Induction Cooktops: The Magnetic Appeal of Modern Cooking

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Published Date 10/9/2024

“Cooking with gas” has long been an adage that implies whatever you’re doing, you’re on top of things. While you may not see celebrity chefs cooking on anything but gas, induction cooktops are fast becoming the cooktop of choice for many families. They’re slick, they’re safe, and they’re high tech.

Realtor.com’s Sarah Lyon wanted to study the pros and cons of using induction and came up with this report. “With speedy cook times and superior energy efficiency, built-in safety features and easy-to-clean surfaces, induction cooktops are an increasingly popular choice for homeowners. But are they really better than traditional gas stovetops? It depends who you ask—and what kind of home you live in,” she says.

“We have seen induction as the industry standard in more contemporary, high-end new construction, but the traditional builds and buyers still favor gas,” explains Atlanta-based Realtor Kathryn Crabtree. But Lyon decided to speak with appliance professionals and professional chefs about the pros and the cons of induction cooktops.

In the ever-evolving world of culinary technology, induction cooktops are making waves as the new darlings of kitchen innovation. These sleek marvels harness the power of electromagnetism to cook food directly in your pots and pans, bypassing the need for traditional thermal energy transfer. Sub-Zero’s Jeff Sweet describes them as "an ultra-efficient way to cook" that offers "nearly instantaneous temperature adjustment response."

But before you jump on the induction bandwagon, there's one crucial detail to consider: your cookware needs to be induction-ready. Fisher & Paykel’s Sam Zalin explains that this simply means your pots and pans must contain magnetic metal. Fear not, though – many households already own compatible cookware like cast iron and certain stainless steel varieties. Zalin offers a nifty trick to check compatibility: if a refrigerator magnet sticks to your pot, you're good to go.

The Department of Energy sings praises for induction cooktops, noting they're up to three times more energy efficient than their gas counterparts. This eco-friendly advantage could translate to lower energy bills, potentially offsetting some of the initial costs. Speaking of costs, induction cooktops start around $1,000, with prices climbing upward from there. If you're switching from gas, be prepared for some additional expenses – you'll likely need an electrician to install a 240-volt outlet, upgrade your wiring, and possibly make changes to your electrical panel.

Safety is another feather in the induction cooktop's cap. New York-based chef Ian Coogan points out that concerns about gas leaks become a thing of the past. Moreover, there's no open flame or persistently hot surface to worry about. Zalin notes that the cooktop surface itself doesn't generate heat, and it cools rapidly once cookware is removed.

However, there is always a downside, and induction cooktops are no exception. For those accustomed to cooking with gas, the transition might take some getting used to. The visual feedback of a dancing flame and the extreme high-heat cooking beloved by stir-fry enthusiasts will be missed by some. Peter Som, a recipe developer and soon-to-be cookbook author, acknowledges the adjustment period, particularly for techniques like searing.

On the bright side, cleanliness is a major perk of induction cooking. The smooth surface makes wiping up spills a breeze, unlike the nooks and crannies of traditional gas stovetops. However, it's worth noting that while gas cooktops are generally quite durable, induction surfaces require a bit more care to avoid scratches or cracks.

As we look to the future of home cooking, induction cooktops offer an exciting blend of efficiency, safety, and modern convenience. Imagine boiling water in five minutes or less, cooking in summer without turning your kitchen into a sauna, and significantly reducing your home's energy consumption. While the transition from gas might feel strange at first, many cooks find that the benefits far outweigh the initial learning curve.

So whether you're a tech-savvy home chef or an environmentally conscious cook looking to reduce your carbon footprint, induction cooktops offer a tantalizing glimpse into the kitchen of tomorrow. And for those moments when you still crave the primal satisfaction of cooking over an open flame? Get thee to your barbecue.

Realtor, TBWS

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