Over the past decade the phrase “induction cooking” has become quite a buzz word in the world of kitchen appliances. It is difficult to find a model kitchen or appliance showroom that doesn’t include an induction cooktop as one of its highlighted features. But what exactly is induction technology? The simple answer: It’s an extraordinary heating technology that will change the way you operate in your kitchen. Three key elements set induction cooktops apart from traditional electric and gas appliances: Safety, efficiency, and power.

How it works

Induction cooktops like the Bosch 800 Series and the GE Monogram feature flat surfaces typically made with ceramic. Beneath this ceramic glass panel are 4 to 6 copper coil heating elements. Unlike standard electric ranges, which heat the elements directly, induction cooktops use electromagnetic power to heat the pot or pan atop the element. This impressive heating method leads to faster, safer, more efficient home cooking.

Safety

If you were to put a KitchenAid Induction Cooktop on its highest setting with no pot or pan atop the element, you’d probably be weary of burning a finger. We’ve all mistakenly grazed a hot coil in our lives, and it’s never pleasant. Lucky for you, induction cooktops don’t emit heat. As mentioned, the pot or pan becomes the source of heat during cooking, not the range itself. So if you mistakenly place your hand on a “hot” induction cooktop you won’t feel much more than slight warmth.

Power

Electric and gas ranges have been commonly used in kitchens for decades, but neither heating options are without faults. Traditional electric ranges heat up quite slowly and lack precise heating controls. Though gas ranges are more receptive to slight temperature adjustments, they can become an in-home hazard if not properly used. Induction cooktops far outdo other heating appliances. The technology behind induction cooking, cooktops like the Electrolux 36” Induction Cooktop can boil water at incredible speeds, which means meals can be prepared at a faster rate. Induction cooktops are also capable of matching or exceeding the maximum BTU’s of most gas and electric options.

Efficiency

By far the most impressive feature of induction technology is its energy efficiency. According to the U.S Department of Energy, induction appliances are approximately 13% more efficient than traditional electric cooking appliances. By the simplest explanation, creating heat expends energy. Gas and traditional electric cooktops expend a lot of heat directly from the cooktop’s elements. On the other hand, the electromagnetic current created by induction cooktops requires less power while creating more heat. Homeowners who make the switch to induction cooktops typically see significant drops in their annual energy costs.