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Author: jgowans

What is induction cooking? And how does it work?

Induction cooking is a relatively new electric cooking technology. Induction cooking works by creating a magnetic field between the cooking pan/pot and the magnetic coils beneath the cooking surface. The magnetic field then heats the contents of the cooking pot.

What are the benefits of induction cooking?

Induction cooking offers several benefits compared to cooking with gas or propane. It is safer because there are no direct flames and no fire hazard. It is healthier because there are no emissions of pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrous oxides. And induction also heats up food quicker than with gas or propane. Induction cooktops are also very easy to clean, because they are smooth, and the cooking surface itself does not get hot.

5 hacks to make your heat pump more effective

Before considering how or whether to upgrade your home’s heating system, you should start with making sure your home is well-insulated. Improving your home’s efficiency by insulating, air sealing, and other weatherization steps will help your heat pump or other heating system work more effectively. Weatherizing will save you money on heating and cooling, improve your comfort, and (as with heat pumps) may be financed through incentives or rebates to help pay for it. See the weatherization/home performance section in this DYI Guide

Check with your electric or gas utility or local government energy services department to take advantage of rebates and financing assistance for home weatherization. (See utility rebates)

If your family qualifies as “low-income,” you can apply for free help in weatherizing your home through the Colorado Energy Office’s Weatherization Assistance Program.

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How does induction cooking work?

Induction cooking works by creating a magnetic field between the cooking pan/pot and the magnetic coils beneath the cooking surface. The magnetic field then heats the contents of the cooking pot.

What kinds of pans can you use on an induction cooktop?

The cookware must contain iron (cast iron or some types of stainless steel) or have a layer of material with magnetic properties. Some types of stainless steel do not work – for example, if it is a blend of aluminum and stainless steel, or if the nickel content of the stainless steel is too high.

What is the difference between an induction cooktop and an electric cooktop?

Induction is a type of electric cooktop. Other electric cooktop types are the coil-type, which are very common, and the flat surface radiant type. The latter is more efficient than the coil-type, and as the name implies, it transfers heat by radiating it (rather than conduction) from the heating elements below the smooth ceramic surface to the cookware, with very little warming of the surrounding air. Radiant cooktops are cheaper than induction but not as fast or efficient. Both are easy to clean because of the smooth surface of the cooktop. With induction, the cooktop itself does not heat up, so it is even safer to use and to clean.

What are the benefits of induction cooking?

Induction cooking offers several benefits compared to cooking with gas or propane. It is safer because there are no direct flames and no fire hazard. It is healthier because there are no emissions of pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrous oxides. And induction also heats up food quicker than with gas or propane. Induction cooktops are also very easy to clean, because they are smooth, and the cooking surface itself does not get hot.

Is induction cooking safe?

Yes, induction cooking is very safe, because there are no flames, and the cookware and contents heat up, but the cooktop surface itself does not get hot.