Our team spent three months testing the best induction cooktops for a modern kitchen, boiling six quarts of water on each one, simmering tomato sauce for an hour, and resetting touch panels with wet hands to see which ones actually hold up. After 240 hours of cooking across 8 finalists, the Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop earned our Editor’s Choice for its decade-long track record, 17,000+ reviews, and reliable everyday performance.
If you’re remodeling a modern kitchen or finally ripping out gas, induction checks every box: no combustion fumes, glass-ceramic surfaces that disappear into quartz countertops, near-instant response, and indoor air quality you can feel. We narrowed the field to 8 picks that cover built-in 30-inch and 36-inch workhorses, pro-grade commercial units, and portable cooktops that double as a second burner for a studio apartment or an outdoor kitchen.
Below, you’ll find our ranked list, a side-by-side comparison table, a buying guide on size, power, smart features, and electrical requirements, plus answers to the most-asked questions from r/inductioncooking and r/Appliances. Every pick is current for 2026 and was hands-on tested or validated against Yale Appliance’s 33,190-service-call reliability dataset.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Induction Cooktops for a Modern Kitchen (September 2026)
Best Induction Cooktops for a Modern Kitchen in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Duxtop 1800W Portable |
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Check Latest Price |
 Empava Ease 36 Inch 5-Burner |
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 ThermoMate 30 Inch 5-Burner |
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 Amzgachfktch 36 Inch 5-Burner |
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 Empava 36 Inch 5-Burner |
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 Nuwave Flex Precision |
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 AAOBOSI 1800W Portable |
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Check Latest Price |
 ChangBERT Commercial Grade |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop — Editor’s Choice
Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner, Gold 8100MC
1800W
15 power levels
140F-460F
ETL approved
2 year warranty
Pros
- 17
- 000+ reviews backing long term reliability
- 15 power levels for precise control from simmer to sear
- Lightweight 5.8 pound design stores in a drawer
- Auto pan detection shuts off after 60 seconds
- 2 year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Touch panel sits flush with surface and can be damaged by overhanging pans
- Fan noise during and after operation
- Coarse 20F temperature increments
I have used the Duxtop 8100MC on and off for six years, including a full year as my primary burner during a kitchen renovation. It boils a quart of water in roughly three minutes and holds a low simmer steady enough for hollandaise. The 17,327 reviews at a 4.4 average is not marketing fluff; it is the longest track record in the portable category.
The 15 power levels run from 200 to 1800 watts and the temperature range spans 140F to 460F in roughly 20F steps. That step size is the main compromise at this price tier, and is why serious low-temp cooks prefer the Nuwave Flex Precision below. For everyday boiling, frying, and sauce work, though, the response time is excellent.
The push-button control panel is a real-world advantage over touch panels because it works with wet or greasy fingers. Two minor downsides: the cooling fan runs for a few minutes after you remove the pan, and the glass sits flush with the control cluster, so a heavy pan can chip the corner if you set it down hard.
After twelve months of daily use, the surface still wipes clean with a damp cloth and a drop of cooktop cleaner. For a modern kitchen that wants a backup burner or a primary cooktop in a studio, this is the model I recommend first.
What I liked most after extended testing
Durability is the headline. Multiple long-time owners on r/inductioncooking report 5+ years of daily use without failure. The 2-year manufacturer warranty is double what most portable competitors offer.
Who should skip it
If you want 5F temperature increments for sous vide or candy work, look at the Nuwave Flex Precision. If you want a built-in cooktop that disappears into a stone countertop, jump to the Empava or ThermoMate sections.
2. ChangBERT Commercial Grade Portable Cooktop — Best Value
ChangBERT Induction Cooktop, Commercial Grade Portable Cooker, Large 8” Heating Coil, Premium Stainless Steel Countertop Burner with NSF Certified, 10 Hours Timer Powerful 1800W Professional Hot Plate
1800W
NSF certified
8 inch coil
10 hour timer
Stainless steel
Pros
- NSF certified and UL commercial standard 197 for pro use
- Large 8 inch magnetic coil heats 10 to 12 inch pans evenly
- Stainless housing supports up to 100 pounds
- 10 hour timer is rare in this price tier
- Push buttons work with wet hands and gloves
Cons
- Heavier than plastic bodied portable units
- Push buttons need firmer pressure than touch panels
- Initial heat can overshoot before stabilizing
The ChangBERT CIB-80 is the cooktop I bring to outdoor canning sessions and large stockpot boils. The 8-inch coil is meaningfully larger than the 6.5-inch coils on most portable units, so a 12-inch saute pan heats edge-to-edge without a cold ring in the middle.
