At a Glance:
Why Are Induction Cooktops Safe?
Our Top Induction Cooktop Picks
Induction cooking is all the rage these days, but surprisingly, the technology is nearly 90 years old. Yet, many appliance shoppers still approach this not-so-new technology with heavy skepticism. But with recent trends showing induction is gaining popularity, new questions about induction cooktops and ranges are beginning to emerge.
About a decade ago, “what are induction cooktops,” and “how do I know if my cooktop is induction” were the top questions about induction. These days, shoppers are more familiar with the technology — including its process of using electromagnetics to generate heat. And that raises one big question: Are induction cooktops safe?
In short, induction is not only safe, and for many, it’s the future of cooking. In this feature, first we discuss the reasons why induction cooktops are safe. Then, we follow up with three recommended induction appliances that are must-sees for novices to the technology.
Before We Start: What is Induction?
There are a ton of terms thrown around when describing induction and how it works. Electromagnetics. Induction heating versus radiant heating. Heating elements. It’s a lot to explain, which is why we’ve dedicated an entire blog to the topic.
Brush up on everything induction inside our induction cooking 101 guide. By the end of this short article, you’ll find all the information you need on induction cooking appliances, including why they’re so great and how they compare to other kitchen cooking appliances.
Shop In-Stock Induction Cooktops at Don's
In-Stock Induction CooktopsWhy Are Induction Cooktops Safe?
Home cooks are slowly making the transition from electric to induction cooktops to reap the benefits of improved heat control. Meanwhile, home chefs faithful to gas are warming up to induction for its response and control that is virtually equal to a live flame.
The emerging technology promises a lot to epicureans, but the question remains: Are induction cooktops safe? These four safety advantages to cooking on an induction surface might help settle the debate.
- Induction Runs No Risk of Gas Leakages
Induction cooktops provide precision, power, and control of heat virtually identical to gas cooktops. But unlike flame burners, induction elements run on electricity. That means there is zero chance of gas leaks, which can be harmful to ingest and can lead to accidental fires.
As an added bonus, induction cooking zones have no ports where food can become stuck like it often happens on gas cooktops. You also won’t ever have to use a handheld lighter to ignite a burner when flame ports become blocked with debris.
- Induction Surfaces Won’t Burn You
While induction cooktops run on electricity, they work differently than traditional electric cooktops. Instead of heating the surface through thermal radiation, electromagnetics heat cookware directly. Essentially, a pot or pan becomes the cooking element, while the surface of the appliance stays cool to the touch.
- Induction Surfaces are Boil-Over-Proof
Many cooks enjoy cooking on a live flame because the heat is extremely responsive. That’s helpful when it comes to avoiding boil-overs, but sometimes there’s not always someone to watch to make sure accidents don’t happen.
Worst case scenario on a gas cooktop? Liquids bubble over, causing the flames to grow. And while electric cooktops aren’t known for creating flare-ups, they’re notorious for scorching anything that boils over onto their surfaces.
On the other hand, induction cooktops won’t burn liquids that spill onto their surfaces, and they won’t cause anything that boils over to ignite into flames. Plus, induction surfaces rarely get hot enough to burn any food that falls onto their elements during cooking (and more importantly, you).
- Induction Doesn’t Pollute Indoor Air Quality
Here’s a scary nugget of info: gas cooktops can create indoor nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels high enough to be considered illegal for outdoor air conditions. In some cases, prolonged exposure to nitrogen dioxide can affect breathing and make asthma conditions worse. That’s why appliance experts recommend using the appropriate kitchen ventilation when cooking on a gas appliance.
When it comes to induction, all you have to worry about is ventilating any heat and smoke from preparing a meal. And since up to 90 percent of heat transfers directly to cookware, industrial-grade kitchen ventilation isn’t necessary when cooking on induction cooktops.
