HOW DO I KNOW IF MY STOVE IS INDUCTION

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Induction stove cooking brings a whole new experience to your cooking; they are quick, energy-efficient, and heats pans and pots evenly. Am sure you know that already. Let us deal with the question of “How do I know if my stove is induction”

A simple way to know if your stove is induction is if it only works on magnetic pans and magnetic cookware, then it is an induction stove. On the other hand, if it works on regular non-magnetic cookware then it is electric.

WHAT IS AN INDUCTION HOB?

An induction hob is simply an Electrical kitchen appliance that makes use of an alternation Electric current that results in an oscillating magnetic field affecting the cooking vessel placed on top of it.

The induction hob design is made up of a coil of copper wire inside that produces a large eddy current flowing through the resistance of the vessel which results in resistive heating.

As I stated above, to fully utilize the strength of your induction hob, you must use a pot or pan that has an iron-on so the current from the electrical coil in the Induction hob can produce and transfer heat in or to the metal.

In Order to get the best cooking experience from your induction hob, we recommend the cooking vessel or cookware’s metal be not too thin as this would not provide enough resistance to current flow, heating will not be effective.

Furthermore, induction cooking has good electrical coupling between the pan and the coil and is thus quite efficient, which means it puts out less waste heat and can be quickly turned on and off.

Induction stovetops have safety advantages compared to gas stoves and output no air pollution into the kitchen. Induction Cooktops are also usually easy to clean because the cooktop itself has a smooth surface and does not get very hot.

Finally, the induction hob is the same as Induction Stove!

READ ALSO: DOES COPPER WORK ON INDUCTION?

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY STOVE IS INDUCTION?

How Do I know if my stove is induction

The best recommended accurate method to apply in order for you to know if your stovetop is induction ready is to carefully place ferrous metal cooking vessels like cast iron, enameled, carbon steel, or magnetic grade of stainless steel on your stovetop or cooktop, if the pot or pan heats up, then it is an Induction stovetop!

READ ALSO: CAN YOU USE CORNINGWARE ON INDUCTION COOKTOP?

INDUCTION COOKTOP VS GAS VS ELECTRIC COOKTOP

An induction cooktop performs faster with cooking than a gas cooktop.

You can safely place your hands on top of your induction cooktop without fear of injury but you can’t do the same with a gas cooktop.

Induction cooktop in terms of cooking is 90% Energy Efficient higher than the Gas stovetop and electric cooktop.

Induction cooktop/stovetop is by far the safest cooktop because of its design, let’s see when you are done cooking, once you remove the cookware, the induction cooktop senses that and goes off not the same with gas stovetops.

Induction cooktops are easy to clean. There is not much residual heat on the glass surface of the Induction cooktop making them easy and fast to clean.

The Induction cooktop is expensive than the Electric stovetops.

Most induction cooktops have a buzzing noise when it’s on high heat, the noise might be uncomfortable for you so if you want a cooktop that is very quiet, you should go for an electric cooktop.

GreenPan Induction cookware set

Generally, it is not all cookware (pots and pans) that work on Induction stoves so Induction stovetops are selective only to magnetic ferrite cookware sets unlike gas stovetops and electric stovetops.

With most induction stovetops, you might experience hot spots in the middle of your cookware because of concentrated heat on a particular spot.

READ ALSO: HOW TO PROTECT INDUCTION COOKTOPS FROM SCRATCHES

ARE ALL GLASS STOVE TOPS INDUCTION?

To answer this question, let me establish the fact that both Ceramic cooktops, Electric cooktops, and Induction cooktops both have glass-like ceramic material that is hard to break and can withstand extreme heat.

Ceramic cooktops have electric burners that radiate heat under the surface, which heats up your pans and pots while Induction cooktops have copper coils that pass on electric current to your cookware, turning the cookware itself into the source of heat.

With this foundation being laid, it is NOT all cooktops with a glass surface that is induction ready some might be Electric cooktops or Ceramic cooktops.

READ ALSO: DO CAST IRON PANS WORK ON INDUCTION COOKTOPS

BEST INDUCTION COOKTOP

There are various brands of Induction cooktops available today that will give you that quick and energy-efficient cooking you have always dreamt about.

It is possible to maintain a clean kitchen while you cook. As much as Induction cooking is encouraged, it is worthy to note that it is not recommended you purchase a cheap induction cooktop as this might lead to hazard or you might not get the best cooking experience.

With this been said, below are recommended Induction cooktop that meets the Electrical and Mechanical standard of Kitchen appliances;

VBGK INDUCTION COOKTOP COUNTERTOP BURNER SUITABLE FOR MAGNETIC COOKWARE.

