Demystifying Induction Cooktops
The future of natural gas appliances in California has been under the microscope lately, with concerns over emissions of nitrogen oxides, or which can cause acid rain and smog as well as increase risk for asthma and other respiratory diseases. While there is no outright ban yet — Berkeley’s attempt to prohibit installation of gas in new construction was blocked — it has sparked conversation around electric alternatives, and that discussion is increasingly focused on induction cooktops.
Induction cooking is hardly new. Cooktops have been on the market for decades, but interest in them has been trending up recently. The 2023 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas showcased a surge of induction cooktops and ranges, attributed to an increased number of manufacturers with an expanded range of options available to consumers.
So even if you don’t have to replace your gas cooktop, should you? Let’s look at three common questions surrounding induction cooktops:
Q: Will I have to buy all new cookware for my new induction cooktop?
Induction cooktops work with cookware that is made of magnetic materials such as cast iron or stainless steel. Does that mean you need to replace all your pots and pans? Home cooks who use stainless steel pots and enamel covered or solid cast iron frying pans and pots (such as Le Creuset or Lodge) will be fine. Anodized aluminum is good to use if it has a specially built-in iron or magnetic steel disc, such as All Clad HA1 Hard Anodized. Carbon steel is another induction-friendly option which includes woks, frying pans and even a gorgeous De Buyer crepe pan! Fortunately, most manufacturers are keen to capture the burgeoning interest in induction cooking and are taking the guesswork out of buying the right pans by providing clear instructions about which options work best. Before shopping for new, test what you have at home with a simple magnet. If it sticks to the bottom of your pan, you are all set for induction cooking.
Q: Are induction cooktops more expensive than traditional gas or electric cooktops?
Induction cooktops typically range from $900 to $3000 or more. However the prices of induction cooktops have been coming down in the last few years as more manufacturers enter the market and competition increases. At the low end, Fridgdaire offers a 30” induction cooktop with 4 auto-sizing pan detection elements for under $1000. In the mid-range, the GE Profile 30” Induction Cooktop features power boil, precision temperature control, and guided cooking. At the high end, the Thermador 36” Freedom Induction Cooktop has the largest induction cooking surface on the market today, offering full end-to-end cooking area as opposed to individual zones, and the 36” Bertazzoni Range includes 5 heating zones and an electric oven. Comparable gas and non-induction electric cooktops tend to be less expensive, but less rich in features.
Additionally, induction cooktops heat water faster than gas cooktops because they use electromagnetic energy to directly heat the cookware, while gas cooktops heat the element and then transfer the heat to the cookware. Induction cooktops also have precise temperature control and can heat up and cool down quickly which makes them more efficient than gas cooktops. Even with the initial higher cost, the energy efficiency of induction cooktops and faster cooking times can save you money in the long run, particularly considering the escalating cost of natural gas.
Q: Are induction cooktops hard to keep clean?
Most induction cooktops are made of ceramic glass or tempered glass which means they are as easy to clean and maintain as other glass-top electric cooktops. Both feature seamless, flat surfaces, making them easier to clean than most gas cooktops. Avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners on your induction cooktop, the surface can easily be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Most induction cooktops feature an automatic shut-off function to prevent boil overs, and the lack of open flames means that there is no risk of spills and food particles getting stuck on burners. To avoid scratches on the surface of the cooktop, avoid dragging heavy pots or pans and look for flat bottom cookware. Use a ceramic or glass cooktop cleaner and a soft cloth to minimize any surface scratches.
Happy cooking!
Gudrun Enger, Studio Gudrun
Gudrun is a kitchen and bath designer in the San Francisco Bay Area, specializing in residential interior remodels. She is an Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer (AKBD) from the National Kitchen and Bath Association, a Certified Interior Designer (CID) in California, as well as a proud member of the Good Future Design Alliance (GFDA).