Upgrade your business to induction cooking

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Upgrading to induction cooking can offer many benefits for restaurants and cafes, offering several advantages over traditional gas or electric cooktops.

Benefits of upgrading to induction

  • Efficiency and speed. Induction cooktops heat up faster and provide precise temperature control, which can significantly reduce cooking times and improve kitchen efficiency.
  • Energy savings. Induction cooking is more energy-efficient, with about 85-90% of the energy used directly heating the food, compared to 40-50% for gas and standard electric. This can lead to substantial savings on energy bills.
  • Safety. Induction cooktops remain cool to the touch, reducing the risk of burns and kitchen fires. They can also have automatic shut-off features and pan-sensing technology.
  • Improved air quality. There are real health benefits from removing gas from your kitchen, with improved air quality and less heat.
  • Ease of cleaning. The smooth, flat surface and lower heat spill of induction cooktops makes them easy to clean, saving time and labour.

Potential concerns upgrading to induction

Initial cost

The upfront cost of induction cooktops and compatible cookware can be higher than traditional options. However, the long-term savings on energy and maintenance can offset this initial investment.

Electrical upgrades

Restaurants may need to upgrade their electrical systems to support the high power requirements of commercial induction units.

Changes of cookware

Most steel and iron cookware will work with induction, but glass, aluminium and copper cookware are not suitable. You can test your existing cookware with a magnet – if the magnet sticks, it should work on an induction cooktop.

Learning curve

Staff may need training to adapt to the new cooking technology, which can initially slow down kitchen operations.

Overall, while the transition to induction cooking involves some initial costs and adjustments, the long-term benefits in efficiency, safety, and sustainability make it a worthwhile investment.

Resources

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