Induction Cooker vs Ceramic Cooker — What's the Difference? Complete Guide Singapore 2026

Published by PowerPac | Updated September 2026

Confused about whether to buy an induction cooker or a ceramic cooker? You are not alone. This is one of the most common questions Singapore households ask before buying a cooker — and the answer makes a real difference to how you cook every day.

Walk into any Singapore electronics store or browse online and you will find two types of countertop electric cookers sitting side by side — induction cookers and ceramic cookers. They look almost identical from the outside. Both have a flat glass surface. Both plug into a standard wall socket. Both replace gas cooking safely and cleanly.

But underneath that glass surface, they work in completely different ways — and that difference determines which pots you can use, how fast your food cooks, and which type is right for your kitchen.

This guide explains everything clearly — how each technology works, the key differences, which situations each is best for, and which PowerPac model suits your household.

The Simple Answer — The Key Difference in One Sentence

An induction cooker heats only magnetic pots directly through electromagnetic technology — it requires special induction-compatible cookware. A ceramic cooker heats any pot using far-infrared light — it works with every type of cookware you already own.

How an Induction Cooker Works

<cite index="28-1">The PowerPac Induction Cooker consists of copper coils beneath a ceramic crystal plate. When electricity runs through the copper coils, it "induces" a magnetic field.</cite>

Here is what happens step by step:

1. Electricity flows through copper coils hidden beneath the glass surface
2. The coils generate a powerful magnetic field
3. When a magnetic pot is placed on the surface, the magnetic field creates electrical currents inside the pot itself
4. These currents generate heat — directly inside the pot's base
5. The pot heats up and cooks your food

The critical point: The glass surface itself does not get hot. Only the pot gets hot — because the heat is generated inside the pot, not transferred from the cooker surface.

This is why induction cookers are considered the safest cooking technology — if you touch the glass surface while cooking, it is only warm (from the pot above it), not dangerously hot.

What Cookware Works with an Induction Cooker?

Only cookware with a magnetic base works on an induction cooker. To test if your existing pots are compatible — hold a fridge magnet to the bottom of the pot. If it sticks firmly, the pot is induction-compatible.

How a Ceramic Cooker Works

<cite index="30-1">The PowerPac Ceramic Cooker makes use of far-infrared light to heat food. Its main characteristics include high-tech far-infrared heating — it uses the far infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, which is entirely safe and poses no danger to health.</cite>

Here is what happens step by step:

1. Electricity flows through a heating element beneath the glass surface
2. The element generates far-infrared radiation — a form of heat energy
3. The far-infrared light passes through the glass surface and heats whatever is placed on top
4. The pot heats up and cooks your food
5. The glass surface also becomes hot — similar to a traditional electric stove

The critical point: Because ceramic cookers use infrared radiation (heat energy), they can heat any material — magnetic or non-magnetic. Your aluminium wok, copper pot, ceramic casserole, glass bowl, claypot, or sand pot all work perfectly.

What Cookware Works with a Ceramic Cooker?

<cite index="30-1">Any pot can be used — iron, aluminium, copper, ceramics, marmite, heat-resistant glass, and any heat-resistant utensil can be used as well.</cite>

Side-by-Side Comparison — Induction vs Ceramic

🎊 Chinese New Year Must-Have — Family Reunion Dinner Essentials

Chinese New Year reunion dinner is one of the most important meals of the year — the whole family gathered around the table, steamboat bubbling, dishes simmering, and laughter filling the home. PowerPac's cookers are designed exactly for this moment.

These 6 models are the must-have CNY reunion dinner essentials:

🍲 How Singapore Families Use These for CNY Reunion Dinner

Steamboat (火锅) — The CNY CentrepieceThe PPIC887, PPIC848, PPIC888 induction sets and PPIC832, PPIC880 ceramic cookers are all perfect for the reunion steamboat — place on the dining table, fill with your preferred broth, and let the whole family cook their own ingredients together. The ceramic models accept any existing steamboat pot your family already owns — including traditional claypots and inherited steamboat vessels.

