Buying an Induction Cooktop
Here are some important tips to mull over before you buy an induction cooktop.
Tips:
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- Try before you buy. Find a store that carries induction cooktops and ask for a demonstration. Still unsure? Some manufacturers offer cooktops that have induction elements alongside radiant elements, or you can test drive the technology with a portable unit for less than $200.
- Buy a model designed specifically for home use. Induction cooktops were originally designed for use in industrial and restaurant kitchens.
- Know what you're getting into. Installation is easiest during new home construction. If you're replacing a stove or remodeling an existing kitchen, be sure that your wiring, voltage and amperage can handle the load (something in the range of 208/240 volts with breakers up to 50 amperes).
- Ask an electrician. Older wiring can be dangerous if overloaded. Power grids fluctuate, and even modern wiring doesn't necessarily put out its rated voltage. Improper installation can also interfere with radio or television reception. An experienced electrician can help you avoid constantly tripping your breakers -- or worse.
Now let's get wrap things up by dishing out some induction cooktop features to ask your appliance seller about.
Common:
- True simmer heat levels
- Keep-warm setting
- Pan detector
- Pan suitability detector
- Pan size adaptation
- Residual-heat indicators
- Child safety lock
- Hot surface light
Less common:
- Overflow detection
- Anti-overheating limiter that disables temperatures above 575 degrees Fahrenheit, so oil and other flammables can't get hot enough to catch fire
- Power Boost mode
- Zoneless cooktops that allow you to cook anywhere on the cooktop and can accept and "remember" any size or shape of cookware [source: Creighton]
- Special cooking accessories, such as grills, griddles, wok rings and simmer plates
- Voltage and connection problem indicators
- Sabbath/Shabbat mode, which is a setting that temporarily disables automatic shutoff, allowing Jews observing the Sabbath to continue to use the oven
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More Great Links
Sources
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- Cassidy, David C., Gerald J. Holton and Floyd J. Rutherford. "Understanding Physics." Springer. 2002.
- Creighton, Keith. Management Supervisor, The Rogers Group (public relations for BSH Home Appliances Corporation (Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte)). Personal correspondence. Oct. 6, 2009.
- Chowhound (Cookware message board). "Cooking on Induction Hob - How is it?" May 4, 2009. (Accessed online Oct. 8, 2009). http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/617056
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- U.S. Department of Energy. "Potential Impact of Alternative Efficiency Levels for Residential Cooking Products." (Accessed online Oct. 7, 2009). http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/residential/pdfs/cookgtsd.pdf
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