Advantages Of Induction
Induction range cookers offer a multitude of advantages that make them a top choice for any modern kitchen. From their superior cooking performance to their energy efficiency, these appliances are changing the way we cook for the better.
They have been a popular choice for many years but recently have been taking the culinary world by storm. Induction cooking has gained popularity among homes around the world due to innovative features and the more subtle, deceptive design.
In this blog post we want to explore the advantages of induction range cookers, so if you’re a traditional gas cooker fan let us sway you towards electric dreams…
Controllability
Cooking on an induction range cooker provides precise and instant temperature control, allowing for better management of the more delicate dishes. It works through induction coils made from copper creating a magnetic field as electricity is passed through.
Induction cooking has a focused connection between the pan and the coil underneath the hob, allowing it to hold a temperature perfectly. Precision temperature control on many induction cooktops allows you to melt, simmer or boil using various functions…
Booster
Allows you to focus all of the power of the induction hob in a particular zone, speeding up both boiling and cooking times
Slide Controls
A handy touch control system on many induction range cookers makes it easier when increasing or decreasing the temperature by simply sliding your finger from left to right or vice versa
Bridging Control
Some range cookers offer a bridging function, providing you with the option of simultaneously controlling two zones next to each other as if they were a single zone. It creates an internal ‘bridge’ that joins the zones together. This can broaden the sizes and the shape of pan used on the hob.
Energy Efficiency
With an induction range cooker, the energy is transferred directly to your pans, reducing energy consumption and lowering your bills at the same time. There is no wasted heat with all heat being concentrated inside the pan, also creating faster cooking times.
Some induction hobs also include smart technology that can detect when a pan is absent, meaning they will switch off to save energy.
Enhanced Safety
One of the main and most important advantages of an induction range cooker is the safety. As there is no open flame or exposed heating elements, the cooking surface remains cool and reduces the risk of burns or items catching fire.
Only heat conducted from the pan will affect the cooking surface. It is possible that after cooking for a longer period of time, the glass surface may get slightly hotter to touch, so residual heat indicators alert users should the temperature rise too high.
You should also look out for these handy elements:
- Child safety locks, which often feature as a standard on the majority of induction ranges
- Safety shutdown, which means if the hob is unattended for a long period of time, all zones will automatically switch off
- Liquid overspill protection, meaning the zone will automatically switch off if your cooking spills over
Easy To Clean
The ease in which induction hobs can be cleaned makes cooking with them all that more enjoyable. The flat surface means a hot soapy cloth can have your hob gleaming in no time. As the hob doesn’t get as hot, any accidental spillages can be cleared with just one wipe (do always ensure the hob is fully cool before cleaning it).
…and a question we get asked a lot is ‘do I need to replace all of my pans for an induction cooker?’. Well, as there is a certain way an induction hob works, you need pots and pans of a particular design for it to cook to the best of its ability. However, don’t go throwing all of yours away as they may still be suitable.
If your pans have a flat base made of a ferrous material, you can use these on an induction hob. One way you can test this on your own pans is to take a magnet and if it sticks to the pan, it is suitable to use. Some manufacturers also include a symbol on the bottom of their cookware to make it easier to tell.
Stainless Steel: unless they have been made especially for induction, with a steel plate embedded into the base, normal stainless-steel pans may not work well with induction as the ferrous content is relatively low.
Enamelled Steel: pans in enamelled steel, with or without a non-stick coating, will work very well
Cast Iron: these are great with induction but to avoid the risk of scratching the glass top on your hob, use pans with an enamelled base, or avoid sliding the pan across the surface
Enhanced Aluminium Pans: Aluminium is a great conducting material, but you will need induction compatible pans with a thick base to ensure more even cooking
Incompatible Cookware: glass, ceramic or earthenware pans, aluminium pans (unless they have a special base), copper pans
Induction range cookers we think you should take a look at…
Starting with an entry level option, but by no means compromising on the quality, we have the Rangecookers Select 90ei2. One of our very own products, this sturdy, reliable and good-looking product will suit your budget nicely.
Featuring a multifunction, programmable main oven and a conventional second oven, there is more than enough capacity for all of your favourite dishes. It also includes two integrated grills and the sleek induction hob on top gives you four powerful zones, including two with power boost functions.
This competent range cooker is manufactured to Rangecookers considered specification at a specialist Italian factory, chosen for its engineering credentials and proven track record.
Falcon 1092 Continental Induction
For those of you looking for a straightforward, solid and reliable range cooker, there is nothing quite like a Falcon.
This 1092 Continental model has been designed to give you all of the Falcon quality and performance but has given the added benefit of windowed doors. The oven doors open outwards to reveal one 73 litre multifunction oven with grill and one 73 litre fanned oven on the right.
On top is a sleek, induction hob, offering five cooking zones and useful features such as power-boost, boil-dry detection, simmer and zone-link functions. This is all operated by the clear and simple Bakelite-style control knobs.
