Cooking uses about 8% of all energy consumed within Bouddi homes and is responsible for the largest share of gas consumed in our area.
Burning gas for cooking increases greenhouse gas emissions, and is a major source of indoor air pollution which impacts on children and adults with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions.
As the cost of gas continues to climb, switching from gas to electric cooking can also save you money, and remove the headache of organising deliveries when you run out.
Switching to an electric induction cooktop has many advantages, especially if you are planning a kitchen upgrade.
If you are renting, why not buy a portable unit?
Electric induction cooktops are more energy efficient than either gas or conventional electric cooktops. Compared to these options, they have other important advantages:
There are two types of induction cooktops:
Installed cooktops may need an additional circuit from your switchboard and therefore need to be installed by a qualified electrician. Ask your local electrician to advise you on whether you require any electrical work.
Portable cooktops sit on a benchtop and can plugged into a powerpoint. These do not require installation, can be moved from house to house and are a great option for renters. Typically, they cost less than $100.
For independent reviews of induction cooktops, visit CHOICE
For independent information on the most energy efficient major kitchen appliances and whitegoods, see the Energy Rating website.
Here are a few of the many simple ways to save energy and keep your bills down:
See also Easy ways to cut emissions
Induction cooktops work with cookware which have a ferrous base. This includes cast iron, steel, some enamelled steel, and most (but not all) stainless steel cookware. Glass, aluminium and copper generally do not work, unless fused with an iron core.
One of the benefits of induction, is the cooktop surface only heats when a pan is present so after you’ve finished cooking and removed the pots and pans, no heat will be generated making it safer than gas or traditional electric cooktops.
For most houses, single phased power is sufficient. But check with an electrician before purchasing an induction cooktop to find out if any electrical upgrades are required.
Renowned chefs like Neil Perry have made the switch to induction because of its precise temperature control. Because induction cooktop directly heat the cooking surface and not the surrounding space (like gas), cooking temperature can be very precisely controlled.
Research1 shows gas cooktops and heaters can be a major source of indoor air pollution that impacts the human body including the lungs. Unlike gas cooktops, induction cooktops don’t release harmful gases such as formaldehyde, acrolein, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO) which impact respiratory health, especially for children and individuals with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions. Australian researchers have estimated that, across the community, 12% of childhood asthma is attributable to the use of gas cooking stoves.
It is best to check with the specific appliance details and a healthcare professional. Induction cooktops generate electromagnetic fields (EMF) which can affect a pacemaker if you get too close. The British Heart Foundation recommends “Keep a distance of at least 60cm (2ft) between the stovetop and your pacemaker. Most people should be able to use an induction cooktop if they follow these precautions.
