Induction Burners

Induction cooktops and portable burners are becoming quite popular.  How are they different from a standard electric burner?

A portable unit plugs into a standard outlet so it is easy to use on a countertop to provide an extra burner or outdoors on a deck/gazebo/an outdoor kitchen–wherever an outlet is found. An electromagnetic field below the glass surface provides magnetic energy that heats up the pan directly. The cookware is considered the transformer so instead of passing heat along from the surface to cookware to food, induction heats the cookware directly. Only the pan, and what’s in it and directly under it gets hot. The surface around it stays cool.  

Because the cookware is the transformer not all cookware can be used on an induction cooktop.  Aluminum, glass and ceramic will not work. The cookware must contain ferrous iron in order for it to work with the magnetic field to send heat and energy directly into the cooking vessel.  It may not be necessary to purchase new cookware. To test, use a magnet; if it sticks to the cookware, the pan will work on an induction cooktop.  Further, the cookware must also have a flat bottom.

Using magnetic induction heats pans up more quickly than either gas or electric. This saves energy and time. Induction burners also respond immediately to temperature adjustments. If you raise or lower the heat you will see results right away.  Many induction burners can also sense if there is nothing in the pot and will turn off after 60 seconds.

Before purchasing a portable unit, consider use, counter space or storage space, how much power is needed, and is it afforable for what it may be used for.  Also, be sure to test cookware to determine if it will work with the induction unit.

Induction cooking has the power to change the way we cook.   For more information on induction cooktops, pros and cons, see Induction Cooking–What You Need to Know.

 

 

Marcia Steed

I graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Home Economics Education. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and traveling.

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5 thoughts on “Induction Burners

  1. Using magnetic induction heat pan up faster than both gas or electric. It saves energy and time. I think this product will be very appealing to the customer. I’m optimistic that this will put a dent in marketing.

  2. Thank you for your question. Yes, induction burners have sensors that automatically shut off when the sensors do not detect any cookware on the burner or high heat. Different models have different inputs as commands which are sensed by the unit.

  3. So have you bought one induction cooker yourself? Lol, I beg you have, I think induction cooktops are really better than gas stoves, they cook fast, high efficiency and safer than gas stoves, it’s a good improve for our kitchen. If you still observing, this article might help you know more about the advantage of induction cooktops https://bit.ly/3CQy6y8

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