Fun, Efficient and Safe Cooking with Induction
I cooked on a gas stove for 2 decades and thought it was the best option ever. Then I got an induction cooktop. I have found cooking on induction superior in every way to my gas stove. I boil water far faster, clean up far more easily, maintain a simmer without constantly adjusting the controls and don’t worry about indoor air pollution from my stove. Gas stoves can leak methane even when not in use and are less efficient than induction. Radiant electric cooktops are very inefficient and hard to control. Simply put induction cooking is the safest and most efficient way to cook.
Induction is a magnetic heat. The magnets of the burner excite the metallic pan to create heat. Because induction cooking offers direct heat to cookware, it is an incredibly efficient option that gives the cook more control and the temperature tends to stay much steadier than electric or gas ranges. With induction cooking up to 90% of the energy is transferred to the food, compared to about 74% for radiant electric systems and 40% for gas stoves. Induction’s direct heating doesn't fluctuate, so you can maintain a steady simmer without burning the food.
In addition, the speed and response of induction is superior to even the hottest professional gas unit. Boiling water on induction takes about half the time of other types of cooktops. And because the cooktop itself doesn’t get hot like an electric stovetop, it’s easier to clean.
Induction cooking requires magnetic cookware. If a magnet will stick to your pan you can use it with an induction cooktop. I use All-Clad stainless steel and cast iron pans on my induction cook top. Stainless steel has the additional benefit that it won’t react with food. Stainless steel pots and pans that have had nickel added to them are non-magnetic and can't be used with induction cookware.
Want to try out induction and see if it’s for you before you purchase your next stove? Well now you can! Memorial Hall Library has an induction cooktop set that can be borrowed for one week. Check it out!
