Induction Cooktop?

[Kai]

Anyone here use an induction cooktop?

Like it?

Don't like it?


If I have an induction cooktop, will I have to replace all of my All Clad Copper Core pots and pans?

 

[tiecollector]

I hear they suck and are the most expensive. Just use gas.

 

[GQgeek]

gas is the only worthwhile option.

 

[Luc-Emmanuel]

I love induction. Smooth, precise and clean. And yes, copper bottom can't be used on induction.

!luc

 

[VKK3450]

I prefer gas.

But I hear that you will like induction. Please buy and send your All-Clad copper to me.

K

 

[J Quest]

I've used both. Here are the trade-offs:


Pros:

Induction is just as responsive as gas

Nuff said

Faster and more precise than gas

You have a broad range of very precise settings. You can boil large pots of water much faster, and go much lower to find temperatures that keep chocolate at its melting point, or keep milk hot without simmering. This is amazing if you're OCD and very scientific in your cooking approach. Less so if you're a free spirit who likes to surprise himself every time.

Generates less than half the heat

Nice benefit if you're cooking in the summer months, or entertaining in your kitchen while cooking.

Exponentially easier to clean up

Simple as wiping off a counter-top (just be careful not to scratch the glass)


Cons:

Your pots will generate a slight hum or buzz

Not loud, but not soothing like the gentle whoosh of gas

You need multilayer pots and pans

If you're not using All-Clad or Multiclad, you're probably going to have to trade your current set in. You can only use pots that magnets can stick to. So no copper or aluminum pans.

Not good for cooking with a wok

Induction only heats the part of the pot that's touching the stove, so not for you if cooking with a wok is an important part of your repertoire

Won't impress your materialistic peers like a Viking range will

If you're looking for a status symbol to grace your kitchen, gas is the way to go


I went with induction because precision, less kitchen heat, and easy cleanup were way more appealing to me. Plus I have plenty of other things in my house that people can ooh and ahh at.