Induction Stove Tops

While they aren’t yet as common as electric or gas stovetops, induction stove tops are gaining popularity. There’s a lot to learn about this type of cooking range, as they differ in several ways from other types and have pros and cons worth noting.

What is an Induction Stove Top?

Induction stove tops uses an electromagnetic field to heat up a pot or pan once it’s on top of it, which allows you to cook. This type of range remains cool to the touch and doesn’t heat up the air around it the same way other cooktops do. These types of stoves use electricity to operate, but the electromagnetic coils under the cooktop’s glass transfer energy into metal objects directly, heating only the cooking vessel.

The Pros of Induction Stove Tops

Safety

Induction stovetops are coveted for the sense of safety they provide. Since the stovetop never gets hot, it’s impossible for you or a loved one to burn yourself while cooking or in the kitchen. It also means that if any of the ingredients splatter onto the cook top before, after, or during cooking, they won’t burn.

This is a particularly important factor for those with curious kiddos who may put their hands on the stove unknowingly. Even if you turn an induction burner on too soon or accidentally, if there’s no cookware on it, it will not heat up.

Efficiency

An induction stovetop provides a cooking experience that is up to 60 percent more efficient than that of an electric stove. This is because with a gas stovetop, much of the flame ends up heating the air around the pan rather than the cookware bottom itself. An induction stovetop is about 40 percent more efficient than a traditional stovetop.

Cooking Speed

Water boiled on an induction stovetop boils up to 50 percent faster than it would on other types of ranges. Overall, this type of stove provides a faster cook time and, in turn, quicker food prep.

Cooking Consistency

Induction cooktops allow you to more precisely control the temperature than other ranges. That means more consistent results and less risk of serving an undercooked meal. That also means more delicious tasting food.

Control

Again, chefs are easily able to control the temperature of induction stovetops while cooking. The controls on this type of range are very responsive, making it easy to maintain complete control over the food they’re cooking and change the temperature quickly.

Easy Cleaning

Since the spills and splatters that are common when cooking don’t cause burns on induction stovetops, it’s easy to clean this type of cooktop. It’s also easy to clean right after cooking, since the stovetop is cool as soon as you turn it off.

The Cons of Induction Stove Tops

Special Cookware

This type of cooktop requires special cookware. If you opt to invest in this type of cooktop, you’ll likely need to buy all induction-compatible pots and pans in order for it to be operational. If you’re unsure whether the pots and pans you currently use would work with this type of range, take a magnet and see if it strongly sticks to your pots and pans. If it does, it is highly likely to work with an induction burner.

Noise

If you’re sensitive to noises, induction stovetops may not be for you. A subtle buzzing sound or hum is not uncommon, and this grows louder at higher cook settings. Some users also report a clicking of element electronics when using an induction stovetop at a low setting. This could get irritating for some chefs.

Price

Because induction stovetops offer the most cutting edge technology there is for kitchens today, they come with a heftier price tag than other cooktop options. If you’re on a tight budget, this is something to consider.

Induction stovetops are just one way you can make your home even more efficient and technologically smart. Check out more articles relating to making your home more cutting edge on our site.