Keeping Dishes WarmUse the PPIC831 on a separate burner to keep side dishes, dipping sauces, and vegetable dishes warm throughout the long reunion dinner — so every dish stays hot from the first course to the last.

Double Steamboat for Large GatheringsFor large extended family gatherings with two soup bases — pairing a PPIC880 (spicy broth) with a PPIC832 (clear broth) gives every guest their preference simultaneously.

💡 CNY Tip: Order your PowerPac steamboat cooker early — stock runs low during the CNY festive period. Free delivery above $30 at www.powerpac.com.sg.

Which One Is Right for You?

✅ Choose an Induction Cooker if:

• You already own induction-compatible stainless steel or cast iron pots
• You cook frequently and want the fastest, most responsive heating
• You have young children and want the coolest possible cooker surface
• You want to precisely control cooking temperature for delicate dishes
• You have pacemaker concerns — note that induction cookers should not be used by people with pacemakers

✅ Choose a Ceramic Cooker if:

• You own aluminium woks, copper pots, ceramic casseroles, glass pots, claypots, or sand pots
• You do not want to replace your existing cookware
• You love claypot rice, claypot soups, and traditional Singapore cooking methods
• You want to use your existing cooking equipment without any changes
• You host steamboat regularly and want any pot to work

✅ The Clearest Rule:

If you are not sure whether your existing pots are induction-compatible — buy a ceramic cooker. It works with everything, every time, no exceptions.

PowerPac Induction Cooker Range

All PowerPac induction cookers use copper coils beneath a ceramic crystal plate to generate electromagnetic heat directly inside magnetic pots. Requires induction-compatible cookware (magnetic base).

💡 Power Output Guide for PPIC889 & PPIC885:

• Standard 13A plug top (included) — heats up to 2800W
• Upgrade to 15A plug — heats up to 3500W / 3600W
• Connect directly to 20A isolator — heats up to 3500W / 3600W (maximum power)

For full commercial performance, connect via a 15A plug or directly to a 20A isolator — recommended for restaurants, hawker stalls, and commercial kitchens.

PPIC887 — Induction Cooker Steamboat Set with Stainless Steel Pot

Best for: Steamboat lovers, complete set buyers, households with induction-compatible pots** 💚 NEA Climate Voucher Eligible | 🍲 FREE Stainless Steel Pot Included

The PPIC887 comes as a complete steamboat set — induction cooker plus FREE stainless steel pot included — ready to use from day one. Fast electromagnetic heating delivers even, consistent results with no hot spots. Use your $400 NEA Climate Voucher to offset the purchase price.

Key features:

• ✅ FREE stainless steel pot included — complete and ready to use immediately
• ✅ NEA Climate Voucher eligible — use your $400 government benefit
• ✅ Fast electromagnetic induction heating — heats evenly with no hot spots
• ✅ No flame, no gas — very safe to use in the kitchen
• ✅ Energy-efficient — more efficient than gas flame or electric hot plate
• ✅ Bottom of utensil stays clean — no black patches
• ✅ Easy-clean ceramic crystal plate surface

Best for: Households that love steamboat, first-time induction cooker buyers who want a complete ready-to-use set, Climate Voucher holders looking for maximum value.

PPIC848 — Induction Cooker Steamboat Set with Stainless Steel Pot & Overheat Protection

Best for: Families wanting extra safety, steamboat cooking, long cooking sessions** 💚 NEA Climate Voucher Eligible | 🍲 FREE Stainless Steel Pot Included

The PPIC848 steps up from the PPIC887 with the addition of overheat protection — an automatic safety feature that monitors the cooker's temperature and shuts off automatically if it overheats. Comes with a FREE stainless steel pot and is NEA Climate Voucher eligible.

