Moving house could mean having to part ways with some things you’ve become attached to. For me, it meant saying goodbye to my trusty gas hob, which had blessed me with many slow-simmering stews and perfectly pan-seared steaks. I had to forget everything I thought I knew about heat control when my new kitchen introduced me to induction cooking.

Many chefs swear by induction cooking, not only for its ease of convenience and heating efficiency, but also for its sustainable nature in conserving energy.

At first, I found induction cooking tricky to master – read ‘multiple pots of burnt pap’ and ‘unintentionally browned butter.’ But when I paid attention to how the metal instantly reacted to the heat and how my kettle would whistle seconds after placing it on the stove, my induction stove and I got on like a house on fire. This appliance I once loathed eventually became my friend. One that saved me time and energy.

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How Do Induction Stoves Work?

Induction cooking has become popular in modern kitchens due to its efficiency, sleek design and safety. But how do induction stoves work?

Induction stoves use electromagnetic fields to generate heat directly in the cookware, rather than heating the cooktop itself. This is achieved through a coil of copper wire beneath the cooking surface. When an electric current passes through the coil, it creates a magnetic field that induces an electric current in the cookware. This current generates heat, which cooks the food. This method of heating is highly efficient because it minimises energy loss and provides precise temperature control.

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Cons of Induction Cooking

Induction cooking has many benefits. That said, it also presents a learning curve for those who swear by traditional gas stoves…

Mastering Heat Control

Induction stoves can be finicky at first, and moderating heat is an essential part of achieving desired textures and flavours when cooking certain dishes. With induction cooking, you need to familiarise yourself with the heat settings and controls.

Dishes that require longer cooking times can be difficult to master for those new to induction cooking, but it isn’t impossible. For slow-cooked stews and soups, allow them to simmer, using the lower heat settings – this depends on the model and efficiency of your induction stove.

Compatible Cookware

Let’s get down to brass tacks… that copper or aluminium pan you’ve guarded for years – it’s no match for your induction stove. Not all cookware is suitable for induction cooking, which means you may need to invest in new cookware.

The cookware must be made of ferromagnetic material, such as cast iron or certain types of stainless steel. To check if your cookware is compatible, see if a magnet sticks to the bottom. If it does, the pot or pan will work with an induction stove.

Cost

Induction stoves and compatible cookware can be more expensive than their gas and electric counterparts when it comes to the initial purchasing costs and installation, but if your electricity bill is usually sky-high, it could save you money in the long run.

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Pros of Induction Cooking

Many chefs swear by induction cooking, not only for its ease of convenience and heating efficiency, but also for its sustainable nature in conserving energy.

Energy Efficiency

Induction cooking is highly energy-efficient, as it transfers energy directly to the cookware. Approximately 90% of the energy generated by an induction cooktop is used to cook food, compared to about 74% for electric stoves and only 40% for gas stoves. This high efficiency could translate to lower energy bills.

Lower Environmental Impact

Due to their high efficiency and reduced energy consumption, induction cooktops have a lower environmental impact than gas and electric stoves. They produce no direct emissions, making them a greener choice for eco-conscious households.

Speed & Precision

Induction cooktops heat up cookware almost instantly, allowing you to reach desired temperatures much faster than gas or electric stoves. This rapid heating can significantly reduce cooking times. While it certainly takes some getting used to, induction stoves offer precise temperature control, allowing you to make adjustments easily.

Safety & Convenience

Safety is a major advantage of induction cooking, especially if your toddler likes to push buttons and turn knobs. Since the cooktop itself does not get hot (only the cookware does), the risk of burns is significantly reduced. Additionally, induction cooktops have several safety features like auto shut-off – if no cookware is detected, the stove will automatically turn off. They also have child lock settings to prevent accidental operation by children. Furthermore, induction stoves have a timer function (similar to conventional ovens), so you won’t burn your kitchen down on the off-chance you are multitasking.

Ease of Cleaning

Induction cooktops are very easy to clean. The smooth, flat surface can be wiped down quickly, and because it doesn’t get hot, spills are less likely to burn and stick. This ease of cleaning is a significant time-saver, especially after cooking elaborate meals.

Cooler Kitchens Prevail

Induction cooktops do not emit excess heat into the kitchen, keeping the cooking area cooler and more comfortable, especially in warmer climates or during hotter months. This contrasts with gas stoves, which can make the kitchen significantly hotter.

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Gas vs. Induction

Those who aren’t familiar with induction, but aren’t ready to part ways with their gas stove, I don’t blame you – I’ve always preferred slow burners (not exclusively stoves). Induction cooking has many benefits – energy cost and heating efficiency are at the top of my list.

If you live in South Africa where loadshedding is a concern, then a gas stove is the ideal solution, but if your home is powered by solar energy or if power shortages are not an issue, then an induction stove is a fantastic option. Worried about paying an arm and a leg? There are a couple of single-plate induction stoves on the market that you could test out if you’re not ready to install a four-plate cooktop in your kitchen just yet.

Want more? Learn how to care for your cast iron cookware from the experts.