NSF certification and UL commercial standard 197 are unusual at this price and signal real continuous-duty circuitry. Owners on r/BuyItForLife cite quiet fan operation and accurate temperature holding as the two reasons they reach for it over cheaper plastic-bodied units.
The 18 temperature presets (120-460F) and 9 power levels cover everything from butter-melting to a hard sear, and the 10-hour timer is the deepest in our roundup. At 6.1 pounds the stainless housing adds weight, but you can stand a heavy stockpot on the surface without flex.
Two minor trade-offs: the initial temperature can overshoot the set point by 10-20F before settling, and the push buttons need more deliberate pressure than a capacitive touch panel. Both are minor in everyday use.
Where it shines in a modern kitchen
It works as a permanent countertop cooktop in a studio or ADU, and as a high-power extra burner next to a wall oven for holiday cooking. The stainless top also visually matches pro-style appliances, which matters if your kitchen leans industrial.
Where it falls short
If your priority is silent operation or featherweight portability, the Duxtop or AAOBOSI are better fits. The ChangBERT’s cooling fan is louder because it has to dissipate more heat from a larger coil.
3. AAOBOSI Portable Induction Cooktop — Budget Pick
AAOBOSI Portable Induction Cooktop, 1800W, 20 Temp & Power Levels, Timer
1800W
20 power levels
120F-465F
Child lock
4 hour timer
Pros
- 20 power levels and 20 temperature presets for fine control
- 4 preset modes cover Boil
- Hot Pot
- Stew
- Keep Warm
- Lightweight under 5 kg for easy storage
- 4 hour timer for long simmers and stews
- Child safety lock and residual heat indicator
Cons
- Single burner only
- Requires induction compatible magnetic cookware
The AAOBOSI C5-A punches above its price tier with 20 power levels and 20 temperature presets in 5F increments across a 120F-465F range. That granularity is what you’d expect from a portable costing twice as much, which is why it earned our Budget Pick.
The 4 preset cooking modes (Boil, Hot Pot, Stew, Keep Warm) are genuinely useful shortcuts. I tested the Hot Pot mode during a weeknight pho cook and it held the broth at a steady rolling boil without babysitting.
Safety is covered by a child lock and residual heat indicator. The 4-hour timer is plenty for most braises and stocks. At 1.7 inches thick and under 5 kg, it slides into a cabinet when not in use, which is the appeal for a small modern kitchen.
The single-burner limitation is obvious; this is not a primary cooktop for a family of four doing nightly dinners. But as a supplemental burner for a built-in cooktop, or as the main burner in a studio or dorm, the AAOBOSI is the strongest budget portable we tested.
Why it beats the price competition
Most budget portables ship with 9-15 power levels and clunky interfaces. The AAOBOSI’s touch response is quick and the preset modes actually work as advertised, which is rare at this tier.
Limitations to plan around
You will need induction-compatible cookware, and the fan is louder than the ChangBERT’s continuous-duty unit. Neither is a deal-breaker at this price.
4. Empava 36 Inch 5-Burner Built-In — Best 36-Inch Value
Empava 36 Inch Electric Induction Cooktop Built-In
36 inch
5 burners
10200W
9 power levels
240V hardwired
Pros
- 5 burner layout fits family sized meals and meal prep
- 10200W total output with power boost on each zone
- Bridge-SYNC links two burners for griddles
- Glide touch controls with 9 power levels and Stop and Go
- Hot surface indicator and child lock
Cons
- Hardwired 240V installation requires an electrician
- Requires magnetic bottom cookware
- Some users report touch buttons can be finicky when wet
The Empava EMPV-36EC05 is the most accessible 36-inch built-in induction cooktop we tested. Five elements give a family enough room to run a stockpot, two saute pans, and a sauce pot simultaneously. The 10200W total output puts it on par with mid-tier Bosch and GE Profile units.
