INDUCTION COOKING

Electric induction technology offers an energy-efficient, safe, and clean cooking option. Induction cooktops use electricity, do not have any open flames or emissions, and heat up faster than gas or traditional electric burners.  

Induction cooktops:

• Heat up and cool down quickly, and perform better than gas cooking.

• Are safe to use and avoid fire risks.

• Significantly reduce indoor air pollution compared to gas cooking.

• Are easy to clean.

Portable induction cooktop lending program

Are you considering switching to an induction cooktop, or just curious how it works?  Borrow a portable induction countertop burner and/or a portable induction wok for free from the City of Lafayette!

• Register online to borrow the City of Lafayette’s portable induction counter top burner here and/or for a portable induction wok here.  Registration is free of charge and open to all Lafayette residents 18 years of age or older. 

• The Agreement, Release and Waiver form must be completed and signed by the pick-up date

• Once a portable induction cooktop becomes available, you will be contacted by City of Lafayette staff to coordinate a pick-up time at the Lafayette Community Center. Please be prepared to bring a current government-issued form of identification (e.g. driver’s license) to verify age and residence prior to checking out the equipment.

• Take the cooktop kit home and try it out for up to two weeks!  The portable induction burner kit comes with a single burner cooktop (Duxtop 1800 Watts 9600LS/9610LS), an induction-ready pan (Tramontina tri-ply clad 8-inch frying pan, 18/10 stainless steel), a magnet, and educational materials.  The cooktop can be plugged directly into a standard electric outlet. The induction wok cooktop kit comes with a NuWave Mosaic Induction wok cooktop base, induction-ready wok and glass tempered lid (Custom 5-quart 14-inch carbon steel wok), stainless steel wok stand, stainless steel deep frying rack, a magnet, and educational materials.  The cooktop can be plugged directly into a standard electric outlet.

• Return the portable cooktop equipment to the Lafayette Community Center on-time, clean, and in good condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do induction cooktops work?

Induction cooktops are electric ranges that use magnetism to generate heat. Magnetic coils below the cooktop’s ceramic glass surface create a magnetic field that sends pulses to the cookware and directly heats it. Any surface of magnetic cookware that is in contact with the induction cooktop surface will heat up.  The induction wok base is curved inwards purposely so that the majority of the wok surface gets hot, including the sides.  The heating stops as soon as the cookware is removed from the cooktop. The induction process has the highest efficiency rate (80-90%), compared with traditional gas burners (30-40% efficient) and electric resistance elements (70-80% efficient).

Due to the nature of induction technology creating an electromagnetic field (EMF), people with pacemakers or similar implants may want to consult their doctor before using an induction cooktop.  EMF exposure is greatly reduced if you stand 5-10 cm away from the burner.

What are the benefits of induction cooking?

Reduce emissions:  Since induction cooktops use electricity and not gas, they do not directly emit any greenhouse gas emissions or other pollutants. In Lafayette, where our electricity is 98%+ greenhouse gas free due to Marin Clean Energy (MCE), switching to electric appliances helps reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and associated emissions.

Speed & Control:  Induction uses energy more effectively than gas burners or electric elements, so induction cooktops are faster at heating and more consistent in reaching and holding your desired temperatures.

Safety:  Without an open flame or red-hot coil, induction surfaces stay relatively cool while cooking, decreasing the risk of fires or burns.

Kitchen Comfort:  On an induction cooktop, only the pot or pan is heated so no excess heat is spilled into the kitchen space.  As a result, less ventilation is required to keep your kitchen cool and comfortable.

Easy to Clean:  Induction cooktops use smooth, heat-resistant glass-ceramic tops that require little maintenance and clean up. Most spills will not burn onto these surfaces, so a simple wipe down with a damp cloth is usually all that’s necessary. Important:  When cleaning your loaner induction cooktop, do not use caustic or abrasive chemicals or scrub pads. Also, make sure the bottom of your pan is dry when cooking on the induction cooktop.

What cookware can be used with induction?

Pots and pans composed of magnetic material are compatible with induction. Stainless steel (with magnetized bottom), cast-iron, enameled porcelain cast iron, and carbon steel cookware will work on these cooktops. Glass, ceramic, aluminum, copper (without a magnetized base), and non-magnetic stainless steel will not work with induction. The best way to tell if a pan is induction-ready is with a magnet, which we have provided for you in this kit.  If the magnet sticks to the bottom of your pan, then the pan should work on an induction cooktop.  

How much do induction cooktops cost?

Anyone can get started cooking with induction by plugging in a portable induction cooktop as low as $60, and using an induction-compatible pan as inexpensive as $20. As full-size induction cooktops and ranges are growing in popularity, they may be found in most appliance stores, and the cost ranges from $500-$6,000. 

Cleaner and greener cooking

Switching from gas to induction is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while cooking. Gas stoves emit about 350 pounds of carbon every year. In addition to ambient heat, they also release potent pollutants into your home, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, benzene, and formaldehyde which cause poor indoor air quality and can lead to health issues without proper ventilation. Induction stoves use Lafayette’s carbon-free electricity from Marin Clean Energy (MCE), which means no emissions in your home or into the atmosphere!  

The Inflation Reduction Act will be coming out with rebates and discounts for home electrification projects (such as induction cooktops and electric panel upgrades). One great website to check for Inflation Reduction Act rebate updates is at RewiringAmerica.org. The Switch Is On Incentive Finder tool is an additional resource that can help you discover more rebates and incentives.

Other Resources

Induction cooking factsheet

Induction cooking demonstration

General information about home electrification

Join the City of Lafayette in the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge and find more ways to reduce your carbon footprint.

For questions about the program or induction cooking, email recreation@lovelafayette.org.