You may be loyal to your gas or electric stove, but induction cooking deserves a second look. The Consumer Product Safety Commission review of gas stove safety has highlighted alternative cooking methods – particularly the newer and lesser-known benefits of induction cooking.
How induction cooking works
An induction stove top looks almost identical to a glass-top electric stove. When turned on, coils produce electromagnetic energy, causing induction-compatible cookware to heat up. The stovetop does not get hot, only the pan.
Benefits of induction cooking
Pluses to induction cooking include:
- Unlike gas cooking, induction cooking does not produce emissions of nitrogen oxide, which studies have shown can contribute to respiratory ailments like asthma.
- Induction does not give off heat like gas or electric coil cooking, meaning your kitchen won’t get hot. Even more significant, for those with children in the home, the cooktop surface is safer because it doesn’t need a cool-down period.
- Induction cooking is faster. Water boils two times quicker, and foods are ready sooner.
- No more hard-crusted foods seared onto a hot cooktop from splatters or boilovers. Spills wipe up easier.
- The induction coil generates more even energy to the pan, enabling fine-tuning of temperature control.
- A provision in the Inflation Reduction Act means you may be eligible for a tax credit by purchasing an induction stove.
Downsides to induction cooking?
There are a few things to consider when switching to induction cooking.
- Induction cooktops are more expensive than traditional gas or electric stoves, but the cost should decrease as technology improves.
- Induction cooking requires compatible cookware. Any set of pots or pans that attract a magnet is compatible. For example, cast iron and stainless steel pans would work since they conduct the electromagnetism produced by the stove’s copper coils.
- Induction cooking produces a slight humming or buzzing sound.
- The electromagnetic energy may interfere with pacemakers or other electronic medical implants.
- The glass surface can scratch if using cookware that is not smooth-bottomed.
Related – What You Need to Know About the Safety of Your Gas Stove
