An induction stove top uses electromagnetic heating technology to heat the cookware. Only specific cookware can be used on an induction stove top.
Photo Credit: KitchenAid
The kitchen is the center of any home, especially during the holiday season, and the stove is a crucial component to a successful kitchen. Determining which type of stove to purchase can be a big decision. There are several stove cooktop options available, each with its own benefits. Learning the basics of each stove type can help you determine what works best for your needs.
Electric stove tops, including glass top stoves, are one of the most common options. This traditional style of stove top uses electricity to heat a cooking element, and that heat is transferred to the pan, pot or other cookware. Electric stove tops with heat coils are relatively durable and can be scrubbed without having to worry about causing much damage. For electric stove tops with a glass surface, cleanup is easy; however, users should be careful not to scratch the glass. Electric stove tops have a moderate energy efficiency rating, where roughly 74% of the heat reaches the food; however, electric-coil stove tops are slightly less efficient than glass.
Natural gas and liquid propane stove tops create flames, and some cooking enthusiasts prefer gas because of the instant heat and ability to easily control temperatures. In the rare case of power outages, gas stove tops will still function while electric stove tops will not. However, gas stove tops are the least energy efficient, with about 40% of the heat generated reaching the food. Consumers also should consider potential safety risks associated with gas stove tops, such as burns, impacts to indoor air quality and gas leaks. With any gas stove top, an exhaust hood will be important to reduce potential air quality concerns from nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide.
Induction stove tops are quickly gaining popularity. An induction stove top uses electromagnetic heating technology to cook food in specially constructed cookware. Underneath an induction stove top is a metal coil that creates a magnetic field, which reacts with the cookware through an electrical current, generating heat. The induction technology works quickly to heat food and is even faster than gas stove tops. Through the induction process, only the part of the stove top directly touching the cookware becomes heated, while the rest of the stove top stays cool.
One of the best benefits of an induction stove top is safety; there are no open flames, and the stove top itself is cool to the touch, making burns much less likely. Induction stove tops are also the most energy efficient form of stove top cooking, with a 90% energy efficiency rating. Induction stove tops, like glass electric stove tops, are also easy to clean because of the smooth surface.
Stove top options come in a variety of prices, sizes and additional features that depend on specific models. Be sure to research the appropriate stove top options for your culinary needs before making a final decision. Assessing potential safety concerns in a home can also be the deciding factor between different stove top options. Whether you choose electricity, gas or induction, the right stove top for your needs can help you enjoy your time in the kitchen even more.