What to keep in mind when cooking on an induction hob?

An induction cooktop is not just an ordinary stove that uses different principles to allow us to cook food. It emits a magnetic field that can be harmful to nearby appliances, Additionally, it requires special care and maintenance if we don’t want unsightly stains, dirt and scratches to remain on it

The right cookware

Induction cooking works with electromagnetism and therefore only works properly with materials that are affected by magnets. Iron products, such as cast iron and some stainless steels, are ferromagnetic and will therefore work well with induction cooking

Aluminum and glass cookware are not effective, and some can leave marks on the cooktop surface that are nearly impossible to remove. Modern cookware is often made from a mixture of materials, making it difficult to be sure if the cookware will work with an induction cooktop. There is a test you can perform to check a new cookware or one you already own

Attach a refrigerator magnet to the base of the pot and see if it sticks. If the magnet comes off, it means you cannot use the pot for induction cooking. Induction pots or induction pans will have a corresponding symbol. If you see it, it means that cooking on the stove will be possible.

Cooking

Don’t forget to properly clean the bottom of the pot before placing it on the induction cooktop. Once you have done this, place the pot on the hob according to the size and shape of the pot. To prevent spills, place a lid on top of the pot. It doesn’t have to be a lid designed for a specific model of induction cooker. You may as well purchase universal pot lids

Cooktops can have one, two, three, four or five cooking zones depending on the design of the cooktop. The cooking zones on most cooktops are defined and provide clear instructions on the size of pots and pans suitable for each zone. When placing the cookware, align it with the center of the cooking zone using the ring drawn on the top surface of the cooktop

To avoid scratches and knocks on the glass surface, lift and place and lift and remove. Do not drag utensils across the glass surface.

Keep all items that can be affected by magnetic fields such as TV, credit card, radio, digital meat thermometer away from induction. People with pacemakers and other devices sensitive to magnetic fields, must seek medical advice before using the induction cooktop.

Cleaning and Care of Induction Cooker

Clean the induction cooktop by wiping it with a wet paper towel or tissue along with a mild soap or special cream. You can also use a toothbrush to rub it in. If the surface is made of glass/ceramic, use a soft cloth. Remove excess cream with a damp cloth and wipe off with a dry cloth or paper towel.

If dirt remains on the plate and you cannot clean it with the above methods, use a specialized scraper at a 45 degree angle or specialized creams

You can find scrapers for glass and ceramics on the market . Remember not to put a lot of pressure on delicate surfaces. For tough stains, use white vinegar. Dampen a cloth with white vinegar and wipe the stained area. Then, wipe it off with a damp towel. Finally, wipe with a dry cloth

Remember not to drop heavy objects on the induction hob. Glass or ceramic surfaces are hard, but if you are extremely unlucky, they can break. Make sure the dish you are using is flat and smooth and, as mentioned above, do not slide dishes across the induction hob as this can lead to scratches

Keep objects that react to a magnet away from the stove (even a spoon placed next to it can react to the magnetic field of the stove and you can get burned). Even some kitchen foils react in a similar way. Also, don’t use abrasive cleaning products.

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