Solar cookers are definitely the most efficient way to cook our food as they use a renewable energy source that is very environmentally friendly and free. However, this technology is still in its infancy and still has a number of drawbacks and disadvantages that would make it difficult to use for everyday cooking in our modern society.

However, a kitchen technology that is now rapidly gaining popularity may be the next best thing. This is known as the induction cooker. However, is it really more advantageous to make us switch immediately from our traditional stoves and electric grills?

To better answer this question, it is best that we look at the different advantages and disadvantages of using this kitchen.

Advantages

• Safety. The traditional gas stove that we have exposes us to an open flame apart from the gas leak that can occur if the appliance is not used or maintained correctly. As for electric ranges like those with heating coils, we are exposed to coils that burn red when used. These can be safety risks that one can easily eliminate with induction cookers. The induction cooker would only activate when it comes in contact with a material that has enough ferrous content, so even if you put your hand on it while it’s on, you won’t get any response.

• No heat wastage. On gas cooktops, less than half (40% to be exact) of the energy you consume is used for cooking, as opposed to induction cookers which use around 84% of the energy you consume for cooking.

• Precise heating. You can adjust the heating of the induction cooker instantly and it provides a constant and precise amount of heat.

• Esthetic. Unlike gas, it leaves a by-product that can be seen around the stove area, this one doesn’t have one like any other electric stove. However, the nice ceramic surface and the hidden cooking element make your countertop look cleaner than the old traditional kitchens. Plus, it takes up less space, giving you more room to work or more storage space for your kitchen.

Disadvantages

• Required Ferromagnetic Materials. You can only use cookware with ferromagnetic materials. You cannot use regular Pyrex, copper, or aluminum pans. This is due to the fact that the electromagnetic system of the cooking element is activated when it comes into contact with cookware made with a substantial amount of iron. However, you can always buy the induction cooktop to work as an adapter allowing you to use non-ferromagnetic cookware on it.

• It is powered by electricity. Although this is not necessarily a disadvantage, it can become one in the event of rampant power outages in your area.

• No flames. This can be a disadvantage only from the point of view of those who love to cook meals that require charring certain ingredients on open flames.

Induction cooking can have its drawbacks, but generally when it comes to energy efficiency and safety, this is a good cooker. Also, although it is a new technology, it does not cost more than your traditional cooker and can be purchased at a reasonable price.