How to choose an Induction Cooker?
1.Pro and cons of induction cooktops2.Points to Consider when choose an Induction Cooktop
Pro and cons of induction cooktops
Pros
- Induction cooktops heat up extraordinarily fast, conveying energy to the cookware faster than any other method of cooking.
- When you change the temperature, this change is reflected immediately (like with gas), not gradually (as with a radiant ceramic element).
- Since the element itself doesn't get hot, it's safe to touch unless you've had a hot pan on it for a while.
- Most induction cooktops have automatic switches that detect when there's nothing on the element, meaning less energy is wasted from leaving them on.
- Their flat surface means induction cooktops are a breeze to clean.
- Because the cooktop surface itself doesn't get hot, spills onto the surface are less likely to burn onto the surface.
Cons
- You need to make sure your cookware is suitable for induction cooking and may need to replace your pots and pans if they're not suitable.
- You may notice some noise when cooking with induction.
- Induction cooktops often require more work when it comes to installation.
Points to Consider when choose an Induction Cooktop
(1) Power rate
For an induction cooktop, the power rate is important to consider. A higher power rate ensures that your dish cooks faster, but it may cost more. Most induction cooktops rates between 1000-2000W. If you need something fast, then you need a high power rate induction cooktop.
(2) Functions
Different induction cooktops come with differing and unique features to help you find the best model for your kitchen.
- Food warming settings for food that needs to be simmered or kept warm without being cooked
- A specific area for your work. where your induction cooktop will come with an indented, wok-sized space
- Pre-set cooking menus and settings, which are useful if you do not want to have to worry about exact temperatures for cooking a certain type of food or in a certain type of way
- A timer
- Small Item Detection. Regarding small item detection, if a small item is placed on the heating area of the induction like fork, spoon, ring, etc, it is not detected as cookware.
- Automatic shut-off. An automatic shut-off feature if spills or overflowing are detected
- Child Lock. Most induction cooktops have a child lock safety feature embedded. It can lock the induction cooktop during use. It can be locked for cleaning or during cooking as well.
- Safety cut-off feature. Almost all inductions have a safety cut-off feature. If the cooking zone is switched on for an extended period of time without the temperature being altered, it will cut off or switch off automatically.
(3) Safety Features
Another important feature to consider when looking for an induction cooktop is whether it safety or not. Some modern models also have features that will switch the induction cooktop off if the pan is remove , the pan is too hot or forget to switch off the appliance.
(4) Pan Size
The induction cooktop needs to match the corresponding pots. You need to make sure that most of the pots at home can be used on the induction cooktop before purchasing the induction cooker, otherwise you need to buy a new set of pots.
