Choosing the best cooker in 2021 – Gas vs Induction

An induction cooker transfers electrical energy by induction from a coil of wire into a metal vessel that must be ferromagnetic. … The eddy currents flow through the electrical resistance of the pot to produce heat through Joule heating; the pot then in turn heats its contents by heat conduction.

Buying a new range or cooktop is intimidating enough, but especially so if you’re considering switching to induction. The new, buzzy type of range has gained popularity for its quick cooking times, energy efficiency, and safety: but how exactly does induction work, and is it worth the steep price tag? The truth is: it depends.

Induction cooking takes place on a flat glass surface equipped with heaters. The heating coils are powered by electromagnetic energy that’s only activated by the iron in cookware. When the iron makes contact with the active heaters, the iron particles agitate causing the pan to heat up quickly. This is different than what happens with an electric or gas range because a transfer of heat from the burners to the cookware does not take place: instead, the pot or pan heats up while the cooktop remains cools – and safe to touch! This process takes place more quickly than electric or gas because there’s no waiting for the burner to heat up first. Here’s what you need to know before you make the switch:

Pros of induction cooking
Induction stoves and cooktops heat faster than electric and gas counterparts. That’s because with induction, you don’t have to wait for the heating element to transfer to the pan. Instead, the pan heats up directly and super quickly — our tests have shown that induction cooktops can boil six quarts of water in under 15 minutes.

MORE FROM GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
Inside Megan Batoon’s Dream Pantry

The media could not be loaded, either because the server or network failed or because the format is not supported.
Refresh the page to resume playback.
Induction stoves and cooktops offer precise temperature control. Electric cooktops take a lot of time to heat up and cool down, and it’s difficult to hit a precise temperature with gas ranges. But with induction, you’re afforded super precise temperature control which allows for more controlled cooking. When you turn the burner off, heat transfer stops immediately, so there’s less of a chance of foods boiling over or overcooking.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

Induction stoves and cooktops are more energy efficient than electric or gas because heat isn’t lost in the transferring process. With gas and electric ranges, a lot of energy is lost to the air around the pots and pans. With induction, only the cookware heats, which ultimately translates to energy- and cost-savings (and, of course, faster cooking times).

Induction stoves and cooktops maintain a cool cooking surface. Since only the pan gets hots, a hot element will never be exposed, preventing fire hazards and the risk of burns in the first place. This also allows for quicker cleanup. Some people claim this makes it safer to cook around children, but keep in mind that the cookware (and food inside it) still remains very hot.

Induction stoves offer a safer way to cook than electric or gas. It doesn’t emit gas into the air, and it won’t catch objects, like dishcloths, on fire because it only heats items with iron particles in it. It also turns off when the cookware is removed from the heating element so there’s little risk of accidentally leaving it on when you’re done cooking.

Cons of induction cooking
Induction stoves are traditionally more expensive than their electric and gas counterparts, since the technology is relatively new. It’s an investment, but if you’re in the market for a new range, this will pay off in the long run: An induction model uses 10% less energy than a smooth-top electric range. Plus, as induction becomes more mainstream, the cost is starting to decrease.

Induction stoves and cooktops require specific cookware. While most cookware, especially stainless steel cookware, is compatible with induction, your older cookware may need to be replaced if you’re going with induction. Induction-safe cookware contains iron particles, which activate and create heat when they interact with induction heaters. Make sure new pots and pans are marked “induction safe.” If you’re unsure about older ones, do the magnet test: If a magnet sticks to the bottom, it can be used with induction.

RELATED STORY

7 Best Stainless Steel Cookware Sets of 2021
Induction stoves and cooktops have a learning curve. The right sized cookware must be placed in the center of the heating element in order for it to be properly activated. The pot can’t be too small, off-center, or wobbly, so flat-bottomed pots and pans work best. While most induction cooktops have a lock setting that allows you to freely shake your pan around while cooking, during testing, we found the learning curve to be a little frustrating: the heating element sometimes cuts off prematurely or shuts off without warning.

Induction stoves and cooktops can overcook food at first because they heat food faster than traditional cooking methods. Remember that when cooking with induction, cookware doesn’t need as long to preheat and a lower heat setting is needed to maintain the temperature of food. The trade-off is a speedy cook time.

