Induction cooktops don’t any introduction – as it is quite popular in today’s modern kitchen. Some people have started replacing their gas or electric stoves with this cooktop.
If you have purchased an induction stove and wondering how to use it properly and safely, then this article is for you.
Here, we have provided a detail description of how to use an induction cooktop with clear instructions and other tips as well. Make sure to read them thoroughly before starting use this cooking appliance.
But first let me provide overview of steps involved in using an induction cooktop.
- Switch on the induction hob.
- Place the appropriate cookware or cooking utensil on the cooktop ring.
- Click the power switch to turn on the appliance.
- Now, you have to select the sensor for the ring on which you have to cook (in case of multiple burner cooktop, or else not necessary).
- Adjust the heat using the buttons + and – as necessary for cooking the dish.
- Once the cooking is done, click the power button to turn off the induction cooktop.
How to Use an Induction Cooktop? – Detail Method
Operating an induction cooktop is not as complicated as the appliance looks. With some knowledge you can use the appliance to its maximum efficiency in day-to-day cooking.
In this section, we will cover all the steps in detail to use the cooktop properly and moreover safely.
1. Installation of the Induction Cooktop
These cooktops come either portable or fixed option. In case of fixed, you have to get it installed properly by a professional (usually provided by the manufacturer). You can tell them to adjust the height and location of the installation. If you don’t get installation service from the manufacturer, you can get it done by a certified professional.
Once the installation is complete, the appliance is ready for regular cooking.
Before starting anything, we recommend to read the manual provided by the manufacturer. It is usually provided in the package along with the appliance.
It helps to find out the necessary voltage, current and other specifications and you have to follow them.
After the placement, you have to check the ceramic glass surface. Make sure it doesn’t have any cracks or defects. If you see any, we recommend avoid using it and contact the customer service or any professional to get a replacement.
Most of the induction cooktops comes with 1-year warranty which covers the defects in workmanship and making. Also check if the buttons are working properly.
2. Cookware for Induction Cooktop
Before starting to cook on this appliance, you will need get cookware that is induction-compatible.
While purchasing cookware, you have to check whether it has induction-compatible mark. Mostly, these appliances are magnetic, flat and smooth.
Induction-friendly represents that it has ferromagnetic material at the bottom of the cooking utensil. And the rest of the body is usually made up of stainless-steel, cast iron, iron, and enamelled cast iron or steel.
Materials that don’t work with induction cooktops are copper, aluminium, and glass unless they magnetic properties.
To check whether the induction cooktop is compatible or not, you can check it using a magnetic. Place it at the base of cooking vessel. If it sticks, then it is compatible and if it doesn’t, then it is not.
When it comes to quality of the cookware, we recommend to choose a utensil with smooth base so that it can have maximum contact with the surface of the cooktop. Avoid purchasing cookware that have big dings or dents. A flat base is important for even cooking area.
Never use cooking utensils that have low or thin-quality as they will generate a lot of noise. Some models may not detect this cookware altogether.
Usually, the cookware needs to be at least 4 to 5 inches thick at the base. And the maximum is around 12 to 14 inches.
And lastly, it is better to avoid using stainless steel, iron or any other metal spoon. It is recommended to use only wooden spoons while working with induction cooktops.
3. Using the Induction Cooktop
Once you have installed the cooktop and purchased the induction-compatible cookware, you are ready to begin the cooking process.
Now you have to place the cookware on the cooktop
- Make sure the cooktop is placed on a stable, non-metallic and flat surface. And also leave at least 3 to 5 inches gap around the cooktop to avoid blockage in air vents.
- Wipe the cookware bottom so that there isn’t any moisture or dust. Add the food ingredients to be cooked in the cookware and place it on the heating zone of the cooktop (based on its size if there are more than one cooking zones). In order to prevent any spillage, you have to close it with a lid.
- While placing the cooktop, make sure to align with the centre of the heating zone using the help of ring drawing on the surface top. To avoid any thumps, damage or scratches to the glass surface of induction cooktop, we recommend lifting and placing/removing the cookware instead of dragging.
- Plug the power cord into an electrical socket. Before turning on the power, make sure keep away any objects that can be affected by a magnetic field like TV, digital meat, credit card. Patients having pacemaker or any other devices with magnetic field must consult a physician before using the induction cooktop.
- Once you turn on the induction cooktop, you will have only 20 to 30 seconds to place the cookware or else it will turn off in order to conserve the energy.
4. Using the Controls
The next step is to start cooking by working with the control panel. Every induction cooktop comes with its own set of functions. There are three main types of switch controls that include a rotating knob, a touch control and a press button control.
Turn on the induction cooktop and press the power on/off button as per the instructions provided in the instruction manual.