VBGK 2000 Watts Best induction cooktop

The VBGK Countertop Induction Cooktop is the best-recommended Induction cooktop because it has a total power range of 200-2000W for quick cooking, 9 temperature level settings for each heating zone, and 9 power levels for the left hob, and 9 power levels for the right hob.

This Premium Induction cooktop offers high efficiency and energy saving as no heat is lost between the cooking surface and the pot, which makes it highly energy-efficient and makes cooking easier and faster.

This induction cooktop is equipped with a child safety lock, timer, and overheat protection device, and round edges without sharp corners.

This double-head induction cooker is compatible with cast iron, iron, electromagnetic steel, enamel, and stainless steel with a magnetic bottom. If the magnet sticks to the bottom of the cookware, it should be compatible. The simple design makes it very suitable for home and outdoor cooking.

You can start cooking from warming milk to a rapid boil or any type of recipe. It is simple to control, this induction cooktop works with a simple touch of a finger.

SCHÖNES BAUEN FRANKFURT 1800W INDUCTION COOKTOP BUILT-IN DOUBLE INDUCTION BURNER PLATE.

Schones Bauen 1800 Watts Built-in Induction cooktop

The Schones Bauen Induction cooktop is another premium brand of Induction stovetop that offers fast and efficient heating for all kinds of meals.

It is designed as a perfect size for your kitchen, it is wide and has a double hotplate to make your cooking faster and easier.

The Schones Bauen Induction cooktop is also made up of thermal shock black glass that is durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean, and not affected by the heat produced by the pots and pans.

This induction cooker has a programmable timer from 1 to 170 minutes and an Induction hot plate with temperature control from 140° to 460 °F (60 to 240 °C).

Duxtop stainless steel induction cookware for Induction cooktop

As a general rule, every Induction stovetop requires using compatible induction cookware. In case you get an E0 error code, it means that the cookware is not suitable for induction cooking.

SUMMIT APPLIANCE INDUCTION COOKTOP

Summit Appliance Built-in Induction Cooktop

The Summit Appliance Induction cooktop is a type of Built-in Induction cooktop with two elements and digital controls.

The Summit Appliance Induction cooktop can instantly heat to cook our meals without stress and the Summit Induction cooktop is made up of durable low-maintenance black glass.

With the 8 power settings, you can change the cooking power with instant precision.

Since the smooth surface has no holes or grates, clean-up is simple: all you need is a gentle wipe with a damp cloth. Designed for the highest quality cooking experience.

EMPAVA ELECTRIC STOVE INDUCTION COOKTOP

Empava Induction Cooktop

The Empava Induction cooktop is a built-in Induction Cooktop that is the USA and Canada ETL Certified with a 2-year manufacturer warranty.

The Empava Induction cooktop has a smooth tempered glass surface that allows for effortless cleanup, is manufactured without the release of hazardous metals into the ground, and withstands intense heat without cracking or chipping.

This induction cooktop has 9 heat level settings that allow range from melt to a rapid boil, accurate and easy temperature changes at the touch of a button, boil, stew, fry, stir fry, switch from one mode to another as needed, get amazingly fast heat with induction that boils water 50% faster than an old school radiant cooktop.

Enjoy minimal cleanup with stain and heat discoloration-resistant spills that can’t burn onto the surface, easy-to-clean Vitro ceramic smooth surface glass will provide you with a reliable cooktop for years to come.

Empava induction cooktop can control the cooking time precisely for you. You can set it to turn the cooking zone off automatically after your setting time is up.

Finally, Empava Induction cooktop Appliances are designed with the highest quality cooking experience the sleek black finish and built-in design offer an attractive look for any counter.

WHAT ARE THE 4 BASIC TYPES OF COOKTOPS?

As a mother and a cook, there will probably be some point in your life when you have to choose the right stovetop or range for your cooking/kitchen needs.

Cooktops add aesthetics to your kitchen, are popular and easy to clean and maintain. Let’s talk about the 4 basic types of cooktops so that when next you want to renovate your kitchen, you’ll be able to make the right decision.

