An alternative to gas not a substitute. Review on Tips on Induction Cookers

Lets discuss the pros and cons

cons first:

If  there is an electricity cut, you won't be able to operate it, the gas is ever-ready.

Its great to make tea, coffee, boil milk or eggs, but the use is quite limited when frying, making rotis or dosas and its not the best option for dry cooking .

When cooking you need  to take utmost care that a lot of liquid spills do not happen .

You need special utensils which are induction friendly like cast iron or stainless steel vessels, you can't use glass, ceramic or aluminium vessels .

You need flat base  vessels, which can't be too small or  have too big a base .

Generally you get only one cooking area not 2 / 3 or 4 placeholders like in  gas  cooking.

now  the pros.

You can operate overhead ceiling fan while cooking .

The liquid comes to a boil at an amazing rate, almost half the time it takes on gas flame cooking. Tea, coffee and milk should always be boiled on an induction cooktop, not on  gas .

No fire hazard .

Compact and hence lesser space required .

No need for a refill .

Other considerations while buying a cooktop.

But one  like philips HD4938 which is a full glass top as  its maintained easier, I have 2  of  these  working very well since many months for my 2 flats .

Make sure you have enough space around the cooktop to allow good ventilation.

Never dip or immerse it in water after use .

Dont touch the top surface after use as it will be very hot .

There is no need  for very high wattage units as  it won't be required at most times .

When buying look for features like future cooking, pause and child-lock .

Use a 20Amps socket for safety as  the appliance draws a lot of current .

Never extend the cooking vessels onto the control panel as it may damage the cooktop.

The base  fan may become cruddy from time to time and one should clean it for better performance  and life of your cooktop .

Happy cooking!