About Induction Cooktops

Induction cooktops have been used in Europe for years, but are now gaining popularity in North America as well. Using an electromagnetic field and ferrous cookware, induction cooktops offer all the benefits of traditional gas cooktops without the potential risks of gas. Induction cooktops also offer efficiency and safety unrivaled by other cooking methods. Now, what was once only available as a luxury import is now available in a broad range of makes and models in the United States. Even celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck offers an induction cooktop in his own signature line of products.

Function

Induction cooktops use electromagnetic elements, instead of gas or electric elements, to cook. In contrast to the other cooking methods, induction cooktops heat the cooking vessel itself, that is, the pot or pan, rather than a burner. When an induction cooktop is turned on, an electromagnetic field is created that transfers its energy directly to the magnetic, or ferrous, cookware on the cooktop. This energy causes the cookware to become hot, and the heat from the cookware itself then cooks the food.

Benefits

Induction cooktops are 84 percent energy efficient, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Traditional gas cooktops are only 40 percent efficient because they must heat a burner and then allow the cookware to absorb some of that heat while the rest is lost into the air. Induction cooktops bypass that energy loss because they heat the cookware directly. Not only does this lead to a cooler kitchen, but it also means that the cooktop itself remains cool to the touch, a safety feature unique to induction cooktops. Unlike gas cooktops, there are no hazardous fumes associated with induction cooktops, but like gas, heat control is instantaneous. The electromagnetic field created by induction cooktops is powered by electricity, so installation is no more difficult than a standard electric cooktop. As opposed to a traditional electric cooktop, however, an induction cooktop has a low operating cost, only about $30 a year at current average electricity costs.

Considerations

The primary consideration regarding induction cooktops is that only magnetic cookware will work. Most stainless steel and all cast iron cookware will work well, but copper, aluminum or glass cookware, such as Pyrex, will not. Another important point to consider is that induction cooktops are quite expensive, starting around $1,500, and rapidly going up in price depending on the model and features offered. Since an induction cooktop is an electrical appliance, a power outage renders it useless, just like a traditional electric cooktop or microwave oven. Also, induction cooktops can be noisy if the fan cooling the internal elements is not sufficiently housed, or if the cookware has any loose fittings.

Misconceptions

Induction cooktops are often presumed to be less powerful than other cooking methods, perhaps because the cook can not see or feel the heat himself. In fact, however, because of their efficiency, they are at least if not more effective at transferring energy to heat than gas or electric cooktops. Although it is still commonly believed that induction cooktops are only available in Europe, American cooks who want one of their own will be pleased to learn that they are now available in North America. In fact, a growing number of chefs, such as Wolfgang Puck and Alton Brown, are promoting induction cooking, even though gas is often assumed to be the method preferred by professionals.

Potential

With their energy efficiency and clean, fume-free heating, induction cooktops fit well into an eco-friendly home. Prototype "zone" cooktops, in which the electromagnetic element adjusts to the exact size and shape of the cookware, will be even more efficient and will also solve the issue of oversized or irregular cooking vessels, such as large grill pans. Another useful feature of induction cooktops is that they are very shallow when installed, about 2 inches deep. This allows for maximum storage under the cooktop or open space under the cooktop. Homes designed for maximum accessibility could have cooktops arranged like a desk, allowing a person in a wheelchair easy access without reaching or turning sideways.