Induction cooktops: Enough advantages to change?

 
If you are still reading this post, you probably have intention to buy an induction cooktop or just curiosity about them. And yes, it’s true: induction cooktops are considered as the kitchens of the future: they are easy to clean, fast, elegant, comfortable and with less consumption than conventional ones.
 
Even so, not everything is positive. In this post we will also explain you all the keys to understand how the induction system works, what are its advantages, what kind of kitchenware you will need and several details you must need to consider before buying and installing one.
 

What is an induction system and how does it work?

 
An induction cooktop is a type of glass-ceramic hob that directly heats pans using an electromagnetic field that generates heat. This is created with a very powerful magnet connected to the electricity. It’s because of this magnetism that induction hobs only work with certain kitchenware that contains ferromagnetic material.
 

Which cookware do I need to cook with an induction system?

 
If you finally decide to change your conventional cooktop for an induction one, there’s one thing you really need to know: you will probably need to renew all your cookware. Unless you already have some pieces suitable for induction stoves, you must buy new frying pans, pots, tray pans, saucepans, casseroles, etc. All new and suitable for induction. This will obviously increase your expenses.
 
In addition, it is also important that your cookware fit well to the diameters of the induction hobs. If the Induction system doesn’t detect the surface of the pans, it won’t turn on.
 

What do I should consider before buying and installing an Induction cooktop?

 
Before deciding which induction cooktop you prefer, it’s important to consider several aspects that will help you to take the best decision.
 
– Is cooking your hobby? Do you live with a large family?
 
There is a wide variety of induction cooktops in the marketplace. From two to six fires. Price obviously changes depending on which one you choose, but keep in mind that if you are many at home or you just like cooking, the more fires you have, the more practical your hob will be.
 
– Do you have children? Do you have pets?
 
Although almost all induction cooktops already have a safety program, it’s very important your induction hob has a locking system. This tool has turned induction cooktops into the safest cooktops in the market. It’s very useful when you have children, because it doesn’t burn or heat up unless you place a suitable pot on it.
 
– Are you an absent minder? Are you always in a hurry?
 
Timer is a very useful tool that characterizes induction systems. Not having to worry about whether you left on the hob and being able to program the on / off button of your induction stove is a great motive to buy an induction cooktop.
 

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF INDUCTION COOKTOPS

 
Induction system has many advantages:
 
– Induction hobs are the fastest, without any doubt. This type of stove heats up surprisingly fast. It allows going from the minimum level to the maximum one in seconds. For example, the time required to boil 2 liters of water in an induction hob is 4 minutes versus 7 or 8 minutes in a gas or ceramic stove.
 
– Induction cooktops are much more efficient than the rest. They are more efficient than conventional because they heat cookware directly, avoiding the waste of energy. Also, thanks to the sensors of the induction system, they detect if there’s a pan or not on it, so it turns off by itself, even if we forget doing it. This is another positive effect that will reduce your electricity bill.
 
– Security. Previous point has a lot to do with security. An induction hob is a great option for families with children. This kind of cooktops have a blocking system, which means even though children played with it, hobs wouldn’t heat up unless they detected a suitable pot.
 
– Flexinduction hobs. If you want to go further, you can buy a Flex Induction hob. These sensors automatically detect the shape and size of the pans, heating only the areas in contact with them. You can cook in their extra-large areas without wasting energy. The only drawback is price.
 
– Cleaning. Its main advantage with respect to gas stoves is that cleaning is much easier, and faster. But it can also be a little more delicate. Learn here how to properly clean an induction plate.
 
Anyway, induction cooktops have some drawbacks too.
 
– High investment. Gas stoves price range starts around 80 euros. You can find the vitroceramic cooktops starting from 150 – 200 euros, while induction ones can cost even about 2.000 – 3.000€ approximately.
 
– Require Induction cookware. This is another important point to think about. Although gas stoves and vitroceramic can support a large group of cooking utensils, induction hobs can’t. So, you will probably need to update your cookware: frying pans, pots, woks, griddles, saucepans…
 
– Some people hold that food doesn’t taste as good if you cook it with induction hobs.
 

In conclusion: Induction yes or no?

 
Induction hob has many pros, but also cons. If you agree in making a high investment for this appliance and all the cookware it requires, this type of cooktop guarantees you save time in the kitchen, have lower energy consumption and more security at home. Surely in a long term you will be very happy with your investment.
 
However, at the end everything depends on your needs. So, if you really prefer traditional cooking, you don’t cook a lot, you live alone, or you have a small family, maybe the classic gas stoves are enough for you.
 

READ MORE

 
HOW TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN A GOOD NON-STICK FRYING PAN AND A BAD ONE AT A GLANCE.
 
HOW TO CLEAN BURNT POTS AND PANS. TRICKS TO REMOVE BURNT STAINS FROM NON-STICK FRYING PANS.
 
THE 5 BASIC RULES TO USE, CARE AND CLEAN NON-STICK POTS AND PANS WITHOUT READING THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL.