By switching to induction, you’ll get cleaner indoor air quality and a superior cooking experience.
How it works:
Induction is magnetic heat. The magnets in the cooktop create a magnetic field that excites the electrons in your metallic pan, creating heat. The pan becomes the burner, directly heating and cooking your food. This makes it extremely efficient, because nearly all the heat goes into your food, rather than out into your kitchen.
Why induction is gaining in popularity:
Induction provides a superior cooking experience, with 2x faster boiling, instant temperature control, and infinite simmering. It also requires less ventilation than gas, and the stovetop is easier to clean.
Do I need special pans?
This is the question we get asked the most! Induction cooking requires magnetic cookware. If a magnet will stick to your pan, you can use it with an induction cooktop.
- Aluminum, all glass, or all-copper cookware won’t work.
- Cast iron, enameled cast iron (like Le Creuset) and many types of stainless steel are all induction compatible.
Video: Professional Chefs Love Cooking With Induction
What’s wrong with gas?
Recent studies have shown that gas stoves have a negative impact on indoor air quality. The American Medical Association has stated that cooking with gas is dangerous for our health: “Cooking with a gas stove increases household air pollution and the risk of childhood asthma.”
- Cooking with gas sends nitrogen dioxide (NO2, associated with asthma), carbon monoxide (CO) and formaldehyde (CH2O) into the air.
- Gas stoves leak methane, often containing benzene, even when they’re turned off. Benzene is linked to cancers like leukemia.
- Cooking with gas produces twice the amount of particulate matter (PM) compared to electric. PM 2.5 is associated with many health problems, including dementia.
- Electric ranges, including induction, do not produce carbon monoxide or nitrogen dioxide.
Portable induction cooktops: an easy way to switch!
If switching out your entire stove is not in your budget right now, consider getting a portable induction cooktop that can sit on your counter. They are relatively inexpensive, plug into a regular outlet, and are a good way to bridge the gap until you’re ready to get a full-sized replacement. Some folks put their plug in cooktop right on top of their range!
Want to learn more?
Induction Cooking Buying Guide
Yale Appliances is a leader in induction appliance sales and service, and their helpful buying guide describes how to choose the best solution for your kitchen
Check out this webinar from ElectrifyNow about induction cooking, with tips and demonstrations from chef Rachelle Boucher.
Ready to switch your gas range to electric? Here’s How
If you currently have a gas range, you’ll need to check your electrical system to make sure you have the right-sized outlet and circuit. Read our helpful post about how to look into your current systems and make a plan.