The Pros and Cons Of An Induction Range When Remodeling

Today, technology has reached into every area of our lives and every room in our homes. From smart refrigerators that send us a text when we're low on milk to thermostats that we can turn on during our car ride home from work, technology is making our lives safer, more convenient, and more efficient.

Technology has really improved our lives in the heart of the home... our kitchens.

One of the biggest improvements comes in the form of our appliances, and specifically cooktops and ranges. The induction range has been around for decades, but thanks to recent technological advances, prices have come way down, making induction ranges and cooktops an affordable option for homeowners.

Aside from their sleek, streamlined appearance, these quick-cooking appliances are a much safer option for households with young kids or countertop hopping pets since they cook without generating surface heat.

In this post, we're going to explore the pros and cons of this kitchen appliance to help you make an informed decision if an induction range is the right choice for your kitchen remodel.

What is Induction Cooking?

Induction cooking has literally been around for decades, but it has never gained the popularity it deserves due to its traditionally high cost of entry. As technology has evolved, major appliance makers like Viking, GE, and Kenmore, have been selling more induction ranges.

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With its energy efficiency, sleek look, and geek appeal, along with its growing reputation, induction cooking is coming into its own. In fact, induction technology is one of those game-changers that, if it reaches its full potential, could forever change everyday tasks, like your cellphone or iPad!

The induction range relies on an electromagnet to heat iron or steel cookware. The way it works is that an electrical current produces a magnetic field that excites the molecules of the iron or steel pan, heating the pan and its contents. The stovetop never gets hot because it uses magnetic energy, making it safe for curious kids and counter-hopping kitties.

The Pros and Cons of Induction Cooking

Many love induction cooktops really love them, but many others remain diehard fans of a more standard gas or electric cooking. If you've never worked with an induction cooking system, there are some factors to consider, and it definitely takes a little time to adjust. When you're standing at an induction cooktop, you need to relearn the basics, even if you're a great cook. The heat comes on fast! So that means if you're used to setting oil in the pan and prepping the last of the onions while it heats up, you're making a mistake!

That being said, there are plenty of advantages to cooking on an induction range. Here are some of the biggest reasons homeowners swear by their induction range.

The Pros of an Induction Range

• Fast and Efficient Cooking

Induction cooktops heat things in about half the time of a traditional gas or electric cooktop. This is great if you're short on time but still want to prepare healthy meals between school, sports, and late work schedules. If this sounds like you, you might want to include a convection oven in your remodel as well!

Because they work so quickly, and there is no heat loss from the cooking surface, induction cooktops conserve energy, needing roughly 10 to 20% less energy per dish. This can mean lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint for homeowners concerned with living sustainably.

• The Cool Surface is Safer For Kids and Pets

Heat is a result of electromagnetic energy between the burner and the pan. As a result, the actual cook surface is cool to the touch when the cooktop is turned on, and there are no pots or pans on the burner. That means there's no need to worry about small children or kitties getting injured from a hot stovetop surface.

• Easy Cleaning and Maintenance

Because the surface never heats up, clean up is a snap. Simply remove the pot or pan and wipe it down, and you're done! And, since the cooking surface is flat, it eliminates burned up crumbs and cooked-on gunk that can accumulate in and around the burners on a standard cooktop.

• It Becomes an Extension of Your Countertop

Aesthetically, induction cooktops can become an extension of your countertop as it sits flush to the surface of your countertop. While it's never recommended to chop veggies directly on the cooktop surface, it's still a flat surface where you can place serving ware, dishes, utensils, and other accessories.

The Cons of Induction Cooking

There are some drawbacks to induction cooking and appliances. While there are plenty of advantages, you really need to be aware of the drawbacks and factor them into your final decision.

• You'll Need the Right Cookware

If you don't already have stainless steel or iron cookware, you'll need to buy a new set, which can be expensive. Induction cooking will only work properly with pots, pans, and cooking vessels made of magnetic materials that cost more than regular cookware.

• Power Interruption

If you live in an area prone to lose power frequently, you may want to rethink your options. Unlike gas appliances, an induction range will only work with power. When there's an interruption, you won't be able to cook meals. Most people who own induction stoves often have a backup system, like a propane stove or an emergency generator.

• They Can Be A Little Noisy

It's common to hear a buzz or hum which is louder at higher settings. You can often hear the element electronics clicking at lower settings, along with the sound of the cooling fan for electronics. Heavy flat bottom pans can help reduce the vibrations that make the noise.

• Break out the “Old School” Meat Thermometer!

An induction cooktop's magnetic field can interfere with a digital meat thermometer, so you may need to invest in an older analog version. Oh... and if you wear a pacemaker, it can interfere with that too! So if you do have one, you'll need to rethink your decision.

Induction cooking is more energy-efficient, safer for kids and pets, faster and more efficient, and much more affordable today. If you love convenience in the kitchen or want the latest technology, an induction range is a great choice for your kitchen remodel. Talk with your contractor about the many benefits induction cooking can deliver!

If you live in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area and are considering a kitchen remodeling project, give the award-winning design team at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel a call at (608) 846-5963. We can help you make the right choices to meet your needs and fit any budget. Call today for a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your project.