Continuing this green series, let's talk about induction cooktops! I went to a cooking demonstration today at the Bosch showroom in beautiful DUMBO in Brooklyn. The showroom is just under the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges and it's a stunning area.
The event was centered around induction cooking. I know something about induction cooking. I seriously considered it when I redesigned my kitchen in the mid 80s, yes, induction cooking was around at that time! I couldn't get past the pots I had to use, that was my issue at the time, so I went with gas.
I wish I could remember the name of the company who made the induction cooktop (tiles) I almost went with. I can see it now. It was so sexy. They were so far ahead of their time, this manufacturer, there were these wonderful separate, square, induction tiles, I can see them now. And, if I remember correctly, I believe, somehow, they fit flush within the countertop for a very sleek look. Funny how these old memories are coming back.
Fast forward to today, a beautiful October day in 2007. Induction is SO here, so NOW. I'm glad I went to this event, because I didn't realize something very cool (or hot!) about induction cooktops. What I learned, is that induction heat is more powerful, which means it also heats hotter and faster than either gas or electric. Besides all of the other positive properties, this feature really makes me pay attention!
To review, here are the good properties of induction cooktops:
- instant heat adjustment (just like gas)
- 50% more efficient than gas or electric (heat only reacts with the cooking vessel)
- the cooktop is safe to touch when the cooking vessel is removed-paper or other items will not burn
- no gas fuel risks, i.e. leaks
- anyone can install it, unlike gas, unavailable in some areas
- clean cooking method
- no noise
- spills do not burn on the cooktop - it's easy cleaning
Downsides? It's pricey! Another, could be electricity failures. I don't see any other compelling negative issues.
Bosch has a few cool features such as auto pot detection. The cooktop recognizes the size of the pot. The cooktops also have a power boost function, helpful to get those pots of water boiling quickly.
I also would like to mention the brand new GE induction cooktop, in 30 and 36" sizes. GE says, a 3700-watt element offers the most powerful induction element in the industry and provides heat across 19 different cooking settings.
It's time to take induction cooking seriously. I sure will be. The major cookware manufacturers have also brought out new cookware just for induction cooking. Finding great cookware is no longer an issue for induction cooking.