Induction cookers are fast, convenient, precise, clean, energy-efficient -- and a very challenging addition to any kitchen. Unmatched security makes them a excellent selection for the home kitchen.
The Basics
Built-in units are flush-mounted in a kitchen counter or wherever you like, oftentimes with a selection of edge trim available. They can be mounted above a built-in oven, if desired, and require a 240V plug like any electric range.
Portable units have one or two cooking zones (elements) and plug into a 120V outlet, typically drawing 15 amps. Industrial induction cookers also come in portable models; some of these require 120V plug-in and some need 240V because they have higher wattage elements. Industrial units will be covered in information in another article. Induction ranges are also appearing on the market; combining an induction cooktop with a convection oven, they replace an electric or gas range -- prices compare favorably with full-size drop-in units.
Sizes -- What Size Induction Cooker to Choose?
Residential Induction Cookers -- Built-in
36-inch units with 5 zones all the way down to 12-inch singular zone.
Zones (elements) from 5.5 to 12 inches in diameter.
2-zone models -- side-by-side or front-to-back configurations to fit discrete kitchen spaces.
consider dividing your cooking station. Instead of one 5-zone cooktop, you could place two 2-zone units with a space between. Keep them close sufficient to reach when you're alone, but spaced so that two population can work comfortably.
Residential Induction Cookers -- Portable
Supplementary cooking appliance, with zones of varying size. Pick one that will adapt your largest frying pan or soup pot.
Single-zone or two-zone units -- make sure you Pick one that is stable, with a flat lowest or good non-slip feet. Try putting a large pot on it with a handle that sticks out; see if the unit wobbles or becomes unbalanced. Two-zone models should adapt two pots comfortably.
Very handy for "mother-in-law suite" or bedsitter, bungalow or an outdoor kitchen.
Induction Cookers -- Performance/Convenience Features
Controls -- electronic touchpads, protected by the sealed surface; climatic characteristic settings adjusted by "slide" operate or by "plus" and "minus" pads. You don't have to stretch over hot pots to reach the controls.
Some models, especially portable induction units, have dials or knobs to turn the zones on and adjust temperature.
Power-boost ready on most models -- provides extra power to a zone when needed (e.g. Bring a huge pot of water to the boil).
exact climatic characteristic operate -- some models allow switching between heat levels and actual climatic characteristic settings. Cooking candy? Melting or proving chocolate? Set the climatic characteristic and time you want.
Memory settings -- want your eggs cooked a obvious way? store the setting and use it again.
Timer settings and "keep-warm" settings allow you to keep sauces, soups, and other dishes warm without overcooking or drying out.
Cleaning -- ceramic-glass exterior is easy to maintain; no more "cooked-on" messes. Wipe spills during cooking with a damp cloth. When done, spray with non-abrasive all-purpose cleaner and wipe clean.
Induction Cookers: security Features
Pot recognition -- zone not active until a pot is put on; cannot be turned on "accidentally" or left "on" when pot is removed. Activation requires an object with large sufficient diameter and weight.
Pot size recognition -- active area of zone adjusts to pot diameter, saves energy.
Induction zones cannot be activated by non-magnetic pots, bowls, measuring cups.
Pan-overheat detection/shut-off -- empty pots will not overheat; oil will not get to ignition temperature.
Overflow detection/shut-of -- zone shuts off for boilover or large spill.
Residual heat indicators -- light stays on if a zone is warm after a hot pot is removed.
Child-proof lockout -- children cannot embark on cooktop when an adult is not present.
When finding at induction cookers for the home kitchen it is very important to check specifications for each model that interests you. If you want a singular safety/convenience/performance feature, make sure that the model you're finding at has it. Remember that small portable models will not have all the features or capacity that you find in a built-in unit, so look for the features that are most important to you.
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