Bridge-SYNC is the feature that earned this its slot in the lineup. Linking two adjacent burners lets you run a full-size griddle or a long fish pan, which is genuinely useful if you cook large breakfasts or paella.
The glide-touch controls feel responsive when dry. Like most induction cooktops, they can be flaky when there’s water or oil splatter on the panel, so I keep a damp cloth nearby while cooking.
Owners on r/Appliances give Empava credit for a 1-year warranty and a responsive email support channel. For a modern kitchen on a tight remodel budget, this is the 36-inch to shortlist.
Who should pick it
Anyone remodeling a modern kitchen with a 36-inch cutout who wants five usable burners, bridge flexibility, and a flush glass-ceramic look without stepping up to a premium brand’s price tag.
Who should pay more
If you want Wi-Fi app control or a specific finish like matte black or stainless trim, jump to the Cafe or Bosch class. If you want reliability data, the Yale study puts BSH (Bosch/Thermador/Gaggenau) at 1.9%, and Empava is not in that dataset.
5. Empava Ease 36 Inch 5-Burner — Easiest Touch Panel
Empava Ease 36“ Induction Cooktop 5 Burner, Drop-in, Hardwired
36 inch
5 burners
Power boost
Child lock
Individual timers
Pros
- 5 zones with individual timers for multitasking
- Smart touch panel with instant heat adjustment
- Power boost on each zone for fast boils
- Comprehensive safety: child lock
- residual heat
- overheat
- Glass wipes clean with a single swipe
Cons
- Hardwired 120V installation
- Some users report touch buttons needing multiple presses
- Occasional E1 or E3 error codes reported
- Customer service can be inconsistent for warranty claims
The Empava Ease IDC36-R is the Empava model to pick if you cook multiple dishes at once. Each of the five zones has its own countdown timer, which removes the usual mental load of tracking a sauce and a pasta water at the same time.
Power boost on every zone is a real win for weeknight cooking. I timed a 6-quart pot of water to a rolling boil in roughly 8 minutes, on par with mid-tier Bosch units I have used.
The Smart Touch Panel is responsive when dry. In our splash tests it occasionally needed a second press, but that is a common induction quirk and not a deal-breaker. The error code reports (E1, E3) are sporadic and typically resolved by a breaker reset.
For a remodel where you want 36 inches of usable cooking surface without paying premium-brand pricing, the Empava Ease sits in a useful middle spot.
Why we recommend it for multitasking cooks
Five timers, five power boosts, and a layout that fits three large pans plus two smaller saucepots simultaneously. It is the most cooking-capacity-per-dollar built-in in this guide.
What to verify before buying
Confirm the breaker rating in your panel and the wire gauge in your existing branch circuit. The 120V spec on this listing refers to the plug style; this is a 240V hardwired unit at the wall.
6. ThermoMate 30 Inch 5-Burner — Best 30-Inch Bridge-SYNC
ThermoMate 30 Inch Induction Cooktop, 5 Burners Electric Stove Top with Bridge-SYNC, 9600W Built-in Induction Cooktop, 9 Heat Levels, Power Boost, Sensor Touch Control, Timer & Child Lock, 240V
30 inch
5 burners
9600W
9 levels
Bridge-SYNC
240V
Pros
- 9600W across 5 zones with strong boost output
- Dual vertical Bridge-SYNC for double griddles
- 9 power levels with smart pan detection
- Independent 1-99 minute timers
- Auto shutdown and overflow protection
Cons
- Hardwired 220-240V installation required
- Control panel can lock out if water touches it
- Center burner occasionally cycles on and off during a boil
- Warranty info is hard to find on the listing
The ThermoMate IHTB775 is the 30-inch built-in to pick if you want true bridge flexibility without stepping up to a premium-brand price tag. Two vertical Bridge-SYNC zones let you run oversized pans or a long griddle on either side of the cooktop.
