Are you concerned about uneven heat distribution, fumes, or difficulty controlling the temperature when cooking with gas stoves? Then, it may be a sign for you to consider switching to induction cooktops.
In addition, with the world becoming more conscious about the impact of human activities on the environment, it is crucial to reduce our carbon footprint. One such step is to change to energy-efficient appliances at home.
But why should residents of the Denver metro area make the switch? The geolocation of Denver is known for its pristine environment and fresh mountain air, but it is also prone to air pollution due to its high altitude and weather patterns. By switching to electric stoves, Denver residents can contribute to reducing their carbon footprint and improving the air quality in their city.
Induction cooking is an electric method that uses magnetic induction to directly heat your cookware, resulting in a more efficient, precise, and safe cooking experience. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, induction cooking offers numerous advantages that will make you wonder why you didn’t switch sooner.
The Science Behind Induction Cooking
There are several myths about electrical cooktops, but what is induction cooking all about, is it safe, and how does induction cooking work?
This electrical cooking alternative is based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. This means when a magnetic field surrounding a conductor changes; it induces an electrical current in the conductor. In the case of induction cooking, the conductor is a ferromagnetic material such as cast iron or steel.
So, while your conventional gas stove uses an open flame to heat the cookware, electric induction cooking uses magnetic induction. As you can imagine, this draws out a set of differences between gas stoves and electric stoves.
An induction cooktop features a coil of copper wire under a ceramic plate. So, with an electric current flowing through the coil, a magnetic field is created, which induces an electric current in the magnetic cookware on the cooktop. This electric current heats the cookware, which heats the food.
Initially, gas stoves were the go-to choice for cooking, but in recent years, electric stoves have become increasingly popular due to technological advances and environmental advantages over gas stoves, and now, with the introduction of induction cooking technology, there is a new option for consumers looking to upgrade their cooking methods.
You don’t need to worry about how to do this. You can easily hire a local Colorado electrician to convert a gas stove to an electric model quickly and safely.
Why You Should Consider Switching from Gas to Electric Stoves
Among the many questions we will answer are “What are the disadvantages of induction cooking” and “Is induction cooking energy efficient?”
You should be aware that there is a difference between an electric cooktop and an induction cooktop. The two cooktops (induction and electric) use electric energy, but an induction cooktop has been found to be about 5 to 10% more efficient than an electric cooktop.
The main difference is while gas stoves use a burner to heat the cookware, an electric cooktop uses a coil of wire that becomes red hot when electricity passes through. At the same time, an induction cooktop uses magnetic induction.
Here are some of the reasons why, with the help of an electrical contractor, you should consider switching from gas to electric stoves:
Faster Cooking Times
Induction cooktops will cook your food much faster than a gas stove. This is beneficial if you have tight schedules and must prepare meals quickly.
Energy Efficiency
When you opt for induction cooking, you’ll save money on your energy bills. This is because induction cooktops have the heat generated in the cookware, so there is no wasted energy.
Safety
Induction cooktops are much safer than gas stoves because the cooktop surface never gets hot and there are no open flames, thus reducing the risk of fires and burns. On the other hand, electric cooktops get too hot and can be dangerous if children or pets are nearby.
Efficient Temperature Control
Induction cooktops offer more precise temperature control than electric cooktops because you can easily adjust the heat quicker and more precisely. However, electric cooktops typically take longer to adjust to temperature changes, making it more challenging to maintain a consistent temperature while cooking.
Disadvantages of Induction Cooking with Their Solutions
As much as induction cooking has many benefits, here are some potential disadvantages to consider with their solutions.
Cost
Induction cooktops are more expensive than traditional gas and electric models. But you can use the government’s Inflation Reduction ACT to help minimize the installation cost. Note, however, that there is a limit on what households can qualify for these government incentives. If you don’t qualify for the same, you can buy a portable induction burner.
Learning Period
Induction cooking may need some little learning on how to use the cooktop to achieve your desired results. You may need to change your cooking techniques, take some time to read the manual and watch instructional videos on how to use induction cooktops. Advisably, start with simple recipes before moving to complicated dishes.
Noise
The induction cooktops can sometimes be slightly noisy during their operation, which can irritate some people. The best solution is to read reviews and search for models with noise-reducing features.
Cookware Compatibility
You’ll need magnetic cookware such as cast iron and stainless steel to operate the induction cooktops. Unfortunately, this means glass, copper, and aluminum cookware won’t work here. Your best solution here is to check your existing cookware before switching. If they aren’t, you can purchase new, affordable options from the market.
Switching to Induction Cooking: Practical Considerations
Are you ready to switch from gas to electric stoves? Different preparations go into the installation to ensure the newly installed electric cookpot will be efficient. Specifically, you need a professional helping hand for an effective installation.
So, you can search for electrical contractors near me or, if you are within Colorado, you can hire a professional Denver electrician from ElectriCall LLC.
With the help of a residential electrician, here is how you can prepare your home for installing an electric stove.
Check your electrical system
Electric and induction cooktops use about 20 to 50 amps. Therefore, they need a dedicated circuit to ensure they can handle the load, so your licensed electrician will check that your electric box is up to code and can support the stove.
Confirm if you need new outlets or circuitry
If your electrical system doesn’t have the necessary outlet or circuitry for an electric stove, you’ll need to have these installed before you can use your new appliance. But, again, consulting with an ElectriCALL LLC electrician can help you determine what needs to be done.
Check for inflation Reduction Act Rebates
Some states and utility companies offer incentives for residents who switch from gas to electric appliances. In Colorado, for example, the Gas Demand-Side Management program offers rebates for eligible customers who switch to electric appliances. Check with your utility company or a government agency for any available incentives.
Remove the old gas stove
Before the electric stove can be installed, the old gas stove must be removed. It is simple to turn off the gas supply and disconnect the gas line before attempting to remove the stove, however, you should have a certified gas plumber do the uninstallation because dealing with gas is risky. You should then look to have the stove taken to a recycling center.
Prepare your kitchen space
Electric stoves come in various sizes, so you need to measure the space where you will install the stove to ensure that the new stove will fit properly. Also, make sure that there is enough clearance around the stove for ventilation and safety purposes.
Choose the right cookware
Induction cooktops require specific types of cookware, such as those made from magnetic materials like cast iron or stainless steel. Ensure that you have the right cookware before shifting to electric induction cooking. It may be necessary to shop for new cookware if you don’t have any. Many manufacturers now offer induction-compatible cookware designed specifically for induction cooktops.
How the Inflation Reduction Act Helps You Switch to Electric Stoves
As energy bills are increasingly on the rise, households must look for ways to reduce their energy bills and save money. Of course, one energy-saving option is switching from a gas stove to an electric stove, such as an induction cookpot.
In fact, with policies such as tax credits and the Inflation Reduction Act, the government encourages most houses to make the switch by offering them incentives for energy-efficient appliances. With these incentives, you can change from a gas stove to any electric cooktop, whether an induction unit or any other option. These also include any necessary panel upgrades or wiring to facilitate the electric gas stove.
By promoting energy efficiency, policies like the Inflation Reduction Act can help reduce overall energy consumption and lower household energy bills. This can be particularly beneficial for households that use gas stoves, which are often less energy-efficient and more expensive to operate than electric stoves. However, as these government incentives are income dependent, if you are in the wealthy folks’ category, you won’t qualify.
Conclusion
Ultimately, deciding to switch to induction cooking will depend on personal preferences, cooking needs, and budget, although you can take advantage of government incentives over the same to help minimize the installation costs. It is worth noting that any disadvantages of the induction cooktop can be overcome with the right cookware, a little practice, and proper installation and use.