, Induction Business Development Manager
