Convert to an Induction Stove

A new study found that roughly one in eight cases of childhood asthma in the US are the result of air pollution given off by gas stoves.

This puts emissions from gas cooking at the same asthma risk level as breathing in secondhand smoke. Asthma affects roughly six million US children each year and nearly 13 percent of them get it from breathing in the myriad toxins that a gas stove belches out every day.

Findings from the team at the Rocky Mountain Institute in Colorado suggest that the roughly 35 percent of American homes that use gas stoves should mitigate the spread of toxins like nitrogen dioxide and benzene by switching to an electric induction stove.

Gas stoves introduce toxic pollutants into the air even when they are turned off. Cooking on a gas range creates nitrogen dioxide, a known precipitator of asthma.

Gas stoves have long been the preferred choice for home cooking, but in recent years, induction stoves have emerged as a viable alternative. Induction stoves use electromagnetic energy to heat cookware, rather than an open flame, providing several benefits over gas stoves. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of replacing a gas stove with an induction stove and what to look for when shopping for one.

Benefits of Induction Stoves

Faster Cooking: Induction stoves heat up much faster than gas stoves. They use electromagnetic energy to heat cookware directly, which means that heat is generated instantly. This makes induction stoves ideal for cooking tasks that require high heat, such as searing, boiling, and stir-frying.

Increased Energy Efficiency: Induction stoves are more energy-efficient than gas stoves. Since they heat cookware directly, there is no heat loss to the surrounding environment, and they are able to transfer heat more efficiently. This means that induction stoves can heat food faster and use less energy than gas stoves.

Better Temperature Control: Induction stoves offer better temperature control than gas stoves. Since the heat is generated by an electromagnetic field, it can be adjusted more precisely than a gas flame. This makes it easier to maintain a consistent temperature while cooking, which is particularly important for delicate dishes.

Safer to Use: Induction stoves are safer to use than gas stoves. Since there is no open flame, there is no risk of a gas leak or fire. Additionally, the surface of an induction stove stays cool to the touch, reducing the risk of burns.

We Show Colbert How Safe Induction Stoves Are (By Putting Our Face on One) | Rewiring America

"Do. NOT. Try. This. At. Home! Dan McCollister puts his face on the line (and on the burner) to show Stephen Colbert and the Late Show the power of induction stoves. Safer, cleaner, and better at cooking scallops – induction stoves are the better choice every single time. And thanks to rebates and tax incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act, buying an induction stove has never been more affordable."

Find out how much money you can get to buy one with our calculator: https://www.rewiringamerica.org/app/i...

Get the answers to your most burning induction stove questions from Carbon Switch: https://carbonswitch.com/stoves/

Rewiring America is the leading electrification nonprofit.

What to Look For

Size: Induction stoves come in a range of sizes, so it is important to choose one that will fit in your kitchen. Measure the space where you plan to install the stove and choose a model that will fit comfortably.

Power: Induction stoves come in a range of power levels, typically between 1,200 and 3,700 watts. Consider the types of dishes you typically cook and choose a stove with a power level that will suit your needs

Number of Burners: Induction stoves come with a variety of burner configurations, from two to five burners. Consider the size of your cookware and the number of dishes you typically cook at once when choosing a stove with the appropriate number of burners.

Features: Induction stoves come with a range of features, including timers, temperature controls, and safety features. Consider which features are important to you and choose a stove that offers those features.
Price: Induction stoves can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Consider your budget and choose a stove that offers the features you need at a price you can afford.

Five induction stoves that are commonly well-regarded

Bosch Benchmark NITP069UC: This induction cooktop features a sleek design with five cooking zones. It offers various features such as AutoChef, which adjusts cooking temperatures automatically, and SpeedBoost, which allows for faster heat-up times. It also includes a timer, child lock, and different power levels for precise cooking control.

GE Profile PHP9030DJBB: This cooktop boasts four induction elements, including a power boil element for rapid heating. It has touch controls for easy operation and offers features like SyncBurners, which allows you to control two elements simultaneously, and a kitchen timer. Some models even provide built-in Wi-Fi connectivity for smart home integration.

Samsung NZ36K7880UG: This Samsung induction cooktop offers five burners, including a virtual flame burner that provides a visual indication of the heat level. It features a large cooking surface and includes features like Flex Zone, which combines multiple burners to accommodate larger pots and pans. The cooktop also offers Wi-Fi connectivity and can be controlled via a smartphone app.

Frigidaire FGIC3666TB: This Frigidaire induction cooktop features five induction elements, including a powerful 10-inch element for faster boiling. It offers easy-to-use controls, individual timers for each cooking zone, and a smooth glass surface for easy cleaning. It also includes a Keep Warm setting to maintain food temperature until ready to serve.

KitchenAid KICU509XSS: This KitchenAid induction cooktop has four cooking zones and offers features such as Even-Heat technology for consistent heat distribution and precise temperature control. It includes touch-activated controls, a performance boost feature for rapid heating, and a control lock to prevent accidental changes to settings.

Replacing a gas stove with an induction stove offers several benefits, including faster cooking, increased energy efficiency, better temperature control, and improved safety. When shopping for an induction stove, consider the size, power, number of burners, features, and price to choose a model that will suit your cooking needs and budget. With the right induction stove, you can enjoy faster, more efficient, and safer cooking in your home.

From the NYT: How Dangerous Is Your Gas Stove?