Why Are Luxury Kitchens Going All-Electric in 2026?

Induction cooking has evolved from practical alternative to design statement, and PHAD Home Appliance (Pacific Home and Appliance Distribution) carries the premium brands making it happen. Today's induction cooktops deliver precision and speed that match or exceed gas while opening design possibilities that weren't possible five years ago. Visit our showroom at 99-1305 Koaha Pl in Aiea to experience induction technology from Monogram, Café, and GE Profile firsthand.

What Changed About Induction?

A recent New York Times feature explored how induction is reshaping high-end kitchen design across the country. Richard T. Anuszkiewicz, a Nashville-based designer and consultant for Monogram, described installing a sleek black ceramic-glass cooktop into a cantilevered kitchen island topped with wenge, a dark African hardwood. That installation wouldn't be possible with gas or traditional electric. The cooktop stays cool enough to set directly into wood.

"Gas is still coveted by a lot of consumers," Anuszkiewicz told the Times. But induction is "something the design community has grown to understand and really love."

The technology heats cookware through electromagnetic current rather than flame or radiant heat. That means faster response times, precise temperature control from 100 to 500 degrees, and a surface that stays cool to the touch.

Design Freedom for Hawaii Homes

For Hawaii homeowners, especially those in Kakaako condos or Ward Village high-rises, induction opens up kitchen layouts that simply weren't possible before. Designers interviewed in the Times article described embedding cooktops beneath marble-look countertops and setting modular elements flush into surfaces in any configuration.

One designer called induction "the ultimate tool of flexibility." When you can sink a cooktop into a counter, she explained, "you can let the finishes and gorgeous cabinetry really shine."

That flexibility matters in Hawaii's condo market, where kitchens often serve as the visual centerpiece of open floor plans with stunning views. Clean, streamlined designs let the scenery take center stage.

Induction Options at PHAD

As Hawaii's exclusive distributor for the GE family of brands, PHAD carries induction cooktops and ranges from luxury to value. Here's what's available:

Monogram represents the pinnacle of GE's induction technology. The 36-inch induction cooktop features five burners, 19 heat settings, and an optional flush-mount accessory kit for that seamless look designers love. Precision Temperature Control uses a smart pan to maintain exact temperatures from 100 to 500 degrees, perfect for sauces, candies, or stovetop sous vide. The SyncBurners feature connects two elements simultaneously to heat griddles and large cookware evenly. Monogram's 36-inch pro-style induction range adds a 7-inch articulating touchscreen display that swings out for easy viewing, then returns flush with the control panel.

Café delivers design-forward induction with customizable hardware finishes in brushed stainless, black, copper, brass, or flat black. Match your range to your kitchen's personality. The 30-inch slide-in induction range features an 11-inch 3,700-watt element that boils a quart of water in 101 seconds, an in-oven CookCam camera, and guided cooking through the SmartHQ app. The double-oven configuration gives you two independent ovens in one unit. Wi-Fi connectivity lets you monitor burners and adjust settings from your phone, and Chef Connect synchronizes your cooktop with a Café hood or over-the-range microwave.

GE Profile provides smart induction features at a more accessible price point. The 30-inch and 36-inch cooktops include Precision Temperature Control, in-oven CookCam camera options, and synchronized elements for griddles and large pans. Glide-touch controls offer 19 heat settings, and the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish keeps your cooktop looking sharp between cleanings. Smart oven modes automatically adjust temperature and timing for consistent results.

Why Induction Works Well in Hawaii

Beyond design flexibility, induction cooking offers practical advantages for Pacific island homes:

Cooler kitchens. Hawaii's tropical humidity makes any extra heat unwelcome. Induction heats the pan, not the air around it, keeping your kitchen more comfortable.

Safety for multi-generational homes. The cooktop surface stays cool enough to touch within moments of removing a pan. Automatic shutoff activates when cookware is removed, and a control lock prevents unintended activation.

Easier cleaning. Spills don't burn onto the glass surface since it stays cool. A quick wipe handles most cleanup.

Energy efficiency. With Hawaii's electricity rates, efficiency matters. Induction transfers energy directly to cookware with minimal waste, heating 50% faster than gas and using less energy than traditional electric.

Smart Features Across the GE Family

GE Appliances has invested heavily in connected cooking technology, and it shows across the Monogram, Café, and GE Profile induction lines. Precision Temperature Control stands out as a feature unique to GE. Using a smart pan (rebate included with most purchases), you set your burner to an exact degree rather than settling for high, medium, or low. The cooktop maintains that temperature automatically.

Guided Cooking takes it further. Follow along with video recipes through the SmartHQ app, and your burners automatically adjust time and temperature as you cook. It's like having a cooking instructor built into your cooktop.

The SmartHQ app also lets you monitor burner status, view power levels, and receive notifications, all from your phone. For busy Hawaii families juggling kids, work, and pau hana gatherings, that remote visibility adds peace of mind.

See Induction at PHAD's Showroom

The best way to understand induction cooking is to experience it. Visit our showroom at 99-1305 Koaha Pl in Aiea to see working Monogram, Café, and GE Profile induction displays. Watch water boil in under two minutes. Feel how the surface stays cool. Test the responsive controls.

Our team has helped Pacific island homeowners, builders, and designers specify induction for projects across Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island. Whether you're renovating a Kahala kitchen or specifying for a new Kakaako tower, we can help you find the right induction solution from the GE family.

Open Monday through Friday 8 AM to 4 PM and Saturday 10 AM to 3 PM. Call or text 808-564-2493 with questions.