As Induction cooking is an easy and fast way to prepare food, it has gained popularity worldwide but still many people wonder: Is Induction cooking safe? Till now, there are very few case studies on the effects of induction cooking on humans. However, the comprehensive understanding we have about EMF (electro magnetic field), radiation, electricity and the power levels that are generated in an average home—i.e all the elements that are involved in induction cooking–we can conclusively say that induction cooking is safe for all human with normal health conditions.

Then why is there a fuss and confusion about induction cooking related health issues?

To understand and make an informed decision, it is first important to understand, how Induction Cooking Works:

When electricity passes through the Induction burners an electromagnetic field is created. So when induction-ready cookware is placed on it, the cookware becomes an extension of that electromagnetic field. Since the cookware pan itself becomes magnetized, a small amount of current (also called electromagnetic radiation, or EMF, or simply radiation) passes from the cookware into the human body when the pan is touched. This is what makes people wary of induction technology.

It appears scary if you don’t understand what actually is the radiation and it’s possible effects (if at all) oh human body. So read carefully.

There is two types of radiations. One is called “ELF” (Extremely Low Frequency) radiation, such as that from power lines, and the second type is microwave “RF” (Radio Frequency) – the radiation of the type an induction unit can produce.

There has been much fuss about ELF, especially from power lines, because its radiation covers a lot of physical ground; but microwave RF fades out in very short distances.

The RF field from an induction fades out to almost nothing at a distance of about one foot i.e 30 centimeters. So you’re not even going to get any radiation from an induction cooking unless you spend an extremely long time well within one foot of a running induction unit.

Please note that we here at inductioncooked.com are not physicians or in any way medically trained, our extensive study and review of the scientific literature available on the internet on this topic leads us to believe that there is virtually no reason for any concern about induction cooking radiation, at least for general public with normal health conditions.

We came to this conclusion on several readings, one of them is a report – Opinion on Possible effects of Electromagnetic Fields (EMF), Radio Frequency Fields (RF) and Microwave Radiation on human health by European Commission Directorate-General of Health and Consumer Protection’s Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and the Environment. Their conclusions on microwave radiation begin on Page 6 of the above pdf you can download.

Is Induction Cooking Safe With a Pacemaker?

There are certain medical conditions for which the person concerned may potentially be at greater risk from radiation effects than the general population. One such condition is those with implanted cardiac devices like pacemakers or defibrillators. From the publication “Electromagnetic Interference of Implantable Unipolar Cardiac Pacemakers by an Induction Oven” it can be concluded that for someone with an implanted pacemaker the safe distance from an induction unit is 50 cm or more.

Is Induction Cooking Safe During Pregnancy?

According to the study and technical evaluation of available data, other than people with implanted electronic medical devices, the low-frequency electromagnetic radiation from induction cooking units does not have a detrimental effect on anyone including a pregnant woman.

Still for those would-be mothers who are too precautious, ensure that you are at least a foot (or 30 cm) away from an active induction unit, which practically nullifies any RF radiation effect on human(if any).

Is Induction Cooking Safe For Children

While there is no evidence or study about the effect of induction cooking on children specifically, it is best to follow the general guideline. Ensure that your child stays at least 30 cm or one foot away from your active induction unit.

 

The consumption of electricity by an induction cooktop will depend on the watts specified on the device. For example, if the label on the device mentions 2000 watts or 2 kW and if you are using it for 1 hour then it will use 2 units of electricity.

However, the label indicates the maximum consumption power of the device. To get a precise measurement of actual electricity consumed you can use a KillAwatt device like this and it will tell you exactly how much total electricity is consumed for any electrical device including your induction cooktop.

kilowatt Electricity Usage Monitor

Is Induction Cooking Cheaper Than gas?

Induction stovetop is significantly more energy-efficient than gas. Any food being cooked with induction will receive 90% of the heat generated (and hence will cook faster) as opposed to only 40-55% for gas. Induction cooking is more energy efficient because it uses the magnetic property of cookware to directly heat it only and nothing else, unlike a gas cooktop.

When considering the cost, induction appliances tend to be more expensive upfront because you will need to shell out new pots and pans for induction, as only induction-ready cookware can be used for induction cooking.

One easy way of identifying whether your cookware is induction ready is to place a piece of the magnet at the bottom of the cookware. If the magnet sticks you can use the cookware for induction.

Related post: Is Induction Cooking Safe (During Pregnancy, For children, with Pacemakers)

How Many Watts Does An Induction Stove Use?

The watts vary depending on the manufacturer. There are inexpensive induction cooktops that come with a wide Watt range starting from a 200-watt to 1,800 watts like this one here.

