Infrared/Radient Cookstove in India: A Sustainable Innovation in Clean Cooking
India has been making steady progress in promoting clean cooking solutions, particularly through the adoption of modern energy cooking appliances. Among the latest innovations in this sector is the infrared cooking stove, a promising technology that offers a sustainable, energy-efficient, and user-friendly alternative to traditional cooking methods.
Understanding Infrared Cooking Technology
Infrared cooking stoves utilise infrared radiation to transfer heat directly to cookware. Unlike conventional stoves that rely on conduction or convection, infrared stoves generate radiant energy that is absorbed by the pot or pan, leading to faster and more even heating. These stoves typically consist of a heating element (often quartz or ceramic), a reflective surface, and a control system that regulates temperature output.
The key differentiator of infrared technology is its ability to achieve high efficiency by minimising heat loss. As a result, infrared stoves can deliver superior performance with lower energy consumption, making them highly suitable for residential and institutional cooking needs in energy-constrained regions.
What Makes Infrared Cooking Unique?
Unlike induction stoves that rely on electromagnetic fields and require ferromagnetic cookware, infrared stoves use radiant heat to transfer energy directly to the cookware surface. This allows for broader compatibility with a wide range of utensils steel, aluminium, copper, ceramic, clay, and even non-flat-bottomed cookware in newer models with curved glass tops.
The latest innovation in this space, curved glass infrared cooktops, represents a significant technological leap. These models do not require flat-bottom cookware, removing one of the main constraints traditionally associated with electric cooktops. This flexibility is particularly appealing in Indian kitchens, where diverse cooking styles require multiple vessel types tawas, kadais, pressure cookers, and handi-style pots.
Market Adoption and Demand Drivers
Based on recent field-level supply chain and market need assessments, a few core trends are driving the rising popularity of infrared cookstoves in India:
a). Cookware Flexibility: Unlike inductions, which limit users to ferromagnetic utensils, infrared stoves are compatible with almost any cookware, including ceramic and earthenware, thus addressing a critical usability gap.
b). Improved Cooking Performance: Infrared stoves offer consistent and focused heating, making them suitable for Indian cooking methods such as deep-frying, boiling, roasting, or making chapatis and dosas. The direct and continuous heat mimics the behaviour of traditional gas flames without the associated safety and health risks.
c). Branding and Consumer Familiarity: Many manufacturers market infrared cooktops under the umbrella of “induction stoves” to leverage existing consumer awareness. However, these new appliances differ significantly in function and benefits, with consumers gradually recognising the superior versatility and performance of infrared systems.
d). Affordability and Operational Cost Savings: Infrared cooktops are generally priced between ₹2,000 and ₹4,000, making them an affordable option for middle-income and budget-conscious households. The absence of recurring LPG refill expenses further enhances their long-term cost-effectiveness.
e). Cleaner Indoor Air and Health Benefits: With no open flame or combustion, infrared stoves eliminate emissions such as carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and carcinogenic compounds (e.g., HCAs, PAHs), supporting cleaner indoor environments an increasingly critical concern post-COVID.
f). Portability and Safety: Their compact design, absence of flame, and no pressure buildup make them ideal for urban homes, rental spaces, hostels, and even rural areas when paired with solar and battery backup systems. However, the glass top gets heated up to 600 degrees Celsius which makes it a bit risky as compared to induction cookstoves.
India’s infrared cooking segment is a mix of imported technology and local assembly. Quartz or ceramic heating elements crucial components of these stoves are primarily imported from China, Taiwan, and South Korea. However, most Indian brands, including Glen, Usha, Prestige, and Surya, undertake domestic assembly using locally sourced components such as outer casings, wiring, and digital interfaces. This hybrid supply chain model supports both affordability and localisation, aligning with the government’s “Make in India” initiative.
Retail availability is robust, with products accessible through e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and IndiaMART, and offline stores such as Croma, Reliance Digital, and regional electronics retailers.
Market Outlook and Opportunities
As India’s electrification rate nears universal access, the potential market for electric cooking solutions is expanding. Infrared stoves, with their compatibility with existing kitchen utensils and low learning curve, could rapidly scale with proper awareness and market support.
Pilot interventions by clean energy enterprises and social impact organisations have shown encouraging results. However, large-scale adoption will require strategic collaborations between manufacturers, distribution networks, and public sector programmes.
Key drivers for scaling adoption include:
a.) Policy Support: Inclusion in government clean cooking schemes and star labelling support for infrared cookstoves like that of induction cookstoves.
b.) Awareness Campaigns: Demonstrations and training at the grassroots level to familiarise users with the technology.
c.) Last-Mile Distribution: Partnerships with SHGs, local entrepreneurs, and rural retail outlets to improve access.
While induction cooktops have been on the market for over a decade, their limited compatibility and uneven performance for traditional Indian recipes restricted widespread adoption. Infrared stoves are now filling that gap, providing consumers with the benefits of electric cooking efficiency, safety, and cost savings without sacrificing cooking style or vessel preference. Infrared cooktops are no longer a niche innovation they are becoming a strategic component of India’s clean energy transition. Their ability to align with government priorities such as clean cooking, air quality improvement, and energy security make them an ideal candidate for integration into larger programmes promoting electric cooking in both urban and rural contexts.