How Does an Induction Stove Work?

By Consumer Advise Team
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Having an Induction Stove at our home is now a crucial decision for everyone. The price of LPG gas is rising. On the other hand, the rate of increase in electricity tariffs is slower than it. But before you buy or use the best induction cooktop in India, the question that first strikes – How Induction Stove Works?

An Induction Stove is a brilliant invention that uses electricity to produce heat. It works on the principle of Electromagnetic Induction. Before we proceed we must know a little bit about it.

how does an induction stove work

What is Electromagnetic Induction?

Electromagnetic Induction is a groundbreaking invention in history. It is the basis of thousands of modern applications. There are 2 conditions-

  1. A conductor/ metal is put either in a particular position with the magnetic field keeps varying.
  2. The magnetic field is stationary and a conductor/ metal is moving.

For any of the conditions, Voltage is produced in the conductor. Michael Faraday discovered it in 1830.

Induction stoves work with electromagnetic induction

In a similar setup, when you pass alternating current (AC) through the coil, a magnetic field gets generated around the coil.

How does an Induction Stove work?

Now you know the basics of Electromagnetic Induction. So, it is the perfect time to know how Induction Stove works based on the principle. The manufacturer puts a copper coil below the cooking wall of the Induction Stove. When you plug in the Induction Stove, the alternating current (AC) passes through the coil. This results in an oscillating magnetic field.

induction cooktop coil

Now when you put a Cooking Pot made of iron or steel on the Induction Stove, an Eddy Current produces in the pot. But, don’t worry, this current won’t harm you. This current flows through the resistance of the pot. As a result, resistive heat is generated in the cooking pot. We use this resistive heat to cook our food using an Induction Stove.

Here is an excellent video from General Electric demonstrating the working of an Induction Cooktop. To gain more knowledge about the working of an Induction Cooker, watch the video.

Health and Safety concerns to use an Induction Stove

There is a debate across the world whether the electromagnetic field has a negative effect on health. However, a lot of studies have been conducted. It concludes that the Induction Stove has no negative effect on health unless you have a pacemaker. As per the British Heart Foundation (BHF), pacemaker wearers should maintain a distance of at least 2 ft from the Induction Stove. This is to avoid any interference with the settings of the pacemaker. Moreover, an Induction Stove generates no naked flame. Therefore, it reduces the risk of fire.

Does an induction cooktop work with any cookware?

Firstly, you must use a pot with a ferromagnetic base with an induction stove. Any pot made of anything other than iron or steel base is not compatible with an Induction Stove. If you use any pot made of Aluminum or Bronze, the magnetic field generated by the coil inside the Induction Stove will not induce an eddy current in the pot. So, heating will not happen.

Secondly, the pot you use should be flat-bottomed. The surface of the Induction Stove is absolutely flat. Hence, if you use induction cookware with a flat bottom, it will cover more areas in the magnetic field. Therefore, more efficient heating will take place making it a very important appliance for your kitchen if you are looking for savings.

Induction Compatible Cooking Pots

Important Facts on Working of Induction Stove

  • The induced eddy current generated in the cooking pot is harmless.
  • Cooking Pot must be flat at the bottom to maximize efficiency.
  • The Cookware must be made of Iron or Steel that is ferromagnetic in nature.
  • In the absence of the cooking pot on the Induction Stove, heat is generated.
  • However, Don’t ever put your hand on a cooktop that has just after cooking. If it is hot, it may cause injury.
  • Do not use an Induction Stove is you have a pacemaker.

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