Mostly, the control panel comes with the following buttons that start or help the cooking process.
- Power on/off
- Temperature increase/decrease
- Timer
In addition to the button, an LED display is provided which provides insights on the cooking temperatures and powers, timings and others. Some of the latest models also provide LED flames to provide insights.
Induction cooktops comes with different power, temperature and timer settings. The maximum time for the induction to work is 2 to 3 hours. After that, they will shut down to deal with any overheat.
In some cooktops, power is managed between the cooking burners in a pair which means the maximum amount of power can be set only for one burner in a cooking zone. While one burner is working, the other one will display low power indicator. If you have to cook two dishes at time with maximum power setting, then you have to use opposite zones. And then you set the temperature as per the requirements. Make sure to check the manual before doing so.
Most of the induction cooktops come with an in-built timer that ranges from 1 to 170 minutes.
As the induction stove heats up pretty quickly, it will take some practice and time to become an expert at it.
Sometimes, you may see error codes on the display that can disrupt or stop the cooking process. In such cases, you can fix these errors by checking out the solutions provided in the instruction manual. Or you can contact brand’s customer service or any related professional.
How to Operate Functionalities of Induction Cooktop
As you have learned working with induction cooktop, now let’s use some of the latest functionalities present with the induction cooktop.
1. Preset Menu
Most of the latest induction cooktops come with preset menu options which have a predefined time and temperature for certain recipe. And other options include fry, hotpot, boil, warm, steam, and stir. You have to press the menu button as per the requirement and let the cooktop take care of timing and heating.
2. WiFi or Smart Controls
This feature is mostly present in expensive induction cooktop range. This helps the user to manage or operate the cooktop settings with the help of a remote or even mobile application.
3. Child-Lock
This safety feature is very important if you have children at home. Using this feature, buttons will be locked but the program will continue to run.
It avoids kids to operate the cooktop or even if they accidently press buttons, it will not change the program.
In order to activate this feature, you have to press the child lock button for three seconds and for deactivation as well, you have to do the same – press the button for three seconds.
For clear instructions or more information, we recommend checking the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer during the purchase.
4. Pause Button
This is another safety feature which helps in pausing the cooking process for a certain time or until pressed again to resume. This feature is helpful in situation of spills where you can take a quick pause to clean up and resume cooking without any interruptions. And in some situations, like when you have forgot to ass any ingredients or stop the process for a while until you complete your tasks.
5. Delay Button
Using this button, you can delay the start of cooking process to a certain time in the future. It is helpful when you have to organize several things at a time. Once you set the details, it will set the time and temperature and cook the food accordingly and keep it prepared.
6. Wok Cooking
Some high-end induction systems have depressed area that are specially developed for accompanying wok. You can follow the instruction provided on the manual for cooking process using this. They are suitable for smoking, roasting, pan-frying, stir-frying, and steaming.
7. Residual Heat Light Indicator
Most of the induction cooktops comes with residual heat light indicator. Once the cooking is complete, the cooktop surface still remains hot for some time. In the time duration, you should not touch the surface. To prevent this from happening, a light indicator is provided. You have to wait until the light in stopped to touch the surface for cleaning or storing the cooktop.
Tips to Consider While Using an Induction Cooktop
- Never leave the appliance unattended when it is powered on
- It is not recommended to use the appliance as work or storage surface.
- Make sure the cookware you are using has a flat surface and doesn’t toggle to prevent tipping over or causing accident.
- Make sure there are no flammable liquids or materials near the appliance.
- When not in use, set the cooking zone temperature to zero.
Why is my Induction Cooktop Turning off?
Sometimes to avoid overheating, burners can shutdown as precaution to avoid further damage. If the cooktop shuts down after heavy or continuous use, then we recommend cooling it down before using it again.
Does an Induction Cooktop Consume More Power?
As per several studies and researches, induction cooktops are more energy efficient than other conventional cooking options. For instance, gas cooktops are 40% efficient, electric (both coil and standard-top) are 74% efficient while the induction cooktops are up to 84% efficient.
Why is my Induction Cooktop not Working?
This can happen due to malfunction in the burner. If the power is reaching the induction cooktop but not working, then there can be damage to coils or cracks in the glass surface. To inspect whether the burner is faulty, you have to remove the glass surface and check it. If you are unaware of the procedure, then we recommend consulting a professional.
How Can I Reset my Induction Cooktop?
Resetting the cooktop is quite easily, all you have to do is go to the power supply circuit breaker, turn it off for 30 seconds and then turn it on back. If you don’t know how to do it, then get help from a professional.
Key Takeaway
With this information, we bid adieu and hopefully believe that it has helped you in using the induction cooktop properly. If you still have any doubts of queries, write to us in the comment section below. We will reply to it at the earliest convenience.
