[kergonath]

> Compare to a stovetop where there's a big heavy pot between the element and the water, and it's not in complete contact with it.

You’re describing resistive stovetops, not induction ones where the heating element is the bottom of the pot itself.

> Also often the heating element is underneath a piece of glass.

These things under the glass do not heat anything. They are there to induce some electric current in the bottom of the pan you put on top, which actually does the heating.

[kalleboo]

> These things under the glass do not heat anything

Glass infrared cookers also exist, my parents had one back in the 90's before induction was much of a thing. It was touted as easy to clean (and looks cool)

[kergonath]

Yes, you’re right, I forgot about those!

They are mostly historical curiosities now, right? Not as cheap as simple resistive cookers, and worse in about all respects than induction ones.

[napoleongl]

Probably depends on your location. They are still sold here in Sweden for instance, but otoh almost nobody has a gas stove since electricity used to be dirt cheap here.

[p1necone]

I have one! I think they're still pretty common in New Zealand too.

They're awful though, I've only got one because I'm renting. The old school exposed spiral element ones are the best non induction electric stoves imo.