Electric vs Induction Cooktops
There are two main types of cooktops, electric and induction. Both have their benefits and drawbacks, so you will have to decide what’s best for you based on all the factors and your house/kitchen setup.
Electric cooktops are the most common type. They work by heating coils that are underneath the cooking surface. This can be dangerous because it can start a fire if something spills on the coils. Additionally, electric cooktops can be pretty expensive, especially if a large kitchen with multiple burners runs at once.
Induction cooktops work using electromagnets to create heat in a pot or pan placed on the cooking surface. Because they only generate heat in the pot or pan, they are much more energy-efficient than electric cooktops. They are also safer because they will not start a fire if something spills on the cooking surface. However, induction cooktops are more expensive to buy and can be challenging to install in some kitchens.
How Do Induction Cooktops Work?
Induction cooktops use electromagnetic radiation to create heat. This heat is then transferred to the pan, cooking the food inside. There is no residual heat with induction cooktops because the air between the cooktop and pan never gets hot. This makes induction cooktops much safer than other types of cooktops. Induction cooktops are electric because they don’t use gas or another flame to heat as a traditional stovetop would.
How Do Electric Cooktops Work?
Electric cooktops use infrared radiation for cooking your food. This radiation comes from the burner holding your pot or pan and is directed up to the bottom of the cookware. Electric cooktops offer centralized heat, meaning all of your pots and pans will cook at the same temperature.
Efficiency
Electric cooktops are more efficient because they use consistent heat instead of an open flame. Electric ovens are generally more energy-efficient than gas ovens, and self-cleaning models are perfect. However, electric coil stovetops are not as efficient and should be avoided. Induction cooktops use 90% of their energy for cooking food, making them the most efficient.
Cost of the Cooktop
Electric cooktops are cheaper to buy than induction cooktops. They use less energy than induction cooktops, making them more economical. Electric induction is also easier and cheaper to repair than electric cooktops with external heating coils.
Type of Cookware
Induction cooktops work best with metal cookware. The magnetic field produced by the cooktop is strongest on ferrous metals, so it primarily uses pots and pans made from these materials. It cannot heat copper, aluminum, glass, or ceramic effectively. Induction cooktops are available in all-metal and higher frequency variants.
Electric cooktops have better temperature control than induction cooktops. However, induction cooktops are faster to heat up and cool down. The electric elements on an electric cooktop can retain heat, resulting in a longer wait time to reach the desired temperature or switch between settings.
Which is More Comfortable?
Electric cooktops are more comfortable because they have better temperature control. Induction cooktops heat up and cool down faster but cannot reach the same high temperatures as electric cooktops. Electric elements retaining heat can be less ideal for slow cooking or simmering.
Cooking Speed
Electric cooktops need time to heat the coil. Induction cooktops heat the pan instantly, reducing cooking times significantly.
Cleaning the Cooktops
Induction cooktops have a smooth glass-ceramic surface, making them very easy to clean. Electric coil cooktops are harder to clean because food can get stuck in the coils. Unique cleaning products can help, but induction cooktops are generally easier to maintain.
Safety
Induction cooktops are safer than electric or gas cooktops. They remain cool to the touch, making them child-friendly, and switch off automatically when no cookware is present.
Induction Cooktops
Pros
Induction cooktops transfer heat directly to cookware, eliminating wasted heat. 90% of the electromagnetic energy generated goes into cooking, compared to 50% for gas or electric stoves. They cook faster, remain cool on the surface, are safer for children, and are easy to clean.
Cons
The main drawbacks are the high cost and the requirement for specific magnetic-bottom cookware. Some materials cannot be used, and induction cooktops can be less durable and prone to breaking.
Electric Cooktops
Pros
Electric cooktops have cooler surfaces, making them safe for children or pets. They are easy to clean, offer a flat surface for utensils, do not increase kitchen heat, and are simple to operate.
Cons
Electric cooktops are generally more expensive than gas and take more counter space. They are limited in compatible cookware, so not all pots and pans will work efficiently.
Do Induction Cooktops Give Off Harmful Radiation?
Induction cooktops create non-ionizing low-frequency electromagnetic radiation, which is not associated with health issues. Clicking, humming, or buzzing noises are normal and usually caused by the cooling fan or cookware that doesn’t fully cover the burner.
Is Induction Safer Than Electric Cooktop?
Electric cooktops are safer than induction in some ways, but induction cooktops are safer than gas cooktops because there is no open flame, gas leaks, or carbon monoxide risk.
Conclusion
Having discussed electric and induction cooktops, check our electric cooktops here!
