From gas to induction... a brief explanation.
We frequently receive questions about whether pans can be used on an induction hob after they have been used on a gas stove. In this article, we'll explain what you need to know if you're considering switching from gas to induction.
Why switch from gas to induction?
In the Netherlands, we are steadily moving away from gas. If you buy a new-build house, you no longer even have a choice, as gas is not an option. We believe this is a positive development, as in addition to the sustainable aspect, it is also safer. Below, we've listed the main advantages of switching from gas to induction.
Is cooking on induction safer?
When cooking with gas, there is always a risk of gas leaks and open flames. If you've cooked with gas, you know that a little grease can sometimes splatter out of the pan. That grease can catch fire and set your entire kitchen ablaze. Okay... we might be exaggerating a bit, but there is certainly a fire hazard. The magnet in induction hobs, on the other hand, heats the pans directly, significantly reducing the chance of accidents and fires. Furthermore, induction hobs cool down immediately after the pan is removed, which reduces the risk of burns.
Is cooking on induction cheaper?
The honest truth is that purchasing an induction hob can be quite expensive. You often also need to have a different connection installed in your meter cupboard, and then a cable needs to be laid to your kitchen. In short, switching from gas to induction requires a significant initial investment.
Will you recoup that investment? Yes, with a little patience, you certainly will. In the long run, an induction hob is cheaper to use. Electricity is cheaper than gas, and that difference will only grow in the coming years.
In addition, induction hobs are also extremely efficient because they generate heat directly in the pan. They lose less energy to the surroundings, in contrast to gas stoves where a significant amount of heat is lost in the kitchen. By using energy more efficiently, induction hobs can save you time and money on your energy bill.
Is cooking on induction better for the environment?
If you switch from gas to induction, it's not only good for your wallet, you'll also earn major karma points. The use of induction reduces greenhouse gas emissions because it is more efficient and energy-saving than cooking with gas. Moreover, no combustion gases or smoke are released when cooking with induction, which ensures cleaner indoor air.
You may have heard stories about induction hobs being bad for your immune system due to magnetic fields. Rest assured, these claims have never been substantiated by scientific research. So, an induction hob is not harmful to your health.
An induction hob is easy to keep clean.
In addition to the reasons mentioned above, there are a few other nice advantages when switching from gas to induction. Induction hobs are easy to operate and clean. With touch-sensitive controls and a flat surface without burners or gas grates, cleaning an induction hob is a breeze. There are no burners or gas lines to clean, and any spilled food can be easily wiped away.
What should you pay attention to when switching from gas to induction?
Before purchasing an induction hob, it is advisable to ask an expert if your home is even suitable for induction. A new group needs to be created in your meter cupboard, and a cable will be laid to your kitchen. It is not always possible to lay this cable, so have that assessed first.
Do you need to get used to cooking on induction?
You will undoubtedly need some time to get used to cooking on induction. Your pan heats up much faster than on a gas stove, which can lead to your first few cooking sessions ending in disaster. In addition, an induction hob often has various functions, such as a cleaning function. Therefore, read up on it beforehand. Please note; sometimes there is also a booster function on an induction hob. This sounds nice, but many pans don't like it. So much power can suddenly come from your induction hob that your pan can get too hot too quickly and warp. The 7-ply pans from Demeyere are strong enough for the booster. However, we always advise avoiding the booster function. Better safe than sorry!
Do you need to buy new pans?
When you choose to switch from gas to induction, you usually also choose to buy new pans. This is because pans that have been used on gas are almost always slightly warped by the heat. As a result, the pan cannot make full contact with the flat magnetic surface of the induction hob. If you have Demeyere's 7-ply pans or cast iron pans, there's a chance they might still work well on induction. We say: always test them before buying a new set of pans. You'll quickly notice if the pans still work properly.
If you would like more information about new pans or pan sets, please visit our store or contact us. If you want good help choosing a new kitchen and induction hob, visit our friends at SmartDesign Keukenstudio!
