By Lauren Feldis
Induction technology makes cooking faster, easier, and safer than ever before!
Consumers have been continuously impressed by induction ranges since they were first introduced in North America by Frigidaire. At a 1950s “World Fair” in Chicago, a cooking demonstration illustrated the wonders of induction cooking. A newspaper was placed between the stove’s surface and a pot of boiling water, and the audience was amazed to see that the newspaper did not catch on fire.
So how does induction work? First, an electric current passes through a coiled copper wire underneath the stovetop. Instead of generating heat like an electric stove, the electricity creates a magnetic current throughout the cooking pan which heats up only the pan. This way, nearly all of the energy being generated is dedicated to cooking the food, without using an outside heat source. The pan heats up almost instantly, the food cooks quickly, and the meal is ready sooner!
Here are the top 5 reasons to go with the latest induction technology.
Efficiency
You may not realize it, but only 40% of the heat being generated by your regular gas stove actually transfers to the pan.Unlike gas stoves and electric stoves, induction ranges directly heat up the pots and pans, without having to transfer the heat from the stovetop to the cookware. This allows 90% of the heat generated to actually heat up the pan. Because there is no open flame, there is less risk of getting burned or starting an accidental fire, and the area around the stove is not uncomfortably hot.
Performance
An induction cooktop outperforms even high-end gas stovetops. You can boil water 50% faster than on a gas stove. And you will discover that you can control the temperature more precisely so food doesn’t burn. Food cooks more evenly in the pan.
Top restaurants, such as the French Laundry, have already made the switch.
Watch this fun video from Dean Sharp, The House Whisperer™, for a side by side “boil off”!
Safety
How many times do you forget to turn on the exhaust fan when you are cooking with your gas stove? Induction cooking does not put harmful combustion byproducts into the air inside your home so you can breathe easily. Only the pan gets hot which minimizes burns and accidental fires.
Cost
Induction cooktops will cost a similar, or slightly lower, price than their high-end gas equivalent. But during a kitchen renovation, you will not need to pay for costly gas plumbing when installing. If you are building a new home, you may even be able to avoid the cost of a gas hookup, and save big time!
Future Proofing
This is a step towards the Net Zero homes of the future. As the grid moves to more renewable energy, building codes will continue to evolve to encourage energy efficiency and eventually mandate a switch to electrification. Making good decisions now saves you from a retrofit later.
We need to eliminate the combustion of fossil fuels. Moving to all-electric appliances is part of the pathway to decarbonization.
The technology is here, it is healthier for your family, the savings are real, and the planetary need is great. So what are you waiting for? Induction cooking for the win!
