Due to the ongoing economic crisis, Brits are facing soaring energy bills. That’s why many people are changing the way they cook and shifting toward induction hobs.
But is an induction hob cheap to run? Or, is it the ultimate solution for your kitchen cooking needs? Let’s find out and debunk all the myths that yu must have heard about induction hobs.
The biggest disadvantage of an induction cooktop is you need separate induction-compatible cookware for it. Contrary to popular belief, it is not cheaper to run.
Often, it is considered a cheap solution for cooking. But the induction hob running costs 66p per hour. While the gas cost only 10p per hour.
Apart from the cost and cookware issue, induction hobs also have certain disadvantages. That’s why we have done detailed research to guide you. So, keep on reading to find more!
Is Induction Cooking Safe?
Cooking with an induction cooktop is safe. Its surface doesn’t get hot enough to burn your skin at any accidental touch.
But, you are also more exposed to electromagnetic field (EMF) radiations which are hazards to health.
Fortunately, the claim of emf from induction causes cancer in pregnant women or kids lacked any scientific evidence or research.
Keep in mind that they emit radiation but not enough to cause any damage to your health.
Is Induction Cooking Cheaper Than Gas?
No, induction cooking is not cheaper than gas. Keeping the current energy cap of 34p kWh in mind, it costs 66p to use both induction rings per hour.
While gas is still a pocket-friendly solution. As it costs 10p to run a gas cooker hob.
In general, it actually depends on the dish you’re cooking. As for baking, slow pot roast or meat stew will be more expensive on induction.
Still, the induction plate has an edge as it is less expensive to run compared to other types of electric hobs.
Pros And Cons Of Induction Hobs
During our research, we test each and every aspect of induction plates. Certainly, there are several outstanding features that justify the buzz.
However, there are some disadvantages too. But these are minimal as compared to benefits.
So, here’s everything you must know about induction cooking.
Advantages of Induction Hobs
1. Stylish Appearance
At first glance, it feels like a plain black dish. No doubt, appearance matters, and its sleek design perfectly match your kitchen wall decor.
Furthermore, the ceramic gloss is bright and doesn’t get dull over time. If handled with care, the minimalist appearance can last forever.
2. Environment Friendly
In a nutshell, they are environmentally friendly. As they cook faster and eventually you’ll consume less electricity.
Unlike the halogen and gas hobs, they don’t release greenhouse gasses. Additionally, they are better for your kitchen’s indoor air quality.
3. Don’t Waste Any Energy
Induction cooking is faster because it doesn’t waste any energy. It transfers 90% of heat directly to food, cutting the cooking time to half.
On the contrary, gas hobs waste around 40% of the heat energy. In the same way, halogen and electric hobs also waste around 24% of the heat by heating the cookware surface first.
4. Easy To Clean
If you’re a fan of a neat and clean kitchen, then you’ll love it. Cleaning an induction hob is a very easy and quick process.
You can literally wipe its surface after every use and ensure a shiny and glossy appearance.
5. Child Lock And Heat Safety Feature
Several manufacturers have now launched induction cooktops with a child lock to prevent any change in heat settings.
The surface of its cooking zones never gets hot. So, there is no chance of getting skin burns if you accidentally touch it.
Disadvantages Of Induction Hobs
1. Expensive To Buy
The most common issue that many Brits face is the high price of it. Induction hobs are very expensive to buy as compared to 90cm gas-only range cookers.
The buying price is almost 50% more than regular gas hobs due to innovative technology.
2. Work With Special Cookware
The ultimate con is it requires a certain kind of cookware. If you tried using normal pans on induction hob, then it won’t turn on.
Eventually, you need to buy separate cookware or a converter plate to use your previous pots.
3. Can’t Repair It
Unlike gas cookers, you can’t repair or fix them. If you damage the surface by any means, then you can’t use it again.
Fortunately, the heating element is placed under the ceramic surface, which is not easily breakable.
4. Continuous Buzzing
As soon as you start cooking, you’ll notice a strange “hmm” sound emitting from it. It is quite irritating to bear it for hours.
This becomes worse if you put any pan with a heavy base. Then it starts vibrating and making a buzzing sound.
5. Pan Must Be In Ring
Being a foodie, I hate nothing more than this. You need the right size of the pot which fits its cooking zone or ring.
As it transfers heat directly to food, the food outside the ring stays kind of raw and soggy. So, it is recommended to mix and stir your dish often.
FAQs
Does induction cooker cause cancer?
No, induction cookers don’t cause any type of cancer. They do emit emf radiations, but that is not strong enough to harm you in any possible way.
The link between induction plates and cancer due to emf rays lacks any scientific evidence.
Is induction hob better than gas?
Yes, cooking with an induction plate is better than compared with gas. It cooks faster and swiftly.
Managing heat on it might be difficult in the beginning. But, over time, it is easy and better to cook with.
Can you damage an induction hob?
Yes, you damage it in two possible ways.
1) While cleaning, you can scratch or crack the ceramic surface using a metal sponge.
2) By damaging its magnetic heating element underneath the ceramic plate.
Keep in mind that induction hobs are suitable for rugged use. So, it is best to use them with care.
How to trick an induction cooker?
You need to buy a converter plate to trick it. Before using non-compatible cookware, you need to place it underneath.
Mostly a converter works best for using copper pans on induction hob.
Is induction cooking safe during pregnancy?
Yes, it is totally safe to cook with an induction cooktop during pregnancy. It won’t cause any damage to the womb and the mother’s health.
It also doesn’t affect any nutritional value of your food. So, there is no harm in using it.
What pans can you use on an induction hob?
Any pan that sticks to the magnet is suitable for induction cooking. Cast iron and stainless steel cookware are best to use on it.
It is best to look for the induction-compatible symbol under the cookware surface before buying.
Disadvantage Of Induction Cooking – Editor’s Opinion
Ultimately, there is no disadvantage to induction cooking if done properly. Even though it emits emf radiation but it is not directly related to cancer.
It can be expensive to buy or use it. But, eventually, it is safe and quick as it transfers 90% of the heat to food directly.
Furthermore, you can repair the ceramic surface of it. If by any mistake, you damage or crack it, then you need to buy a new appliance.
We hope that this article was helpful for you in debunking all the myths and facts related to the pros and cons of induction plates.
