Induction cooking has become a much discussed option for home chefs. However, there’s still a lot of confusion about how induction cooking works. If you're a cooking enthusiast, you know that having the right appliances can make all the difference to your at-home culinary creations. So, let's dive into the world of induction cooking to find out why this cooking option has become a popular choice with benefits ranging from greater sustainability to improved temperature control. 

Induction Cooking Basics

The first thing you’ll probably notice about induction cooking is its sleek and modern cooktop, available in both countertop and range models. This heat-resistance smooth surface creates a clean, streamline look that’s designed to be a breeze to clean. But you might be wondering, “how exactly does induction cooking work?” 

In simple terms, induction cooking uses electromagnetic energy as its heat source. The cooking surface is a plain glass stove-top built around the induction hardware that consists of copper wires tightly coiled underneath the surface. This electromagnetic energy heats up the exterior glass surface. Unlike gas cooktops, there’s no open flame. And even better, the surface does not get hot, so you’ll never have to worry about anyone getting burned on an induction cooktop.

How Does Induction Cooking Work

Induction cooking works by using electromagnetic energy to heat up the cooking surface. Although an induction cooktop may look like an electric stove, induction transfers heat to cookware much differently. 

To understand how induction cooking works, we have to delve into the science of physics a bit. But we promise the crash course is worth the ease of cooking with induction technology. 

As mentioned, inside an induction cooktop are a series of tightly wound copper coils. When an alternating current passes through it, an electromagnetic field is created. That’s where the right cookware comes into play. Only cookware that contains iron will activate the heating of the pan. 

You can do a simple test to see if a pan is able to be used with an induction cooktop by simply placing a magnet on the flat bottom of the pan. If it sticks, it will work! Magnetic stainless steel, cast iron and enameled iron all work great with an induction stovetop. Since only the pan is being heated by this electromagnetic field, you can rest assured that the cooktop will remain cool. Not only is that a safety perk, but it allows for effortless cleanup with no wait time for the cooking surface to cool down.  

Advantages Of Induction Cooking

There are multiple advantages to induction cooking, which is why it has become such a trending kitchen appliance technology. Below are just some of the perks to induction ranges and cooktops. 

• Induction heats cookware fast and efficiently. Because the energy generated is transferred directly to the cookware, it makes cooking a quicker process.  

• Experience lower energy bills. Thanks to the way induction cooking efficiently heats cookware, you could notice a monthly savings in your energy bills when making the switch to induction. 
• Safer, healthier and more eco-friendly. If you’re concerned about open flames or the emissions generated by the use of natural gas, induction cooking offers the benefits of a cool surface with no flame or gas used. 

Choose the Induction Cooking Appliance Right for You

When it comes to selecting the best induction cooking appliances for your needs, there’s many options to choose from. You can opt for an induction range, such as Zline’s line of induction ranges, which feature four heating elements and an electric oven, such as RAIND-30 and RAIND-36. This timeless design is available in a variety of colors like blue, red, black, and classic stainless steel to complement your kitchen. The brand also offers other designs, such as the streamlined look of all black (RAIND-30-BS and RAIND-36-BS). There’s also the high-end design of ILVE models which take appliance aesthetics to another level. Finally, the beauty of induction cookware means you don’t need a full range to include it in your home. There are many varieties of induction cooktops which can fit seamlessly into any island or countertop. 

Induction cooking is gaining in popularity thanks to its many benefits including cooking efficiency, temperature control and smooth, cool cooking surface. If you're considering upgrading your cooking appliances, then induction cooking is definitely worth considering.