Induction Cooking
The City is committed to supporting residents' transition away from fossil fuel-burning appliances to clean electric alternatives in simple and cost effective ways. Certain appliances are more difficult to electrify due to costs or technological readiness. Fortunately, gas stoves are not in this category. Electric induction ranges present a great option for kitchen electrification due to their excellent cooking quality, safety benefits, and their relative price parity with gas ranges.
Check out
this episode of
Electrify This!, an energy innovation podcast, on cooking with induction stoves!
How Induction Works
An Induction cooktop is an electric appliance that will directly heat a pot or pan using magnetic induction. Electrical current passes through magnetic coils in the cooktop, which creates a magnetic field that excites the molecules in the pot or pan, causing it to heat up. The direct heating of the cookware is much more energy efficient than gas or electric resistance options, and reduces burn risk as there is no open flame or exposed heating element.
Induction stoves are also highly valued as a cooking tool. Induction stoves boil water significantly faster than other electric or gas options and are precise and responsive to temperature changes. In 2020, according to Consumer Reports, five of the top 10 stoves for sale were induction, including #1 and #2. Many chefs find the ease of use, precision, and quick cleanup ideal for cooking.
Induction Cookware
Induction stoves require pots and pans that contain iron for cooking. If a magnet sticks to the bottom of the cookware, it’s good for induction! If you are unable to perform that test, just look for the phrase “suitable for induction” on the packaging.
Cost of Induction
Induction stoves may be surprisingly cost effective. They are an often-overlooked appliance, as consumers are quick to switch from the slow cooking and inefficient electric resistance stoves to a gas stove without the knowledge of a clean electric alternative. The cost of induction stoves has dropped significantly in recent years as the technology has advanced, with high-end induction stoves costing significantly less than high-end gas alternatives.
Along with the cost of the appliance, there also needs to be a dedicated 240V electrical outlet for the unit. If switching from an electric resistance stove, you likely won’t need any upgrade. If no plug is available, an electrical contractor would need to install one.
Counter-top Electric Cooking Appliances
Portable induction cooktops and other plug in cooking appliances offer an alternative to range replacement and are a great option for renters who can’t replace their kitchen appliances. Countertop induction “hobs” can be purchased for less than $100 and offer all the benefits of cooking with induction without the trouble of appliance replacement.
Want to learn more about induction cooking? Check out this website:
https://switchison.org/cooking/
