At a Glance:
5 Benefits of Induction Cooking
Top Induction Cooktops on the Market
The battle between gas and electric cooktops has raged for decades, but a new contender has recently entered the fight. Induction ranges are more energy efficient and faster than both electric and gas ranges. They also offer the control that amateur chefs crave when they prepare meals. If you want to elevate your kitchen with the latest technology, you can’t go wrong with an induction cooktop.
But what is induction anyway? How does it differ from traditional electric stoves? Learn more about this unique system and why it might be the best option for your kitchen.
What is induction?
Induction is the process of using electromagnetic currents to create heat. The heating zones consist of heavy magnets that excite metallic pans and cause them to heat up. As a result, the pan gets hot, but the burner stays cool.
One of the best ways to understand induction is to compare it to other forms of cooking. Electric and gas burners use the same basic technology as cavemen heating meat over the fire. The burners get hot and then transfer that heat to any surface that is placed on it, whether you are using a sauté pan to stir-fry veggies or accidentally touch an electric coil with your hand.
Induction changes the game. The goal isn’t to create a hot surface at all. Instead, these cooktops challenge energy so the pans you use will heat up your food and cook your meals. When you move the pan off the range, none of the heating zones are hot.
5 Benefits of Induction Cooking
While the concept of an induction range sounds cool, you might not realize all of the benefits that this form of technology comes with. Here are just a few reasons why people opt for induction stove and cooktop models.
- They are energy efficient. Induction cooktops are about 10% more efficient than electric models and three times more efficient than gas stoves. The team at Energy Star estimates that if all cooktops in the United States used induction technology, there would be $125 million in energy savings.
- The cooking time is faster. Induction cooktops don’t just require less energy to operate, they also cook food faster – which means the range is on for less time. You will start to notice that it takes less time to prepare meals, so you can spend more time enjoying your creations.
- Induction cooktops are safer. If you have young kids with curious hands, you might be worried about letting them in the kitchen. However, your kids can touch an induction burner you recently used and it won’t burn them.
- They are easier to clean. Induction cooktops are flat surfaces without the coils or covers used with electric and gas options. There’s nothing to remove and there aren’t hidden crevices where food can hide. All you have to do is wipe down your stove when you are done using it.
- Your home air will be cleaner. Even in a controlled environment, natural gas can pollute your living space. This cooking option can give you the precision you want without creating dirty air.
Once you have a clear understanding of what is an induction cooktop, you can decide whether these benefits outweigh the price of buying a new model and replacing your existing stove.
Top Induction Cooktops on the Market
If you want an even better answer to what is induction cooking, look at some of the best products on the market. You can see what the heating elements look like and how they are used. You can also explore a few top brands that invest in induction technology. Here are our top picks.
Frigidaire Gallery® 36" Black Induction Cooktop
This model is a great place to start to learn what is induction and to see this cooking model in action. It has five cooking zones of various sizes to accommodate different pots and pans. The Auto Sizing™ Pan Detection will evaluate which pan you are using to maximize energy efficiency. You can boil a pot of water for pasta and simmer a delicate sauce without wasting energy.
Check out online reviews to see what people think about this cooktop. One buyer writes, “Aside from the ease of cleanup with the seamless glass top, the cooking performance of this induction stove was a pleasant surprise. The heat control outperforms gas, a pot of water comes to a boil in less than 2 minutes (more than twice as fast as our old gas top).”
Frigidaire Professional® 36" Stainless Steel Induction Cooktop
For a slightly more advanced model, check out the line of cooktops by Frigidaire Professional®. This cooktop was designed with controlled cooking in mind. You can switch from a blazing hot pan to a pot that needs delicate heat within a matter of seconds. Unlike electric elements, there isn’t a necessary cooling period, which means you are less likely to burn your food.
There are several favorable reviews that highlight the benefits of this model. One customer writes, “New to induction and it is very reactive to temperature changes, as close as I could expect to gas. The knob control was one of the reasons we went with this model and are glad we made that decision. I would buy this cooktop again without any second thoughts.”
Bosch Benchmark® 30" Stainless Steel Slide-in Induction Range
Some brands are expanding their line of induction products to create ranges that use induction cooking. Not only will you enjoy all of the benefits of an induction cooktop, but you can also expand your cooking skills with a Bosch oven. This model comes with a Convection Pro system for even heating and faster cooking. If you have always wanted to learn how to bake bread, now is your chance.
This is one of the highest-rated induction ranges on the market by customers. One buyer says, “This is a wonderful range. Sleek looking and easy to use. The induction is fast and the ability to go 1/2 increments on burner heat is so much better than offered on other manufacturer induction ranges.”
Frigidaire Gallery® 30" Stainless Steel Freestanding Induction Range with Air Fry
Finally, check out this Frigidaire range if you need a combination of oven and stove cooking in your home. There are four different heating elements on the top of the range with easy controls on the back panel. The oven comes with seven different rack positions and air fry capabilities. You can enjoy crispy French fries straight from the oven while you enjoy induction cooking on your stove.
You can read buyer reviews to see what it’s like to own this range. One buyer says, “This stovetop cooks so evenly and quickly heats up with so many levels. I can easily adjust and get a very low simmer if desired.”
FAQ
What is an induction stove?
An induction stove uses electromagnetic technology to heat up pots and pans for cooking. Instead of cooking over a hot surface, this option heats your cookware. As a result, you can enjoy faster and more evenly-prepared meals.
Do you need special pans to use an induction stove?
You do not need to buy new pots and pans for your induction cooktop. As long as your current pans are made with iron or are iron-based, then they should work fine. Pans made of steel will also work with induction cooking. You can test your metal pans on induction surfaces to make sure they work as needed.
What is the disadvantage of induction cooking?
One of the biggest drawbacks of induction cooking is the price. These cooktops are still new on the market which means only a few brands carry them. You might need to shop around to get a good deal. However, as more companies invest in induction, you can expect the prices to decrease in the coming years.
Why Trust Spencer’s TV & Appliance?
Since 1973, Spencer’s TV & Appliance has grown to 10 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction has always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.
Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencer’s and see what you’re missing!
Shop Induction Cooktops and Ranges at Spencer’s
At Spencer’s TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop induction cooking appliances online today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you better understand what induction is and whether this is the right option for your home. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!
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