We’re thinking of doing up our kitchen and have been looking at these new induction hobs. They heat up much more quickly than standard electric hobs and apparently have all the advantages of gas. We were thinking of going for gas, but is induction the better option? Someone told us that if you live in the country, induction stoves don’t work.
Joanne, Hamilton
Induction is definitely the new kid on the block when it comes to renovating your kitchen – but the argument over whether it is better than gas rages on. Honestly, I think it comes down to personal taste. The induction system uses magnetic fields to heat the cooking pot so you would have to use pots made of ferromagnetic metal. This is no big deal because a new set of pots might not cost you much more than $100 at the usual homeware stores. Most keen cooks swear by gas, but I’ve read of many who have switched to induction and raved on about it. I’ve even noticed some of the TV cooking shows use induction rather than gas. It’s much easier to keep clean because when food spills it doesn’t stick to the ceramic top as only the pots are hot.
On the other hand, gas hobs are pretty tricky to keep clean. But I know that thousands of readers who love gas will be shaking their heads. If you love to cook with gas often you’re committed for life. As for not being able to use induction in the country, that’s not strictly correct. But if your house is a long way from the road, even if you live in town, it’s essential to check with an electrician or your power company before you buy a stove with an induction top. It may require more power than your mains can supply to it.
Do you have a consumer question for Kevin? Email [[email protected]](mailto: [email protected]), or post to Weekly Consumer, PO Box 90119, Victoria St West, Auckland 1142.
