What is Induction Cooking and How Does It Work?

Induction cooking is the hottest (pun intended) new technology in the kitchen. It uses a more sophisticated method of creating heat for cooking, resulting in greater energy efficiency and quicker cooking times.

Here’s how it works: Unlike a traditional stovetop that heats something a pot or pan can be placed on, an induction stovetop creates an alternating magnetic field that interacts with certain types of materials. When an object—say, a pot or pan—enters the small magnetic field, electricity and heat are created on the pot itself. Only ferromagnetic metal (think cast iron and stainless steel) can create this interaction, though, so your cookware will have to be made of these metals.

Induction cookware is incredibly safe, especially compared to a conventional stovetop. Instead of creating a heated patch on your stovetop that can lead to burns, induction stovetops are cool to the touch. As long as you aren’t a robot made from ferromagnetic metals, you won’t burn your finger by touching the cooking surface—even when it is turned on!

Energy Efficiency

There are two main ways that induction cookware will save you energy: increased efficiency in energy transfer and a quicker cooking time.

• Induction cookware heats up much faster, which means you don’t have to spend as much energy to boil water or cook your food. Less time cooking = more energy savings!

• Not only will you spend less time cooking, you’ll also consume less energy. Induction cookware commonly tests at about a 90% energy efficiency compared to 50-55% energy efficiency on conventional models. What’s more, induction stovetops have been found to be 10% more efficient at transferring energy than glass-top stoves!

Since heat is going straight to your cookware, using an induction stovetop won’t generate as much “wasted” heat that leaks out into the rest of your home. This means that you won’t have to worry about cranking up the AC or adjusting the thermostat if you want to cook something in the middle of the summer.

Cost of Investment

However, there is the cost of investing in induction cookware to consider. As with any appliance, buying and having it installed will be an investment. You’ll also probably have to purchase some new pots and pans.

Verdict

As is usually the case with new energy technology, an initial investment will save you money over time. If you can afford to invest in your home now, you will be able to enjoy energy savings and an increased property value in the future. Embrace the future of cooking: induction cooking!

Looking to purchase some induction cookware for your home? If you make your purchase using the Star Energy Rewards app, you can earn cashback!

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