Induction cooktops are designed to bring convenience to the lives of today’s busy people. They offer many benefits over gas stoves. Choosing an induction cooktop is not as easy as it may seem though- there are many different options that vary in price, size, features, and more. This post provides an overview of what models are available in India, and what features you can expect from them.
What is an induction cooktop and how does it work?
An induction cooktop is a kitchen appliance that uses induction to heat the pans on top of them. This eliminates the need for an open flame or gas stovetop. An induction cooktop usually consists of two main parts- a large induction base that generates the induction energy, and a multi-paneled countertop surface that contains small electromagnetic coils under each of its panels.
The induction base powers these coils, which in turn are able to convert relatively low power into high amounts of heat directly below their panel/pan support, thus heating whatever pan or pot is placed on top. Most induction cooktops also include integrated controls for managing the induction flow in order to control the induction energy below each pan.
What are the advantages of using an induction cooktop over traditional cooking methods?
Induction cooktops use induction energy which is relatively efficient and faster to heat up your pots and pans. The induction base can be used to fully or partially power the induction coils in each panel, which allows you to adjust the heating intensity under each pan. This means that induction cooktops are generally quicker than gas stoves for boiling water or cooking rice, as well as conventional electric ceramic plates for more complex dishes like sauces and soups.
Safety is also an added advantage with induction cooktops. An induction cooktop does not use an open flame, and therefore reduces the risk of accidental burns, house fires, etc. It’s also easier to clean than gas stoves since induction pans are designed for induction cooking and won’t burn onto the surface, unlike their conventional counterparts.
Recommended: Best Induction Stoves, Best Kitchen Hobs and Best Cookware Sets
Are there any disadvantages to using an induction cooktop?
The induction base and induction coils will emit a fair amount of heat, so induction cooktops are better suited for use in enclosed kitchens. They do not perform well outdoors or next to large windows where the sun can make them too hot. Induction cooktops are also significantly more expensive than other cooking methods like gas stoves.
Is there a difference in performance between gas and induction cooktops?
Yes, induction cooking is faster than gas stoves. It takes induction cooktops about 30-60 seconds to heat up when turned on compared to a few minutes for gas stoves. This can be useful if you want to boil water at the last minute. The induction base power output can also be adjusted mid-cooking, whereas turning down the flame under a pot on a gas stove or changing the heat setting on an electric ceramic plate will require you to restart your cooking process from scratch.
Are induction cooktops safe for pots with metal handles?
Yes. The induction base in induction cooktops generates induction energy which is transferred through induction coils to the pots and pans placed on top of them. The induction handle will therefore be heated along with the rest of the pot, but it will not touch any induction coils directly. This makes induction cooktops safe for use with metal handles (and their conventional counterparts).
What is the best way to clean my new cooker top?
Clean induction cooktops with a damp cloth after spraying a mixture of water and dishwashing liquid. Do not use abrasive cleaning products or harsh chemicals on your induction base since this may damage the surface.
We hope you found the perfect induction cooktop for your kitchen. Also, please check out our other recommended kitchen appliances to find even more great products that will suit your needs.