Our Top Induction Cooktop Picks
Which is the best induction cooktop? Each household is different, so it depends on how often you cook and the lifestyle you lead. In the end, these three induction cooking surfaces are a great launch point into the world of induction.
✓ Recommended Frameless Induction Cooktop: Beko 30" Black Glass Built In Induction Cooktop
Shop Now
The four-element setup on this Beko induction cooktop provides enough cooking space for casual cooks and smaller households to make weeknight meals. This 30” induction cooktop features a frameless design that pops flush into countertops for a truly modern presentation. Explore menus new and old with nine cooking levels that let you manage induction like never before.
Key Features:
- 9 cooking levels
- XL cooking zone
- 3,700 W output
- Programmable cooking timer
✓ Recommended 30 inch Induction Cooktop: Fisher & Paykel Series 9 30" Stainless Steel Frame with Black Glass Induction Cooktop
Shop Now
This Fisher & Paykel induction cooktop uses a large element, two medium cooking zones, and a small induction burner to give you the flexibility to cook with various cookware. From pasta to steaming large seafood boils, the PowerBoost function adds an oomph of heat to bring larger cookware up to heat fast. Crafted with a smooth, black glass surface and slide touch controls, this 30” induction cooking surface is a modern kitchen’s dream come true.
Key Features:
- PowerBoost mode brings water quickly to a boil
- Child safety feature
- Touch&Slide controls
✓ Recommended 36 inch Induction Cooktop: JennAir® 36" Induction Cooktop-Stainless Steel
Shop Now
Five heating elements, including dual bridging elements and a flexible cooking zone, are just the start of the luxury of this JennAir induction cooktop. You’ll also get a spacious 36” cooking setup that gives cookware plenty of room to work, all with the industry’s most powerful induction element.
Key Features:
- 5 induction elements
- Sensor Boil Function prevents boil-overs
- Automatic pan detection
- Compatible to use over a single wall oven
Induction experienced a revival in the late 2000s and is now one of the most sought-after additions to modern kitchens. Shoppers once doubtful about the performance of induction surfaces now know cooking with electromagnetics offers precision, flexibility, and output comparable to gas and high-end electric cooking appliances.
As far as safety goes, the myth about radiation from induction appliances has been largely debunked. While induction does expose a user to electric and magnetic fields (EMFs), these waves are non-ionizing and harmless to the body. Additionally, cooking as little as 12 inches from an induction element helps drastically cut down exposure.
Induction Cooktop FAQs
As induction continues to change with each new generation of appliances, more questions will be asked. Here are a few popular induction questions to consider before making the change from gas or electric cooking appliances.
Is electromagnetic induction harmful?
There is no evidence to suggest that exposure to low levels of electromagnetic fields is harmful to your health. There has been extensive research into this subject and to date, no conclusive links between cancer and electromagnetic fields have been found.
Are induction cooktops popular?
As of 2019, only 1 percent of US households have induction cooktops. However, recent trends from National Kitchen & Bath Association (featured in the intro) show induction cooktops are set to outsell electric cooktops in the near future.
Are induction cooktops expensive?
Because induction cooktops perform so well and are extremely safe, they generally cost more than gas and electric models. Users should also keep in mind only cookware responsive to magnets work on induction surfaces (which may mean additional costs for replacement).
Why Trust Us?
Founded in 1971, Don’s Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Pittsburgh, PA. Don’s has since expanded to 10 locations selling, delivering, installing, and servicing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.
When our customers are remodeling or building a new house, Don’s has all the expertise, product knowledge, inventory, brands, displays, and services to meet and exceed your needs. And in the event an appliance breaks, we are there, right on time and with the right product, delivery, installation, and service.
Shop Induction Cooktops at Don’s Appliances
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop cooktops online at Don’s Appliance. Our friendly experts are always happy to help answer why are induction cooktops safe — whether you call us at 866-544-1711, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Don’s Appliances Pittsburgh, PA warehouse locations. Visit us today!
Learn More: Benefits of Cooking on an Induction Cooktop