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.<\/p>\n
Before we get started, it\u2019s important to understand how an induction cooktop works. The pan is placed on the ring and it\u2019s 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\u2019t get hot.<\/p>\n
As you can imagine, this is a significant leap forward in terms of safety and it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
When you\u2019re researching induction cooktops it\u2019s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information. To make this process easier we\u2019ve compiled seven tips that should help you to decide if an induction cooktop is the right choice for your home.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s more important than you may imagine. If the cookware that you\u2019re using is smaller than the pan size, it won\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019re frying vegetables, making rice, boiling milk or some other process you can always get perfect results. All that\u2019s needed is a simple button touch and the cooktop does all the hard work for you.<\/p>\n
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\u2019re all set. The best portable cooktops are set up for easier carrying and storage when they are not in use.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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\u2019s also important to understand that induction cooktops have precise temperature controls.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
When you start to research induction cooktops, it\u2019s 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\u2019t fit.<\/p>\n
Most modern induction ranges are 30\u201d or 36\u201d wide and sufficient space is needed around the unit for ventilation purposes. The 30\u201d 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\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The pan or pot needs to have a magnetic field to make the connection with the cooktop surface. It\u2019s 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\u2019s good to know that compatibility with induction cooktops is usually clearly displayed. Any cookware that is compatible doesn\u2019t come at an additional premium and it\u2019s very affordable for those that need to plug any gaps in their cookware collection.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s take a look at some of the FAQs that typically arise when people are looking for an induction cooktop:<\/p>\n
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\u2019t have one you can contact an electrician to install one for you. It\u2019s also a great idea to put the induction range on a dedicated circuit to ensure that the power requirements are fully met.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The short answer is yes. Although the upfront cost of an induction range may be more than a gas-powered range this isn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
So, there are no particles of burned food to remove during cleaning. When you\u2019re ready simply wipe down the induction cooktop with a soft damp cloth and use a little non-abrasive cleaner to protect the surface.<\/p>\n