Making the switch from gas to electric induction for cooking might be the number one safety improvement you can make in your kitchen.
Goal
By switching from natural gas (methane gas) cooking to electric induction you can cook more safely, more quickly and more efficiently. Your goal for this important step is to decide if you need just an induction cooktop to fit on top of your existing stove or, if the appliance is old and needs complete replacement, require a full electric induction range upgrade.
Process
Here are steps you need to consider:
First, decide if you need just a portable induction burner, an induction stovetop or an entire range. If your current range (stove/oven) needs a full update you will need to consider a range that is all electric with an induction stovetop. If your electric oven is working well but need to or would like to stop using your gas stovetop you will only need an induction burner that would fit on top of your existing range or on your counter.
If you decide on a portable induction burner you are set but if you are replacing your current range you’ll need to consider these steps:
Know the power requirements of the range.
If the electricity requirements are more than that capacity of your home you’ll need to consult an electrician.
You may also need an isolation switch depending on regulations in your areas.
You might also need to secure the services of a natural gas professional to turn off your gas for the range.
If this is the only appliance in your home that uses natural (methane) gas you can contact the gas company to cancel your account. But if your other appliances still use natural gas you will need to hold back for a while.
Electric Induction Appliances
“Induction is electromagnetic. Magnets excite metallic pans to create heat. Pans essentially become burners, eliminating heat transfer through the glass cooktop surface unlike regular electric cooking, thus making it more efficient and safer. Induction cooking is available in a single "burner" or heating zone, a cooktop with multiple heating zones, or a range.” ~ Martha Stewart
Portable Induction Cooktop
Portable induction cooktops let you cook from anywhere – home, backyard, motorhome, apartment – safely and efficiently. These compact devices don’t let off heat but they do react with the metal surface of your pots and pans to give you a clean, fast, safe cooking surface.
Full Size Induction Cooktop
A full size induction cooktop may have 2-5 burns and possibly a grilling area. It works the same way a standard induction stove works but is larger and will be firmly attached to the top of the range or the counter. These devices allow you to cook quickly, cleanly and without safety issues of methane gas.
Full Size Induction Range
A full size induction range (stovetop and oven) will give you fast, even cooking and the peace of mind that it is safe and free of from gas emissions. They are also touted as preventing burning, messes and the stress that comes with cooking. These devices are easy to clean, have automatic shutoff timers and are cool to the touch, even when operating.
Induction cooking is fast, clean and safe
Questions About Induction Cook Tops
Induction is an old idea, new again.
How does induction work?
An induction cooktop works by producing heat when it is in contact with the cookware. You have full control of the temperature you are applying. More on how induction works.
Are induction stovetops actually safer for your family?
Yes. Not only are you not burning toxic chemicals (natural gas is methane gas) inside the house but you and your children are protected from hot cooking zones because the surface of the stove is cool to the touch, only the pan gets hot. Also, most cooktops have a timer which will turn off the electricity after the cooking time is reached. Safe locks are available as well on some brands.
Will the pots and pans in my kitchen work on an induction cooktop?
The simplest way to find out if your current pots and pans will work on an induction cooktop is to place a small magnet on the bottom of each pot or pan to see if it will stick.
If it does you’ll know which pot or pans you can use on your induction cooktop.
Induction burners are known to heat up fast, hold a consistent temperature, and are safer, since they are flameless. have features such as automatic shut-off and screen-locking mechanisms.
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