Induction Cooking
Induction stoves works by creating a magnetic field between pots/pans and the magnetic coils beneath the cooking surface. The magnetic field then heats the content of the cooking pot.
Why make the switch?
Safety
Gas stoves release harmful pollutants into your home–and not only when you are actively cooking. These pollutants are especially dangerous to children, seniors, and sensitive groups. A recent study showed that 12.7 percent of childhood asthma in the U.S. is attributable to gas stove use.
Speed
Thanks to the power of electromagnets, induction cooking is remarkably fast compared to cooking with gas. Temperature changes mid-recipe adjust within seconds. Cleaning is even quicker — rather than scrubbing grimy grates, simply wipe the glass of your induction cooktop.
Efficiency
Almost half the heat energy from gas stoves goes up into the air, and not into your food. But induction converts 90 percent of its energy to cooking heat because it heats your cookware, not the air. This also means that cooking in the summer won’t heat up your home–saving you money on your AC or fan bill, too.
Portable Induction Cooktop Lending Program
Are you interested in trying induction cooking before you make the decision to upgrade your kitchen? EnergySmart offers a free, three-week loan of portable induction cooktops for residents to try cooking with induction technology.
FAQ
Yes and no. Like gas appliances, electric appliances come in a range of shapes, sizes, and budgets.
The most common electric resistance ranges and cooktops are prices similarly or cheaper than gas ones.
Induction ranges and cooktops are often similarly priced to gas (or slightly more), but they offer greater efficiency and performances that saves you money over time.
Any cookware with a magnetic bottom works with an induction stove. To check, hold a magnet to the bottom–if the magnet sticks, the cookware will work! When purchasing new cookware, check for an induction logo.
Yes! Getting a good char is easy and fast. Many induction cooktops come with precise temperature controls that heat up immediately, giving you more control than gas. This may mean that you need to adjust your cooking style at first, but you’ll safe time and energy as you get used to the difference.
Yes! Flat-bottomed woks work on standard induction cooktops, and curved-bottom cooktops are also available that are specific to rounded wok shapes. Induction technology easily achieves the high temperatures needed for wok cooking–while keeping your kitchen cooler than a gas stovetop would.
Induction cooktops emit an electromagnetic field that is strongest within two feet of the cooking surface. Studies are so far inconclusive as to whether this field may interfere with pacemakers. We recommend reaching out to your physician to learn more, or opting for electric resistance cooktops if you have concerns.
It depends! Induction stoves are powered entirely by electricity, so most models require a 240-volt connection. If you have that connection set up for your previous appliance, you are likely all set. However, upgrading to a 240-volt connection if you don’t have one already can be potentially hazardous, and it’s best to hire a licensed professional, like an electrician, to make sure that the job gets done safely and up-to-code.
While induction ovens don’t exist (they use a different kind of heating technology), you can definitely purchase a combination electric convection oven and induction cooktop.
Ready to get started?
EnergySmart’s list of contractors can help you find the right team for your project. These contractors are excited to work on electrification projects, and have completed EnergySmart projects in the past.
Not sure where to start?
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