Gas has been the method of choice for home cooks and professional chefs alike for years, but today more and more kitchens are making the switch to induction. And it’s not hard to see why, with potential benefits ranging from more efficient and safer cooking to lower running costs.
If you’re thinking about switching to flame-free cooking, here’s everything you need to know.
Rather than using a gas flame or radiating heat from coils, an induction cooktop uses electromagnetic energy to directly heat up compatible cookware.
And this way of cooking comes with many advantages.
Induction cooking outperforms gas in a number of areas, including efficiency, clean-up and more.
More efficient
As induction transfers heat to the base of your cookware directly, rather than via a gas flame, your pots and pans will heat up faster.
More cost effective to run
The efficiency of induction cooktops means they generally require less energy to heat your cookware, compared to gas options. Therefore, making the switch to induction could help you save on your energy bills, depending on your electricity and gas prices.
More power with just as much control
An induction cooking system gives you more power than gas without sacrificing control in the kitchen for those hard-to-nail recipes. In third-party testing conducted by the Global Cooksafe Coalition, induction cooktops were reported to reach an average maximum temperature of 352°C and a minimum of 38.2°C compared to gas which only got up to 220°C with a low of 52.5°C. However, temperature range capabilities can vary based on the cooktop’s model and brand. So always check the specifications to find the right cooktop for you.
Easier to clean
With no fiddly parts, bulky cast iron trivets and control knobs, induction cooktops are simple to look after., It’s relatively quick and easy to wipe down an induction cooktop, with their smooth, seamless surface and little residual heat that can bake any spillage onto the elements
Enjoy built in safety
All cooktops come with certain safety features, but induction cooktops often come with extra safety controls. These could include sensors that monitor temperature, auto switch off if your cookware is getting too hot, safety cut-out to protect against spills, timers, child safety locks and pan detection.
However, if you have a pacemaker (or another active implantable medical device), please consult a medical expert to check if an induction cooktop could interfere with your device, and follow any manufacturer advice.
How much does an induction cooktop cost?
The cost of switching to induction cooking can add up, so it’s important to understand what you’re in for before you decide if it’s for you.
Induction cooktops can range from around $500 to over $6,000.
And while price can be a big factor in which induction appliance you choose, make sure you check its compatibility with your power supply. If your home can’t accommodate the extra power, costs can skyrocket. While most are compatible with the standard 10Amp connection, some will require a 10, 32 or 42Amp connection. Without an existing connection, you will need a licensed electrician to hard-wire one for you.
While the initial outlay for an induction cooktop can be expensive, it can also be a worthy investment if it helps you save on energy bill costs over time. And if you are about to embark on renovations or a new build, it can be the perfect time to make the switch.
Do I have to replace my cookware?
Getting an induction cooktop doesn’t necessarily require investing in a new collection of cookware. While glass, aluminium and copper cookware are not compatible, your cast iron and enamelled and stainless-steel pieces might be.
You can check your existing pots and pans by placing a fridge magnet on the bottom. If the magnet sticks to the outside, you are onto a winner.
Each induction pot or pan responds to cooktops differently, depending on its material and size. So, if you are thinking about buying a new set of cookware, consider buying one pot or pan first to test its performance.
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