The 4 basic types of cooktops are:

  • Induction cooktop: Induction cooktop feature powerful high-frequency electromagnets. It is very efficient because it only heats the pan and not the cooktop’s surface. This is the reason why induction models are a safer choice.
  • Gas cooktop: This type of cooktop operates on natural gas. You can easily control the level of temperature by increasing and decreasing the open flame. They cool down immediately you turn them off. This makes them safe for kids in the house.
  • Electric cooktop: The electric cooktops are safe because they don’t generate flames and are easy to clean. They come in two versions –the coil and smooth top and they are easy to install. This cooktop does not have the instant heat function so, temperature control is a bit slow.
  • Range tops: This type of cooktop has more cooking space than other choices. It is very sturdy, can handle heavy use and they are built into your countertop in a space that is cut out to fit it. They are either powered by gas or electric.

PORTABLE INDUCTION COOKTOP

Portable induction cooktops are compact designs of induction cooktops suitable for small spaces, small kitchens, or small apartments.

A portable induction cooktop won’t take up your space and give you plenty of room to place other kitchen appliances.

Examples of portable induction cooktops are below;

DUXTOP 1800W PORTABLE INDUCTION COOKTOP COUNTERTOP BURNER

Duxtop Portable Induction cooktop

These are the features of the Duxtop 1800 Watts Portable Induction cooktop;

12 Volts, 15 Amp Electrical Outlet; Standard in all North American Homes

The Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop is perfect for dorm rooms, home kitchens, backyard cooking, RVs, and Boats.

The Duxtop Portable Induction cooktop is lightweight, handling and storage are easy.

This Portable induction cooktop has 15 preset power levels, 15 preset temperature level settings 140 degrees Fahrenheit to 460 degrees Fahrenheit.

Duxtop portable induction cooktop is more efficient than the traditional gas or stove with 83% energy efficiency.

Easy to clean induction cooktop and doesn’t burn your food!

CUSIMAX 1800W PORTABLE INDUCTION COUNTERTOP COOKTOP

Cusimax Portable Induction Cooktop

Below are the features of the Cusimax 1800 Watts Portable Induction cooktop;

Cusimax portable induction cooktop has 9 Power and 10 Temperature settings.

The Cusimax 1800 Watts Portable Induction Cooktop can heat pots and pans uniformly to reduce cooking time.

The 9 Power Level 200w to 1800w and 10 Temperature range 140℉ to 464℉, can meet different cooking needs: frying, boiling, steam, slow boiling.

GAS STOVE VS INDUCTION AND ELECTRIC COOKTOP

Fire is natural to man, so using a gas stove for cooking is fun and reliable to many Professional chefs and home cook enthusiasts while Induction and Electric stovetops are mechanical and electrical combined.

Gas cooktops have unlimited temperature control and visual (you can see with your eyes how big or how small the flame is) temperature control.

Unlike Electric and induction cooktop which has electronic controlled temperature that you can’t see physically to maintain the consistency and accurate result of your cooking.

Gas stovetops are suitable for all kinds of cookware (pots and pans) no matter the shape and material of the cookware.

Hotfield 30 Inch Gas Cooktop Stainless Steel 5 Burners Stovetop

Gas stovetops aren’t energy-efficient, most of this energy is lost during cooking.

Gas stovetops can experience gas leaks that may lead to fire so in terms of the induction cooktops and electric cooktops it has the worst safety record.

Gas stovetops are the hardest to clean when compared to induction and electric cooktops. You will have to disassemble all parts of the gas stovetops and clean all parts and crannies before placing them back.

Most Gas stovetops depending on the brand you buy might possess a weak heating experience that will affect your cooking experience, unlike Induction cooktops that you enjoy fast and high heat with ease.

Most Gas cooktops actually make it hard to get on “low heat” when you want to make unique recipes, the “low heat” also seems like you are actually cooking unlike the Induction and electric cooktops where you can actually enjoy “low heat”.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ELECTRIC COOKTOP, INDUCTION AND GAS COOKTOP

Electric stoves are of two types, we have the old Electric stovetops that are mainly made up of coils and the Electric stoves with the flat glass surface.

In terms of energy efficiency, the Electric stovetops are about 75% better than the Gas stove which is 45%.

The flat glass surface of the Electric stovetop is easier to clean like the Induction cooktop more than the Gas stovetop which is difficult to clean.

Ecotouch Electric radiant cooktop Burner

If price is very important to you, then may I suggest you go for an electric stovetop as it is more affordable than the Induction cooktop.

Electric stovetops have the slowest heat-up time compared to Induction and Gas stovetops.

Electric stovetops have a slow response time when compared to Gas stovetops, Gas stovetops are much faster than electric cooktops.

To get the best out of your electric cooktops, it is recommended and mandatory you use very flat bottom pots and pans so you don’t lose heat while cooking.

The “slow heat response time “associated with the Electric stove can lead you to burn your food, unlike the Induction cooktop and gas cooktop that has a fast heat response time making high heat cooking with electric stovetops tricky and hard.

