Whether you are modernizing your kitchen or bored of cooking food on gas flames, it is good to familiarize yourself with how to use an induction cooktop. Induction cooking is speedily replacing conventional cooktops by working on a principle of friction to generate heat.
These cooktops look similar to traditional electric stoves that get heat from coil to cookware; induction stoves conduct heat from copper coil under cast iron or ceramic cookware to build the magnetic field. Using induction cooktops is simple and easy, as you can also find many units with presets to provide a one-touch cooking experience.
In this guide, we have revealed thorough guidelines for using an induction cooktop, along with some tips and tricks.
How Does An Induction Cooktop Work?
Induction cooking or electromagnetic induction works on a general principle that involves switching on the stove to increase the flow of electromagnetic current from the heating element. This copper-made heating element works only for induction-friendly cookware because the electromagnetic current from the induction stove pulls the electron from the cookware.
In response, the electrons from cookware resist the pull by giving a push resulting in a push-and-pull fight. This push-pull fight builds friction which then leads to the creation of heat to warm the food. It is the electromagnetic resistance that plays a role in heat generation.
In order to produce a resistive electric current, cookware should be magnetically conductive or contain ferromagnetic material to initiate induction.
How to Use Induction Cooktop? – Step-By-Step
You get familiar with using an induction cooktop by pressing some useful buttons. But we have shared everything to help you get things done perfectly.
Start With Installation
Induction cooktops usually come in the form of a portable or fixed device. All you just need to do is unpack it and install it. Sometimes the company sends labor to help with installation by following your instructions for height or place adjustments.
It is important to install induction stoves properly. You can also take help from the instruction manual to determine the voltage requirements.
Once fixed, check the ceramic-glass surface of the cooktop to ensure there are no cracks. In case the glass is damaged, send it for replacement. With one year of warranty, you can get over all the defects in return for a better replacement.
Choose The Cookware Compatible With Induction Cooking
Before putting your pots and pans on the cooktop, ensure they are induction-compatible. You can check it by searching for the symbol at the bottom of the cookware. However, flat and smooth-bottomed, ferromagnetic material cookware is ideal for induction cooking.
You can find these features in stainless steel (magnetic grade), cast iron, enameled cast iron, steel, and iron. Cookware materials such as glass, aluminum, and copper are incompatible with induction.
You can also use WOK on an induction stove. The market is populated with WOK for induction cooktops, and find one with a flat base to fit your cookware properly. The recommended base size is 4 to 5 inches, but the maximum can go up to 12 to 14 inches.
Do not use stainless steel or iron spoons to mix or stir food. These materials can scratch the surface, so you should use a wooden spoon instead.
Cooking On Induction Cooktop – Method
Follow these steps to use an induction cooktop for cooking food.
Adjusting Cookware On Induction Cooktop
- Set your induction cooktop on a flat and non-metal surface by leaving a gap of 3 to 5 inches to avoid air vents blockage.
- Clean the bottom of the cookware and put it on the heating area of the cooktop. Cover the cookware with a lid to prevent food from spilling.
- Choose the right-sized heating zone, but large-sized, flexible, or small heating zones are best among the four commonly used zones in the US.
- Keep the center of cookware on the heating zone aligned with the ring on the cooktop. Do not drag cookware on the glass surface, as it will cause scratches.
Plugging The Power Cord
- Now plug the power cord inside the socket.
- Turn on the power to run the cooktop.
- Adjust the heat using the + and – buttons.
- Put all ingredients in cookware and start cooking.
- Once the food is cooked, turn off the stovetop by holding the power button again.
How to Use Induction Cooktop Controls?
The control panel of the induction cooktop consists of several functions, and it is important to learn about each.
- Usually, the primary switch controls are of three types – a press button, rotating know, and touch sensor controls.
- Turn on the cooktop by pressing the ON button. For other functions, you will find power, timer, and temperature buttons with + and – signs to increase or decrease.
- You can see the temperature and time on the LED display panel to determine the heat intensity of your induction cooktop.
- The maximum time for maximum time you can set is 2 to 3 hours on induction. In case you face any error on the display pane, get help through the manual.
Understanding The Induction Cooktop Buttons
Most induction hobs have the following list of settings to function smoothly.
- Wi-Fi or Smart Device Control – help manage induction settings using a remote.
- Preset Menus – Already set for defined temperature and time for a specific food. The common menus are hotspot, warm, boil, steam, fry, grill, or stir.
- Pause Button – A safety feature to pause cooking and resume again. If something urgent comes up during cooking, you can pause the process.
- Child Lock is another safety feature to protect children from messing with the buttons to cause any trouble.
- WOK – In advanced induction cooktops, WOK is beneficial for pan frying, smoking, roasting, stirring, and stir-frying.
- Delay Set – To perform multitasks, you can delay the cooking times so that the controls will remember and cook food according to the set time.
- Residual Heat Light Indicator – The cooktop will stay hot even after cooking, and the light will signal not to touch it. Once the cooktop gets cool, the light will stop flashing.
Induction Cooktop In-Built Features
Here are some in-built features of induction cooktops you should understand.
- Auto Pan Detection – The feature is based on an in-built sensor that detects the pan on the cooktop and turns off automatically if the pan is not detected within 20 to 60 seconds.
- Safety Cut-Off – If you forget to turn off your cooktop for longer, the switch will turn off automatically.
- Overflowing Controls – This feature prevents food from overflowing or sending a beep signal to shut down the induction.
- Auto Shut Off – The cooktop will shut down once the food is prepared. After 3 to 5 minutes inbuilt fan will turn on to cool your stove.
- Voltage Change Detection – A sensor determines if there is any voltage change and turns off the unit.
Final Thoughts
Induction cooktops are undoubtedly smart, quick, and safe appliances to cook next-level meals. But knowing how to use an induction cooktop is essential.
It has a hassle-free setup and features that make everything simple and easy. After cooking, you can clean the cooktops conveniently. We hope these guidelines will help you install and use your induction cooktop without trouble.