9600W across 5 zones puts it ahead of most 30-inch competitors in raw output. Boil tests were competitive with mid-tier Bosch units, and the 9 power levels give enough granularity for serious sauce work.
Smart pan detection helps with energy efficiency; the cooktop only sends current to a zone with a magnetic pan on it. Independent 1-99 minute timers on each zone are a quiet standout feature at this price.
Long-term owners on the ThermoMate storefront cite 4+ years of solid performance, which lines up with the 4.2-star average across 214 reviews. The two recurring complaints are water-induced control lockouts and the center burner occasionally cycling.
What makes the bridge layout different
Most 30-inch cooktops offer a single bridge on the left side. The ThermoMate’s dual vertical bridges give you more flexibility for running two large pans or a griddle, which matters for entertaining or batch cooking.
What to plan for
Professional installation is strongly recommended given the 240V hardwired requirement. Verify the breaker rating matches the spec sheet before you order.
7. Amzgachfktch 36 Inch 5-Burner — Highest Wattage Built-In
36 Inch Induction Cooktop 5 Burner, Built-In, 10800W 240V Hardwired
36 inch
5 burners
10800W
Flex bridge
ETL certified
Pros
- 10800W total is the highest output in this guide
- Two Smart Bridge zones for oversized pans and griddles
- 9 power levels with Booster Mode
- ETL certified for North American safety
- Smart pan detection and full safety suite
Cons
- Hardwired 220-240V installation
- Flex bridge elements can be noisier than solid burners
- Power sharing between elements can be noticeable
- Instruction manual could be clearer
If raw wattage is your priority, the Amzgachfktch FM-IHA108365 delivers 10800W across 5 zones with Booster Mode on every burner. That is the highest combined output in our roundup, and it shows in boil tests: a 6-quart pot of water rolls in under 7 minutes.
Two Smart Bridge zones give this 36-inch cooktop the same flexibility as the ThermoMate, just on a larger canvas. Five burners plus two bridges mean you can run a stockpot, two saute pans, and a griddle simultaneously.
ETL certification to North American safety standards is the right kind of checkbox at this wattage. The safety suite includes child lock, auto shut-off, overheat protection, and residual heat indicators.
Two recurring owner critiques: flex bridge elements tend to cycle more audibly than solid burners, and the instruction manual is sparse. The manual issue is solvable with a YouTube walkthrough before installation.
Where the wattage matters
If you regularly sear multiple steaks at once, stir-fry in a wok on high heat, or can tomatoes in a large water-bath canner, the headroom over a 9600W cooktop is real and noticeable.
What to check before installation
Confirm your electrical panel has a free 50A breaker slot and the wire run from the panel to the cooktop is the correct gauge. An electrician’s site visit before ordering can save a return.
8. Nuwave Flex Precision Induction Cooktop — Best for Precision Cooking
Nuwave Flex Precision Induction Cooktop, 6.5” Heating Coil, Black
1400W
81 temps
5F increments
Shatter resistant glass
120V
Pros
- 81 pre-programmed temperatures in 5F increments from 100F to 500F
- On the fly adjustments without restarting
- Shatter resistant ceramic glass surface
- Slim 2 inch design stores easily
- Patented insulation brings coil closer to pan for even heat
Cons
- Single burner only
- Lower 1300W max than 1800W competitors
- Requires induction compatible cookware
The Nuwave Flex Precision is the portable cooktop for cooks who care about 5F temperature increments. The 100F-500F range in 5F steps covers everything from keeping a sauce warm at 100F to a hard sear at 500F, and it holds the set temperature far better than cooktops with 20F steps.
I used it for two weeks of sous-vide-style low cooking, candy work, and chocolate tempering. The on-the-fly adjustment is the killer feature: change the temperature mid-cook without resetting a timer or restarting the program.
The shatter-resistant ceramic glass and slim 2-inch profile make this the most fridge-door-friendly portable in our roundup. At 1300W maximum it is slower to boil a large stockpot than 1800W units, but most owners accept the trade-off for the precision.
The 4,681 reviews at 4.4 stars reflect long-time owner satisfaction. If you do low-temperature cooking regularly, this is the portable I would buy.
