WHAT IS INDUCTION COOKING, AND IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?

HOW DOES INDUCTION COOKING WORK?

Induction cooking uses a special type of cooktop often called an induction stovetop or an induction cooktop. An induction cooktop is a type of electric cooktop that uses electromagnetism to heat cookware, essentially turning the cookware into its own source of heat. Because these cooktops heat cookware with electromagnetism, the system is highly efficient, allowing for a rapid rise or drop in temperature. This often leads to faster cooking, especially in pots – water will usually come to a boil much faster on most induction cooktops.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR STOVE IS INDUCTION?

You can identify whether your stove is induction if it heats your cookware as opposed to the surface of your stove. Turn your stovetop on without any cookware on top: if the surface heats up significantly or begins to glow, it is not induction. If you are unable to tell whether your stove is induction, consult your owner’s manual.

WHAT IS AN INDUCTION HOB?

Induction hobs are the spots on an induction stove upon which you place your cookware, similar to burners on traditional stoves. Induction hobs differ from electric stove burners, due to the fact that induction hobs do not heat while cooking. Instead, induction hobs pass electromagnetic currents through to cookware. This creates a reaction in magnetic cookware that generates heat in the pot or pan itself. For this reason, there is generally less energy loss with induction stoves than with gas or electric.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF INDUCTION COOKING?

Induction cooktops have a number of benefits over electric and gas cooktops, including:

1. IMPROVED TEMPERATURE CONTROL AND COOKING RESULTS

Induction cooking relies on a current that creates an electromagnetic field. Raising or lowering the temperature on an induction cooktop results in a higher or lower charge. This, in turn, means that you can adjust the temperature more quickly than on an electric or gas cooktop.

2. FASTER HEATING AND COOKING OF FOODS

According to the Department of Energy¹, induction cooktops can be up to 85 percent efficient in energy transfer – in other words, 85 percent of the energy arrives directly to the cookware, creating a highly efficient system. As a result, improved efficiency generally leads to faster cooking times.

3. EASIER CLEANING

Induction cooktops also shine when it comes to cleanability. While it may seem strange, induction cooking doesn’t heat the cooktop itself. This means that spilled food, boiled-over pots, grease splatters and other common messes are less likely to get burned onto the cooktop surface and can be wiped up quickly once cooking is done. Ambient heat from your cookware may heat up your induction cooktop, so it’s important to wait for the surface to cool before cleaning.

IS COOKING DIFFERENT ON AN INDUCTION COOKTOP?

There may be an initial learning curve with induction cooking – because the cookware heats up more quickly, you may find that total cook time is reduced. Be sure to monitor your food to avoid overcooking. Another aspect of induction cooking that sets it apart from traditional counterparts is the use of power levels. Induction cooktops can have multiple power levels, which allows you to use the perfect amount of heat for simmering, sauteing, boiling and other cooking techniques.

DOES INDUCTION COOKING REQUIRE DIFFERENT COOKWARE?

Another consideration is the type of cookware you use. Cookware for induction must be conductive – that is, it must be responsive to electromagnetism in order to work. Fans of cast iron or stainless steel can use their pots, pans and dutch ovens on an induction cooktop right away. However, items made of copper, aluminum, glass or ceramic are not suitable for induction cooktops.

ARE INDUCTION COOKTOPS EASY TO INSTALL?

Induction cooktops may need to be installed by a professional, depending on the electrical wiring and power supply in your home. Since induction cooktops may require a specialized outlet or new wiring, be sure to talk to an electrician or contractor if you’re looking to replace your current cooktop with an induction model.