In our modern world, where everyone can express their opinion and can make themselves heard, is easy to launch false information and to create myths. Although it is important to hear everyone’s opinion, it is also crucial to be able to separate the truth from the superficial rumors.
Induction cooktops are relatively new on the market, which is why there isn’t a lot of accurate information about the way they work, they react to certain behaviors and the way they should be used. However, your investment can be done in a smarter way if you appeal to other people’s opinions.
We believe that all information is valuable. Also, we think that it is essential to learn what the concern that lies behind a myth is, in order to judge a category of products. A decision should be made based on valid information and details that matter, such as the product specifications.
In this article, we will highlight the 10 most popular myths about induction cooktops. There is a lot of false information among them, but also, there is truth in some of the statements that we hear all the time from induction cooktop buyers.
Hopefully, after reading the facts, you will be able to make a decision that isn’t influenced by rumors.
#1st Myth – Induction cooking isn’t safe for you
Proven fact: Studies have shown that induction cooktops are the safest heating sources, comparing to the electric coils that can get very hot in a short period of time and maintain high temperatures for a long time. Also, gas cooktops work with actual flames and involve the use of toxic byproducts that aren’t healthy for you. All induction cooktops come with a variety of safety features that prevent overheating, burning or high-low voltage fluctuations.
2nd Myth – Copper and aluminum aren’t induction compatible materials
Proven fact: The only thing an induction heating element requires in order to work is an induction-compatible surface. Therefore, if the bottom of a pan or pot is made of an induction-compatible material such as cast iron or enameled iron, the rest of the cookware can contain any type of heat resistant material.
3rd Myth – Induction plates can be used with induction cooktops when your cookware isn’t compatible
Proven fact: There is a lot of truth in this statement, but unless you have a lot of incompatible cookware, there is no point in buying such an accessory. However, if you have a favorite pan or pot that you can’t give up, it is worth buying an induction plate.
4th Myth – Only some of the induction cookware brands work with certain induction cooktop models
Proven fact: This is a completely false statement. Some manufacturers recommend using their own cookware, but no one implies the fact that only a particular category of cookware can be used with such a cooktop. Therefore, all cookware that have induction-ready bottoms can be used with any induction cooktop.
5th Myth – The circles on the bottom of the pan must have the same size as the induction coil
Proven fact: False. Induction cooktops react positively to any induction-ready materials. As long as the pan isn’t too small or too large, the cooktop will recognize it.
6th Myth – Thanks to a cooktop’s ability to heat a surface evenly, users don’t have to worry about the quality of the cookware
Proven fact: In general, the material of the pan is responsible for the even heating, not the induction heating element. The higher the quality of the alloy or the cast iron, the higher the chances to obtain an evenly heated surface.
7th Myth – You won’t be able to use the cooktop efficiently unless the cookware contains a lot of magnetic material
Proven fact: This is also false. As long as the pot or pan contains magnetic material, it doesn’t really matter how pure it is. Also, it doesn’t matter if the cookware is made of less magnetic material than the other parts of the alloy.
8th Myth – You should never get close to an induction cooktop if you wear a pacemaker
Proven fact: All physicians recommend using induction cooktops only after consulting an expert regarding this method.
Usually, there is no danger in cooking with an induction cooktop, but it never hurts to ask, just to be sure.
In the best case scenario, if you wear a pacemaker, you would speak with the surgeon or your personal doctor. They will know exactly what you should avoid and what not.
In most cases, it is recommended to keep a device that is able to identify strong electromagnetic fields close. Such an accessory can help you stay away from dangerous situations.
9th Myth – The humming of induction cooktops is always loud and annoying
Proven fact: That isn’t necessarily true. It all depends on the quality of the induction cooktop, on its sturdiness and construction, the surface it is placed on and your sensitivity to sounds.
The induction system that powers the heating element makes a recognizable sound that most people would describe as a hum, a buzz or a whiz. However, these sounds can barely be heard in a regular environment, where you can hear electrical noises all the time.
10th Myth – Only perfectly flat cookware works with induction burners
Proven fact: All induction cooktop manufacturers recommend using cookware with flat bottoms, but it isn’t specified how flat the surface should be. Most certainly, when you will try to cook using a slightly warped pot or pan with a magnetic bottom, the induction cooktop will recognize it normally.
