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O induction cooktop! How do I love thee…let me count the ways. When it comes to the great induction vs. gas debate for your kitchen, I’m here to help you out. Do it! Make the switch to induction and never look back!
It took me a long time to get here, folks, but I finally arrived. We got rid of our gas cooktop (I can hear all the cooks screaming at me already- How could you?! Gas is the best for cooking!!), and replaced it with an induction one. This is the Frigidaire model we purchased about a year ago, which was less than $1000 at the time. What’s more, we live in Massachusetts, where our fabulous Mass Saves program offers incentives of several hundred dollars off the purchase of an induction stove when you replace a gas one. It’s absolutely worth checking to see if your state has the same kind of green incentive program to make the switch!
Frigidaire makes a bunch of different induction models for pretty reasonable prices, but I liked this one because it offered the “bridge” option between the two burners on the left. I have been super happy with it since we got it a year ago, and I wanted to share my experiences for anyone considering the big switch to induction.
Although many cooks will refuse to acknowledge this, induction cooking is actually better for cooking accuracy (yes, it truly is!) and for the environment.
My tipping point for going induction, though, was finding out that gas stoves are polluting our indoor air quality even when they’re off, causing asthma and other health problems in our children.
Induction vs. Gas: 5 Reasons to Switch to Induction
If you’re also considering making the switch to induction, here are the main reasons for considering it:
1. Cooking is more accurate
Induction cooking is more accurate than gas or electric cooking because it allows for super precise temperature control. The heat is generated directly in the cookware by an electromagnetic field, which means the temperature can be adjusted quickly and precisely.
You can easily simmer, sauté, or sear food without worrying about overcooking or undercooking. Plus, the heat is evenly distributed across the bottom of the cookware, which results in consistent cooking results.
2. It’s better for the environment
Induction cooking is more eco-friendly than gas or electric cooking because it produces less greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Gas stoves emit carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and other harmful pollutants that can affect indoor air quality and contribute to climate change.
Electric stoves use a lot of energy and rely on fossil fuels for electricity generation, which also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Induction cooking, on the other hand, is powered by electricity and uses less energy than gas or electric cooking. This means it can help reduce your carbon footprint along with your energy bills. Yes, please!
In addition, induction cooking is more energy-efficient than gas or electric because it heats up the cookware directly, without wasting energy on heating up the air or the cooktop surface. This means it can cook food faster and use less energy than other cooking methods.
*The only potential drawback with switching to induction initially is that you will need magnetic pots and pans that work with an induction stove in order to use it. You can figure out if your pans are magnetic by – wait for it – holding up a magnet to the pan and seeing if it sticks!
We were lucky to find out that we already had some pans that would work, and this also gave me a good excuse to buy a few new induction friendly pans from the non-toxic cookware line from GreenPan, which I love cooking on.
3. It’s way faster
This cooktop is SO FAST. I can boil water, sauté veggies, or sear chicken in almost no time, all while saving energy and reducing my carbon footprint. I swear it takes half the time to boil a pot of water for spaghetti on the induction cooktop than it did on the stove- and there’s no more gassy smell when first turning on the burner.
Every time I use it, I think of that line from My Cousin Vinny:
But wait, there’s more! My induction cooktop is also safe and easy to clean, thanks to its glass-ceramic surface. I never have to scrub anything off this surface like I did with my old stainless steel gas stove. I can get off foods by wiping the surface clean with a damp cloth. The cooktop still looks like new, a year in to our purchase.
4. It’s safer for kids
Finally, this stove is as safe as it gets for a hot surface used for cooking in a home with kids. It only gets hot where the pan is touching the surface, but the stovetop cools down quickly after turning it off.
If one of my kids put their hands up on the stovetop while it was cooking, it would feel warm, but it wouldn’t burn their hand like a traditional electric stove or risk catching their sleeve on fire.
5. It’s easy to use
I also love that this stove has very specific heat settings. We know that 7 (out of 9 heat settings) is perfect for searing, and that when we’re boiling a pot of water, we should simmer it at 5 after it comes to boil. It takes the guesswork out of figuring out the right amount of heat, which I always appreciate.
It took me a little while to get used to the touch pad used to change the setting, but I had it dialed in after about a week. As you can probably tell, I love my induction cooktop.
It took a few days to adjust to it, and then I started really seeing the benefits of induction over gas. So don’t be afraid- make the switch! It’s the eco friendly choice that’s good for our planet and our families’ health.
Done making dinner? You might also be interested in our guide to non-toxic dinnerware for kids.
FAQ’s
What is an induction cooktop, and how does it work?
An induction cooktop is a type of stove that uses electromagnetic fields to heat up cookware. It works by creating a magnetic field that induces electrical currents in the cookware, which then produces heat. This allows the cooktop to heat up quickly and efficiently, without wasting energy or heating up the air around the cookware.
What are the advantages of using an induction cooktop?
Induction cooktops have several advantages over traditional gas or electric stoves. They are faster, more energy-efficient, and safer to use. They also offer precise temperature control, easy cleanup, and a sleek, modern look.
Are there any disadvantages to using an induction cooktop?
Induction cooktops are generally more expensive than traditional stoves, and they require specific types of cookware made from magnetic materials. They also produce a humming noise when in use, which some people find annoying. Additionally, some people may find it difficult to adjust to the precise temperature control offered by induction cooktops.
What types of cookware can I use on an induction cooktop?
Induction cooktops require cookware made from magnetic materials, such as cast iron or magnetic stainless steel. Aluminum, copper, and non-magnetic stainless steel will not work on an induction cooktop unless they have a layer of magnetic material on the bottom.
Is an induction cooktop safe to use?
Yes, induction cooktops are generally considered safe to use. They do not produce an open flame, and they cool down quickly after use. However, you should still exercise caution when using any stove, and make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation.
How do I clean an induction cooktop?
Induction cooktops are easy to clean, as they have a smooth surface without any burners or grates. You can use a soft cloth or sponge with a mild detergent to clean the surface. Avoid using abrasive or harsh cleaners, as they can damage the cooktop.
Can I install an induction cooktop in my existing kitchen?
Yes, you can generally install an induction cooktop in your existing kitchen. However, you will need to make sure that you have the right type of electrical connection, as induction cooktops require a dedicated circuit with a certain amperage.
