Your Guide to Induction Cooktops
Five Reasons Why You Should Get An Induction Cooktop:
Should I get an Induction Cooktop?
1. Induction Cooktops don't heat up your kitchen and they don't stay hot after use
Ever dread cooking in Summer because it is just too hot already? No one wants to slave over a hot stove! An induction cooktop keeps your kitchen cooler as the heat is not getting into the air, only directly into your cookware.
Induction cooktops use electromagnetic radiation to directly heat up the cookware. This is why only specific materials will be effective with an induction cooktop, but more on that later. Unlike gas and electric cooktops, no heat is emitted into the area around around it, which means heat doesn't get into the kitchen. One of the many reasons most chefs prefer induction cooking.
If you have little kids you will feel more comfortable knowing that your induction cook top will cool down very fast after use, protecting curious little fingers from a trip to the emergency ward.
2. Induction cooktops cook precisely
Do you ever lament the fact that it is really difficult to keep a pot simmering on a really low temperature with gas? It gradually gets warmer and warmer. With induction cook tops there won't be a gradual build up of heat, rather the pan will maintain a precise temperature. This makes it perfect for melting, simmering, making white sauce...
Also, the nature of the electromagnetic radiation means that it heats the entire pan evenly. You don't need to shift the position of the pan as there won't be hot and cold spots. Your food won't ruin if you have several things on the go and can't give it constant attention.
3. Induction cooktops cook quickly
Induction cooktops heat up your pans toot sweet for much faster cooking. In fact, initially you need to be careful that you don't burn your favourite meals as you will be used to much slower cooking times.
4. Inductions cooktops are easy to clean
The flat surface doesn't allow food and grease to get caught in grooves like it inevitably does with gas and electric cooktops. Also, because they cool down almost instantly, they can be wiped down immediately after use.
5. Energy efficiency and cheaper bills
Over the long run you should end up with greener and more efficient energy use. Induction cooktops cook 50% faster than gas and electric cook tops, which will use less energy. Less energy means cheaper bills, especially if you jump on the solar wagon.
Installing your induction cook top
Installing an induction cooktop involves the following:
1. If you are switching from gas a plumber must disconnect the gas. At DJD Electrics, we can provide a plumber, or feel free to use your own
2. Installation of a new circuit with a safety switch (RCD)
3. Installation of an isolation switch
4. We can dispose of your old cooktop and all packaging
Occasionally a home (especially older ones) will require a meter box upgrade to deliver the electricity required to run the cooktop.
Call 03 8819 1596 for a booking or quote
Can I use my existing cookware with an induction cooktop?
Can you use your existing cookware? The answer is in the words. Induction cooking uses electromagnetic radiation. If a magnet sticks to your cookware it is suitable for use. Take a fridge magnet and see if it sticks to the base of your pan. If so - don't throw it out!
However, don't despair if you have a much loved saucepan or frying pan which is not suitable. Wok trivets and induction discs, which heat up your non compatible cookware, are available for purchase.
The basic guidelines are:
No to aluminum, copper and glass. Not only are these materials ineffective, they will leave marks on the surface of your cooktop.
Yes to cast iron, some enamelled steel and stainless steel which has an iron base or core.
If you're unsure when purchasing new cookware, look for a version of the symbol pictured here, on the packaging.
Some tips for your new induction cooktop:
- Make sure the cookware you use has a smooth base or it may scratch your cooktop
- Try not to drop anything on it, and don't use scourers for cleaning. Although the surface is strong, it is not indestructible and can crack and scratch.
- Clean up spills straight away - the longer they linger the harder it will be to wipe away.
- Keep magnetic items away. Cutlery and kitchen foil will get dangerously hot if left in contact with one of the hotplates. Credit cards and mobile phones left too close may be damaged due to magnetic parts.