Finally, Electric stovetops are more affordable compared to Induction and Gas stovetops.

READ ALSO: CIRCULON VS CUISINART COOKWARE

READ ALSO: WHICH IS BETTER CALPHALON OR CIRCULON

READ ALSO: IS SWISS DIAMOND COOKWARE SAFE?

INDUCTION COOKTOP PROBLEMS

Everyone knows how it is fun to use an induction cooktop, however, it becomes frustrating when we start experiencing induction cooktop problems. Before we start blaming our cooktop it is important to carefully check the appliance as it may be a simple induction cooktop solution.

Here are some common troubleshooting solutions for your induction cooktop problems

The pan/cookware;

This is the most common problem users experience with induction cooktops. Note that Induction cooktops only work with magnetic pans and cookware.

Position the cookware properly;

Since induction cooktops are designed with flat surfaces, your cookware/pan should have a flat base to make proper contact with the heating area of the induction cooktop

Time limit Exceeded;

Induction cooktops are designed with a maximum cooking limit feature and will turn off when the cooking limit is reached to conserve energy and avoid being overused. This is the reason many induction cooktops turn off automatically.

High Internal temperature reached;

For safety measures, Induction cooktops are designed with heat sensors to detect high temperatures. It will automatically shut down when this temperature is reached. This can be changed in the cooktop settings.

Wrong power connection;

Check the manual for instructions on how to properly connect to electricity.

The induction cooktop in lock mode (automatic feature);

Check to see if the induction cooktop is in lock mode, if on lock mode, use the unlock button to turn on.

The induction cooktop cannot detect the pan;

This is certainly because the size of the pan does not match with the cooktop heated area. Make sure you use a pan that fits well in the cooktop heated area. (Also a flat base pan

Cooktop burning food;

If you are having food-burning issues with your induction cooktop, you should check your pots and pans to be sure they are placed properly for even heat distribution.

Also, you should use the right cookware for the induction cooktop.

To light can overheat your food, too heavy can damage the surface of the induction cooktop, so you will have to use just the right weight designed for induction cooking.

THINGS YOU SHOULDN’T DO WITH YOUR INDUCTION COOKTOP.

Do not clean your induction cooktop with any detergent or cleaning towel you find around.

Induction cooktops are delicate and sensitive kitchen appliances and should be treated with care.

To avoid damaging your induction cooktop surface, wait for it to cool down then gently use a wet sponge and induction or vitroceramic cleaning product.

Remove food from pans using a spoon. Do not follow the chefs as they shake pans to remove food, shaking pans to remove food can splash food all over your induction cooktop.

INDUCTION VS CONDUCTION STOVE

Conduction stove heats up food by heat transfer from a heated area to a cold area. The conduction stove is mostly designed with electric coils and gas nozzles for flames to heat up food while the induction stove is the uses electricity to generate heat which works with specific cookware (magnetic).

HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INDUCTION AND CERAMIC HOBS

The induction and ceramic hobs are both wonderful cooktops. However, they are not the same. With that being said, let’s talk about how to tell the difference between induction and ceramic hobs.

One major difference between induction and ceramic hobs is how they create heat. Induction cooktops are more efficient than ceramic cooktops because they only heat the pan and not the cooktop’s surface while ceramic hob uses a lot of energy to heat the cooking zone.

Ceramic cooktop contains coiled metal elements under the tempered ceramic glass while induction cooktop features, powerful high-frequency electromagnets instead of heated coils.

Induction hobs heat up your pan faster through a magnetic field while ceramic hobs take longer to warm up because the appliance first heats the heating elements before heating the pan.

With ceramic hob, you don’t need a special pan for cooking, but with the induction, you have to test your pan to be sure it’s induction compatible.

DO INDUCTION COOKTOPS GLOW RED?

One thing I really love about the induction cooktop is the fact that food cooks faster with less power. This cooktop is more efficient than traditional methods with up to 70% reduction in energy consumption

The induction cooktop doesn’t need another thing to transfer heat like the electric and gas cooktops, rather it produces heat straight to the pan.

Do induction cooktops glow red? No, they don’t glow red and this is the reason why Induction cooktops work by using direct heat so, the surface does not get as hot as their radiant ranges.

This cooktop does not only cook food fast, it also adjusts better to temperature changes and takes no time at all to cool down.

Induction cooktops also offer a safer way of cooking because it doesn’t emit gas into the air, objects like dishcloth won’t catch fire because it only heat items with iron particles in them.