As more and more people look for energy-efficient and sustainable solutions for their homes, induction stoves have become an increasingly popular option. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at induction stoves, from how they work to the benefits and costs of getting one for your home.
The Basics
What are induction stoves and how do they work?
An induction stove looks and cooks, a lot like a gas or electric stove, but it works a little differently. Gas and electric stoves work by using gas or electricity to heat the surface of the stove itself. Once the surface is hot, the surface then heats your cookware. The induction stove cuts out the middleman and heats the cookware directly.
It does this by harnessing the power of magnets to create an electromagnetic field. When you place your cookware on top of the stove it reacts with this field to create an electric current, which heats up the cookware, and ONLY the cookware, NOT the surface of the stove. Pretty cool huh!
The Benefits
Every year, more people are switching to induction stoves, and it’s easy to see why. Here are some of the biggest benefits of making the change.
Better For Your Wallet and the Environment: Induction stoves are the most energy-efficient stoves on the market. Unlike gas and electric stoves, they don’t waste energy heating the surface of the stove or the air around it. They just heat the cookware. That means lower bills for you and a lower impact on the planet.
No More Burns: Ever been burned by a hot stove? With an induction stove you’re not going to have that problem. Because an induction stove only heats up your cookware, the top of the stove stays nice and cool. We still wouldn’t recommend putting your hand on it, but it’s a lot safer, especially if you have kids.
A Cooler Kitchen: All that cooking can make the kitchen hot. Not with an induction stove! Gas and electric stoves don’t just heat the surface of the stove, they also heat the air around it. Induction stoves don’t. That means the kitchen stays nice and cool when you’re cooking. It’s just one reason that many restaurants are starting to make the switch.
Better Cooking: Unlike gas and electric stoves, induction stoves respond almost instantly to changes in temperature. That gives you way more control over your food, so you can cook your meal to perfection.
Your Health
Induction stoves cook with the power of magnets, not gas, and when it comes to your health, that makes a big difference. Children living in households that use gas stoves for cooking are 42% more likely to have asthma than those that don’t. In fact, Gas stoves are believed to be responsible for 13% of childhood asthma cases in the United States. Studies have found gas stoves can release over 12 major pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, methane and benzene, a chemical which may increase the risk of certain cancers and birth defects in people with long-term exposure. Here are some statistics to consider:
- After taking gas samples from 159 stoves, scientists found benzene in 99% of them.
- After testing gas stoves in 53 homes, 76% of their methane emissions came from leaks. All of the stoves leaked.
- The average concentration of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) was found to be 50%-400% higher in homes with gas stoves.
Induction stoves are gas-free and that’s a lot better for everyone.
The Costs
Induction stoves will save you money in the long run, but there’s an up front cost to making the switch. Prices vary depending on, among other things, size, brand, and whether you’re getting a cook top or a full range.
A typical four-burner thirty-inch stove top usually costs between $950-$3800.
A full range, which includes an oven usually costs between $1,000-$4,500.
The Discounts
The Inflation Reduction Act allocates funding for states to offer credits of up to $840 for new induction stoves. If you’re switching from gas, you might be eligible for another $500 as well.
All together, that’s up to $1,340 off!
Depending on where you live, there are often incentives available at the state and local level, too.
Follow-Up Questions
Before any new purchase, you’re bound to have some questions. We’re here to answer any of them. Here are some of the most common ones we hear often:
Do I need special cookware?
Yes, but you probably already have it! Because induction stoves make heat using magnets, your cookware needs to be magnetic too. The good news is, most steel and iron cookware already is, although materials like aluminum and copper are not. An easy way to check is to put a fridge magnet on the bottom, if it sticks, you’re good to go, if it doesn’t, you’ll need to find something different.
Are induction stoves noisy?
Not really. Induction stoves can make a low humming or buzzing noise when in use. It’s usually quieter than the noise created by gas stoves and many people don’t even notice it. Some stoves are quieter than others and we can help you figure out which one is right for you.
Do I have to replace my whole oven?
No! It’s up to you. There are plenty of induction cooktops on the market that can replace your existing stove while keeping your oven as is. The cooktops are less expensive than a whole oven, and we can help you find a professional to install it.
Which brand should I get?
Choosing the right brand is important, and there are a lots to choose from. Induction stoves are growing in popularity so pretty much every appliance company has started making them. Fortunately, we’re here to help you pick the right one for you.
Wrapping Up
So here’s our recommendation: if you’re ready to switch stoves, induction is the way to go! You’ll save money, help the environment, and have a safer, better, healthier cooking experience.
If you’d like more information on getting an induction stove, get in contact today and let’s begin your “electrify everything” journey!