Upgrade to induction cooking
Enjoy the benefits of healthy, safe cooking by switching to induction.
Induction cooktops are a healthy, safe choice for cooking in your home. They heat up faster than gas stoves, have great temperature range and are easy to clean.
And there are real health benefits from removing gas from your kitchen.
According to the National Asthma Council, scientists have found that around 12% of childhood asthma in Australia can be attributed to the use of gas stoves for cooking. A more recent US study found similar results.
Doctors for the Environment Australia are encouraging people to switch to induction cooktops and to remove gas heating.
Where do I start?
Switching to induction cooktops is relatively straightforward. An article from Choice tells you all you need to know about the benefits of induction cooking, and what to look for. A buyers' guide from Choice goes into the detail of current models.
If you don’t want to replace your whole set up, you can cover your gas burners and install a portable induction cooktop over the top as seen in this article in Renew. Or you can remove your gas burners and install a full induction cooktop over the top.
Posts about induction cooktops in the "My Efficient Electric Home" Facebook group will find many stories and recommendations like this.
You can also buy single or twin plate portable induction cooktops that can be placed on top of a benchtop and plugged into a power point. These can be a good option for renters, smaller households, for additional hotplates, or where you’re considering a move to induction but want to trial the technology first. Portable models are typically priced between $50 and $250.
Try before you buy at Darebin Libraries
If you'd like to try out an induction cooktop, you can now rent a Westinghouse Portable Induction Cooktop from Darebin Libraries for up to two weeks. You can test your cookware and see how fast and efficient this technology is. Available to all Darebin Library members.
What you need to know
Electro-magnetic technology is used in induction cooktops, so they do need cookware with a ferrous base. Most new cookware will work with induction, including stainless steel and cast iron, but glass, aluminium and copper cookware is not suitable. You can test your cookware with a magnet – if it is attracted to the magnet, it will work on an induction cooktop.
Read this article where Australian cook Adam Liaw explains why wok cooking can work well with induction cooktops.
If you’re moving from gas to induction you may need an electrician to put in a dedicated electric circuit, so consider building that into any other electrical upgrades.
Resources
More information
If you have any questions or want to find out more, please contact us.
Climate Emergency and Sustainable Transport
Email: climateemergency@darebin.vic.gov.au