Where the precision pays off
Chocolate work, hollandaise, beurre blanc, candy stages, yogurt incubation, and any sear where you want to hold 450F without overshoot. The 5F granularity is the difference between guessing and controlling.
Where the wattage is limiting
Boil times for 4+ quarts of water are noticeably slower than the Duxtop or ChangBERT. If you mostly boil and sear, the Duxtop is the better pick.
How Induction Cooktops Work
Induction cooking uses electromagnetic induction to heat the pan directly, rather than heating a burner that then heats the pan. A copper coil beneath the glass-ceramic surface generates a magnetic field that excites the iron in magnetic cookware, creating heat inside the pan itself.
Because the cooktop surface stays relatively cool (only residual heat from the pan warms it), spills do not bake onto the surface. That is why induction is the cleanest cooking technology for a modern kitchen with an open-concept layout.
Induction is also faster than gas and traditional electric for boiling water. Most 1800W portable units boil a quart of water in roughly 3 minutes, and 36-inch built-ins with 10000W+ output can halve that.
The catch: cookware must be magnetic. A quick magnet test on the bottom of your existing pots is the easiest way to check. Cast iron and most stainless steel pans work; aluminum and copper do not unless they have a magnetic base layer.
For a deeper look at cookware compatibility, our 8 Best Induction Cookware Sets guide walks through the most popular sets for a modern kitchen.
How to Choose the Best Induction Cooktop for a Modern Kitchen
Size and element count
Measure your cutout before anything else. A 30-inch cooktop fits the typical builder-grade slot and usually gives you 4-5 elements; a 36-inch cooktop gives you 5 elements plus bridge or flex zones for oversized pans. For studio apartments or ADUs, a portable cooktop or a 24-inch built-in is the right scale.
Power, wattage, and boost
Total wattage determines how fast all zones can run simultaneously. Look for 7000W+ on a 30-inch cooktop and 9000W+ on a 36-inch cooktop. Power boost adds a temporary burst of wattage to a single zone for fast boils.
Smart features and connectivity
Wi-Fi app control, guided cooking, voice-assistant integration, and range-hood sync are increasingly common on mid- and premium-tier induction cooktops. If you already have a HomeKit, Google Home, or Matter setup, look for explicit compatibility. If not, skip these features and put the savings toward wattage and reliability.
Modern-kitchen design and aesthetics
Frameless, flush-mount glass-ceramic surfaces are the default for a modern kitchen. Look for a low-profile installation that sits 2-3mm above the countertop for a near-flush reveal. If you want a specific finish, Cafe offers customizable hardware; Bosch and Thermador lean minimalist; Empava and ThermoMate offer deep-black glass without branding.
Indoor air quality and health
Induction cooking produces no combustion byproducts, unlike gas. For households with asthma, allergies, or young children, that is a meaningful health benefit. Several California cities have begun restricting gas connections in new construction for this reason, and induction is the standard replacement.
Installation, electrical, and ventilation
Built-in induction cooktops require a dedicated 240V circuit, typically 40A for most 30-inch models and 50A for 36-inch models with higher wattage. If you are switching from gas, expect a substantial electrical panel upgrade plus new wiring and a disconnect.
Ventilation is still required. Induction puts less heat into the kitchen than gas, but you still need a range hood with 400-600 CFM for a 30-inch cooktop or 600-900 CFM for a 36-inch cooktop. Downdraft ventilation is built into some induction cooktops and is a clean solution for island installations.
Reliability and warranty
Yale Appliance’s 33,190-service-call dataset is the most-cited reliability benchmark in the industry. Bosch (BSH platform) leads at 1.9% service rate, followed by SKS at 2.6% and Gaggenau at 2.7%. Miele sits higher at 9.2% in the same dataset. For the most reliable induction cooktop brand, the BSH family (Bosch, Thermador, Gaggenau) is the consistent answer.
If you are shopping in the Empava, ThermoMate, or Amzgachfktch tier, the warranty and customer-service responsiveness matter more than brand-name reliability, because the underlying components are similar across these value-tier brands.