Stovetops with 7-inch burners generally span from 1,200 to 1,800 watts, while 9-inch ones generally start from 2,200 watts and can rise to 3,300 watts.

Induction stovetops with 11-inch burners, in general, come with a capacity of up to 3,700 watts at their highest settings.

What is the Difference Between 1200 watt and 1800 watt Induction?

Watt specified on the label indicates the power of the device. So 1800 watt induction will convert more consumed electricity into heat than 1200 watts. As the higher watt device will heat up more quickly it will take lesser time to cook but the 1800 watt device will consume more electricity than the 1200 watt induction.

Which is Better Induction or Electric Cooktop?

The induction cooktop is better than the electric cooktop in terms of safety, energy efficiency, and cleaning.
Safety: From a safety point of view induction cooktop is safer than an electric cooktop, When you turn on an electric burner the whole cooktop gets heated up. With induction cooktops, only the cookware you are heating will get heated up and not the cooktop surface.

Energy Efficiency: Induction cooktop is more energy efficient because It will directly heat the cookware only instead of the entire cooktop thus saving the amount you pay in your electricity bill. One liter of water will boil much faster on induction than either gas or electric cooktop thus saving energy as well. Unlike electric, the heat you get with induction is almost instant.

After cooking cleaning: Since induction cooktops don’t heat anything else except the cookware, if you happen to have an overflow, food cannot become baked on the induction cooktop, unlike the electric cooktop. You can simply wipe your induction cooktop with a damp cloth or the same spray you use everywhere else in your kitchen.

Related post: Illustrated: How to Grill Chicken On Induction Cooker ( Yes! Without Grill Or Oven)

Got a new induction cooktop and want to know how to clean it safely? Let’s accept the fact that induction cooktops can be a tad more pricey than regular gas-based stoves. However, these cooktops don’t just promise faster and more efficient cooking but also ease in cleaning. But is there a way to ensure that the surface stays squeaky clean without any incidence of scratching?

Proper Cleaning Materials

Induction cooktops are much easier to clean. With tops made of heatproof glass and staying cool to the touch all the time, spillovers tend to be less “clingy” and easier to remove. During cleaning, it is imperative to use the right materials to prevent damaging it. Often, the manual included in the package comes with a list of appropriate cleaners to use such as:

• Soft cloth
• Soft sponge
• Paper towels
• White vinegar
• Glass/ceramic-based cleaners
• Glass/ceramic-based scraper

White vinegar comes in handy when removing hard water spots. For not-so-clingy residue, a soft sponge or a soft cloth can come in handy when soaked with specialized cleaner or even with vinegar. Paper towels can also help remove wet residue. For hardened ones, take this Changhao Glass Scraper that comes in a pack of 3. It comes with a cleaning blade that glides into a glass or ceramic hobs allowing as less impact to the surface as possible. When used, do remember not to use excessive pressure in removing residue. The blade also comes with a cover and a lock to keep it safe in place.

Related post: How Much Electricity Does Induction Cooking Use?

Changhao Glass Scraper (Pack of 3)

As there are appropriate cleaning materials for your induction cooktop, there are also certain items that must be ticked off your list. These items may very well work with a traditional stovetop, but can prove to be ineffective or may even pose danger to the surface of your glass/ceramic induction cooktop. Steer clear of the following during routine clean-up:

• Powdered cleaners
• Knife or any sharp tools
• Flammable chemicals
• Chlorine-based bleach or ammonia
• Abrasive/metal type scouring pads
• Metal or stiff brushes

Routine Induction Cooktop Cleaning

The best way to prevent the accumulation of dirt, residue, and grime on your induction cooktop is to do routine daily cleaning. Simply unplug it with the electrical source and wait for the unit to “cool down” for around 5 minutes. Wet spills can be wiped off with a moistened cloth, soft sponge, or paper towel. When using a specialty cooktop cleaner, make sure to test it out by moistening a soft cloth or paper towel with a small drop. Rub and see for any adverse reaction. As always, remember to wipe it all clean leaving no residue behind. Doing this at least thrice a week can make your cooktop’s life expectancy longer while maintaining its pristine appearance.

Learning how to clean an induction cooktop is no rocket science. Yes, it will take some of your time but, it’s not as tedious as it may seem. To save time cleaning, adequate care can be practiced while cooking. For one, don’t overload your cookware. Even when boiling water, make sure the pot’s content doesn’t flow down to the cooktop. As always, clean and keep dry cookware to be used. You may also wipe the bottom of a pot or pan before placing it.
When all these are done accordingly, you can guarantee a squeak clean induction cooktop all the time without a scratch or any signs of wear and tear.