Cooperative Living November/December 2023 - 24

ENERGY SENSE
Electric stovetops are a tried-and-true
option for many homes, with 74% of
the energy from an electric range
transferred to the food.
No matter the type of stove, matching
pot and pan sizes to the burner is
important to avoid wasting energy.
Induction stovetops use
electromagnetic energy to heat
the pan, reducing energy waste.
A Consumer Guide to Stovetops
Now youÕre cooking with gas ... or not
by Miranda Boutelle, Contributing Columnist
Q:
A
I'm considering a new stovetop.
Can you explain the different
options available?
ccording to a study completed
by the Electric Power
Research Institute, 74% of
the energy from an electric range is
transferred to food, versus 40% on a
gas range. Induction cooktops are the
most-effi cient option at 90% energy
transferred to food. Regardless of your
stovetop choice, correctly sizing pots
and pans to the burner is important
to avoid wasting energy.
Electric cooktops are a tried-andtrue
option for many homes, and
they are typically the most aff ordable
option. Glass-top models off er a cleaner
look than the traditional coil elements
and are easier to clean, but tend to be a
bit more expensive. Th e most common
complaint about electric cooking is
that the heating controls are not as fast
or precise.
Many home chefs prefer gas
stovetops because you can easily see
the size of the fl ame, a visual clue
that helps you control the cooking
temperature. Temperature adjustments
are also faster and more precise than on
electric stovetops. However, there are
some concerns with safety and indoor
air quality associated with gas stoves
because gas emissions can be harmful
A:
I have found that most people who enjoy cooking have pretty strong
opinions about their preferred fuel choice: gas or electric. Induction is
a newer option for home stovetops, which is growing in popularity.
to your health. To help reduce indoor
air pollution, always use your exhaust
fan when using your gas stovetop.
Ideally, your exhaust fan should be
vented to the exterior of the home.
Access is also a consideration.
Natural gas is typically available in
more populated areas, while rural
customers may need a propane storage
tank installed outside their homes to
use a gas stove.
An induction stovetop can off er
a higher-end cooking experience than
a standard electric stovetop, and some
people prefer it to cooking on gas.
Induction stovetops use
electromagnetic energy to heat the
pan, reducing energy waste. Instead of
heating the stove's surface, they heat
the pans themselves. Because the pans
heat directly, you don't have to wait for
the heat to transfer like you do with
gas and electric stovetops, resulting in
faster cooking times. Th ey also allow
for more precise temperature control,
which can deliver better results.
Cool burners off er additional safety
benefi ts. You don't have the indoor airquality
issues associated with gas, and
they won't ignite items like dishrags
or paper left on the stovetop.
22 * Cooperative Living * November-December 2023
Miranda Boutelle writes on energyeffi
ciency topics for the National Rural
Electric Cooperative Association.
co-opliving.com
Induction cooktops are typically
more expensive than similar gas or
electric models. Th ey also require you
to use specifi c cookware. Stainless
steel and cast-iron cookware are both
compatible with induction cooktops.
If you want to test your pots and pans
to see if they are induction-compatible,
do the magnet test. If a magnet sticks
to the bottom of the pan, it will work
on an induction stove.
Cooking on an induction stovetop
takes a little time to get used to, but
many people have made the switch
and enjoy the experience.
If you are remodeling and have a
gas range, consider running electrical
to support an induction cooktop if you
change your mind in the future. Setting
up the power supply during a remodel
can off er signifi cant savings.
If you are considering making the
switch, be sure to keep an eye on any
incentives for your state or region.
A rebate for replacing your gas stove
with an electric one may be available
under the Infl ation Reduction Act.
*
http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living November/December 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cooperative Living November/December 2023
