Most modern kitchens could benefit from an induction cooktop. These appliances have an excellent combination of style, convenience and safety. Many people are replacing conventional gas stoves with these devices. But, no product is perfect and despite the hype an induction cooktop may not be the right fit for your home. If you are in the market for this type of cooktop there are certain things that you need to consider.
How Does an Induction Cooktop Work?
Before we get started, it’s important to understand how an induction cooktop works. The pan is placed on the ring and it’s heated up using an electromagnetic field. There is no direct heat, you could burn your hand on the heated pan, but the cooktop ring doesn’t get hot.
As you can imagine, this is a significant leap forward in terms of safety and it’s a very kid-friendly way to teach cooking skills. Induction heating tends to be 50% faster than a traditional electric or gas-powered direct heating element. This speeds up the cooking times and it reduces the energy requirements which lowers your energy bills.
7 Tips to Choose an Induction Cooktop
When you’re researching induction cooktops it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information. To make this process easier we’ve compiled seven tips that should help you to decide if an induction cooktop is the right choice for your home.
1. Consider the Pan Size
Each induction cooktop will come with a stated minimum and maximum pan size. This may seem trivial, but due to the nature of the pan heating process it’s more important than you may imagine. If the cookware that you’re using is smaller than the pan size, it won’t be detected by the cooktop. There will be no magnetic heating and cooking cannot take place. So, the cookware must match the induction coil size to ensure that the system works efficiently. Of course, you can invest in new cookware, but if you choose wisely this may be unnecessary and you could save some money.
2. Choose the induction Cooktop Power Rate
The induction cooktop power rate is important for faster cooking and improved energy efficiency. Choosing a higher power rate may increase the cost of the cooktop, but it’s worth the extra investment. An induction cooktop is typically rated in the 1000-2000w range. A cooktop at the upper end or above that range will speed up the cooking process.
3. Think About the Safety Features
The best induction cooktops have an auto-pan detection feature which turns off the heating when the cookware is removed from the cooktop. If you forget to switch off the cooktop, it will switch itself off automatically if the pans are too hot. Any hot food that spills onto the cooktop will not burn and it should be easy to clean.
4. Understand the Pre-Set Menu Feature
Some of the latest induction cooktop models have a pre-set menu for user convenience. This automatically adjusts the temperature depending on the dish. So, if you’re frying vegetables, making rice, boiling milk or some other process you can always get perfect results. All that’s needed is a simple button touch and the cooktop does all the hard work for you.
5. Consider the Portability
Depending on the user preference, there is a choice between fixed or portable cooktops. A portable appliance is an excellent choice for those that want to take their cooking to other locations including outdoors. So, if you want to cook in the backyard, rooftop or at a campground using induction technology you’re all set. The best portable cooktops are set up for easier carrying and storage when they are not in use.
6. Consider Your Cooking Style
Your own personal cooking style and preferences will play a huge role in your decision to purchase an induction cooktop. If you like to do a lot of stir frying over a naked flame it’s likely that induction may not be an ideal fit. Having access to multiple cooking zones can give you a lot of additional flexibility when it comes to using a variety of cookware. It’s also important to understand that induction cooktops have precise temperature controls.
This will be useful for people that like to simmer delicate sauces and melt chocolate for homemade dessert. A good compromise could be a separate gas burner or portable induction hob to bring out when you need it for specific cooking tasks. If you focus on the type of cooking that you like to do most it will be easier to make a choice.
7. Think About the Useful Features
The best induction cooktops now feature smart technology, WiFi connectivity and even voice activated control via Alexa and/or Google. Remote control via your preferred mobile device can be more than a novelty feature if you learn how to use it.
Measuring for the Induction Cooktop
When you start to research induction cooktops, it’s all too easy to fall in love with an appliance that you want in your kitchen. This may seem obvious, but one of the main reasons why major appliances are returned is that they don’t fit.
Most modern induction ranges are 30” or 36” wide and sufficient space is needed around the unit for ventilation purposes. The 30” range will be sufficient to meet the everyday cooking needs of most families. But, those with larger families or that like to entertain regularly may find that the 36” cooktop is the better option. Make sure that you measure at least twice before you buy the induction cooktop to avoid problems when it comes to the installation.
Can I Use My Existing Cookware?
This would be hard to answer without knowing the details about your cookware. Many people build up their collection of cookware over time and some pieces may be inherited. Because an induction cooking surface uses a magnetic field to heat the cookware it is true that not all cookware will be compatible. That said, you may be surprised to learn that a lot of your cookware may be suitable to use on an induction cooktop.
The pan or pot needs to have a magnetic field to make the connection with the cooktop surface. It’s easy to check this for yourself, try and stick a magnet on the bottom of the cookware and if it sticks it will work. For those looking to buy new cookware it’s good to know that compatibility with induction cooktops is usually clearly displayed. Any cookware that is compatible doesn’t come at an additional premium and it’s very affordable for those that need to plug any gaps in their cookware collection.
FAQs
Let’s take a look at some of the FAQs that typically arise when people are looking for an induction cooktop:
Can I Replace a Gas Range with an Induction Model?
Yes. The gas line will need to be removed and the power requirements for the new induction range will need to be carefully considered. A modern induction cooktop will require a 240-volt outlet and if you don’t have one you can contact an electrician to install one for you. It’s also a great idea to put the induction range on a dedicated circuit to ensure that the power requirements are fully met.
Why is Induction Cooking Superior to Conventional Electric or Gas?
Some people will alway prefer direct heat applied to their cookware for cooking. This can be a hard habit to break and yet there are significant advantages to consider when you make the switch to an induction cooktop. These surfaces heat the cookware up to 50% faster because they use a magnetic field and not direct heat. This means that they consume less energy and everyone is interested in lowering their energy bills. An induction cooktop offers more precise control over the temperature and they are safer to use.
Is an Induction Range More Expensive?
The short answer is yes. Although the upfront cost of an induction range may be more than a gas-powered range this isn’t the full picture. The initial cost may be higher, but over the medium to long-term it should cost less to run. The energy savings will help the buyer to recoup the disparity in the initial cost of the appliance. The faster cooking times really add up to significant energy savings over time.
How Should I Clean the Induction Cooktop?
Cleaning an induction cooktop is much faster and simpler than a gas burner or more traditional electric heating element. The surface is completely flat and smooth and it stays cool throughout the cooking process. Remember that only the pan is heated and everything else is cool to the touch.
So, there are no particles of burned food to remove during cleaning. When you’re ready simply wipe down the induction cooktop with a soft damp cloth and use a little non-abrasive cleaner to protect the surface.
If you’re considering an upgrade to an induction cooktop you can explore your options with our online collection or speak to one of our home appliance experts for a specialized service.