JOIN USInduction cooktops have made inroads in the Indian kitchen. They are fast replacing regular gas stoves thanks to their many advantages. The markets are flooded and buyers are spoilt for choice, writes Gautham S
A modular kitchen is the latest trend in modern Indian homes. It not only helps in the smart utilisation of kitchen space and provides space for interior designing but also gives the kitchen a modern look. However, care must be taken to ensure that products that make a kitchen look modern are chosen not only based on design but also based on quality. Today, in many modern kitchens, ordinary gas stoves are being replaced by cooktops. These cooktops use induction to heat and cook food. They work on the principle of electromagnetism where heat is generated within the ceramic of the cooktop. There are many advantages of using the induction cooktops, including the fact that they heat pans faster and are energy efficient. However, it is important to note that only utensils with a flat bottom must be used.
While designing a kitchen, people don’t compromise on the space, equipments, utensils etc. The more the number of gadgets, the merrier is the cook. But appliances used frequently in the kitchen like refrigerators and dishwashers consume a lot of energy and water. Induction cooktops, on the other hand, are eco-friendly with an added advantage of consuming less space than regular gas stoves. It is also less time consuming to cook food on induction cooktops and energy consumption is also less. Studies have shown that induction cooktops are 55 per cent more efficient than open-flame gas stoves. To top it all, it gives the kitchen a sleek, compact and elegant look. What more could you ask for?
With induction cooktops, you can cook 50 per cent faster. Another unique advantage is that the cooktops offer temperature adjustment depending on the type of food being cooked. Coming to the most dreaded aspect of a kitchen – cleaning. Cleaning the cooktops is a fairly easy task. With regular gas stoves you have to deal with grease and grime, but not so in the case of these cooktops. The flat, smooth surface is not hard to wipe clean.
Let us consider the most important aspect of the kitchen – safety. Induction cooktops are much safer than gas stoves. They emit less radiation and cool fast. What’s more, induction cooktops are portable; they can be mounted on a cabinet or a high-rise platform. If you are planning a picnic, your food prayers have been answered – these can easily be carried along.
Before buying the cooktop, you must however ensure that you are getting your money’s worth. Ask for a demonstration at the store. Decide on a cooktop which suits your kitchen . Induction cooktops are best installed in new homes as they involve wiring and remodeling the kitchen. If you are replacing the gas stove with an induction cooktop make sure that the wiring and voltage can handle the load. Make sure your electrician installs the wiring properly. The induction cooktops may get damaged due to voltage fluctuations. This may in turn also damage other electrical appliances like radio, refrigerator and television sets at your home. Buy a cooktop which is user-friendly and which will help the elderly operate as well.
Induction cooktops have always been widely used in various countries. However, after they made inroads in the Indian market, since the technology was new to India, they were priced very high. Off late, the Indian market has been flooded with induction cooktops from various companies. And thanks to competitive pricing, cooktops have become affordable now. They are available in most of the stores. Companies are introducing cooktops with different options, layouts, sizes, finishes and power output. Some of the popular brands have an advanced heating technique with a simple panel with an adjustable menu for different recipes. One company also provides a countdown timer, wattage and power consumption display. Another has a sleek, modish and compact design that can be fit into any Indian kitchen.
Then there are others with the “auto shut off” and “keep warm” options. Some also promise “fume-free cooking” and are child-proof. As induction cooktops are made of glass, special precaution has to be taken when cleaning the surface.
The cooktops should be cleaned daily with a few drops of ceramic cooktop cleaner; some manuals recommend liquid solutions. Use a paper towel or cleaning pad to clean the surface. Later, use a dry paper towel to remove the cleaner. Let the cooktop cool before removing spills and residue. Use a ceramic cooktop cleaner to scrub the area.