Recently my husband and I had some unfortunate luck when our gas stove stopped working. We have been big fans of cooking with gas since we have been together. We both like to cook, so a suitable cooktop is necessary for us to be fed and happy. During this same time, I happened to be reading the book, “How Not to Die” by Michael Greger, M.D., FACLM, and in it he talks about the health risks involved in breathing the fumes that are produced while cooking with a gas range. So after some thought, research, and planning, we decided to make a change and purchase an induction cooktop range with an oven.
Our research turned up a number of great benefits to getting an induction cooktop range. Here are some of them:
Preparing your kitchen for installing an electric range with an oven is necessary. It is much better to do a couple of days before the appliance arrives. For a lot of folks this will be no problem, but if you are like us, you will need to convert from gas to electric. Induction cooktops typically require a dedicated 220-240V electrical circuit, so you will need to ensure that your kitchen’s electrical panel can support this and that there is a proper circuit breaker in place.
If your kitchen’s electrical system needs upgrading or if you’re unsure about the existing setup, it’s wise to consult with a licensed electrician. They can install a dedicated circuit and outlet if necessary. Hiring a qualified electrician and permitting the work is recommended to make sure that the conversion is done properly and safely. This is also be a good time to discuss solar power options.
One of the benefits of the induction cooktop is the quickness in which food heats up. This is because an induction cooktop radiates heat directly to the pan. Our Frigidaire induction cooktop can boil water in less than 2 minutes! After cooking primarily with gas for the last seven years, it took a little getting used to.
Moreover, the digital settings for adjusting the stove top burners is definitely different from adjusting a gas burner. Though after a couple of days of cooking, it was no problem. You know how the old saying goes, “a watched pot never boils?” Well, this one sure does.
A lot of people do not know that if you own an induction cooktop, you have to use a specific type of cookware. Why is that? Well, science. Here’s why:
There is an electromagnetic field just beneath the surface of the glass range. This electromagnetic field transfers heat directly to a piece of cookware with a magnetic bottom. This conduction process eliminates the middleman – meaning the electric burner or the flame in the instance we are speaking of gas ranges.
Induction compatible cookware isn’t cheap and especially a nice set but it is essential if you want to use an induction stove top. You can try to use stainless steel but the burner simply will not heat.
Induction cooktops represent the future of cooking with their combination of precision, efficiency, safety, and style. For those of us who want a kitchen that’s both high-performing and aesthetically pleasing, an induction cooktop range is an investment worth making. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, this technology elevates your cooking experience, making every meal a delight. If you’re considering a kitchen upgrade, embracing the benefits of induction could be the perfect choice for you. We certainly love ours!
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