If you’re looking for a new kitchen appliance that is both reliable and efficient, then an induction top stove may be just what you need! In this article, we’ll discuss what is an induction top stove, how they work, which is the best induction stove to buy, and more.
Induction top stoves are becoming increasingly popular in modern kitchens, and for good reason. These provide fast and efficient cooking while also being safer than traditional gas or electric cooktops.
An induction top stove is also energy-efficient as well is faster and easier to clean up after use. Interested? Continue reading and learn all about what is an induction top stove and more.
What Is An Induction Top Stove Explained
Unlike electric cooktops that are topped with glass, induction cooktops have a large plane of glass on top and function in a different way. The sleek design is an advantage because it makes cleaning up much easier since there are no crevices or burners to scrub around.
Additionally, the heat generated by induction ranges will not transfer through the surface so you can rest assured knowing your counters stay cool during cooking sessions.
Induction Top Stove
Pros:
- Cooking with a cooktop is now safer than ever – even after you finish cooking, its surface will remain cool to the touch.
- Cleaning just became a breeze due to the surface’s remarkable coolness.
- With no residual heat, you can save energy and keep your kitchen comfortably cool while also spending less on bills.
- Cook dishes in record time with electric stoves, boiling water up to twice as fast as gas stoves can.
Cons:
- The price tag is relatively higher
- To use this appliance, you must have induction-compatible cookware
- Settings, emit a faint buzzing or humming sound.
- Digital thermometers may fault if they are exposed to a strong magnetic field.
How Does an Induction Top Stove Work
They work by using an electromagnetic field to heat the pan directly rather than heating the air around it as a gas stove would do.
An induction cooktop uses a copper coil disc located beneath the glass panel. Heat is created through electromagnetic waves, resulting in an extremely energy-efficient cooking experience as all of the generated heat is transferred directly into your cookware and none absorbed by the stove surface itself.
Difference Between Electric and Gas Stovetops and Induction Top Stoves
Contrasting the traditional methods of cooking with either electric or gas, induction burners heat pots, and pans through a process called electromagnetic induction that uses magnetic waves instead. Thermal conduction is achieved by an electrical heating source or direct flame in electric and gas stovetops respectively.
In other words, any area of the induction stovetop beyond an active burner will be cool to the touch. In contrast to the gas or electric stovetops which can rapidly spread heat across the entire stovetop, regardless of how many burners are active.
Additionally, induction burners have a unique capacity to detect if cookware is absent or only partially placed on the heating element, and will not turn on in those instances. This means that you don’t need to move your pan around as much compared with other types of stoves, and an excessive sauté session may cause the burner to switch off.
So, does an Induction Top Stove Require Special Pans?
You got it! In order to interact with an induction burner, your cookware must be constructed with a ferromagnetic metal such as stainless steel or cast iron. This is due to the way that inductive heating works and many materials simply will not suffice in this process.
What is the best pan material for induction top stoves?
For optimal performance on induction cooktops, stainless steel is the go-to material.
Cookware constructed with conflicting materials can be transformed into induction-ready products if they are fitted with a layer of stainless steel at the base.
What Features To Look For in An Induction Top Stove
Type
While there are a variety of induction cooking devices, the three most basic types of induction units are freestanding, built-in, and portable.
Size
Be sure to measure the space you have available in your kitchen before deciding on an induction stove. Before you purchase an induction cooktop, it’s critical to know the measurements of your kitchen space. Depending on which model you select, they range in size from 30 cm to 90 cm wide.
Cooktop Controls
Choose a unit with intuitive control knobs, digital buttons, or both for the best experience.
Control panels can be equipped with a range of interfaces, from buttons and knobs to touch sensors or pre-programmed controls. Even the simpler panels permit you to select the ideal setting for each cooking surface depending on what food item you are preparing.
Temperature and Power Settings
Unlike regular electric and gas cooktops, induction cooktops provide supremely precise temperature settings with unparalleled accuracy.
Smart Induction Technology
Today’s induction cooktops come with the latest and greatest technology, making them extremely user-friendly. You can effortlessly control temperature settings through your cell phone or tablet. Plus, some are even compatible with recipe applications that automatically adjust temperatures during each step of a recipe.
Safety features
When selecting your ideal induction cooktop, make sure to consider these safety features such as lock buttons and overflow sensors.
Types of Induction Top Stove
Freestanding
With Freestanding Induction units, you have two main options: plug-and-play or hard-wired into the wall. These appliances offer maximum versatility; they can fit anywhere in your kitchen without needing additional cabinetry or counterwork.
Built-In
Known as “fixed” cooktops, built-in induction units are designed to fit into your kitchen countertop or table. Though not as mobile as a portable unit, these components offer users a range of design alternatives for residences and professional kitchens alike – from the front cooking area to the back kitchen or even on buffet tables and counters!
Before installing built-in units, it is strongly suggested that you seek advice from a professional to ensure the appliance is installed and wired accurately according to your culinary needs.
Portable
Compact and lightweight, induction cooktops provide an efficient plug-and-play solution for those who are constantly cooking on the go. Whether you’re in a taco truck making delicious fajitas or outdoors preparing a meal, these portable warmers offer chefs convenience wherever they may be.
Recommended Induction Top Stove To Get The Job Done
By now you are probably wondering which is the best induction stove to buy. Depending on your cooking needs there are numerous different models, but here is a portable design that won’t disappoint.
Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop
Duxtop Induction Cooktop is the perfect choice for any home. It is lightweight and compact, making it easy to handle and store.
The digital control panel allows you to set a countdown timer with one-minute increments up to 170 minutes, as well as 10 different temperature settings ranging from 140°F-460°F and 10 power levels from 200-1800 Watts.
With no open flame or heating element, there’s no need to worry about food burning onto your cooktop – just wipe it clean with a damp cloth! For added safety, the auto-pan detection will automatically shut off after 60 seconds if no cookware is detected.
Plus this induction stove carries an ETL approval and comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty plus customer service support if needed.
Keep in mind that to use Duxtop Induction Cooktops you must have cookware that contains magnetic material on its base with at least 5 inches of diameter.
If you are still curious about what is an induction top stove, and other models, you can check out this youtube video below and see different model reviews.
Final Thoughts About What is An Induction Top Stove
In conclusion, an induction top stove is a great way to cook your meals quickly and efficiently. It heats up faster than traditional electric or gas stoves and uses less energy. What’s more, it can help you save money in the long run on utility bills because of its efficiency.
Now that know what an induction top stove is, make sure that you consider factors such as size, wattage output, price range, and features before making your purchase decision.
