Radiant electric cooktops are more efficient than the traditional electric coil version and perform about as well as a gas cooktop. The most efficient electric cooking technology is induction, and induction cooktops deliver better cooking performance than gas, as demonstrated in the videos on this page. Induction cooking is faster, easy to control, and safer than cooking with gas or propane. In addition, because the surface does not heat up (only the pans and food), it is very easy and safe to clean up any spills.
Induction cooking works by creating a magnetic field between the cooking pan/pot and the magnetic coils beneath the cooking surface. The magnetic field then heats the content of the cooking pot.
In order for cookware to perform on induction cooktops, it must contain iron (cast iron or some types of stainless steel) or have a layer of material with magnetic properties. Some stainless steel cookware does not work with induction – for example, if it is a blend of aluminum and stainless steel, or if the nickel content of the stainless steel is too high. However, some manufacturers of cookware are now putting a layer of magnetic material on the bottom of the pan/pot.
To tell if a pot or pan is compatible with your induction stove, hold a magnet to the bottom. If the magnet clings to the underside, the cookware will work on an induction cooktop. If the magnet grabs the pan softly, you may not have good success with it.
Boulder County‘s Office of Sustainability, Climate Action and Resilience is offering a free, two-week loan of portable induction cooktops for residents to try cooking with induction technology. Please complete this sign-up form to request a cooktop.
What should I consider when selecting an induction stove?
While any induction cooktop will offer efficiency, speed, and safety, there are a suite of features and design considerations to keep in mind when evaluating options:
• Power Settings: The number of power settings generally corresponds to the level of precision and temperature control. For context, most induction cooktops offer at least 10 power settings.
• Control Panel Type: Though digital interfaces are the norm, induction controls can range from knobs to an LCD touchscreen or sliding bar or wheel you operate with the tap of a finger. Preference for different control panel functionality can have a big impact on user satisfaction.
• Preset Options: Some home chefs might favor induction models that come with automated presets to perform specific cooking methods, such as braise, steam, or boil, as well as the option to create your own custom presets.
• Safety Features: While induction is a safer cooking method, some models carry additional safety features like controls with child locks and sensors that’ll automatically turn off the heat if a pot spills over or foreign objects are detected on the cooktop surface.
• Other Features: Does the stove offer (or not offer) other features you will enjoy? Many non-induction specific features or user interfaces can have a big impact on your enjoyment of the stove. For example, do the buttons beep every time you touch them and can you turn the noise on or off if you do or don’t like it?
Can I use my preferred cookware with an induction cooktop?
Any cookware with a magnetic bottom can be used with induction. Therefore, if a magnet sticks to the bottom of your cookware, it will work. Look for the induction logo (see picture) when purchasing new cookware.
Are electric appliances more expensive?
Yes and no. Like all appliances, electric appliances come in all shapes, sizes, and budgets. The most common electric resistance ranges and cooktops are priced similarly or cheaper than their gas counterparts. Induction is often similar or more expensive upfront but offers greater efficiency, performance, and savings over time.
Can I sear and char with an induction cooktop?
Yes – getting a good char with induction is easy and fast. May induction cooktops come with more precise temperature controls allowing you to adjust the heat of your cookware by increments of five or ten degrees. Even better, because induction heats cookware immediately, you can access this power within seconds leading to a shorter overall cooking time. You may find you need to adjust your cooking style due to the power of induction cooktops compared to gas.
Can I do wok cooking with induction?
Yes! Cooking in woks is possible on induction with flat-bottomed woks or on induction hobs that are curved to fit the shape of a standard wok pan. The high heat necessary in wok cooking is met easily on induction thanks to the power and quick response it delivers. Unlike gas woks, induction contributes less heat to the environment keeping your kitchen cooler.
Is it safe to use induction if I have a pacemaker?
A pacemaker is a small medical device implanted in the chest to help regulate irregular heartbeats by sending electrical signals to the heart. Induction cooktops emit an electromagnetic field that is strongest within two feet of the cooking surface. Scientific tests are thus far inconclusive as to whether the electrical field will disrupt the function of a pacemaker. Induction cooktops come with manufacturer’s warning such as “Persons with a pacemaker or similar medical device should exercise caution using or standing near an induction unit while it is in operation, as the electromagnetic field may affect the working of the pacemaker or similar medical device. It would be advisable to consult your doctor or the pacemaker or similar medical device manufacturer about your particular situation.” If you have concerns, a modern electric resistance cooktop may be a good option for you.