Key features:

• ✅ FREE stainless steel pot included — complete and ready to use immediately
• ✅ NEA Climate Voucher eligible — use your $400 government benefit
• ✅ Overheat protection — automatic shut-off for added safety
• ✅ Fast electromagnetic induction heating
• ✅ No flame, no gas — safe for the whole family
• ✅ Energy-efficient operation
• ✅ Easy-clean ceramic crystal plate surface

Best for: Families with young children or elderly members, households wanting extra safety protection, steamboat lovers who cook for extended periods, Climate Voucher holders.

PPIC888 — Steamboat Induction Cooker with Stainless Steel Pot

Best for: Regular steamboat households, complete set buyers** 💚 NEA Climate Voucher Eligible | 🍲 FREE Stainless Steel Pot Included

Even heating throughout the pot — no hot spots, no burnt patches. The PPIC888 delivers consistent induction performance in a complete steamboat set with no flame, no gas, and no carbon monoxide. Comes with a FREE stainless steel pot and is NEA Climate Voucher eligible.

Key features:

• ✅ FREE stainless steel pot included — complete and ready to use immediately
• ✅ NEA Climate Voucher eligible — use your $400 government benefit
• ✅ Even heating — no hot spots, no burnt patches on pot
• ✅ No flame, no gas, no carbon monoxide
• ✅ Surface plate not heated — very safe
• ✅ More energy-efficient than gas flame or electric hot plate
• ✅ Easy-clean ceramic crystal plate

Best for: Regular steamboat and hotpot households, buyers wanting a reliable complete induction cooker set, Climate Voucher holders.

PPIC889 — Commercial Induction Cooker 👑

Best for: Restaurants, hawker stalls, catering operations, professional kitchens**

(cite index="38-1">Experience commercial-grade cooking with the PowerPac Commercial Induction Cooker PPIC889. Designed for professional kitchens, restaurants, food stalls, catering operations.</cite>

The PPIC889 is PowerPac's most powerful induction cooker — a commercial-grade unit built for the demanding environment of professional kitchens, hawker stalls, catering businesses, and restaurants. With the standard 13A plug top included, it delivers 2800W — upgrade to a 15A plug or connect directly to a 20A isolator for full maximum power output.

Key features:

• ✅ Up to 3600W commercial-grade power — 2800W with 13A plug; full power with 15A plug or 20A isolator
• ✅ Standard 13A Singapore plug top included
• ✅ Built for restaurants, hawker stalls, catering, and professional kitchens
• ✅ Fast high-volume heating — handles large pots and commercial quantities
• ✅ Durable construction — built for heavy daily commercial use
• ✅ No flame, no gas — safe for commercial kitchen environments

Best for: Restaurants, hawker stalls, catering businesses, bubble tea shops, commercial kitchens — anywhere professional-level induction power is needed.

PowerPac Ceramic Cooker Range

All PowerPac ceramic cookers use far-infrared technology — working with every type of cookware including aluminium, glass, ceramic, claypot, copper, and stainless steel. No electromagnetic radiation. Safe for everyone including pacemaker users.

PPIC831 — Ceramic Infrared Cooker

Best for: Everyday family cooking, all cookware types**

The PowerPac PPIC831 Ceramic Cooker makes use of far-infrared light to heat food. Especially suitable for modern family cooking — a straightforward, reliable ceramic cooker that works with any pot you already own. Simple controls, consistent performance, and any-pot compatibility.

Key features:

• ✅ Far-infrared technology — works with ALL cookware
• ✅ Multiple cooking functions including warming
• ✅ No electromagnetic radiation — safe for everyone
• ✅ No gas, no flame — environmentally friendly
• ✅ Easy-clean smooth ceramic glass surface
• ✅ Overheat and high-voltage protection

Best for: Everyday household cooking, first-time ceramic cooker buyers.

