We frequently come across a condominium that doesn’t have gas for each unit, or at least none was installed to be accessible for cooking appliances. This is worrisome for some buyers, but they may see the benefits of using an induction-style electric cooktop over the more common gas with the right education.
As an ex-chef, the thought of ditching my gas stove and going back to electric caused me to be highly skeptical. That is, until I bought one to use on our RV.
One of the first things I noticed was that the cooking is very precise. For example, if I want to cook scrambled eggs, instead of guessing the temperature needed to cause an egg to solidify, on our induction cooktop, we can just set the temperature, in this case, to 150℉ degrees, and know that it will never get any hotter—no more scorched eggs. In this way, it offers benefits similar to sous vide cooking, wherein one can exactly control the temperature of the cooking process.
Adjusting the temperature can be based on the desired heat instead of guessing how much flame one needs.
One downside we can see is in cooking in a Wok, where one needs extremely high heat and heat that transfers to the side of the cooking vessel. Another issue is sauteing foods. The term sauté literally translates into “jump up”, as you lift the pan off of the heat to toss it around. With an induction stove that requires the pan to be in direct contact with the cooking surface or it will temporarily shut off, sauteing won’t be as practicable as with a gas stove top.
Several cities in California have taken steps to restrict or phase out the use of natural gas in new buildings. For example, Berkeley, San Jose, and San Francisco have been trying to implement regulations requiring new buildings to be all-electric, meaning they cannot use natural gas for appliances like stoves, water heaters, and furnaces (Note: in April of 2023 the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found the ban in Berkeley to be in direct violation of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975).
It’s important to note that local regulations and policies can change over time, and it’s always advisable to check with the relevant authorities or consult the most up-to-date information to determine the specific regulations in effect.
These measures attempt to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Natural gas is a fossil fuel that contributes to carbon dioxide emissions and is a significant contributor to global warming.
Gas stoves can contribute to indoor air pollution and pose certain health risks. Here are some reasons why gas stoves can be considered unhealthy:
- Indoor air quality: Gas stoves emit pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde, and particulate matter into the air when they burn natural gas or propane. These pollutants can accumulate indoors and lead to respiratory problems, especially in poorly ventilated areas.
- Respiratory issues: Prolonged exposure to the pollutants emitted by gas stoves can irritate the respiratory system and worsen existing respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies. NO2, in particular, can cause inflammation of the airways and decrease lung function.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning: Inadequate ventilation or malfunctioning gas stoves can lead to the release of carbon monoxide gas, which is colorless and odorless. Inhalation of carbon monoxide can be fatal, causing symptoms like headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and even death in severe cases.
- Fine particulate matter: Gas stoves generate fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which consists of tiny airborne particles. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and potentially cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
- Increased risk for children: Children, particularly infants, are more vulnerable to the health effects of indoor air pollution. Exposure to pollutants from gas stoves can impact lung development and increase the risk of respiratory illnesses.
To mitigate these risks, it is important to ensure proper ventilation when using gas stoves, such as using exhaust fans or opening windows. Regular maintenance of gas stoves, including cleaning burners and checking for gas leaks, is also crucial. Additionally, using alternative cooking methods, such as electric stoves or induction cooktops, can help reduce indoor air pollution associated with gas stoves.
Induction stoves offer several benefits over gas stoves. Here are some of the advantages of using an induction stove:
- Energy Efficiency: Induction stoves are highly energy efficient. They directly heat the cookware using electromagnetic fields, which means almost no heat is wasted. In contrast, gas stoves lose significant heat to the surrounding environment, resulting in energy wastage.
- Faster Cooking: Induction stoves heat up significantly faster than gas stoves. The electromagnetic fields directly transfer heat to the cookware, allowing for rapid heating. This speed can save you valuable time in the kitchen.
- Precise Temperature Control: Induction stoves provide precise temperature control. You can adjust the heat levels instantly and accurately. This precise control allows for more delicate cooking tasks, such as simmering or melting chocolate, where precise temperature management is crucial.
- Safety: Induction stoves are generally safer to use compared to gas stoves. The stovetop surface remains relatively cool since the heat is generated in the cookware itself. This feature reduces the risk of burns and accidental fires. Additionally, induction stoves often have built-in safety features like automatic shut-off, pan detection, and child-lock functions.
- Easy to Clean: The smooth and flat surface of induction stoves makes them easy to clean. Since the stovetop doesn’t get as hot as gas stoves, spills, and food residues are less likely to get burnt onto the surface. This feature simplifies the cleaning process and reduces the time and effort required for maintenance.
- Aesthetics and Design: Induction stoves are often sleek and modern, adding an aesthetic appeal to your kitchen. They come in various sizes and styles to suit different kitchen layouts and personal preferences.
It’s worth noting that while induction stoves offer many advantages, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Induction stoves require cookware with magnetic properties (ferrous metal) to work effectively, so you may need to replace some of your existing cookware. Additionally, the upfront cost of induction stoves is typically higher than gas stoves, although they can help save on energy costs in the long run.
According to the New York Times, if you are interested in transitioning to induction cooking, these are the top-rated induction cooktops.
Drew & Christine Morgan are REALTORS/NOTARY PUBLIC in Belmont, CA. with more than 30 years of experience in helping sellers and buyers in their community. As Diamond recipients, Drew and Christine ranked in the top 50 RE/MAX agents nationwide and the top 3 in Northern California. They may be reached at (650) 508.1441 or emailed at info@morganhomes.com.
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The information contained in this article is educational and intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute real estate, tax, insurance or legal advice, nor does it substitute for advice specific to your situation. Always consult an appropriate professional familiar with your scenario.
