Induction cooking helps home cooks and chefs prepare meals the healthy way

Californians with gas stoves might be exposing themselves to dangerous levels of benzene, a known air pollutant linked to cancer, according to a recent study published by Environmental Science and Technology.

Researchers discovered hazardous gases were leaking from gas stovetops in all 159 homes where samples were taken. Not only are the leaking gases a concern for the people living in these homes, but all California residents might be negatively impacted as gases like benzene lower both indoor and outdoor air quality.

In response to the growing concern about the effect of natural gas-powered appliances on our health, some have sought out alternative technologies. For many, that meant replacing their gas range with an induction cooktop. Although you might have never heard of it, professional chefs and casual home cooks alike have been using induction technology for 50-plus years.

Recent technological improvements, more affordable prices, and a growing concern about the safety of gas cooking have made induction cooktops and ranges a hot topic globally. The use of induction technology has dramatically increased in popularity over the past decade as many find it to be the perfect replacement for gas ranges or unsightly, aging electric resistance coil cooktops. When deciding whether the technology is right for you, it’s important to understand how induction differs from traditional cooktops.

Induction technology heats up cookware directly, saving you time

The first thing people notice when they use an induction cooktop is that the burners don’t get hot or radiate heat. An induction cooktop uses an electric current to heat cookware through magnetic induction instead of thermal induction. When electricity passes through copper coils underneath the cooktop’s glass surface, it creates an electromagnetic field, sending an electric current that heats up magnetic cookware directly and quickly.

When compared to electric cooktops, induction stoves heat pots and pans much faster because you don’t have to wait for a heating element to get hot. Induction cooktops use magnetic energy to excite the molecules in the pan to create heat so water boils, butter melts, and oil gets hot noticeably quicker. Using an induction cooktop trims down the amount of time it takes to prepare meals.

Induction cooktops provide consistent heat that is easy to control

When cooking with electric or gas ranges, keeping a consistent level of heat is challenging because the cookware constantly reacts to the heating element. Induction cooktops make preparing dishes that require precise cooking temperatures, like poached eggs and hard-ball stage foods like caramel and taffy are easier to make because induction responds to temperature control changes instantly.

Induction ranges are energy-efficient and a breeze to clean

People who opt for an induction cooktop over a standard electric range may see lower utility bills because induction cooktops use energy more efficiently and cook food faster. Many find the ease of cleaning an induction cooktop to be an unexpected and appreciated added bonus. Because the glass surface doesn’t heat up, you won’t have to worry about burned-on messes when a spill happens. Cleaning your induction cooktop is as simple as wiping down your counters with a soapy sponge.

Ready to buy your induction cooktop?

While induction cooktops come with a higher price tag than electric and gas ranges, the technology has never been better or more accessible. There are many available options, including single portable burners that plug into a wall outlet at home or in an RV, to multi-burner models that can be imbedded into countertops. What’s more, is that when installed with whole building electrification upgrades, your new induction cooktop could be eligible for incentives up to $6,900 from the California Energy-Smart Homes.

Energy-Smart Homes promotes the adoption of advanced energy measures to support all-electric construction in new and existing residential buildings. Visit the Energy-Smart Homes website to learn more about the program and learn how to qualify your new kitchen upgrade for incentives today!