PPIC832 — 2000W Ceramic Cooker Steamboat

Best for: Steamboat, hotpot, any pot cooking**

(cite index="30-1">The PowerPac Ceramic Cooker Steamboat PPIC832 makes use of far-infrared light to heat food. It is especially suitable for modern family cooking. It includes many cooking functions including warming. Any pot can be used — iron, aluminium, copper, ceramics, marmite, heat-resistant glass, and any heat-resistant utensil.</cite>

(cite index="26-1">Highly efficient infrared heating technology — faster than standard induction cookers. Suitable for use with any types of pots and pans. No high frequency electromagnetic radiation nor harmful substances produced. Cook safely without gas or fire, reducing pollution, which is environmentally-friendly. Energy efficiency: 93–94%.</cite>

Key features:

• ✅ 2000W — 93 to 94% energy efficiency
• ✅ Works with ALL cookware — including glass tables
• ✅ No electromagnetic radiation — safe for everyone
• ✅ Overheat protection — surface over 650°C auto shut-off
• ✅ High-voltage protection — shuts off if voltage exceeds 275V
• ✅ Ideal for steamboat, hotpot, and everyday cooking
• ✅ Dimensions: 360(L) × 280(W) × 55(H)mm

Best for: Families who love steamboat and hotpot, households with any existing cookware.

PPIC861 — Single Stove Ceramic Cooker

Best for: Singles, couples, compact kitchens, hawkers slow-heating sauces & ingredients**

(cite index="44-1">The PowerPac Single Stove Ceramic Cooker PPIC861 uses far-infrared technology to heat food efficiently and safely, making it an ideal choice.</cite> PowerPac's compact single-stove ceramic cooker — perfect for smaller households that need a reliable, any-pot cooker. It is also widely used by hawkers and F&B operators who need a dedicated burner to slow-heat sauces, gravies, soups, and ingredients at a steady low temperature throughout service hours — keeping everything warm and ready without the risk of burning or boiling dry.

Key features:

• ✅ Compact single-stove design — smaller footprint
• ✅ Far-infrared technology — works with ALL cookware
• ✅ Ideal for hawkers — slow-heat sauces, gravies, and ingredients during service
• ✅ Stable low-temperature heating — no burning, no boiling dry
• ✅ No electromagnetic radiation
• ✅ No gas, no flame — safe and clean
• ✅ Easy-clean ceramic glass surface
• ✅ Overheat protection

Best for: Singles, couples, compact kitchens — and hawkers and F&B operators who need a dedicated burner for slow-heating sauces, soups, and ingredients.

PPIC880 — 2000W Ceramic Cooker Steamboat with Soft-Touch Controls

Best for: Steamboat, hotpot, soft-touch controls, modern design**

(cite index="41-1">The PowerPac Ceramic Cooker Steamboat PPIC880: Highly efficient infrared cooking technology without gas and fire. No high frequency electromagnetic radiation. Suitable to use with any types of pots and pans. No harmful substances, safe and easy to use. Environmentally-friendly and pollution free. Soft touch, preset function. Ceramic glass surface is easy to clean. Power: up to 2000W. Voltage: 220V–240V, 50–60Hz.</cite>

The PPIC880 is the premium everyday ceramic cooker featuring soft-touch controls and preset functions. After turning off, the screen displays "HOR" indicating the cooker is cooling down with its interior fan — this is normal operation.

Key features:

• ✅ 2000W — powerful far-infrared heating
• ✅ Soft-touch controls + preset functions — premium user experience
• ✅ Works with ALL pot types — any pot, any material
• ✅ No high-frequency electromagnetic radiation
• ✅ Interior cooling fan — safe cool-down after use
• ✅ Easy-clean ceramic glass surface

Best for: Households wanting soft-touch control and preset functions, steamboat and everyday cooking.

PPIC862 — Double Ceramic Cooker & Double Burner

Best for: Families cooking multiple dishes simultaneously, Deepavali & festive cooking, hawkers slow-heating sauces & ingredients**

The PPIC862 is PowerPac’s dual-zone ceramic cooker — two independent far-infrared ceramic heating zones on one unit, allowing you to cook two completely different dishes at different temperatures simultaneously.

