What is Induction Cooking?

It is the use of electromagnetic energy to heat pots or pans directly. Although induction cooktops resemble some electric burners, they don't have burners underneath their burners’ surface area.

In comparison, gas and electric cooktops heat food indirectly using a heating element or a burner. As you can guess, using an induction cooktop is much more efficient as it is capable of delivering up to 90% of its energy into the food. On the contrary, a gas cooktop converts about 40% of its energy, and electric cooktops manage to convert about 70% of its energy.

Induction cooktops are quite safe compared to gas cooktops since they avoid the use of combustion. Also, unlike an electric cooktop, dropping a paper on an induction cooktop cannot cause a fire. You can even cook with a paper placed between the cooktop and the pot and the cooktop. The electromagnetic will just pass through that paper and will not cause any fire.

Is Induction Cooking Better than Gas?

Yes, Induction cookers are practically better than any type of cooking equipment available.

Gas cooktops use different types of gases, including butane, natural gas, and propane. The good thing about gas cooktops is that they don't require any electricity, making them perfect for remote areas, outdoor events, and people looking to use less electricity. 

Additionally, gas cooktops come with a controllable flame. That said, you can make the flame higher or lower with just a turn of 0dial. This control of flame provides an instantaneous effect, which is better than the adjustments available on induction cooktops.

However, that does not mean that gas cooktops are perfect. They also have several limitations which include:

A hassle to clean 

Compared to induction cooktops, gas cooktops are a bit challenging when it comes to cleaning. Gas cooktops’ grates easily become covered in grime and food, making them harder to clean. Induction cooktops, on the other hand, they are quite easy to clean.

The installation of new gas can be complicated.

Some people find it difficult to install a new gas cooktop, and they may need to ask for professional help. This is time-consuming, and it ends up adding extra charges.

Potential gas leaks 

Gas leaks rarely happen, but with improper use, it is possible. These leaks are dangerous, and they can cost you your home or even life.

It's slower compared to induction cooktops.

As mentioned, a gas cooktop converts barely 40% of its energy, and an induction cooktop converts almost 90% of its energy. Such disparity shows you just how much faster an induction cooktop can be. And the good thing about an induction cooktop is its surface does not get hot like electric cooktops.

Is Induction Cooking Harmful?

No, Induction cooking is quite safe, and no harm will come to you or your food. Unlike the other cooktops (gas and electric), the glass surface of an induction cooktop does not get hot. 

Additionally, some induction cooktops have a feature that allows automatic shutoff once you remove the pot from the surface. However, if you have a pacemaker, an induction cooker may not be safe for you because of the electromagnetic current. More evidence about this is needed, though.

Another good thing about induction cooking is that it does not heat up with your kitchen and cooking area. This is because little heat gets lost, and all the other energy is directed into the pot, saving you from unnecessary heat and saving energy. 

Induction cooktops are so safe that disabled people and children can work near the surface without getting harmed. In addition, since the temperature can be controlled within seconds, the risk of your burnt food is low.

Some people fear induction cooking thinking that electromagnetic radiation poses a health risk, but there is no study showing that induction cooking causes cancer. The electromagnetic radiation caused by induction cooking is within safe limits.

Magnetic field radiation has indeed been classified by International Agency for Research on Cancer as class 2b carcinogens, but up to now, there is no compelling evidence that shows any relationship between cancer and class 2B carcinogens. It hasn't been ruled out yet, but as of now, induction cooking poses no cancer threat.

Yes, it is right to be skeptical, but if we become skeptical about everything health experts say, we would be left with almost nothing safe to eat. Please make an informed decision for you and your family. 

What Kind of Pans Can You Use on an Induction Cooker?

One downside of induction cookers is that not all your cookware can be used on them. Since the induction stoves and cooktops use electromagnetism, your cookware must be magnetic compatible and should have a flat bottom. That said, cookware made of copper, aluminum, and glass cannot work on induction stoves or cooktops.

Your induction cookware should be made of magnetic materials such as stainless steel or cast iron. Luckily, many brands are selling these cooking tools, and you can find them at affordable prices. If you are not sure if a tool will work with an induction stove, stick a magnet on it, and if it sticks, then it is usable. If it does not, then it is most likely not compatible.

What are the Disadvantages of Induction Cooking?

Induction cooking has many advantages as we have seen, but that does not mean that it does not have its downsides. These are some of the disadvantages of induction cooking.

Expensive 

Induction cooking technology is relatively new, and for that reason, induction cooktops are more expensive than same-sized traditional cooktops. You should be psychologically prepared to use some extra cash to get yourself a decent induction cooktop.

Special cookware needed 

Not all your kitchen tools are compatible with induction cooktops. You might have to go back to the market to get new cookware.

Noisy 

Its fan can be a little noisy, depending on the cookware you are using. For example, a light stainless steel pot may be noisier than a pan made of heavy cast iron.

