An induction cooktop can introduce a new way of cooking to your kitchen, although these appliances have been popular for many years throughout Europe. Why are more homeowners deciding to invest in this type of appliance, and could this versatile tool be useful in your home?
What Are Induction Cooktops?
Either natural gas or electricity (or, in some cases, liquid propane gas) powers the burners on traditional ranges and cooktops. Induction burners create heat differently, with an electromagnetic field. Induction coils inside the burner magnetically create a warming reaction in the cookware placed on the burners, allowing steel-based pots and pans to actually cook the food themselves, rather than the burners cooking the food through the pot, as in traditional appliances.
Induction burners are flat cooking surfaces typically marked with concentric circles that indicate burner locations. Some of the more sleek models use unmarked black ceramic glass for a contemporary look and feel.
Benefits of Induction Cooktops
Because these appliances use electromagnetism to heat the cookware, food cooks more evenly. The burners heat up more rapidly than electric range burners — almost instantaneously — which allows for faster cooking times. According to some estimates, water boils in roughly half the time with induction technology than it does on an electric stove burner.
Induction cooktops are particularly popular because they have a temperature response that rivals gas appliances. In other words, once you turn the dial to off, the heat is immediately dissipated. They are are considered to be much safer, as the burners become cool to the touch in seconds.
The burners also turn themselves off if a pot is removed or has gone dry. Cleaning the burners is simple too, as spills can be wiped off of the flat surface easily.
Factors to Consider Before Purchase
As these models are only now becoming readily available in the United States, the price can be a major consideration. Due to their efficient energy use, these cooktops are likely to save you money in the long run, but the initial investment may sound steep for a cooktop without an oven.
Cookware is another factor you must consider. The induction coils will function only with certain types of pots and pans, namely cast iron, steel-plated and certain types of stainless steel.
Glass, copper and aluminum pans are not conducive to electromagnetic heat, so you can’t use any cookware made from those materials. Pots and pans can be tested for compatibility with a magnet. If the magnet sticks to the pan, it will work on an induction burner.
Complete Appliance Repair, serving the Salt Lake City area, provides sales, installation, maintenance and repair for all of your home appliances. Be sure to talk to us before deciding to invest in one of the new induction cooktops to ensure it’s the right choice for your needs.