A Falcon range cooker uses heavier grade materials than its Rangemaster cousins, giving a more robust and focused user experience.
ILVE Majestic Milano 100 Induction
This ILVE Majestic model may look stunningly elegant in appearance but behind that facia is some serious power with a good helping of modern technology.
This range brings an array of options for any enthusiastic cook. The multifunction main oven can be timer-controlled using the auto programmer and there is even a meat probe for achieving consistent results. The second oven is also multifunction, but without a fan element. It also features a rotisserie, for succulent cooking of any meats.
On top is the superb six zone induction hob, with the advanced technology you can expect from this top brand. Power boost, automatic boil and a heat up function all add to the convenience and, in addition to this, both medium induction zones feature bridge zone technology that can be connected together to create one large cooking zone. The TFT touch screen display/control panel acts as an indicator for the oven’s temperature and functions. This more precise way of controlling the temperature will be welcomed by many, particularly pizza lovers and home bakers.
Stoves Sterling D1100Ei Deluxe Zoneless Induction
From the more traditional style to the contemporary now, with the Stoves Sterling. The standout feature of this range cooker is the mirrored doors, conveniently allowing sight of the food inside when the oven is in use, aesthetically complemented by the crisp brushed steel door handles and satin control knobs.
The already feature-rich Stoves Sterling now has a fully zoneless induction hob, a first in the range cooking market. The typical induction zones have been taken away to offer a full cooking area that can accommodate up to 6 pans of any size or shape. This can be intelligently managed to remember the heat settings of any pan should it need to be moved to another position.
Below this innovative hob is a multifunction main oven with TrueTemp digital thermostat, which puts you in control of the temperature right down to the degree. The fanned secondary oven includes Stoves Equiflow technology, evenly distributing heat around the full cavity. This naturally results in controlled, consistent cooking of your food.
Above the fanned oven is a third conventional oven with Maxi-Grill and an electric slow cook oven takes space in the fourth cavity, completing the Quad Oven offering. Stoves’ exclusive Steam and Infuse oven accessory provides an alternative healthy, flavourful way to cook in either the main or secondary oven.
Leading the field for many years in central heating range cookers, the Rayburn brand has been the warm, beating heart of many British homes.
With their modern day offering, Rayburn have created a totally flexible and controllable electric range cooker, the Ranger 100-3i. This fully electric range requires no servicing, no plinth and no flue, running on just 2 x 13amp supply and at 100cm wide, can be easily slotted into any kitchen design.
This range cooker benefits from three large ovens, which can be operated independently to help you control the energy you use. On top is a large cast-iron hotplate and a two-zone induction hob, which is rich with technology such as power boost, boil dry detection, and a bridging zone for use with a griddle.
All three ovens have cast-iron doors with magnetic catches for smooth closure. These roasting, baking and simmering ovens offer more than enough space for your dishes, and the flexible e-setting even allows for lower temperature cooking in each cavity.
Its beautiful styling brings eight charming colours to choose from, adding a retro feel to your home with the bright, bold shades or alternatively something a little more subtle.
AGA Masterchef Deluxe 110 Induction
The AGA Masterchef is designed for those of you who have always wanted an AGA in your kitchen but felt it was either a little out of reach or completely impractical. This very impressive AGA Masterchef Deluxe 110cm model brings with it all the simple and timeless visual qualities associated with the AGA brand, but instead of a large, expensive-to-run cast iron machine, you get a very usable modern range cooker.
Bottom left is a large and very versatile multifunction main oven with fanned, conventional and grilling functions. On the right is the same size cavity, another versatile multifunction oven also offering fanned, conventional and grilling capabilities. Top left is a dedicated grill with dual circuit element and to the right of this is the welcome bonus of a slow cook oven – perfect for stews, curries and more.
Next generation induction zones give you the very best this impressive technology can offer – rapid power when you need it down to just a gentle trickle. There is also a cast iron griddle plate supplied to take advantage of the bridging feature, where two zones can work in unison to give you evenly distributed heat.
Bertazzoni Professional 120 Induction
The Bertazzoni Professional series brings you a collection of well-considered appliances with outstanding design and stunning, authentic finishes. This double-oven range cooker brings both versatility and style to your kitchen.
The main electric oven has 11 functions ranging from convection and grilling to fast-preheat. A digital programmer allows perfect control of cooking, displaying the oven functions selected, manages time during cooking and gives feedback on real-time temperature. The useful second auxiliary oven has six modes, whilst the hob on top brings a stainless steel electric teppanyaki griddle and five induction zones, including 2 bridging zones.
Built in Guastalla, northern Italy, Bertazzoni range cookers not only look great but their functional ergonomic design is built around a high-quality platform using first class components, ensuring your Bertazzoni range cooker will continue to look good and serve you well for many years to come.
To find out more about any of the products mentioned, head to our website here.