Must use electricity 

Like electric tops, you cannot cook with an induction cooktop if you don't have electricity.

Does Induction Cooker Emit Radiation?

Yes, Induction cooktops produce extremely small amounts of frequency radiation, pretty much like the one from microwaves. However, this radiation is nothing to worry about as it diminishes to nothing at few inches from the source. And during use, you will probably not be close enough to absorb the radiation caused by the cooker. 

However, even if you absorb this radiation, no harm will come to you. The radiation emitted by induction cookers is about fifty times lower than the magnetic threshold value of your body. You can avert this radiation completely by staying at least 30 cm from the cooktop while cooking.

Do I Need Special Pots for Induction Cooking?

Yes, you may need to add a few tools in your kitchen, as not all your cookware is compatible with the induction cookers. Induction stoves and cooktops only support cookware made of magnetic materials. Also, the cookware should have a flat bottom for it to work efficiently. Get yourself cookware made of cast iron or stainless steel and enjoy using your induction cooker hassle-free.

What Do You Do When An Induction Cooker Doesn’t Work?

Induction cooktops are quite easy to use, but sometimes you may find that it is not heating your pans. If this happens, it only wise to establish what the problem is before searching for a solution. That said, here are some reasons why your induction stove may not be heating the pan.

Pan Position 

If your pan is not magnetic compatible, there is no way the cooktop will heat it to cook food. Even if your pot or pan is magnetic compatible it still may not work. If that’s the case, ensure that you have placed the pan correctly. If a pan is too small or too large for the burner area, it may not work. Choose a burner area of a more appropriate size, and the problem will be fixed.

Lack of Power

The induction stove requires electric power for it to work. It has a display light that shows when the stove is connected to power. If nothing is lighting up, then it means it does not have power, and you need to connect it to power for it to work.

If connected and still not lighting up, try to twist the wires and ensure they are connected properly.

Burner Problem

Underneath your stove, a copper coil produces electromagnetic fields. If the coil has a problem, the stove will not work. If it is damaged, it will have to be replaced.

Lock Mode

Induction stoves come with a control lock function to help you conserve electricity if you have kids who can keep turning it on when it is not necessary. When this function is engaged, there will be an indicator light that shows it.

To unlock, press the lock button and hold the button for about eight seconds. The stove should make a sound, and the display light should shut off. If you press and nothing happens, then maybe you should call a professional to help you out.

In the meantime, you can try the hard reset and see if it fixes the problem. Go to the circuit breaker, shut off the power for about 10 seconds, and that should do it.

What is the Best Way to Clean Your Induction Cooker?

It is quite easy to clean your induction hobs, and these tips should make your work even easier.

• Use the right cookware to avoid scratching the surface of your induction stoves.
• Wipe sugary substances that spills on the surface immediately as they can be harder to clean if you wait longer.
• Clean your induction stove daily with a sponge and warm soapy water
• Use stain removal for tough stains. However, be careful with these scrappers not to damage the glass surface.

Don't use steel wool or abrasive cleaners to clean your hob.

Why Does My Induction Cooker Keep Beeping?

If your induction cooktop keeps on beeping, it means that a liquid, object, or soil is pressuring the control panel. To fix it, remove anything left on the control panel and wipe any debris on the control panel surface. If it still keeps on beeping, hard reset the cooktop, as explained above. Hard resetting the cooktop should fix the problem.

How Much Is an Induction Cooker in the Philippines?

The cost of induction cookers in the Philippines varies greatly depending on the cooker's brand, store, distance, and versatility. However, for a good induction cooker, you should be prepared to spend at least 2,700 pesos. Some can go as high as 23,000 pesos.

What are the Best Induction Cookers in the Philippines?

There are many brands for induction cookers in the Philippines, and here are some of the best induction cookers in the country.

Imarflex Twin Plate 

This induction cooker comes with two plates and can accommodate up to 20 kg at once. It has a ten power level, and you can adjust the temperature up to 240 degrees Celsius. It has overload protection, so don't worry if you exceed the recommended weight.

Hanabishi Induction Cooker 

This induction cooker comes with a slim design, making it quite easy to store. It has features such as slow fire, auto shut off, deep fry, hot pot, and fierce fire, among others. 

Phillips Induction Cooker

It comes with five heat levels, and you can adjust the temperature up to 280 degrees Celsius. You can use it to boil, fry, roast, or make stew, among other functions.

Is Induction Worth the Money?

As we have seen, induction cooktops are quite expensive, which leaves a lot of people wondering if it is actually worth it. The truth is, an induction cooker is worth every penny. 

Its efficiency saves a lot of energy as it utilizes up to 90% of its energy. When you look at the bigger picture, an induction cooktop can save you a lot of money. Additionally, induction cooktops are quite easy to clean and don't get dirty easily.

That's not all; induction cooktops are safer than the other cooktops, including gas and electric. Most of them automatically shut off after removing a pan. Also, the surface does not get hot, reducing the risks of injuries.