Induction vs. Radiant Cooktops

Electric smooth top ranges and cooktops have become the norm for electric powered cooking. The old school coil burners with grates and drip-pans are losing popularity due to reliability and convenience of cleaning.  Just like it sounds smooth top ranges and cooktops have a flat surface that is generally made out of glass and ceramic. The cooktop is one flat piece with the burners underneath and made visible by circles typically etched in the glass or ceramic. Now something to consider is whether you want induction or radiant heat. Here are some things to consider before venturing out to the stores.

Induction

An induction burner shouldn’t even be called a burner because it functions very differently from other electric burners. An induction cooktop on a range heats up the iron in the pot or pan directly using hundreds of magnets located under the glass. It makes your cookware the heat source. Using electromagnetic energy, the element never gets hot; it just causes your cookware to heat up while the surface of the smooth top stays cool to the touch except when the pan heats up the glass.

Induction ranges are the most energy efficient because it uses your pot or pan as the heating element to cook your food which also makes it easier to achieve your desired temperature much faster than other electric cooktops. Safety is also a nice feature with induction because once contact with the pan is broken, most will automatically power off. The glass will stay hot but not as long as a radiant cooktop.

One thing to think about is that induction can only use some types of cookware. It must have iron in the pan. Fortunately, most cookware is compatible with induction cooktops.

Radiant

Radiant elements are a lot like old school coils burners, except that the coils are housed under the glass and ceramic surface making it much easier to clean. But because they are glass, they show dirt and smudges much more frequently requiring you to clean more often.

Since the radiant ranges and cooktops use hot glass to heat up your pan almost any kind of pan is okay to use. They are also typically less expensive.

One thing to consider is that the radiant heat units are cast iron pans are not recommended for glass tops.  They require much more attention like constant cleaning.

You can always check out the different option on our website, but it might be better to see them in person. Stop by one of our locations to see them for yourself to determine what is best for you and your home.

Benefits of Slide-in Ranges

Slide-in ranges are easy to clean because the top overlaps the counter. This eliminates food and crumbs from dripping down the range sides like a free standing range does.

These ranges have the controls on the front for easy access. This eliminates you from reaching over hot surfaces when changing the temperature settings like a free standing range does.

 Slide-in ranges sit on top of the counter and will give your kitchen a built-in look. Unlike the cost associated with custom cook tops and wall ovens, you can get a similar look without “Breaking the Bank”.

These types of ranges will showcase your kitchen's tile work. The main advantage is seeing your kitchen tile work without seeing a stove back like with a free standing range does.  

When switching from a free standing range to a slide-in there will be about a 2” space behind the range. You’ll have to install a piece of countertop or purchase a metal filler strip that will finish off the custom / built-in look.

Slide-in ranges are ideal for island peninsulas because

they create that built-in look and feel. They also create a great custom look when installed against the wall between cabinets. This will allow you to showcase your kitchen’s tile work.

It really comes down to the price and style that fits within your needs. If you are designing or remodeling a kitchen with custom tile work and backsplash, than a slide-in range is a great option.

Visit us at one of our locations if you are interested in learning more about the different types of ranges. We can help you find the one that fits your kitchen needs.

3 Benefits of Induction Ranges

Induction cooking has great benefits. Watch the video to see the demo about how awesome induction ranges are. You may find yourself wanting to invest in one today.



The benefits include:
1. Induction Ranges use qualities of gas, but is electric which can save you money on your energy bill. You can also get a rebate from your utilities company because it is more energy efficient.
2. They use magnets to know what it should heat up. You can use any pan that is magnetic.
3. Because induction ranges use magnets, when you take the pan off the heat will shut off. This can be a safe option for the kids at home.

Let us help you find the best induction range for your customized kitchen. Give us a call today at one of our stores!

Ceramic Cookware 101

Last Christmas, my husband gave me a beautiful set of ceramic-coated cookware. Unlike Teflon or other types of traditional non-stick cookware, ceramic coating is much safer and healthier, not to mention heat- and scratch-resistant. After trying out my new pots and pans I was thrilled to see that they were every bit as nonstick as my old cookware set, with none of the unpleasant side-effects (Teflon-sprinkled eggs, anyone?) Here’s a helpful guide to get you the most use and highest performance out of your ceramic pots and pans:

Before the First Use:

Unlike traditional skillets and frying pans, it is not necessary to “season” your ceramic cookware with oil. It is, however, good practice to wash your new pots and pans in warm, soapy water and wipe dry with a paper towel. This will remove any leftover ceramic dust particles from manufacturing. Once it’s washed, it’s ready to go!

Use Proper Utensils:

Make sure to always use only wooden, silicone or plastic utensils when stirring or serving the contents of your cookware. Metal whisks, spatulas or spoons can leave scratch marks on the surface of the cookware. Though ceramic coating is more scratch-resistant than other nonstick surfaces, it is not entirely immune to scratches or gouges, so it’s best to stick with the safer utensils.

Skip the Cooking Spray:

Here’s one I didn’t know at first. Cooking sprays can cause a buildup of residue on your ceramic cookware, so use a tiny bit of oil or butter to coat the inside of the pan when you cook instead. The amount of oil or butter you have to use is so insignificant it will hardly add any calories to what you are cooking, and it will help the coating last longer.

Avoid High Heat:

Though ceramic cookware is heat-resistant, it performs best on low or medium heat settings. Because ceramics distribute heat effectively, foods will be cooked more evenly and quickly on low to medium heat. On the other hand, high heat can cause the food to stick, which can damage or discolor the surfaces of the pots and pans.

How to Clean Ceramic Cookware:

A year has come and gone and those pots and pans get put to use in the kitchen almost every day. Needless to say, they’re no longer as sparkly and white as they were out of the box. Luckily, washing ceramic cookware is easier than washing other types of nonstick pots and pans. Ceramic cookware should always be hand-washed in warm soapy water and a soft, non-abrasive sponge or scrubber. Soak pots and pans in hot water for 30 minutes prior to washing to make cleaning burnt food from pans easier. If you want to get your ceramic-coated cookware back to its original gleaming state, periodically give them a good deep cleaning to remove stains, buildup and discoloration. To do this, soak the pot or pan in hot, soapy water and wash with a non-abrasive sponge as usual. Then sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda to the affected areas and let stand for 20 minutes. Using a plastic dish brush, scrub the pot or pan in circular motions until stains have lifted, then rinse with warm water and dry with a clean towel.