This appliance has made its way to our hearts and kitchen graciously. However, I know there is a mixed bunch of opinions about an induction cooktop. Some like it, some don’t. If you are looking to buy the best induction cooktop, you must be well versed with the strings attached to it.
I am going to speak about all the advantages & disadvantages of induction cooktop. Transparency, accuracy, reliability, honesty. You can expect everything from this blog. Oh yes, no surprises. You deserve to know everything about it before getting it.
Here’s my detailed analysis exclusively for you.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Induction Cooktop
Let’s begin by knowing all the induction cooktop advantages.
Advantages of an Induction Cooktop
1. Boil water in less than 60 seconds
Green tea has become an integral part of our daily routine. We enjoy sipping on it at the end of the day. Or maybe after every meal. Many people are not comfortable warming water in the microwave due to all the “myths” they believe. Doing it on the gas stove can be so time-consuming. Waiting for 3-4 minutes to get your water boiled is such a waste of time. An induction takes less than 60 seconds. So basically, you get microwave like speed without even using one. Isn’t that so cool?
2. Keeps the Kitchen environment cool
What happens when you do all the cooking on the gas stove? 60% of the heat from the gas burner is lost in the kitchen. Only 40% goes in the pan. It makes the environment hot and humid. In the case of induction, 90% of the heat goes straight into the pan. The environment will always be cool and pleasant. This mechanism makes it an “eco-friendly” appliance.
3. No strong ventilation needed
Cooking on a gas stove releases all kinds of toxic gases. We have also spoken about how gas stove cooking causes steam, heat and smoke in the environment. There is no such issue in the case of induction cooking. Well, I wouldn’t say that it does not need ventilation at all. But not as much as gas stove cooking does. There are no open flames you need to worry about.
4. Pleasing to the eye
Undoubtedly, induction cooktops are attractive looking and eye-pleasing. The appliance does not have obnoxious looking knobs. Rather it has an elegant and precise digital display which adds to the look appeal. The control panel displays everything – time, error, cooking mode, settings etc.
5. Wide temperature range
If you have even looked at an induction, you know what I am referring to right now. An induction cooktop has a wide temperature range. From low simmer to a high boil, you can have access to both with just a touch of a button. The induction temperature generally ranges from 100F to 500F.
6. Easy to Clean
Quick-cooking is surely delightful. But quick cleaning is blissful. Cleaning an induction involves only a wipedown. Unlike traditional stoves, this appliance does not heat the surface while cooking. There are no burner or grates to be cleaned. It only has a flat glass surface. Induction cooking does not result in splatters and spills of food. You won’t find tough stains that refuse to come out. You will need no special tools or solutions to clean this little surface. It’s as simple as using a wet sponge to wipe it off.
7. Portable & Flexible
Can you imagine moving around with your gas stove? No right? The connection determines the placement, and then that’s done. You cannot move it. In case of induction, you can place it wherever and however you like. It is so light in weight you need no help to move it. For any reason, if you want to move your induction, you can do it at zero cost. Well, not just in your kitchen but you can carry it wherever you like.
Do you have a holiday home? All you have to do is pack the induction and carry it along. The portability extent of this appliance is impressive.
8. Auto mechanism
Once you are done cooking on the stove, removing the vessel will not turn off the flame. You got to do it yourself. What if you forget to do it? Or what if the knob is not turned off completely? It could be life-risking. The auto mechanism feature of an induction keeps you 100% safe and secured. Once you are done with cooking and remove the pan, the appliance will turn off by itself. No accidents, no injuries!
9. Swift Cooking
This induction cooktop advantage is a major selling point. The electromagnetic mechanism heats the cooktop in no time. The heat is then transferred directly into the pan. There are no external factors involved and no loss of heat. Hence, the appliance is sure to deliver speedy cooking. Let me reveal out a secret to you. Ever wondered how do restaurants cook food so quickly? Has this thought crossed your mind? They use induction technology. You can have your dal ready in flat ten minutes.
10. Energy Efficient
Here comes the biggest misconception of induction cooking. Yes, I know this appliance functions on electricity. But an induction cooktop is totally energy efficient. I have already mentioned how there is no loss of heat in this mechanism. 90% of the heat that is generated is used up in the cooking. Hence, you are in for low energy bills.
11. No Health Hazards
No grease fires, no flames, no gas emission. When you talk about induction cooking health hazards, in my view, it’s zero. The safety protocols in induction cooking are completely unmatched. Also, the surface does not heat up at all. So, even if you touch it accidentally, you will have no scars or burns.
12. Controlled Cooking
No other cooking method is as controlled and precise as an induction cooktop. It is impossible to hit a precise temperature with conventional and traditional cooking. Induction cooktops are known for their precise temperature control. You can set it as per your requirement, and it will stay consistent. Once you turn off the appliance, the heat will terminate immediately. The reactions are instant.
13. Sensors
An induction has gone far with technology. This modern appliance is equipped with smart sensors. Firstly, it can detect the size of your plan. It will heat only the hob zone, which will be in contact with the appliance. The good news is that you can use any shape of cookware. Some induction cooktops are also designed with in-built temperature sensors. They help the appliance monitor and regulate the supply of heat.
Woah, that was a huge list of advantages. Are there any drawbacks? Unfortunately, yes. Not too many, but you must know about the induction cooktop problems as well.
Disadvantages of an Induction Cooktop
Here’s a compiled list of induction cooktop disadvantages.
1. Works only on electricity
The biggest drawback of induction cooking. It cannot function without a power supply. If you are used to gas stove cooking, you know you can cook anytime, irrespective of the external factors. Power outage is not going to be a hindrance. On the contrary, an induction cooktop can only function on electricity. In case of power failure, you are going to be stuck.
2. Difficult to maintain
We have discovered how rough and tough a gas stove. It can easily withstand wear and tear. Hence, it is pretty durable. Sadly, this is not the case with an induction. It is fabricated with a sleek and smooth glass surface, which is prone to scratches and nicks. Therefore, it is recommended you use it as carefully as possible. Here’s a tip: Avoid sharp-edged tools and abrasive cleaning materials. Repairing it can be a costly affair.
3. Special Cookware
An induction cooktop calls for additional investment. You cannot use any pot or pan available at home. The vessel must be equipped with a magnetic iron or steel. Also, the size cannot be too small. The flat bottom ones work best with the appliance. You don’t have to worry about this. You will easily find too many “induction safe” options in the market.
4. Priced steeply
If you compare it to a gas stove, you will find this appliance way more expensive. The demanding price is because of the design, mechanism, features and technology. You certainly need to pay for luxury. Although, with increasing demand, there is now an availability of cheaper options as well.
5. Cannot leave the food unattended
We have already discovered how cooking on induction is incredibly quick. The transfer of heat is as fast as lightning. Therefore, you cannot leave the food unattended on it for long. Your food will get overcooked or burned. You can do this on a gas stove, though.
6. Not completely silent
You will very well know when this appliance is turned on. Cooking on an induction cooktop is not a silent event. However, the noise is not very disturbing and interfering. The hitch is that it can get significantly loud as and as you increase the temperature. It can be a bit annoying. Ensure to use the right vessel for the minimum interruption.
One Last Thing
You are acquainted with all the advantages and disadvantages of an induction cooktop. What do you think? Is it a good idea to invest in one? In my opinion, you should. If you can afford this appliance, it deserves a place in your kitchen. The technology is mind-boggling. So easy, so safe, so advanced. It is truly an exceptional invention.
I am pretty sure you are convinced to bring one home. Now check our blog on the 9 Best Induction Cooktops in India 2024- Reviews & Buying Guide.
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