Ever wondered why there is a large scale shift towards using induction stoves from traditional gas-based burners, in new modern homes?
Are you thinking about getting yourself a new induction cooktop?
In this article, you will find a detailed guide to buying an induction stove or getting an induction stove hob installed in your new kitchen.
We will go over what you need to know before making the decision and share some recommendations for ensuring you and your kitchen get the best induction stove set.
What is an Induction Stove?
An Induction stove in a heating source, just like a regular gas-based burner, which works on the principle of electromagnetic induction.
An induction cooktop heats only the metallic vessel and the contents inside it while leaving the cooktop cool to touch, and doesn’t directly heat any non-conductive metals, including food.
They don’t need any sort of fuel like propane or Compressed Natural Gas but works on electricity.
How does an induction stove work?
Induction stove contains a two-part system – a copper coil and the cooking pan/vessel.
The electrical power supplied to the copper coil causes a magnetic field due to electromagnetic induction, which heats up the conductive metal at the bottom of the cookware, causing the food inside to heat up. Even the coil does not heat up.
This means that the induction stovetop can only heat cookware – and not pass heat into the air surrounding it, or your hands.
Which makes it very safe, even if you forget to turn off the power. To deal with this, most manufacturers have now started adding virtual flames, so you see a glow when the power is on, so no worries!
What cookware and utensils can you use for an induction stove?
When it comes to cookware or utensils that you want to use for cooking on an induction stove, it is important to keep in mind that a vessel/utensil made up of 100% copper, 100% aluminium or non-magnetic steel will not work.
The vessel needs to have a magnetic bottom in order for the magnetic induction, and hence the heating, to start.
So how do you check if the vessels and cookware you have works on an induction stove?
It’s simple. Just take a magnet (I’m sure we all have plenty of fridge magnets) and stick it to the bottom of the pan.
If it sticks, you’re good to go!
However, if none of your vessels has a magnetic bottom, you might want to consider the additional expense of buying induction stovetop compatible cookware.
Why should I buy an induction stove?
If you are ever thinking about why you should get an induction stove, or an induction stovetop hub, here are the reasons.
- Greater Efficiency
- Safer to operate
- Easy to Clean
- Heating is even throughout the utensil
- Alternative to gas-based cooktops
1. Efficiency:
Induction stoves are highly efficient and 90% of the heat generated is transferred to the vessel.
This is compared to 40% in the case of Gas and 74% in the case of electricity based heaters. Very little energy is dissipated to the surroundings.
What does this mean for you? It consumes lesser power and the heating is faster.
It also means that it is less expensive for your kitchen.
Here is some research on a more detailed analysis of the cost of using induction stoves.
2. Safer to operate:
Induction cooktops do not have direct heating elements and are not hot when touched.
This makes it very safe to operate.
3. Easy to Clean:
The induction cooktops are just a flat surface, usually with a grease-resistant coating. This means that there are no burners to individually clean or grease at those tough corners you can never reach.
4. Heating is even throughout the utensils:
The heat that is passed onto the utensil is evenly distributed throughout. This means every portion of the contents receives an even amount of heat.
This is not always true in gas-based burners and cooktops.
5. Alternative to gas based burners:
Have you ever been in a situation where your LPG cylinder ran out of gas? Don’t worry, we all have.
It is always a great idea for you to have a backup, just in case it ever happens!
Are there any cons for buying an induction stove?
There are only a few drawbacks to getting an induction stove.
The kitchen needs to be adjusted to accommodate it, which can mean purchasing new iron or compatible steel utensils. Keep in mind that they have to be flat based utensils.
In case of power cuts, you may not be able to use the induction stove.
It may not be best suited for Indian recipes including phulka or chapati.
Consider the cost versus efficiency – for multip cooktop induction stoves, you might have a greater upfront investment, but in the long run, it works out cheaper and more efficient.
What are the different types of Induction stoves?
There are primarily two kinds of Induction stoves available.
Single cooktop induction stove, and multi cooktop induction stove hub.
The single cooktop is capable of accommodating only one vessel at a time and is portable.
It is the most economical option.
A multi cooktop induction stove hub is a replacement for your gas burner, installed directly into your kitchen base, with capacities of two or four hobs.
It is a more expensive and permanent option. It is also not portable.
Conclusion
To conclude, getting an induction stove is a great option for your kitchen. It has some great advantages like lesser cost, higher efficiency and better & safer heating.
You might want to consider a small single cooktop induction stove due to its portability and lesser cost, or a permanent 4 hob cooktop for your new kitchen.