Why we recommend Induction cooking

Fisher Paytel induction unit. I love the way you can cook across two elements.

Here is California, the housing market is moving away from natural gas.  We are all for it.  Of course, so many people think the only way to cook is with gas but Red Maple’s recommendation is induction.   Unlike traditional electric cooking which heats up a hot coil or burner and radiates heat indirectly to a pan, induction heats the pan directly. The induction element creates a magnetic field which excites the ferrous metal in the pan creating friction. The pan becomes the heat source. This technology has been around for decades. It is fast, responsive, and safe.

The benefit of induction cooking is its level of control.  Boiling water happens before your eyes, much like a magic trick. When the heat is turned off the cooking stops without having to remove the pot from the burner. The direct heat is so efficient that the amount of residual heat that fills the room is negligent. Pot handles stay cooler, humans and rooms stay cooler. No live flame means no fire danger.

Additionally, most models have heat sensors that will shut off the burner when your pot boils dry. There are timers that you can set and boost modes for even faster short-term cooking.  You cannot turn on an element without a pan in place; a safety feature for those with young children.  Finally, it is so easy to clean.

So what are the downsides?  Induction cooktops and ranges are more expensive than gas, and electricity is currently more expensive. Yet the cost of running a gas line is huge and induction is so fast that you can cut cooking times by a lot. Plus, the ventilation hood that you need can be much less expensive.

Additionally, you do need ferrous metal in your cookware. This is much less of an issue than people think since most of today’s cookware is induction compatible. If a magnet sticks to the bottom of your pot it is good to go. Also, induction tops are glass and can be scratched or even broken but it is extremely hard to do. All cooktops can be scratched.

Interested in adding an induction model into your kitchen?  Call us for a consultation.