Hi there, I'm Chad, an appliance expert at Judd & Black with over 25 years of experience. I'm here today to answer a few questions we often hear in the store about induction cooking. This cooktop is quickly becoming popular for home cooks in kitchen remodels, but is it right for you and your family? Let me share a few things you should know about choosing an induction cooktop.
What is Induction Cooking?
First things first, what exactly is induction cooking? Induction cooking is like magic happening right before your eyes (or really, beneath your pots and pans!) Unlike traditional gas or electric cooktops, which use heat transfer from flames or electric coils, induction cooking uses electromagnetic fields to directly heat the cookware. This means the heat is generated in the pan, resulting in faster, more precise, and more energy-efficient cooking.
Wait. Magnets?
Yes! It does sound different, but induction cooktops have powerful electromagnets beneath a glass surface. When you put an induction-compatible pan (with a magnetic base) on the cooktop, an electric current passes through the coil, creating a magnetic field. This magnetic field stays in the induction-compatible pan's bottom, heats up the metal of your pan, and cooks your food.
Why Should We Switch?
Here are a few reasons to choose induction.
1. Speed and Precision
Induction cooktops heat up incredibly fast, much faster than traditional gas or electric stovetops, making them a time-saving option for busy cooks. A real-life example of this is boiling water. Consumer Reports found that it took 6 quarts of water 4 minutes and 15 seconds to boil on an induction range, while it took 6 minutes and 50 seconds to boil on an electric range.
So, whether you are boiling water, searing meats, or simmering delicate sauces, induction cooktops offer quick and precise temperature control, which reduces the risk of overcooking or burning your food. This gives beginners and professionals better control over the cooking process. Induction is the way to go if you want to be quick and precise when cooking.
2. Safety First
One of the coolest features of induction cooking is how safe it is, especially If you have kids that help out in the kitchen. Just lift the pan, and the induction panel shuts off. Since the cooktop itself doesn't generate heat, it remains cool to the touch. That's different from any other cooktop on the market today. This significantly reduces the risk of burns to curious little hands (and grown-up hands, too) and accidental fires from something left near a just-used, still-hot burner.
3. Energy Efficiency
Induction cooking is highly efficient because it directly heats the cookware rather than wasting heat in the surrounding environment. So less heat is lost during cooking, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills. Induction cooking is an eco-friendly option whether you're environmentally conscious or want to save some bucks in the long run.
4. Easy to Clean
Induction cooktops have smooth, flat glass ceramic surfaces. This makes them easy to clean and maintain, even when you spill spaghetti sauce or overfill the pasta water, which boils over. Unlike traditional cooktops with gas burners or electric coils, there are no crevices or grates for food to get stuck in that will need scrubbing.
5. They Look Good
Overall, induction cooktops are a great option for those looking for a sleek, modern, and efficient way to cook. The cooktop elements are invisible when they are not in use. This gives the cooktop a clean, uncluttered look. Also, the cooktop can be flush-mounted to the countertop. This creates a seamless look that is very modern and stylish.
Now that I've mentioned a few of the good things about induction cooking, there are a few more things that you may not know about that could influence your choice.
1. Cookware Compatibility
When you use an induction cooktop, your pots and pans must be made of ferromagnetic materials, such as cast iron or stainless steel. Aluminum, copper, and glass cookware won't work without a magnetic base. This may mean you'll need to buy new cookware at an added expense.
2. Budget Considerations
Induction cooktops are generally more expensive upfront compared to traditional alternatives. However, prices have become more competitive in recent years. Also, the long-term savings on energy costs may help offset the initial investment.
Induction cooking is an impressive cooking method that offers unmatched speed, energy efficiency, precision, and safety in the kitchen. It can be one of the most used appliances in your kitchen remodel and give your home a modern look. Learn more about our best-selling induction cooktop brands or stop in and try one out for yourself at your local Judd & Black Appliance Store location. Happy cooking! -- Chad
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