Coway launches 'S Induction' cooktop that works with any cookware

Coway announced Wednesday the launch of its S Induction electric range, which supports a wide variety of cookware — including heat-resistant glass pots — beyond the induction-compatible vessels traditionally required.

The S Induction's standout feature is what Coway calls a "smart hybrid burner," which it says is the only one of its kind in South Korea. The burner automatically detects the type of cookware placed on it and selects the appropriate heating method — induction or radiant — eliminating the need to purchase dedicated induction-compatible cookware.

Induction cooktops offer advantages over gas ranges in thermal efficiency and ease of maintenance, but the requirement to use compatible cookware has long frustrated consumers. Glass and ceramic pots and pans that households already owned could not be used on conventional induction cooktops, forcing buyers to replace their entire cookware set when switching.

Coway also upgraded the cooktop's power output and cooking space. The left induction burner delivers up to 3,400W, and a "Plus Zone" feature lets users operate the two left burners separately or link them into a single large cooking surface, accommodating square grills and wide pans.

Each burner has its own control panel with a touch-slide mechanism for adjusting heat levels. A "cookware compatibility check" function measures induction usability and heating efficiency on a scale of 0 to 10 when a vessel is placed on the burner. The cooktop surface uses ceramic glass from Germany's Schott Ceran, rated to withstand temperatures of up to 650 degrees Celsius.

Safety features include a dual-lock mode to prevent operation by children or pets, a full-surface pause function, overheating control, residual heat indicators and automatic power cutoff when boilover is detected — 21 safety systems in total. The unit is available in both built-in and freestanding configurations to suit different kitchen setups.

"This new product applies the country's only smart hybrid heating technology to solve the inconvenience of being limited to induction-only cookware," a Coway official said. "We have also added powerful output, a wide cooking surface and 21 safety features."