Why don't chefs use induction cooktops?

Author: Bernardo Stamm  |  Last update: Friday, March 28, 2025

Part of what keeps chefs from embracing induction cooking is tradition, maybe even the fear of hanging their reputations on equipment that's unfamiliar to them. Galarza is convinced chefs have outdated ideas about induction ranges and stovetops. Take, for example, the fear of shattering the glass surface.

Do professional chefs use an induction cooktop?

An increasing number of states and cities are banning gas stoves and other gas appliances in new buildings because of safety and carbon emissions concerns, and induction burners are becoming the stovetop alternative of choice for professionals and home chefs alike.

What is the downside of an induction cooktop?

While induction's speed is an advantage, it requires a rhythm and pace of cooking that differs from gas or electric, and may take time to adjust to. A home cook may initially be confused by the appliance's disappearing touchscreens—or the fact that when pans are removed from the cooktop, it turns off.

Why don't chefs like induction?

The main reason most commercial Kitchens don't use induction is that the tops are glass. We shattered ours at home and had to replace- $650-ouch. I have seen several Commercial kitchens use the single burners and they look way more durable.

What is negative about induction cooker?

While induction cooking has many advantages, it is essential to consider the disadvantages of induction stoves as well. These include the need for induction-compatible cookware and a higher upfront cost compared to traditional cooktops. Additionally, induction cooktops heat up pans quickly which can cause severe burns.

Why I Cook With Induction

What cannot be cooked on induction?

There are many types of cookware that cannot be used on the Induction cooking surface. Aluminum or aluminum clad, copper or copper clad, aluminum foil, glass/ceramic and some stainless steel products (because these will not attract and hold a magnet) cannot be used.

What is the negative of induction?

Labor induction raises the risk that the uterine muscles won't contract the way they should after giving birth. This condition, called uterine atony, can lead to serious bleeding after a baby is born.

Why is induction not popular in America?

Americans tend to be hesitant to adopt new cooking tech.

Or so a representative from LG told us. Induction is different enough to feel unfamiliar, and it makes some potential owners hesitant to switch. The LG rep compared it to the situation with convection ovens, which help cook food faster and more evenly.

What is the life expectancy of an induction cooktop?

These zones are controlled via knobs, a touchscreen, or a combination of the two. Unlike electric and gas stoves, the lifespan of induction ranges is measured in work hours, not years. On average, consumer-grade induction ranges are meant to last for 10,000 hours—which typically equates to a decade or more.

Do top chefs prefer gas or induction?

Chefs love induction cooking because of the extremely fast heating and precise heat control provided through a high-performance glass-ceramic surface. Also, induction technology warms the pan and not the surface or surrounding area, so very little heat escapes into the room.

What is the common problem in an induction stove?

Common Issues

Another frequent problem is when the induction stovetop isn't heating correctly. This often happens with incompatible cookware, like aluminium pots or non-magnetic pans, which fail to create the magnetic field needed for direct heat. Error codes can also confuse users of induction cookers.

Can you shake a pan on an induction cooktop?

Induction, Williams told me, does not allow for “the same style of cooking; those pan flipping-shaking techniques you use on gas could crack your top.” Without an open flame, you can't char peppers or tortillas the way that some chefs, and even home cooks, do using a gas burner.

Can I use cast iron on induction?

Since induction burners rely on a magnetic field to generate heat, they'll only work with cookware that's made of ferrous metals (that is, metals that contain iron). Cast iron and most stainless steel pans work well on induction, but copper or aluminum won't, unless it's been specially built to work with induction.

Is it better to cook on gas or induction?

A gas stove is more prone to leaks, which may trigger fire and breathing issues. Additionally, you cannot use the stove until the leak gets fixed, which means no home-cooked food, exposing you to the dangers that come with outside food. In contrast, an induction cooktop does not produce fire and never gets heated.

Who makes the best induction cooktop?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: GE Profile PHP9036 36-Inch 5-Burner Smart Induction Cooktop at Amazon $1,769. ...
  • Best Splurge: Miele KM 7740 FR 36-Inch Smart Induction Cooktop at Mieleusa.com. ...
  • Best Portable: Duxtop 9600LS Portable Induction Cooktop at Amazon $133. ...
  • Best Portable Splurge: Breville Induction Cooktop at Amazon $1,500.

Should I buy induction or electric?

Because the heating process for induction is both faster and more precise, you end up saving on your energy bill. It won't be a major difference, but given that an induction cooktop is about 5 to 10 percent more efficient than an electric smoothtop, it's still a better choice for the planet.

What are the disadvantages of an induction cooktop?

Induction Cooktops and Ranges: The Cons
  • Induction cooking feels very different from cooking with gas. ...
  • It can get expensive when you convert from gas to electric. ...
  • You need the right cookware. ...
  • It might emit a sound. ...
  • You may need an analog thermometer.

Can you put a paper towel under the pan on an induction cooktop?

Paper Towel - MYTH - You can NOT cook using paper, baking paper, paper towels or tea towels underneath your pans - just don't do this EVER! No matter what any sales person says or does (even if they are a chef). This is just a zero-common-sense-fire-hazard! And at my next point, you'll see why you don't need to bother…

What is the alternative to induction cooktops?

Electric stoves are a popular choice with various styles, designs and sizes to choose from, including smoothtop and coil electric cooktops. Low price. Priced lower than induction stoves, electric cooktops are a budget-friendly option for people looking to replace or install a new stovetop.

Why should you refuse induction?

Elective induction increases the risk of giving birth to a baby that is near-term (born between 35 and 37 weeks, even when it seems the baby should be 38–40 or even 42 weeks by dates).

Can I use Le Creuset on induction?

Is my Le Creuset cast iron compatible with induction hobs? Yes, all our cookware (except our stoneware range which should not be used on the hob top) is suitable for use on an induction hob. Just remember to keep to a low to medium heat, for durability and delicious results!

Why is induction problematic?

The problem(s) of induction, in their most general setting, reflect our difficulty in providing the required justifications. Philosophical folklore has it that David Hume identified a severe problem with induction, namely, that its justification is either circular or question-begging. As C. D.

Why is induction not recommended?

Induced labor results in more postpartum hemorrhage than spontaneous labor, which increases the risk for blood transfusion, hysterectomy, placenta implantation abnormalities in future pregnancies, a longer hospital stay, and more hospital readmissions.

Can you use stainless steel on induction?

You can use stainless steel cookware on your electric stovetop. Induction stoves require magnetic materials like stainless steel, while electric stoves can either heat through coils or a smooth-top surface. Stainless steel's compatibility with induction, electric and gas stoves make it a versatile option.

Are induction cooktops worth the extra money?

Induction appliances are up to three times more efficient than gas stoves, and up to 10% more efficient than conventional smooth top electric ranges. This improved efficiency performance can result in lower energy costs as well as lower rates of air pollution associated with energy generation.

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