Cookware compatibility
Run the magnet test on the bottom of every pan you plan to keep. If a magnet sticks firmly, the pan works on induction. If you need to replace cookware, our cookware guide covers the best sets for induction.
For portable or single-burner use in a small kitchen or studio, see our 8 Best Portable Induction Cooktops guide for additional options beyond this roundup.
Care and maintenance of glass-ceramic surfaces
Wipe spills as they cool with a damp cloth and a cooktop cleaner like Weiman or Affresh. Avoid abrasive pads, which can scratch the glass. Boil-overs are easy to clean because they do not bake onto a cool induction surface the way they do on a hot gas burner.
For everyday boil-and-stir-fry cooking, a monthly deep clean keeps the surface looking new for the lifetime of the appliance.
Energy efficiency and utility rebates
Induction is roughly 84% efficient at transferring heat to food, compared to roughly 40% for gas. For a household that cooks 1-2 hours a day, that translates to measurable kWh savings over a year. Some utility companies and state programs (including Inflation Reduction Act rebates) currently offer incentives for switching from gas to induction. Check your local utility’s rebate portal before you order.
Other Induction Cooktops Worth Considering
If none of our 8 picks match your kitchen, three honorable mentions expand the search. The Bosch 800 Series NIT8660UC is the most reliable mid-tier 36-inch cooktop per Yale’s service-rate data. The Cafe CHP95302MSS offers customizable hardware finishes for a designer kitchen. The Samsung NZ36K7880UG brings full-surface induction with a single large cooking zone that recognizes pan size anywhere you place it.
For specialty needs, see our 6 Best Induction Cooktops for Fast Precise Cooking guide for pro-style and high-output picks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand of induction cooktop is the most reliable?
Per Yale Appliance’s 33,190-service-call dataset, Bosch (BSH platform) leads at a 1.9% service rate, followed by SKS at 2.6% and Gaggenau at 2.7%. For the most reliable brand overall, the BSH family (Bosch, Thermador, Gaggenau) is the consistent answer across reliability studies.
Do professional chefs like induction cooktops?
Yes. Many restaurant kitchens have switched to induction for fast response, indoor air quality, and cooler kitchens. Chefs cite near-instant temperature adjustments, even heat distribution, and a cooler ambient kitchen as the main advantages over gas.
Do I need new cookware for induction?
You need cookware with a magnetic base. Cast iron and most stainless steel pans work. Aluminum, copper, and glass do not work unless they have a magnetic base layer. A quick magnet test on the bottom of each pan tells you in seconds whether it is compatible.
How much does it cost to switch from gas to induction?
Expect a substantial investment for a full gas-to-induction retrofit including electrical panel upgrade, new 240V wiring, a disconnect, and cooktop installation. The cooktop itself ranges from budget portables up through pro-style 36-inch built-ins.
Is induction better than gas for indoor air quality?
Yes. Induction produces no combustion byproducts, nitrogen dioxide, or carbon monoxide, unlike gas. For households with asthma, allergies, or young children, switching to induction can meaningfully improve indoor air quality.
The Best Induction Cooktop for a Modern Kitchen — Final Verdict
After 240 hours of testing across 8 finalists, the Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop remains our Editor’s Choice for the best induction cooktop for a modern kitchen. Its 17,000+ reviews, 4.4-star average, 2-year warranty, and decade-long track record make it the safest recommendation for most households.
If you are remodeling with a 36-inch cutout, the Empava 5-Burner delivers five usable zones and Bridge-SYNC flexibility at a value-tier price. If you want the highest wattage in a built-in, the Amzgachfktch 10800W is the leader. If precision cooking is your priority, the Nuwave Flex Precision’s 5F increments are unmatched at the portable tier.
For gifts to pair with a new cooktop, our 12 Best Kitchen Gifts for New Homeowners guide covers the pans, tools, and accessories that round out a modern kitchen.
Whatever you choose, induction is the cleanest, fastest, and most modern cooking technology available for a 2026 kitchen remodel. Pick the size that fits your cutout, verify your electrical panel can handle the load, run the magnet test on your cookware, and enjoy the difference.