Consumer advocacy group CHOICE has released their top tips on things to consider if you're thinking of making the switch from gas to induction cooking.
"Choosing cooking appliances for your home these days is more complex than it used to be. People are now considering the impact on the environment, the effect it might have on their health, and projected running costs, among other things," says CHOICE kitchen expert Fiona Mair.
"Ditching your gas cooktop in favour of induction cooking has a number of benefits, including a more efficient cooking experience and a healthier home. However, there are a few things you need to consider before you make the switch," says Mair.
Here's what to consider before you switch from gas to induction cooking, according to CHOICE experts:
1. How efficient are induction cooktops?
"Induction cooktops are actually far better than gas when it comes to efficiency. If you use an induction cooktop, energy is directed into the cookware base instantly, and your pot or pan will reach the desired temperature more quickly than it would on a gas stove," says Mair.
"One of the top performers in our induction cooktop test took just over two minutes to bring a litre of water to boil, while a gas cooktop can take four minutes or longer. If you want to get dinner ready a bit quicker, induction cooktops are the way to go," says Mair.
2. Cookware compatibility
"Not all types of cookware will work on an induction cooktop. If you've been using aluminium, glass or ceramic pans, you'll need to buy new cookware, as these aren't suitable to use on induction cooktops," says Mair.
"Typically cast iron, steel, and some enamel steel and stainless steel pans will work on induction cooktops. Luckily, there's an easy way to check if the pots and pans in your kitchen are compatible with an induction cooktop. Take a magnet and see if it sticks well to the base of your existing pots and pans - if it does, that pan will work on an induction cooktop," says Mair.
3. Ease of use and cleaning
"Induction cooktops are typically much easier to clean than gas cooktops. Their continuous glass surface makes them a breeze to clean compared to the fiddly burners and trivets of a gas cooktop," says Mair.
"If you spill food onto an induction cooktop, it won't bake on and become almost impossible to clean off, which is often what happens with gas or ceramic cooktops. Since the cooktop surface doesn't heat up, it's much easier to wipe up spills on an induction cooktop," says Mair.
4. Costs
"Induction cooktops can be expensive to buy, and there are often installation costs as well," says Mair.
"If you want to give induction cooking a try before you fully commit, consider purchasing a portable induction cooktop, which is much more affordable. Portable induction cooktops start at about $50, with the top performers in our testing costing little more than $100. They're great for caravanning and camping too," says Mair.
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