March 11, 2022

Induction vs. Electric Cooking: What’s the Difference?

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While many think induction and electric cooktops are similar, the cooking technology reflects a very big difference with induction vs. electric cooking. In a word: efficiency. An induction cooktop offers 40% faster temperature response than electric cooking and is more energy-efficient than electric cooktops.

How Does Induction Work?

With induction cooking, the electricity flows through a coil to generate a magnetic field under the glass ceramic surface. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on the cooktop, currents are induced in the pan and instant heat is generated. Induction cooking only works with cooking vessels made of ferrous materials, such as cast iron and most stainless steel. It will not work with aluminum or copper cookware. Wondering if your cookware will work with induction? If a magnet sticks to the bottom, it will work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Benefits of Induction Cooking

If energy-efficiency is not inspiring enough, there are additional benefits to using induction vs. electric cooking. Many visitors to Clarke, New England’s Official Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove Showroom and Test Kitchen, are amazed to find that the Wolf Induction Cooktop doesn’t get hot like its electric counterparts. The inside of the cookware is hot when cooking, but the burner itself does not heat up. The induction cooktop detects when cookware is removed and stops generating heat. Even if the cookware were to boil dry, the cooktop would stop generating heat by monitoring the voltage drop caused by resistance to the current.

what is induction cooking sauce pan cooking

This makes induction cooking appliances safer for small children who might put their hands on the cooktop surface and for elderly cooks who may forget to turn the stove off or remove a pot. While their glass appearance looks daunting to care for, Wolf Induction Cooktops are easy to clean and are extremely resistant to scratching and staining.

What About Cooking Performance?

Professionals chefs are often a good barometer of appliance performance and efficiency. A growing number of chefs have switched to induction vs. electric (and even gas) appliances in their own home kitchens over the past several years, as manufacturers like Wolf have offered more models to fit different styles and sizes. Wolf offers induction cooktops in  15”, 24”, 30” and 36” widths, both framed and unframed, in Transitional and Contemporary styling.

what is induction cooking water boiling in pot

“During almost every Clarke showroom appointment, a homeowner asks about induction cooking,” shared Clarke Corporate Director of Showrooms Marco Barallon. “Our showroom consultants demonstrate the efficiency of induction cooking every day and visitors are shocked to see how quickly water boils on a Wolf Induction Cooktop. They’re equally impressed with how the boil can be maintained and controlled. The melt feature is also a favorite. Imagine melting chocolate quickly and easily and keeping it warm until you are ready to use it. It’s truly remarkable.”

Wolf Induction Cooktops are known for their responsiveness and control. In addition to the rapid boil, these appliances respond quickly to any change in temperature. This is the kind of control that provides predictable results.

More Than Just A Cooktop

 Now imagine taking the power of induction and pairing it with the world’s most advanced oven technology. That’s what Wolf did to pioneer their Wolf Induction Range. The induction cooktop provides all of the power and finesse we’ve already discussed, and the Wolf Dual VertiCross™ convection system provides an oven that delivers reliably even heat, reduces hot and cold spots and enables consistent multi-rack cooking.

Wolf Induction Range in white kitchen for induction cooking

This amazing appliance has nearly 50 presets on Gourmet Mode to automatically control the oven to ensure delicious results. And Gourmet Mode is only one of 10 cooking modes that were developed by Wolf chefs to ensure perfect performance and delicious results in the Wolf Induction Range. This singular appliance is available in 30” and 36” models and has been recently updated with a full-color touchscreen that is intuitive and easy to read.

Induction vs. electric? Wolf offers both and the best way to find out which one will best fit into your lifestyle is to schedule a visit to a Clarke Showroom in Boston Seaport, Milford, Massachusetts or South Norwalk, Connecticut where you can have all of your questions answered and see for yourself.