Last updated on August 25th, 2023
Whether it is in kitchen design or the culinary world, induction cooking is creating a buzz. While there is nothing new about this concept, this technology is creating waves as gas stoves are slowly getting phased out in some countries.
What makes induction cooktops so desirable? Apart from the aesthetic appeal, induction cooking is faster and has health benefits. So, should you switch to induction? Let’s find out the pros and cons of this amazing technology.
What Makes it Tick?
The energy in an induction cooktop is sourced from magnetic currents. The magnet under the glass gets activated when you place the induction-ready pan on the cooking zone. The molecules in the cookware get agitated, causing friction. This creates the heat for cooking. What makes induction cooking exciting is that the pan starts to heat up immediately. This is not possible on standard gas stoves, where the heat is transferred to the cookware.
The Secret of Induction Cooking Pots
Just any old pot isn’t going to work on your induction cooktop. While this is enough to put you off, once you get used to the idea, life gets simpler. So, what kind of pots are we looking at? Anything magnetic will do. To test your cooking pan, hold a magnet against its bottom. If it sticks, your pan is induction-friendly.
This means no aluminum, ceramic, copper, or glass pots and pans. Yes, it can be challenging to dispose of your precious collection, but the trick is to rip off the bandaid in one go. Flat-bottomed pans are ideal. The pans should be the same size as the induction cooktop.
Tricks of Cooking on Induction
Induction cooking requires a knack that will develop as you go along. When you lift off the pan from your induction cooktop, the cooking element switches off. This can take a bit of adjusting if you are used to cooking over a flame.
However, once you get over the initial hiccups, it’s easy sailing from there. The cooking is even and precise. The cooking time is faster, too, meaning fewer hours spent in the kitchen — reason enough to rush out and buy one!
An Eco-Friendly Way to Cook
Cooking gas has been under the spotlight in recent times due to its human health concerns. Some cities in the U.S. are working toward a ban on cooking gas as it impacts the environment too.
So, what’s in it for you? Induction cooking is energy-efficient, so you save on your energy bills and get a chance to do your bit for the environment. What’s more, you don’t have to deal with poor air quality once you phase out your gas stove.
What are the Benefits?
Safe to use: As the pan covers the cooktop perfectly, induction cooking cuts down on the chances of burns. There are no open flames to worry about.
Faster cooking: Saves time and energy.
Kitchen redesigning gets simpler: You don’t have to worry about digging up for a gas pipeline, as all you need is an electric outlet.
Easy to clean: The flat and smooth surface of your cooktop makes it easy to clean.
Now, the Downside
Needs special cookware: If you choose induction cooking, magnetic bottom cookware is your only option.
It takes time to get used to: Getting the hang of the temperature and the cooking process isn’t easy.
Pricey: Induction cooktops are more expensive than gas or electric stoves.
A swap isn’t easy: Switching to an induction cooktop isn’t easy, as you need to configure the electric outlets. It may need a circuit breaker.
It scratches easily: These high-tech cooktops chip and crack easily. A heavy cast-iron pan may not be suitable as a result.
Our Thoughts
There is a lot to be said about the induction cooktop. And while we debate its pros and cons, a few years down the line, we will be left with no choice in the matter. While we mull over the pros and cons of this invention, let’s check out the latest modular kitchen designs to go with an induction cooktop. At homebliss.in, we offer plenty of design options and cleaning hacks to inspire your home decor. Log in today.