For hawkers and F&B operators, the PPIC862 is a practical solution for keeping two different sauces, soups, or ingredients warm simultaneously during service — one zone for the main broth or gravy, the other for a secondary sauce or side ingredient — all without gas, all without flame, on one compact unit.

For Indian households preparing multiple festive dishes for Deepavali, Chinese families cooking for Chinese New Year reunion dinner, or any family that regularly needs two burners — the PPIC862 delivers both in one portable, any-pot unit.

Key features:

• ✅ Dual far-infrared ceramic heating zones — cook 2 dishes simultaneously
• ✅ Independent temperature control for each zone
• ✅ Ideal for hawkers — slow-heat two different sauces or ingredients simultaneously
• ✅ Works with ALL cookware on both zones
• ✅ No electromagnetic radiation — safe for everyone
• ✅ No gas, no flame — safe for hawker and food stall environments
• ✅ Ideal for festive cooking — Deepavali, Chinese New Year, Hari Raya
• ✅ Portable — use at the dining table for dual steamboat

Best for: Families cooking multiple dishes simultaneously, festive cooking, large households — and hawkers and F&B operators who need two dedicated burners for slow-heating sauces and ingredients.

PPIC885 — 3500W Professional Ceramic Cooker 👑

Best for: Restaurants, hawker stalls, catering businesses, commercial kitchens**

(cite index="42-1">Cook with professional-grade power using the PowerPac Professional Ceramic Cooker PPIC885. Designed for commercial kitchens, restaurants, food stalls, catering businesses, and serious home chefs. It combines 3500W heating power with advanced ceramic infrared technology for fast and reliable cooking. Intelligent microchip control maintains stable heat and precise temperature control. Works with stainless steel, aluminium, cast iron, ceramic, glass, and heat-resistant cookware. No gas or open flame, no carbon monoxide. No high-frequency electromagnetic radiation. 93–94% energy efficiency.</cite>

⚠️ As a commercial appliance, the PPIC885 does not require a Singapore Safety Mark. Comes with 24-month warranty with proof of purchase.

💡 Power Output Guide:

• Standard 13A plug top (included) — heats up to 2800W
• Upgrade to 15A plug — heats up to 3500W
• Connect directly to 20A isolator — heats up to 3500W (maximum power)

For full 3500W commercial performance, connect via a 15A plug or directly to a 20A isolator — recommended for restaurants, hawker stalls, and commercial kitchens where maximum power is needed.

Key features:

• ✅ Up to 3500W commercial-grade power — 2800W with standard 13A plug; full 3500W with 15A plug or 20A isolator
• ✅ Intelligent microchip control — stable heat and precise temperature
• ✅ Works with ALL flat-bottom cookware
• ✅ No gas, no open flame, no carbon monoxide
• ✅ No high-frequency electromagnetic radiation
• ✅ 93–94% energy efficiency
• ✅ Standard 13A Singapore plug top included
• ✅ 24-month warranty

Best for: Restaurants, hawker stalls, catering businesses, food stalls, bubble tea shops, commercial kitchens.

Quick Model Guide — Which PowerPac Cooker Should You Choose?

Common Singapore Cooking Scenarios — Which Cooker Wins?

🍲 Steamboat & Hotpot

Winner: Ceramic CookerAny pot works — your existing stainless steel pot, the steamboat pot your mother gave you, or even a claypot for a rustic hotpot experience. No need to buy a new induction-compatible pot.

🥘 Claypot Rice & Claypot Soup

Winner: Ceramic CookerClaypots are non-magnetic and will not work on an induction cooker. The ceramic cooker's far-infrared technology heats any clay, earthenware, or sand pot perfectly.

🍜 Boiling Soup & Noodles

Winner: EitherBoth work well for soups and noodles. If you use a stainless steel pot, both work. If you use a ceramic or glass pot, choose ceramic.

