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Induction Cooking Guide

Induction cooking utilizes magnetic fields to heat cookware directly, rather than relying on traditional gas or electric heat. This technology offers several advantages over conventional cooking methods, making it a preferred choice for many chefs and foodservice establishments. However, in order to enjoy the benefits of induction cooking, you need to ensure your commercial kitchen is outfitted with the proper equipment and cookware. Below, we will explore the different types of induction equipment and cookware available as well as the features and benefits they can bring to your kitchen.

What is Induction Cooking?

Induction cooking refers to the generation of heat through the use of magnetism. It is a flameless technology that directly heats cookware, increasing efficiency and decreasing the amount of heat released into the environment. Safer and cooler than other cooking methods, induction cooking is a great option for both back-of-house and front-of-house applications.

How Does Induction Cooking Work?

Induction cooking uses magnetism to create heat. Induction units use a series of electrical components and a large, thin coil of copper wire to create magnetic resistance in induction-ready cookware. This resistance makes heat in the cookware's base, as opposed to the cooker's surface, which then heats the food. When the food is done cooking, simply remove the cookware from the induction range and the source of heat is immediately cut off, and both your cookware and range will begin to cool.

Burner Comparison Chart

Induction Equipment

When it comes to induction cooking, having the right equipment is essential to ensure efficient and reliable performance. Induction equipment consists of a variety of components that work together to create a magnetic field and generate heat. In this section, we will discuss the key elements of induction equipment and provide you with the necessary information to make an informed purchasing decision.

Restaurant Equipment

Induction Ranges

Induction ranges offer a fast, efficient, and precise cooking method that is ideal for commercial kitchens. These ranges utilize electromagnetic energy to directly heat the cookware, rather than heating the surface of the range itself. This results in faster heating times and more accurate temperature control. Induction ranges require the use of induction-ready cookware, which is typically made of ferrous materials such as cast iron or stainless steel. These ranges also require a higher voltage than traditional electric ranges, so it's important to have an adequate power supply in your kitchen.

Advantages:

  • Quicker cook times
  • Precise temperature control
  • Energy efficient
  • Comes in both countertop models and freestanding ranges
Restaurant Equipment

Induction Cookers

Induction cookers are a popular choice for commercial kitchens due to their efficiency, precision, and safety features. These cookers come in a range of power levels and burner configurations, allowing you to tailor your equipment to the volume of cooking you expect to handle. Some models of induction cookers also come with advanced safety features to reduce the risk of burns and accidents. These features include overheating protection and automatic pan detection, which ensures that the cooker only activates when compatible cookware is placed on the surface.

Advantages:

  • User-friendly controls
  • Advanced safety features 
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Comes in both built-in and portable models
Restaurant Equipment

Induction Chafing Dishes

Induction chafing dishes are essential for any catering business or buffet-style event, as they provide a convenient and efficient way to keep food warm. Unlike traditional chafing dishes that rely on an open flame, induction chafing dishes utilize electromagnetic technology to generate heat. This makes them a safer and more energy-efficient option than other types of chafing dishes.

Advantages:

  • Lack of flame reduces burn accidents
  • Minimizes heat loss and reduces energy consumption
  • Accommodates various food types such as soups, sauces, and main dishes
Restaurant Equipment

Induction Warmers

Induction warmers are essential equipment for any commercial kitchen or buffet setup that utilizes induction cooktops. These warmers are designed to keep food warm and at a safe serving temperature for extended periods. Induction technology eliminates the need for traditional heating elements, making induction warmers more energy-efficient and precise in temperature control.

Advantages:

  • Safety features like automatic shut-off detection
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Minimizes heat loss and reduces energy consumption
Restaurant Equipment

Induction Griddles

Induction griddles are versatile cooking equipment that can be used in a variety of commercial kitchen settings. With induction technology, the griddle surface heats up rapidly, allowing you to start cooking almost instantly. This can be particularly beneficial in high-volume kitchens where speed is crucial.

Advantages:

  • Quick heat-up times
  • Precise temperature control
  • Energy efficient

Induction Cookware

When it comes to induction cooking, using the proper induction cookware is essential for optimal results. Items like induction pots and pans rely on magnetic fields to heat the cookware directly, which means that not all types of cookware will work. In this section, we will discuss the different types of induction cookware and the benefits they bring to your kitchen.

Restaurant Equipment

Induction Pans

When it comes to cooking on an induction cooktop, having the right pans is essential. Induction pans are typically made from materials that are magnetic, resulting in fast and even heat distribution. These materials allow the pans to create a strong magnetic field when placed on an induction cooktop, resulting in fast and even heat distribution.

Advantages:

  • Excellent heat retention and even cooking
  • Durable and corrosion-resistant 
  • Easy to clean
Restaurant Equipment

Induction Pots

Investing in high-quality induction pots will enhance your cooking experience and maximize the benefits of induction cooking in your commercial kitchen. Induction pots are versatile and can be used on other heat sources like gas or electric stovetops, making them a valuable investment for any kitchen.

Advantages:

  • Can also be used on other heat sources like gas or electric
  • Heats quickly
  • Precise temperature control
Restaurant Equipment

Induction Skillets

Induction skillets are a valuable investment for any commercial kitchen utilizing induction cooking technology. With their compatibility, durability, and versatility, these skillets ensure efficient and precise cooking results. 

Advantages:

  • Oven-safe
  • Durable
  • Easy to clean and maintain
Restaurant Equipment

Induction Woks

When it comes to cooking with induction, induction woks are perfect for making dishes like stir-frys and noodles. Induction woks also come with additional features, like a flat bottom, enhancing your cooking experience by allowing you to cook on both induction and traditional stovetops. Induction woks are available in various sizes, ranging from small to large capacities. The size you choose will depend on the volume of food you plan to cook and the size of your induction cooktop, as it's important to ensure that the wok fits securely on the cooktop to maximize heat transfer.

Advantages:

  • Can also be used on other heat sources like gas or electric
  • Heats quickly 
  • Energy efficient

With its efficiency, precision, and safety features, induction cooking is a great option for commercial kitchens looking to upgrade their cooking equipment. By using induction cooktops and the proper cookware, you can experience faster cooking times, reduced energy consumption, and increased control over temperature settings. Having the proper equipment for induction cooking is vital, allowing you to gain the full benefits, resulting in a more efficient commercial kitchen environment.

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Countertop Induction Range Reviews

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