Induction stoves and cooktops sometimes cause a rattling sound, which is a result of the high energy transferring from the coil to the pan. This whirring sound often goes away when you turn down the heat or add food to the pot or pan, but it can be annoying for some users.

Induction cooktops scratch easily. While electric and gas ranges have a grate or heat element that can withstand more wear and tear, inductions are made with smooth glass, which makes them more prone to scratching. Induction cooktop manufacturers suggest using cookware with clean, smooth bottoms, and avoid sliding your pots and pans around on the surface. It’s also advised to not use sharp tools or abrasive cleaning materials on your range.

Share

BEST FRIDGE REPAIR SERVICES COVERAGE AREAS

Rosslyn ValleyKigwaru DriveTaita/Taveta CountyLamu CountyTana River CountyKilifi CountyKwale CountyMeru CountyMachakos CountyKitui CountyEmbu CountyGarissa CountyMandera CountyWajir CountyMarsabit CountyIsiolo CountyTharaka-Nithi CountyNyamira CountyKisii CountyMigori CountyKisumu CountyHoma Bay CountySiaya CountyBusia CountyBungoma CountyBomet CountyKericho CountyVihiga CountyKakamega CountyUasin Gishu CountyKajiado CountyNarok CountyNakuru CountyLaikipia CountyBaringo CountyNandi CountyElgeyo / Marakwet CountyNyeri CountyKirinyaga CountyMurang’a CountyKiambu CountyTurkana CountyWest Pokot CountySamburu CountyTrans Nzoia CountyNyandarua CountyMakueni CountyNairobi City CountyPeponi RdRedhill RdEgrets Drive RdMwisho RdRuaka RdGituambaKagongoFanisi HeightsColesi GardensKiharaLane 26Rosslyn LaneTree Estate RdEnaki TownRosslyn Valley DevelopmentsKigwaru DriveThigiri GroveThigiri RdThird Parklands AveFifth Parklands AveFourth Parklands AveSixth Parklands AveThigiri CloseSecond Parklands AveFirst Parklands AveMpaka RdKitisuru RdDonyo Sabuk AveSunny DazeMuthaiga RdWangapala RdTwiga RdDorobo RdMuthithi RdMpesi LaneCrosswayGraffins WestlandsRiverside DriveGeneral TulipMogotio RdState House RdLava LatteNgao RdIregi RdSuswa RdWambugu RdTaarifa RdMunae RdMilimani RdLoita StreetLenana RdMlimani RdSchool LaneSpring Valley RdMatundu CloseBrookside DriveBendera LaneHill View RdShanzu RdMugumo CrescentJalaram RdKyuna CloseLoresho RidgeKibagare ValleyKyuna CrescentManyani RdNairobi School RdKanjata CrescentSerenity RdKianda SchoolGeneral Mathenge RdChalbi DriveKanjata RdConvent DriveNjumbi RdMuhoya CloseKandara RdDik Dik GardensMaji Mazuri RdMageta RdKaputei RdKikambala RdSuguta RdTotalEnergies KileleshwaMzima SpringsLaikipia RdMigori RdTabere CrescentGichugu RdSt Michael RdDavid Osieli DriveMwanzi Rd87airportayany estatebalozi estateAdams ArcadeBrookhouseBomasBuruburu centerchai roadChiromoDagorettiDeloitteDennis PrittDennis Pritt Roadbarton estateDouble Tree Estateembulbulgardengarden cityFive Star MeadowsFedha EstateGachieGalot EstateGithurai 44GreenspanGroganville EstateGweng’wa GardensHamza EstateHardyHighridgeHighrisehotelHurlinghamestateIndustrial areaKahawa WestjunctionJuja juja roadkahawaJerusalem EstateIsinyaKabasiran Lanekalimonijames gichuru roadKanjeruKarbasiran LaneKawangwarehardy karenkabwagikenyakariobangikenya israelkariobangi southkaruraJogoo RoadLand MawelandmaweKiandalangata roadKoma RockKimendeLight IndustryLimurulad brokekitengelaLower kabetemakadaraJKIAmaringoLumumba DrivemadarakamajengoMakongeniQuickmart mallMaruruiMuchathaMwikiMumwe Oak Schoolmatasianairobi cbdNairobi SchoolNairobi Southnaivasha roadNakumattnakuruNgong RoadngumoNear MeNjirunsamusa gitauMombasa RoadmiremaObungaOthaya RoadQuick MartPark Placerace-courseracecoursepipelineredhillRegenRunda MhasibuRiara RoadRungirisafari parksandtonsantonsigiriaRiara SpringsParklandsSouthern BypassrirutastrathmoreOtiendetrmtwo riversThika Roadumoja 1ThogotoUNEPupper hillUpper kabeteThomeOuter Ring RoadUthiru vetvihiga roadWaiyaki WayWangigeThoome estateThompson EstateTasiawoodley estateZambeziZimmermanMwimutoRidgewaysJamhuri EstateGatangaKaratinaGithunguriKenolAmboseliMwihokoGithuraiMurangaThikaMachakos JunctionLimuru RoadJamhuriKabiriaWanyeUmojaKangemiImara DaimaKayoleEmbakasiSouth CSouth BEmbakasiKayoleKiambu RoadUtawalaKilimaniKileleshwaRiaraNyayo EstateGaleriaNHCDonholmMultimediaMagadi RoadKarenRongaiSavannahMuthigaRiversideMountain ViewNew LoreshoBrooksideRaphta RoadWestgateWestlandsLavingtonHurlingamKingara RoadGitangaOthayaThigiriKitisuruGigiriEastleighForest RoadPeponi RoadLoreshoKabeteKinoo 87Spring ValleyUthiruKyunaKinooRuaiRuakaBanana HillRosslynNyariMuthaigaRundaSatelliteKikuyuLangataAthi RiverSyokimauMlolongoUtawalaKeraraponWoodleyYaya CenterNakumatt JunctionKomarockLenanaNgumo EstateValley ArcadeKiberaKiserianDagoretti CornerKarenEmbul BulNgongUpperhillGarden EstateRoysambuRuiruKasaraniPanganiKahawa WendaniKahawa SukariJacaranda EstateThome EstateNgaraJujaJacarandaKajiadoMachakosKiambuNairobiMaziwaMuthangariMombasaWaaMvuleniBamburi parkside EstateFahari EstatesSeven Star EstateNyali Palm Garden EstateMshomoroni EstateKilindini PortPanganiKambeKwademuKinaneGiriamaMombasa CountyMtwapaShanzuMombasa Marine ParkChigomberoMazerasMsambweniBamburiTanaKaloleniMariakaniLunga LungaShimoniVoiTavetaMombasaBarichoDodoriKipiniMambruiMpeketoniLamuMalindiWatamuKilifiPwani UniversityTakauniGongoniMkomaniKikambalaVipingoBomaniMtwapaShanzuKisauniChaaniChangamweLunga LungaMaweniChaleMvuleniDianiUkundaLikoniNyaliKinangoNyayoHakika EstateMiritiniMikindaniMazeras

