With an induction cooktop, you can defy the mundane in your kitchen with the precision of a gas cooktop and the sleek, attractive look of a smooth glass surface. Induction works a little differently compared to other fuel types, and understanding how to use an induction cooktop properly will help you get the most out of your appliance.
Use this guide to master the skill of induction cooking.
HOW IT DIFFERS HOW TO USE POTS AND PANSTable of Contents
HOW IT DIFFERS
How does induction differ from standard heating?
HOW TO USE
How do you use an induction cooktop?
POTS AND PANS
What pots and pans can be used on an induction cooktop?
While other cooktops act as heat sources, induction cooking turns your cookware into a heat source using electromagnetic energy created by a copper coil beneath the surface. This helps the cooktop quickly reach boiling temperatures and allows the surface to cool rapidly once cookware is removed.
Using an induction cooktop is similar to using gas or electric, with only a few small tweaks to the process. Explore the step-by-step instructions below and enjoy the effortless control of induction cooking.
NOTE: Always consult your owner’s manual for model-specific operation instructions.
To get started, press the Power button on your cooktop’s control panel. The indicator light above the control panel will signal that you’ve properly turned the appliance on.
Induction cooktops require compatible cookware made of ferromagnetic materials like enameled steel, cast iron and stainless steel designed for induction cooking to function properly.
Like material, the size of your pan is also crucial to achieving the best results. Choose compatible cookware that has a base diameter equal to the size of the heating element you plan to use.
Select the cooking area you want to use, then turn it on using the cooktop control panel. A power level indicator light should light up and a timer will begin, indicating that the surface is ready for you to select a cooking function.
On most induction cooktops, the power will automatically turn off after one minute of inactivity, so be sure to swiftly make your selections.
Using the control panel, select a heat setting. Consult your owner’s manual for model-specific information about your cooktop’s heat settings and functions.
Now that your induction cooktop is all set to heat, you’re ready to get cooking. Since induction cooktops heat quickly, be sure to closely monitor your food for doneness to prevent burning or overcooking.
Once you’ve finished cooking your meal, press the ON/OFF button to turn off your surface cooking area, then press the power button to turn off the cooktop. Before you begin to clean up, check the display for the Hot Surface Indicator. This indicator light will illuminate if the surface area is too hot to touch, even after the cooktop has been turned off.
Many standard pots and pans are actually made from induction-compatible materials, like cast iron, enameled steel and some stainless steel materials.
You can test whether your cookware is induction-compatible by holding a magnet to the bottom of the pan. If the magnet sticks, then the pan is made of ferromagnetic material and can be used on your induction cooktop.
Indulge in your appetite for high-end appliances with JennAir ® induction cooktops. Browse induction options with features on select models like striking and intuitive Emotive Controls or the Bridge Function that combines the power of two heating elements into one.
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