What is an induction stove (and is it right for you)?
By Alyssa Chua•Last updated Oct 23, 2023
Last updated Oct 23, 2023
Thinking about replacing your old stove? An induction stove might be the way to go, especially if you value safety and energy efficiency.
But what exactly is an induction stove, and how does it work?
Read on to learn more, including the pros and cons that this stove offers.
How do induction stoves work?
An induction stove is a type of electric stove that uses induction heat. It heats cookware with electromagnetic energy rather than a traditional external heat source. Traditional electric cooktops produce heat by sending electricity through heating elements. Induction cooktops use a copper coil to create an electromagnetic field.
Because it does not use a traditional external heat source, only your cookware becomes warm from the transferred heat. The cooktop itself stays cool to the touch, and your food may cook faster because of the added precision.
Induction stove pros and cons
Like any other kitchen appliance, an induction stove has pros and cons. These can help you decide whether it's the right cooking appliance for your kitchen.
Pros of owning an induction stove:
- You can cook faster. You can boil water approximately 2-4 minutes sooner on an induction stove than on a gas stove. This faster cooking time comes from the precision of how induction heats cookware.
- You have easy temperature control. Need heat right away? Push a few buttons and watch the pan heat almost instantly. Too hot? Lower the temperature to cool down your pot right away.
- The smooth tops are easy to clean. Induction stoves usually have ceramic-glass cooking surfaces, so you can wipe them down quickly. You also do not need to wait long for the cooktop to cool down.
- There's a built-in safety feature. If you turn on an induction stove without a pot on top, it will not heat up. Unlike gas stoves with open flames, induction stoves only work when cookware is placed on them because the heat is created within the cookware. When you remove a pot or pan from the burner, the stove stops producing heat.
- They are more energy efficient. Induction stoves are more efficient than both conventional electric stoves and gas stoves. They are also better for indoor air quality.
Cons of owning an induction stove:
- They can get noisy. You may hear a buzzing or humming sound while cooking because of cookware vibration. When you turn it off, you may also hear the fan as it cools the cooktop. If you are sensitive to sound, this may bother you.
- It's a learning curve if you're used to gas stoves. If you have cooked with gas stoves all your life, adjusting to how straightforward induction stoves are may take some time. You may also need to make sure your kitchen has 220- or 240-volt outlets.
- You'll need the right cookware. You cannot use just any pots and pans unless they are magnetic. Check whether your cookware is induction-ready by sticking a magnet to the bottom. If it sticks firmly, you can use it. If not, you may need induction-compatible cookware.
- It can be a little more expensive. Some induction stoves may cost more than gas or conventional electric stoves. You also need to factor in operating costs, since electricity is usually slightly more expensive than gas in most places.
Should you get an induction stove? Consider this.
Before getting an induction stove, you need to consider a few things.
How much do induction stoves cost?
While induction stoves used to be pricey, they have been getting cheaper. You may be able to find a four-burner induction range for approximately $1,000 and a single-burner appliance for as little as $70, according to the Department of Energy .
Of course, you must also consider running costs, such as the electricity needed to use an induction stove. Gas tends to be cheaper than electricity in most places. So, if you are switching from gas to induction, you will need to adjust your budget, too.
Lastly, do not forget to factor in new cookware unless all your cookware is already induction-ready. If not, you will have to buy new pots and pans with a magnetic base for your induction stove.
Installation process
Installing induction stoves is easy, especially if you get a freestanding range or already have an electric hookup. The only challenge comes if your kitchen does not have a 220- or 240-volt outlet for electric stoves. If you are switching from gas to electric, you will need to hire a pro to install an outlet.
If you are getting a four-burner induction stove, you may want to consider getting help from a pro to install it. If you are buying a one-burner stove and already have a 220-volt outlet, you can simply plug it in and use it.
Efficiency and energy savings
Induction stoves are one of the most energy-efficient kitchen appliances. Instead of relying on indirectly conducting heat to your cookware, it provides high power and instant temperature change. Because it heats cookware directly, you can save more energy at home.
According to the Department of Energy, induction stoves are up to three times more efficient than gas stoves. They are even up to 10% more efficient than traditional smooth-top electric stoves. This can result in lower energy costs and lower rates of air pollution.
Maintenance and cleaning
Because the stove itself does not heat up the way traditional electric and gas stoves do, you will not have as much trouble with food residue. You may still get spills or splatters from frying, but you can easily wipe them up. Plus, you do not have to wait long for the induction stove to cool down.
With an induction stove, you also do not need many cleaning products to keep it in good shape. Simply use a damp cloth and wipe down the stove after using it.
If you want to do a deeper cleaning to keep the surface shiny, you can use a ceramic glass cleaner once in a while.
Hire a pro to install your induction stove
Have you decided that an induction stove or range is right for you? Find professionals on Thumbtack to help with installing your new appliance. Download the Thumbtack app today to see local pros and request free cost estimates.
FAQs
Is the surface of an induction stove crack- or scratch-proof?
Induction stoves are made of ceramic glass, a sturdy material that can handle high temperatures. Still, if you are not careful, you may accidentally scratch or crack it.
What kinds of pots and pans work well with induction stoves?
The cookware you use for your induction stove must be magnetic for it to work. It needs iron or stainless steel and usually a coil spring at the bottom. You can try sticking a magnet to the bottom of a pot or pan to see whether it is magnetic. Some cookware is also labeled induction-ready.
Consider getting cookware with flat bases, too. Pots and pans with curved bottoms, like woks, may not produce good results or heat up enough to cook your food thoroughly. There are, however, flat-bottomed alternatives that may work with your induction stove.
Can I cook with a cast iron pot or pan on my induction stove?
Cast iron cookware will work on an induction stove. Just be careful when moving the pot from one burner to another so you do not accidentally scratch the surface.
Are induction stoves easy to use?
Induction cooktops are pretty straightforward. They may, however, require a bit of a learning curve if you are used to gas or conventional electric stoves. You can change the setting easily by turning a knob or tapping a button to suit your needs.
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