A Newbie’s Guide for Using the Induction Stove

An induction stove is an appliance that can be suitable for any home. While some households rely completely on this mode of cooking, other households prefer to have them as a backup for emergencies, such as running out of gas for their gas stove. If you are also thinking of adding one to your kitchen, it is advisable that you learn all you need to know about using them. This will save you from any surprises and help you use the induction cooktop efficiently and effectively.

How Does It Work?

An induction cooktop uses electricity for its operation. It works on the principle of generation of electricity through rapidly changing magnetic fields. The same electric current then gets transferred to the specially designed pots and pans with a magnetic core. As the electric current starts building in the core of the vessel, it generates heat in the vessel and the same is transferred to the contents therein.

What Are the Special Vessels Needed?

With an induction cooktop, you can only use vessels with a magnetic core. Most of these are also suitable for use on the gas stove, but your traditional pots and pans may not work with the induction plate. If the bottom of the pan has iron in it, it may be usable due to the magnetic properties of iron.

How Do You Start Using It?

The operations of appliances of these kinds are simple. Different models may differ a little bit in their functioning. You can get the exact instructions can from the user manual that comes with your cooktop.

Should You Wait for It to Heat Before Putting the Pan on?

The cooktop will not heat up until you put the pan on it. Once the pan is placed, the induction process begins and heats up the vessel. You can now start cooking.

How Much Time Will It Take to Cook?

This will depend on what you are cooking, but it is worth noting that its efficiency is higher than the gas stove. It heats up quickly and hence helps to cook the food faster. This will require you to adjust your cooking times accordingly.

How Should the Induction Cooktop Be Cleaned?

Before you clean the cooktop, ensure that you have switched it off. It may have switched off due to inactivity, but it is better to be safe. Once that is confirmed, you can use a soft cloth to wipe it. Since the surface is glass,avoid using harsh material. If there is food stuck on it, you can easily remove it by using a wet tissue.

What Are Some of Its Key Inbuilt Features?

• Most cooktops of this kind will have pan detection sensors and hence they work only once a pan is placed on it. Once you remove the pan, it shuts down automatically after some time.
• They also have an automatic switch-off control in case of overflowing.
• If you use pre-set menus on the cooktop, it is programmed to switch off once the cycle is completed. Alternatively, it draws attention to the end of the cycle with a beep, prompting manual switch off.
• Once you remove the pan, do remember to switch it off. It takes 3-5 minutes to cool down after that with the help of the inbuilt fans.

Benefits of Using an Induction Cooktop

• It is easy to use.
• It is safe to use and has fewer chances of accidents involving severe burns.
• It is more comfortable to use as it does not heat up its surroundings.
• Cooking is even and quicker when done with induction.
• The heat generated in the vessel through the plate does not get transferred to the rest of the kitchen appliance and when there is no vessel on the induction plate, it does not generate heat.
• It is easy to clean once you are done with cooking.

We hope that you have got an insight into how to go about using an induction stove and soon you could be cooking in a more comfortable environment. If you are used to a conventional stove, it could take some getting used to as the process is so much simpler and quicker. You will learn to adjust the cooking process to this more efficient one.