With LPG cylinders hitting ₹913 in Delhi and induction cooktops selling out across Blinkit, Zepto, Amazon and Flipkart within hours of restocking, finding one under ₹2000 has become harder than it sounds. Here are five models that are worth buying the moment you find them in stock — all proven, all affordable, all capable of replacing your gas burner for daily cooking.

Why You Need to Act Fast

Induction cooktop sales are up 20–30 times on Amazon and Flipkart compared to last week. Blinkit, Zepto and Swiggy Instamart are showing out-of-stock across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Chennai. Physical stores including Croma and Vijay Sales are reporting 3–4 times their normal daily sales. If you see any of these five models in stock anywhere — buy immediately. Waiting 24 hours means it will likely be gone.

Pigeon by Stovekraft Cruise 1800 Watt Induction Cooktop — Around ₹1,299–₹1,499

The Pigeon Cruise is the most popular entry-level induction cooktop in India for good reason. At 1800 watts it handles pressure cooking, boiling, frying and simmering without complaint. It has seven preset cooking modes, a feather-touch control panel, and an auto-shut off function for safety. The flat glass surface cleans in seconds. Pigeon — owned by Stovekraft, whose stock surged 9.42% this week on the back of exactly this demand — has the widest distribution network of any induction brand in India, meaning it is most likely to restock fastest across all platforms. Check Amazon, Flipkart and Blinkit simultaneously. This is the one to prioritise if budget is the primary concern.

Philips Viva Collection HD4928 2100 Watt Induction Cooktop — Around ₹1,799–₹1,999

Philips brings European build quality to a price point that was unthinkable five years ago. The HD4928 runs at 2100 watts — higher than most competitors at this price — meaning it boils water and heats oil faster than the Pigeon or Bajaj equivalents. It has a touch keypad, eight cooking presets including a dedicated Indian roti setting, and Philips’ signature scratch-resistant glass surface. If you are replacing a gas stove for a full household kitchen rather than occasional use, the extra wattage matters in ways you will notice daily. Philips restocks on Amazon India and Flipkart regularly. At the top of the ₹2000 budget but worth every rupee.

Bajaj Majesty ICX 3 1900 Watt Induction Cooktop — Around ₹1,399–₹1,599

Bajaj’s entry into the induction segment carries the brand’s reputation for reliability across Indian voltage fluctuations — a real consideration in cities and towns where power supply is inconsistent. The ICX 3 runs at 1900 watts with six cooking modes and an automatic voltage regulator that protects the unit during power surges. For households in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where voltage fluctuation is common, the Bajaj is the safer long-term choice over more sensitive glass-top competitors. Available on Amazon, Flipkart and at most Bajaj authorised dealers including Croma and Vijay Sales. Offline stock is often more available than online right now.

Prestige PIC 20 1600 Watt Induction Cooktop — Around ₹1,199–₹1,499

TTK Prestige — whose stock also surged this week — makes the PIC 20 as its entry-level offering, and it is the most compact and lightweight option on this list. At 1600 watts it is the lowest power draw of the five, which matters if you are in an apartment with limited circuit capacity or if you are running multiple appliances simultaneously. It is also the easiest to store and move between rooms, making it the best option for PGs, hostels, studio apartments and small kitchens. Prestige has strong offline distribution through its own exclusive stores and multi-brand retailers. If online platforms are showing out-of-stock, walk into a Prestige Smart Kitchen outlet — they tend to hold inventory longer than e-commerce.

Havells Insta Cook PT 1600 Watt Induction Cooktop — Around ₹1,599–₹1,899

Havells brings its electrical safety heritage to a cooktop that is built noticeably more robustly than the Pigeon or Bajaj at similar price points. The Insta Cook PT has an automatic pan detection feature — it only activates when a compatible induction-base vessel is placed on it, preventing accidental activation and saving power. Seven preset functions cover everything from milk heating to deep frying. Havells products tend to hold up better over multi-year daily use than some competitors at this price, making it the best choice if you are thinking of this as a permanent addition rather than a crisis stopgap. Available on Amazon, Flipkart and at Havells dealerships nationwide.

What to Know Before You Buy

Induction cooktops only work with induction-compatible cookware — vessels with a flat magnetic base. If you tap a magnet to the bottom of your existing pot and it sticks, you are good. If not, you will need new cookware. Stainless steel and cast iron work. Aluminium and regular non-stick do not unless they have an induction-compatible base. Budget an additional ₹300–₹800 for a basic induction-compatible vessel set if your existing cookware is incompatible.

All five models consume between 1600 and 2100 watts. Running one for three hours daily — roughly equivalent to average household gas cooking — adds approximately 150–200 units to your monthly electricity bill. At ₹8 per unit in most metros, that is ₹1,200–₹1,600 per month in additional electricity cost, which compares favourably with LPG at current prices and worsening availability.

Check Amazon, Flipkart, Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy Instamart and offline stores including Croma, Vijay Sales and brand-specific outlets simultaneously. Given current demand levels, stock can clear within hours of a restock anywhere on the platform.