What is an induction cooker & how does it work?

Popular in Europe for years, induction cooking is now taking other countries all over the world by storm. A technology based on unbeatable precision, power and safety; it is the only type of cooking that can tempt you away from gas.

1. What is induction cooking?

Unlike gas or ceramic radiant hobs, induction stove heats the cookware directly rather than heating the stove first. A wonderful consequence of this is that your home remains cool, with no heat emanating from your cooktop; something to appreciate in warm tropical weather conditions!

2. How does induction cooking work?

So, what is the working principle of an induction cooker? Simply put, an induction cooktop works by using magnetic induction to heat cooking utensils directly, keeping the stove's surface cool to the touch.

Induction cooking takes advantage of an electromagnetic field generated by passing an alternating electric current through a copper coil wire placed in an induction hob. The produced magnetic field vacillates and induces an eddy electrical current moving in the cookware.



That electrical current flow combines with the electrical resistance of the iron in the cookware, resulting in resistive heating for food cooking. As a result, pots and pans heat themselves with the induction of the electromagnetic field. Thus, your cooktops stay cool to the touch, while your food cooks faster with more precision.

3. What are the advantages of induction cooking?

 

Energy efficiency

Induction cooker makes pots and pans heated directly, so the energy used for cooking can be utilized at its best, turning induction stoves into one of the most energy-efficient kitchen appliances.

Rapid heating and precise control

Rather than depending on indirect conduction, induction cooker provides high power and a rapid temperature change in almost an instant. This allows you to quickly bring your cookware to the desired temperature and adjust it precisely as needed, ensuring optimal cooking results every time.

Enhanced safety and easy cleanup

With no open flames and the absence of LPG fuel, induction stoves eliminate the risks associated with gas leaks and fires, ensuring a safer cooking environment for you and your household.

Additionally, the smooth glass surface of induction cooktops is incredibly easy to clean, with minimal residue or spills. Simply wipe it down with a damp cloth after use, and your kitchen will be spotless in no time.

Smart functionality

Induction stoves feature smart working systems, including programmable timers and smartphone controls, add convenience and sophistication to cooking routines.

Smoke-free operation

Induction cooking preserves the quality of cookware and eliminates smoke production, ensuring a cleaner, healthier kitchen environment.

4. What are the disadvantages of induction cooking?

While induction cooking offers several advantages, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:

Initial cost

Induction hobs come with a higher initial cost due to their advanced technology and safety features, though the long-term benefits often outweigh this investment.

Compatibility with cookware

Induction cooktops require specific cookware with a flat bottom and made from magnetic materials, such as cast iron, stainless steel, or certain enameled steel. If you have a collection of older cookware, you may need to invest in new pots and pans.

Learning curve

While induction cooking is generally easy to use, there may be a slight learning curve, especially if you're transitioning from gas or electric stoves. You may need to adjust your cooking techniques to take advantage of the instant heat and precise control offered by induction.

Potential noise

You may notice your induction cooker produces a humming or buzzing noise, especially at higher settings. This noise comes from the cooling fan or the vibrations in the cookware due to the electromagnetic field.

Despite these limitations, the benefits of induction cooking make it a worthwhile investment for many households seeking efficient, safe, and convenient cooking solutions.

5. Is induction suitable for wok cooking?

Yes. There is a common belief that gas cooktops are better for wok cooking due to their visible flame, which can give the illusion of greater power. However, induction cooktops can achieve equally high temperatures, often even faster, while offering more precise control.

6. Is induction cooking safe?

Yes, as heat is only generated where the pots or pans is in contact with the cooking surface, the surrounding areas is cool to touch. So, there is no need to worry about burns.

No worries if you forget to turn off the induction hob after cooking, once the pots or pans are removed the conduction is automatically cut.

Some models are equipped with timer, so when the cooking time is up, the induction cooker will turn off, ensuring peace of mind.

7. Is induction cooker better than gas?

Induction cookers offer significant advantages over traditional gas hobs, primarily due to their superior speed and efficiency. For example, an induction cookers can boil 1 litre of water in 3 minutes, far outpacing other cooking technologies. Additionally, induction hobs provide precise temperature controls, allowing for instant transitions from high to low heat. This level of control and efficiency makes induction cooking an ideal choice for both speedy meal preparation and fine culinary tasks.

Check out our article for more in-depth look at the differences between induction and gas hobs.

8. Is induction glass top easy to crack or scratch?

Induction glass is made of “ceramic glass” that’s very strong and can withstand high temperatures as well as sudden temperature changes. However, while the surface is resistant to heat damage, it is still susceptible to scratches if not handled with care. To ensure the longevity of your induction cooktop, avoid using abrasive cleaning materials or dragging heavy cookware across the surface.

9. What pans to use on induction hob?

Not all pieces of cookware can be used on induction cooktops. Since induction technology uses the power of magnetism, the cookware itself must be magnetic and have a flat bottom.

Many pots and pans have an induction logo on the bottom, indicating their compatibility with induction cooktops. When selecting cookware, simply look for a coil spring symbol at the bottom.

Top cookware for induction cooktops:

• Stainless steel: Even cooking, rust-resistant.
• Ceramic: Safe, non-stick, minimal oil needed.
• Cast iron: Heat-resistant, versatile.
• Carbon steel: Lightweight, heat-efficient.

Tips: If you're not sure if your cookware will work with induction cooktops, try sticking a magnet to your cookware.

10. Important things you should know before installation

You should check if you have a sufficient power supply and ensure direct power supply to the induction cooker. Sharing of power supply is not encourage as it will affect the performance of the induction cooker.

Ensure that you ask a qualify electrician for installation work. The power requirement for each induction cooker may be different, so always check before making your selection.

11. What if my induction product breaks down?

In case of a breakdown, call the Electrolux Service Centre, describe the problem, and arrange for a technician visit. We provide a 24-month warranty for all Electrolux induction cooktops.

Summary

Induction technology is still on top of the cooking game because of its excellent performance in intensity, speed, energy savings, safety, and cleanliness.

By knowing what an induction cooker is, how an induction cooker works, advantages, and disadvantages of an induction cooker, you are now probably convinced that induction cooking is an ideal solution for your kitchen.

If you are thinking about choosing an induction stove for your cooking, don't forget to check out our Electrolux induction hob collection. Here, you can find our best Electrolux induction hobs, in different sizes to fit all your preferences.

We also understand your varied cooking style and while thinking of you, we have also designed Hybrid induction hobs so as to bring the best of both of Induction hobs and Gas hobs. Additionally, check out our Hob Buying Guide for valuable tips on choosing the right cooktop.

Check out some of our Electrolux induction cooktops: