Lofra USA

Cooking with Lofra: The Benefits of Induction

April 25, 2024 by EuroChef

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.

For more projects, products, trends and news on Lofra, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Love your Lofra range? Tag us on your social media post for a chance to be featured on the Lofra social channels!

Find a Lofra dealer near you: https://lofra.us/store-locator/.

Collection Closeup: The Marvelous Maestro

December 20, 2023 by EuroChef

Get a Pro-Style Look for Less Starting at $4,999

Lofra, the market leader of freestanding cookers and built-in appliances, traces its origins back to 1956, when the Lovato brothers first began manufacturing pots. The brand has since evolved into a global consumer reference point for the kitchen industry and the pride of the Italian manufacturing industry. With a steadfast commitment to delivering an exceptional culinary experience, Lofra offers an extensive variety of cutting-edge cooking features that are tailored to satisfy even the most critical chefs. Imported to the U.S. market by EuroChef USA, we’re spotlighting the Maestro Collection, one of three collections built for the U.S. consumer.

As the second line introduced by Lofra in the early 1960s, Maestro exemplifies premium quality with a presence as strong as its performance. Professional chefs and home cooks alike marvel at the performance, consistent temperature control and various cooking options paired with the pro-style aesthetic of the Maestro range. Maestro is offered in two sizes (36- and 48-inch) and four stunning colors (Matte Black, Blue, White and Stainless Steel) in dual fuel to help you craft your ideal kitchen design. For those who desire a sophisticated, professional-grade appearance, the Maestro delivers it at a price point you’ll crave.

The Cooktop:

Maestro’s 36-inch dual fuel range features five brass burners, offering versatile cooking capabilities. The cooking power varies from a gentle 5,000 BTUs for simmering to a powerful 18,000 BTU dual burner for searing. The larger 48-inch range adds two additional burners. For accessibility and safety, this range is equipped with one-touch ignition and a gas shut-off safety system. The cooktop also features heavy-duty cast-iron grates and burner caps, and like all Lofra ranges, the LP conversion kit is included.

The Oven:

Maestro’s oven features nine programmable settings including a pizza function, defrost, true European convection and more for perfectly cooked results. In the 48-inch option, the Maestro adds the lucrative and coveted independent second oven that operates with the same full multi-function and convection capabilities as the main oven cavity. Both the main and side ovens in the 48-inch model feature outer oven glass trim that’s effortlessly removable to provide convenient access to the three panes of oven glass for easy cleaning.

Main Features:

Every Lofra range is packed with features that even the most discerning chefs will admire:

Real Metal Knobs and Handrails: With real metal knobs and handrails, the quality and craftsmanship of Lofra ranges is visible in every detail.
Brass Burners: All Lofra burners are semi-sealed to provide an optimal cooking performance. The cast iron burner caps are easily removable for cleaning and maintenance.
Cooling Fan: The cooling fan system is designed to prevent hot air from damaging the range controls by venting out warm air through an incorporated vent above the door handle and filtering cold air from the bottom of the oven door.
Triple Tempered Glazed Glass Doors: Every oven door is crafted with three panes of oven glass to ensure heat is locked inside the oven cavity while reducing the external surface temperature for safety and energy consumption.
Telescopic Shelf Supports: Special guides allow for easy access for turning and basting while also adding protection against overturned trays.
Grease Filter: Every Lofra range is furnished with a grease filter that covers the primary convection fan to guarantee the oven cavity is always clean. This filter can be removed for maintenance and cleaning.

To learn more about Lofra’s Maestro Collection, visit https://lofra.us/ and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest and YouTube.

Love your Lofra range? Tag us on your social media post for a chance to be featured on the Lofra social channels!
Find a Lofra dealer near you: https://lofra.us/store-locator/.

Collection Closeup: The Captivating Curva

November 29, 2023 by EuroChef

Since Lofra began in 1956, the Italian brand has remained dedicated to the artistry of crafting top-tier, dependable products. Produced in the hills around the city of Padua, Italy, Lofra’s prestigious ranges are meticulously designed, featuring a diverse array of cooking functions to enhance the cooking experience for home chefs. Three of Lofra’s cutting-edge collections are exclusively imported to the United States by EuroChef USA. Today we’re taking a deeper dive into the alluring Curva Collection!

The Look

As the first product to be introduced by Lofra in the early 1960s, the Curva Collection pays tribute to Lofra’s humble beginnings. The iconic, patented curved door, side panels and handles of the Curva Collection embody the aesthetic of traditional pots and pottery that Lofra manufactured. This distinct detailing sets Curva apart, as it cannot be replicated by other brands. Seamlessly marrying a unique, modernist aesthetic with professional-grade performance, the award-winning Curva Collection exceeds expectations from its design to its functionality.

Sizing + Colors

Available in two sizes – 36-inch and 48-inch – and a palette of four timeless colors (Black, Blue, Stainless Steel and White), the Curva Collection is ideal for those seeking a high-performing appliance and an ultramodern aesthetic for their kitchen.

Curva’s 36-inch range boasts five all-brass burners, providing cooking power ranging from a minimum of 5,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) to a max dual power output of 18,000! The 48-inch Curva offers two additional burners and the highly-desired, independent second oven. This secondary oven, with multiple programmable options, utilizes convection with independent settings for enhanced versatility.

Functionality + Cleaning

Similar to the Dolcevita, the oven glass trim on all Curva ranges is easily removable. This provides access to the three panes of oven glass to make cleaning a simple process! Moreover, like all Lofra ranges, the Curva range offers nine programmable settings with true European convection.

Defrosting: Speed up defrosting and safely thaw frozen food with unheated air circulation without par-cooking and drying.
European Convection: European convection uses a third heating element behind the fan to prevent unwanted flavor transfer. This process allows food to cook more evenly than in traditional ovens!
Convection Bake: The convection bake feature has the quickest and most even cooking as it evenly distributes heat throughout the oven with the use of the convection fan and both top and bottom elements.
Pizza Function aka “Bottom Heat”: Every Lofra range includes a bottom heat mode, which is perfect for crispy pizza crust and perfectly melted cheese! The bottom heat setting can also be used for moist, slow cooked dishes or to prepare delicate crusts on a pie or quiche.
Convection Broil: When the convection broil feature is activated, the convection fan and broiler will both be turned on, allowing for an even distribution of intense heat.
Oven Light + Dough Rising: Every Lofra range comes with the oven light + dough rising feature, where the oven light will be turned on and remain illuminated throughout the cooking cycle. This light can also assist in the rising of dough, perfect for your favorite bread recipes!
Conventional Cooking: Providing heat from both the top and bottom, the conventional cooking feature helps food to cook evenly.
Grilling: Every Lofra range comes with an upper grill element, which provides a high and focused heat.
Maxi Broil: Ideal for melting and browning food quickly without overcooking, the Maxi Broil function uses powerful and direct heat from the broil element.

To learn more about Lofra’s Curva Collection, visit https://lofra.us/ and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest and YouTube.

Love your Lofra range? Tag us on your social media post for a chance to be featured on the Lofra social channels!