REFRIGERATOR AND APPLIANCE BRANDS WE REPAIR

OnePlus | NEC | Philips | Vestel | Vizio | Thomson | RCA | Telefunken | TCL | Sony | Skyworth | Sceptre | Medion | Loewe | LeEco | JVC | Insignia | Huawei | Cocotec | Nilait | Amazon | Asus | Blue | Xiaomi | Realme | Hyundai | Nevir | Engel | Oppo | Strong | TD Systems | Nokia | Roper | OK. | Norcold | Metz | Bang & Olufsen | Magic Chef | Marvel | Motorola | Edison | Denver | Jenn-Air | Hotpoint | Hobart | Grundig | Hisense | Edenwood | HKC | Gaggenau | Equator | DCS | Sub-zero | Bryant | Goodman | Ruud | York | Trane | Rheem | Lennox | Heil | General Electric | Coleman | Carrier | American Standard | Furnace | Wolf | Tappan | Welbilt | Viking | Traulsen | Thermador | Samsung | Whirlpool | Electrolux | Fisher & Paykel | Haier | Daewoo | Toshiba | Sharp | Indesit | SMEP | LG | Aristons | Ramtons | Miele | Bruhm | HP | Kitchenaid | Kenmore | Maytag | Armco | Von Hotpoint | BEKO | Elba | Zanussi | Hitachi | Candy | NEFF | GE | Bush | Sanyo | ASKO | MIKA | IKEA | BAUKNECHT | Panasonic | Amana | Frigidaire | Siemens | Bosch |