It’s hard not to feel like you need to get yourself an induction stove once you’ve seen it in action. The sleek and elegant design as well as the precision and impressive performance of an induction cooktop are hard to duplicate with any other stove. The unique heating systems that induction cooktops use make it easy to keep all the surfaces cool and hazard-free. Induction cooktops look a bit like ceramic stovetops, and they come with illustrations that guide you to the right pot placement. The main difference between electric stovetops and inductions tops is that there are no hot circles or dangerous areas on an induction top.
This mode of operation is revolutionary in terms of safety and efficiency. You’ll find no shortage of induction stove models on the market, which can make it difficult to choose the right one for your needs. But, fret not because we’re here to help you know the qualities you should look for in your induction cooktop so you can make the right purchase.
How Do Induction Stoves Work?
It’s important to know how an induction cooktop operates to be able to gauge how useful the features are. Induction stoves use electromagnetism to heat cooking pots and pans, hence the “induction” part of the name. There is a copper coil inside the induction stove that generates a magnetic field once power flows through it. Once you put on the stove a pan, electrical current starts flowing, generating heat energy. In simple terms, the pan itself is the object being heated, not the surface it’s placed on. This concept is quite simple and effective, making induction cooktops more effective than their electric or gas counterparts.
Portability
Unlike conventional gas stoves, induction stoves provide more convenience if you’re traveling. Instead of settling for low-quality stoves or manual cooking methods, a portable induction stove can work in various environments, whether you’re cooking on a rooftop or backyard. You need to make this decision early on because induction cooktops come in 3 versions; portable, freestanding, and fixed.
While fixed stoves can generate stronger heat, it’s up to you whether you want the convenience of portability or not. Double induction stoves are often the first option for those who are looking for a portable and convenient solution. As mentioned in this Double Induction Cooktops Review, there are some differences between double induction units and freestanding ones, but it mainly boils down to portability and available space. You’ll find most of the features of cool-surface induction stoves implemented in portable versions as well, such as spill-detection, pot recognition, and many others.
Safety Precautionary Sensors
Induction stoves are known for their safety parameters that exceed many expectations. You should always look for the safest option in the market if you want to make sure that nothing goes wrong. A safety temperature sensor is a good feature to look for when you’re in the market for an induction cooktop. It can gauge the temperature of the bottom of the cookware, which helps it identify whether it’s empty or not. Once the sensor determines that the pot or pan is empty, it will reduce the heat being generated to avoid damaging the cookware.
Auto Cut-Off
Leaving the heat on for a while when you’re cooking is normal, but sometimes you may not notice that the cookware is overheating, potentially damaging the cookware and burning the food. The auto cut-off is a feature that some induction stoves have that allows it to shut off the element if the temperature is getting out of control. Some sensors can even turn the heat off automatically once you remove the cookware. This should help minimize any risk of fire and damage to cookware.
You’ll find most induction cooktops share a safety feature that stops the heat if no change in temperature has been determined. Depending on the settings of the induction stove, the timeframe of the cut-off can increase or decrease. If the heat generated is already low, the induction stove will automatically cut-off after a long time, while high heat generation can cause the cooktop to cut-off after about an hour.
Pre-Set Settings
Since induction stoves are relatively modern cooking equipment, it’s possible to integrate smart features into them. Presets are perfect for those who don’t want to spend a few minutes figuring out the best temperatures for their food every time. You’ll be able to use the best settings that you’ve liked before every time you cook. It will accurately adjust the temperature to match the preset every time you press the button.
The convenience of induction stoves may tempt you to buy the first one you land your eyes on. But, we strongly recommend that you take the time to do some research and make a list of the most important features that you’d need before you make a decision. Since most induction stoves are budget-friendly, you’ll be able to find the perfect one for you in no time.
