Have You Tried Induction Cooking?

Induction cooking is becoming increasingly popular due to its many benefits. I recently moved and switched to an induction stove from a gas stove. When I first found out a gas stove wouldn’t be an option, I thought, oh no, I can’t do without my gas stove.” My research led me to the next best option, an induction stove. I was pleasantly surprise with the results.

It’s faster than other traditional methods of cooking, as it heats up the cookware directly instead of heating up the cooktop. This makes it more efficient and quicker, no more waiting for water to boil. I thought gas was fast, I am finding induction is as fast if not faster.

It’s also safer than traditional cooking methods, as the cooktop only gets hot when it’s in contact with the cookware. Once you remove the pot the heat is gone or minimal. Induction uses electric currents through magnetic induction to heat pots. It is only heating the pot not the cooktop. This means that you don’t have to worry about accidentally burning yourself or someone else when cooking.

My daughter and her husband have a family tradition of doing fondue at Christmas, but since they had my granddaughter, they haven't done it. They both felt that the idea of an open flame and a toddler, is probably not the best mix.

This year, they did a fondue using the induction hot plate like the one available on Amazon below. The end result is that they had very yummy fondue and my four year old granddaughter could participate with little concern about getting burnt.

Additionally, induction cooking is much more energy efficient than traditional methods, as it uses less energy to produce the same amount of heat.

To say the least, I am very impressed with my induction stove. It has moved to the top of the list, then gas, last is electric cooktops.

Here are the Pros and Cons of induction stove tops:

Pros

1. Faster Cooking: Induction cooking is much faster than traditional gas or electric cooking. Induction heats the actual pot almost instantly, heating water up to 50% faster than some other cooktops. It responds quickly to adjustments in heat levels. If time is a factor for you, meals can be prepared quickly and efficiently.

2. Energy Efficiency: Induction cooking uses less energy. This makes it both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Auto-sizing burners heat only where the pot is placed.

3. Safety: Induction cooking is safer than traditional gas or electric cooking. Since the cooktop remains cool while in use, the heat is only there is less of a risk of burns or fires.

4. Easier Clean-Up: Induction cooking is easier to clean than traditional gas or electric cooking. There is no greasy build-up on the cook top making clean-up a breeze. Almost as soon as you are done cooking the cooktop will be cooled. Saving time on clean up.

5. More Precise Cooking Control: Induction cooking allows for more precise temperature control than other cooking methods. This makes it easier to cook food to the exact temperature you desire.

Cons

1. Expensive: Induction cooktops can be expensive to purchase and install, especially if you need to buy a new cooktop or cookware.

2. Special Cookware Required: Induction cookware needs to have stainless steel bottoms. To check your cookware, test the bottoms with a magnet. If purchasing new cookware purchase products that are good for induction cooktops. This can also be a deterrent for some people who are on a budget.

3. Limited Availability – Induction cooktops are not widely available in stores and may be difficult to find. I had to special order mine and it took almost a year to arrive. This was during Covid, I am sure the wait time is less now.

4. Special Cookware Required – Induction cooktops require certain types of cookware that are specially designed for induction cooking. This can be a limitation for some people who do not have the right cookware at home. Below is a link to one of my favorite cookware sets.

5. Requires Special Cleaning – Induction cooktops require special cleaning products that may not be available in all stores. Link below to amazon cleaning set.

Wendy’s words for you.....It has been my pleasure writing this blog for you. In case you are wondering, I purchased a GE Cafe Induction Range. I am completely satisfied with the way the induction cooktop performs. Yes it was more money than the gas cooktop to purchase. I considered if I purchased a gas cooktop, it would mean I needed to upgrade my kitchen to bring the gas upstairs to the kitchen so that narrowed the gap.

If you are thinking about purchasing a new range or cooktop please consider an induction. I am confident you will be happy with your decision. To read more of my blogs please join my website at www.hummingbirdandowl.com or leave me a comment, I would love to hear from you.

The Cook top my daughter and her husband have.

One of my favorite sets of cookware and cleaning products: