In recent years, induction cooking has spiked in popularity throughout the United States. An increasing number of homeowners are making the switch from gas cooking to induction ranges and stovetops. Curious what’s making induction ranges so appealing? Read on to discover what induction technology is, how to distinguish its differences from electric and gas and uncover the various benefits to induction cooking!

What is induction cooking?

So, what exactly is induction cooking? Different from typical electric cooktops, induction cooktops utilize copper heating coils underneath the surface to produce electromagnetic energy. This energy is only ignited when the iron in designated induction cookware, typically made of cast iron or stainless steel, makes contact with the cooktop surface. This energy transfer turns the cookware into its own source of heat, as opposed to the stovetop producing the heat.

What is the difference between induction, electric and gas?

The most notable differences between induction, electric and gas ranges is their appearance and how they create energy. Induction and electric cooktops are similar in appearance as both feature smooth top surfaces. In contrast, gas ranges feature burner grates raised over the cooktop surface.

When it comes to generating heat, gas cooktops rely on a flame produced through natural gas or propane. On the other hand, traditional electric stovetops employ an electrical current that flows through a metal coil that is either visible on the cooktop or hidden under a glass or ceramic surface to heat up the burner.

Both electric and induction cooking require 220V electrical connections and a good amount of amperage to function properly.  It is important to understand power and gas requirements before choosing a cooking appliance suitable for your home.

What are the benefits of induction cooking?

Although there are diverse advantages to cooking with both gas and electric, induction cooking marries the best of both worlds while also offering unique aspects not found in either. Continue reading to learn the top benefits of induction cooking:

Kitchen Safety Excellence

Induction stovetops automatically shut down after a pot or pan is removed from the cooking surface, reducing the risk of accidentally leaving a burner on. If a knob or button are accidentally activated, the element will not heat up until proper cookware is placed on top.  These features are particularly important for households with children as they enhance kitchen safety and peace of mind!

Faster Cook Times

Since induction cooktops heat pots and pans directly, the extra step of heating up the burner and transferring that heat to the cookware is eliminated, therefore, cutting cooking times in half! All Lofra induction ranges feature a rapid boil setting on every burner, which delivers maximum power to boil liquids promptly. 

Exact Precision

Cooking with induction offers excellent precision when it comes to temperature control. By leveraging electromagnetic energy to produce heat, induction stovetops react extremely fast to any temperature adjustments. For example, when you turn the burner off, the heat transfer stops immediately, and conversely, when you turn the burner up, more heat is prompted instantly. This is ideal for instances when you require a quick transition from boiling to simmering, as induction enables an immediate adjustment, guaranteeing perfectly cooked results every time. Check out the ‘Keep Warm’ setting on Lofra induction cooktops, which instantly lowers the heat to stop the cooking process while keeping the cookware warm to ensure the perfect temperature for serving.

Cleaner Cooking

Gas appliances emit harmful air pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and methane, even when they’re not in use! Switching to an induction range can reduce your risk of asthma and other illnesses associated with these pollutants, while also lessening air quality issues and climate change. Though induction ranges don’t produce harmful air pollutants, a range hood is still essential to vent grease, oils, smoke and strong cooking odors. However, due to their lower emissions, induction ranges require hoods with less CFM (cubic feet of air moved per minute) than gas ranges, meaning less energy is used. Because of this, they also can easily meet make-up air requirements in certain municipalities while still having adequate cooking ventilation.

Energy Efficiency

Induction cooktops consume far less energy than electric or gas stovetops because they heat the pan directly rather than the cooking surface first. Moreover, because food is heated up much faster with induction cooking, the appliance isn’t required to be on for as long, conserving further energy.

We hope you are now supplied with ample knowledge on induction to utilize when you’re contemplating your next range! To learn more about Lofra’s induction offerings, visit https://lofra.us/products/?ed05e88-filter_plan-type=induction.

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