A cooktop is an essential appliance for your kitchen. It is also the one appliance that comes with many different heating options. Gas (whether propane or natural) and electric are two of the most common types of cooktops, but they are not the only ones. Induction cooktops are increasing in popularity and come with some hefty perks. Your kitchen’s cooktop is one of the appliances that you will use nearly every day. Therefore, when you make the decision as to which cooktop is most suitable for your needs, you need to make sure it is something you are most comfortable with. Perhaps the best way to do so is to learn about those that are available to you. What do you say? Let’s take a look at two popular cooktops, one tried and true – and one brand new: an electric cooktop and the induction cooktop. The Basics: How Electric Cooktops Work Ah, one of the most common cooktops is the electric cooktop. This design is found in so many homes across the globe. The ease of use – since it simply connects to the electrical power within the home – makes it an easy choice for many. But, how do electric cooktops work? Well, electric cooktops provide you with a source of centralized heat. Whether with the use of a burner itself – or a burner underneath the glass top – there is a metal coil that has electrical currents flowing through it. As it beings to heat up, the coil starts glowing and becomes hot. This is all due to electrical resistance. This heat is then transferred through the glass (or the burner) using infrared energy. Said energy is transmitted evenly through the burner holding your pot or pan. This transfer of heat between the cookware and the burner is how the food begins heating inside. Watch out! When you turn off the burner you are using, the cooktop will continue to be hot. This is the same whether you are working with a glass top or a ceramic top. Despite the halted electrical current, there is a residual heat for a period of time. You will notice that many newer models of electric cooktops have an indicator light feature that will let you know when the cooktop is hot and when it will be cool to the touch. The Basics: How Do Induction Cooktops Work Now that we know about electric cooktops, let’s take a look at a new player to the field – the induction cooking. Truth be told, induction cooktops have been around for quite a while in Europe. However, they are just now increasing in popularity here in the United States. Induction cooktops are, in a sense, electric. We say this because they don’t use gas or another type of flame to create heat. However, it is the manner in which they heat that sets them apart. In fact, induction cooktops are very different from electric cooktops. There’s a good chance you are curious about how they work. So, let’s get to it. Like the electric cooktops we learned about above, inductions cooktops also provide heat through coils that are underneath their glass surface. Ready for the difference? Induction heating involves copper coils – and it uses electromagnetic radiation. By using magnets to distribute heat, a current of electricity alternates as it goes through the copper coil and makes its way directly to the cookware. The resulting magnetic field oscillates, inducing an electrical current within the cookware. Your pan begins heating and your food begins to cook. But, wait – there’s more. Are you ready for this? The air between the cooktop and the cookware never gets hot. There is no residual heat and you can always touch the glass top safely – and without the fear of getting burned. Pros: Electric Cooktops We like what we know. And, we know and understand electric cooktops. It’s that simple. We know how it works, we understand it, and we are familiar with it. And, face it – electric cooktops have some benefits. They are easy to use – and install. This is because they are what we are familiar with. The residual heat they provide after the burner is turned off gives you a bonus food warmer. The heat is controlled which, in turn, helps you cut down on energy costs. Pros: Induction Cooktops Those who have had the chance to use an induction cooktop very often tend to find them a great choice. This is likely a good indicator as to why they are increasing in popularity. So, what is it that is so beneficial about an induction cooktop? Because of the unique method of cooking, the surface itself never gets hot. This reduces the chance for burns – especially for those with kids and pets in the home. The cool surface reduces the need for cleaning up spilled, burnt-to-a-crisp food around the burner. The lack of residual heat results in lower energy costs and a cooler kitchen area. This cooking method seems to be a bit faster than electric cooktops. Cons: Electric Cooktops Despite their popularity, there are some shortfalls that come with an electric cooktop. If you have young kids or pets, having a hot stove after you are done cooking can be hazardous. The residual heat left from an electric stove could pose a threat. Takes time to heat up. There is often uneven distribution of heat through the coils. Cons: Induction Cooktops And, believe it or not, even the new kid on the block has a few disadvantages, too. So, what is it that induction cooktop users have complaints about? Induction cooktops are often considered high-end. They are considerably more expensive than electric cooktops. Because of the method of induction heating, particular pots and pans are required. If you don’t have the right metal, then the heat cannot transfer. Now that you have acquired the details of each, which cooktop do you think best suits your needs and your kitchen – an electric cooktop? Or, an induction cooktop? You should always make your own informed decision. But, if you are seeking a cooktop with fast heating, a reduction in energy costs, and increased safety for the entire family, then an induction cooktop is for you.