🥗 Stir-Frying with Aluminium Wok

Winner: Ceramic CookerMost Singapore households use aluminium woks — which are not induction-compatible. The ceramic cooker heats your aluminium wok just like a gas stove.

🎉 Indian Festive Cooking — Multiple Dishes

Winner: PPIC862A Double Ceramic CookerCook dal on one zone and biryani on the other simultaneously — both using your existing Indian cooking pots.

⚡ Fastest Boiling Speed

Winner: Induction CookerInduction cookers are marginally faster because they heat the pot directly through electromagnetic induction — with very little energy lost to the environment.

Safety — An Important Note About Pacemakers

⚠️ Induction cookers generate electromagnetic fields. People with pacemakers or other implanted electronic medical devices should consult their doctor before using an induction cooker. Ceramic cookers produce no electromagnetic radiation — they are safe for everyone including pacemaker users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my ceramic pot on an induction cooker?No — ceramic pots are not magnetic and will not work on an induction cooker. Use a ceramic cooker instead, which heats ceramic, glass, and all non-magnetic pots perfectly.

Can I use my existing aluminium wok on a ceramic cooker?Yes — the ceramic cooker's far-infrared technology heats aluminium, copper, glass, ceramic, and all other cookware types without any compatibility issues.

Which is faster — induction or ceramic?Induction cookers are marginally faster because they generate heat directly inside the pot. However, <cite index="26-1">PowerPac's ceramic cooker uses highly efficient infrared heating technology — faster than standard induction cookers</cite> in many real-world cooking scenarios due to its 93–94% energy efficiency.

Is a ceramic cooker safe for glass dining tables?<cite index="26-1">The PowerPac PPIC832 is suitable for glass tables.</cite> Always ensure a heat-resistant mat is used between the cooker and the table surface.

Do I need to replace all my pots if I buy an induction cooker?Only if your existing pots are non-magnetic (aluminium, copper, ceramic, glass). Test with a fridge magnet — if it sticks firmly to the pot base, the pot is induction-compatible. If you have any doubt, choose a ceramic cooker which works with all existing cookware.

Can I use a ceramic cooker on a gas stove?No — ceramic cookers and induction cookers are standalone electric appliances. They plug into a wall socket and are used on a countertop, not on a gas stove.

Which is better for Deepavali cooking?The PPIC862A Double Ceramic Cooker is the best choice for festive cooking — two independent ceramic zones allow you to cook two dishes simultaneously using your existing pots, without any compatibility concerns.

Where can I buy PowerPac cookers in Singapore?PowerPac cookers are available at www.powerpac.com.sg, Shopee at shopee.sg/powerpac, Lazada at lazada.sg/powerpac, NTUC FairPrice, Giant Hypermarket, and selected MR.DIY stores island-wide.

The Final Verdict — Which Should You Buy?

For most Singapore households — especially those that already own aluminium woks, ceramic casseroles, claypots, or glass pots — the ceramic cooker is the smarter, more versatile choice. It works with everything you already own, produces no electromagnetic radiation, and is safe for every member of the family including pacemaker users.

If you already own a full set of induction-compatible stainless steel cookware and want the fastest possible heating speed — the induction cooker is an excellent choice.

When in doubt — choose ceramic. It works with everything.

Shop PowerPac Cookers Today

Shop the complete PowerPac cooker range:👉 www.powerpac.com.sg/collections/induction-cooker🛍️ Shopee: shopee.sg/powerpac 🛒 Lazada: lazada.sg/powerpac 🏪 NTUC FairPrice | Giant Hypermarket | Selected MR.DIY stores

💰 Save with promo codes:

• POWER4 — $4 off, min. spend $40
• POWER7 — $7 off, min. spend $70
• POWER10 — $10 off, min. spend $100

🚚 FREE islandwide delivery for orders above $30

📞 Need help choosing? +65 6214 9555 | sales@powerpac.com.sg