Home-Tech is your local expert when you want to learn about induction cooking, buy an induction cooktop or replace one. We carry many brands and our appliance experts can give you guidance about the differences between them. In this blog you will learn how to maintain the glass on your induction stove or oven to prevent cooktop repairs.
Table of Contents
Induction Cooktop 101
Let’s first learn about the cooking element itself. Induction oven cooking is quite different from traditional forms of cooking. This method uses electromagnetic energy that turns into the heat source. Instead of heating the area under a pan like a traditional gas or electric burner, induction cooktops heat the pan directly. Oscillating induction coils are set underneath the cooktop. Those coils are connected to an electronic power source that when activated generates a magnetic field. When a pan with a magnetized base is placed on the burner, the oscillating magnetic field causes the electrons in the bottom of the pan to move back and forth rapidly. This movement results in the pan getting hot enough to cook food.
The Key is the Pan
The heat is generated directly in the pan, keeping the induction cooktop surface cooler than a traditional element. Induction cooking does not lose as much heat as traditional forms because all the heat is created in the pan itself. The cooktop heats up or cools down quickly after the controls are set. It also stops heating when the pan is removed without turning off the power.
Benefit #1:
The good news is that food spilled on the cooktop surface will not burn because the glass is not heated. Induction cooking allows for immediate and easy cleaning after use because the heat is created in the pan. A cooktop scraper tool is recommended for stubborn soils.
Benefit #2:
The cooktop surface area stays cool, making it safe for children.
Benefit #3:
There are specialty cookware sets that allow for “stacking.” You can prepare more foods at one time by stacking a small pan on top of a larger one.
Benefit #4:
The Performance boost function allows the temperature to exceed the maximum setting to quickly achieve a rapid boil, allowing for fast heating.
How to Prevent Breaking or Damaging your Cooktop
A broken induction cooktop, either cracked or shattered, cannot be repaired. It must be replaced. As we aim to keep our Home-Tech customers happy, we think you will enjoy some recommendations from our friends at KitchenAid:
- Avoid storing jars or cans above the cooktop. Dropping a heavy or hard object onto the cooktop could crack the glass.
- Do not leave a hot lid on the cooktop. As the cooktop cools, air can become trapped between the lid and the cooktop, and the ceramic glass could break when the lid is removed.
- For foods containing sugar in any form, clean up all spills and soils as soon as possible. Allow the cooktop to cool down slightly. Then, while wearing oven mitts, remove the spills while the surface is still warm. If sugary spills are allowed to cool down, they can adhere to the cooktop and can cause pitting and permanent marks.
- To avoid scratches, do not slide cookware or bakeware across the cooktop.
- Do not allow objects that could melt, such as plastic or aluminum foil, to touch any part of the entire cooktop.
- Do not use the cooktop as a cutting board.
- Use cookware about the same size as the surface cooking area. Cookware should not extend more than ½” (1.3 cm) outside the area.
Home-Tech is Here for You When the Worst Happens
You can always rely on Home-Tech to respond quickly, courteously and professionally. If you are a Home-Tech Service Agreement Member, the cost of the service call would be covered.
If you have any questions or are considering purchasing a new induction cooktop, call one of our appliance specialists. You can also stop in our Member Appliance Center and shop for appliances online.
Home-Tech is here when you need us. (239) 225-2345
Additional Reading About Cooktops:
Oven Glass Cooktop Cleaning Tips
