How Induction Cooking in Commercial Kitchens Could Help In The Energy Crisis

In response to the ongoing energy crisis, the government says, "The price reduction level for each business depends on their contract type and circumstances."

Until we know how much businesses will have to pay for their energy and how much the price cap will or won't affect the catering industry, it's a good idea to recoup money where possible and implement some energy saving processes. A quick way to save is to install an induction hob or range oven in your kitchen.

What is Induction Cooking?

Induction cooking uses science by way of an electromagnetic field to heat food. It's different from other cooking methods, like gas or electricity, because the cookware is heated instead of the hob.

How does it work? An induction element beneath the ceramic glass surface creates a magnetic field. When a pot or pan is placed on the cooking surface, the magnetic field induces an electric current in the cookware. The current causes resistance within the metal, which produces heat.

The energy created by this process is transferred directly to the cookware so chefs can cook food quickly and evenly.

What are the benefits of induction cooking?

There are so many cost-efficient advantages to cooking with induction, making it an excellent choice for commercial kitchens where equipment is in prolonged use.

Induction is more energy-efficient than other methods of cooking. Because the heat is only transferred to the cookware, very little energy is wasted in the cooking process.

It's also faster than other methods of cooking. The heat is transferred directly to the cookware so chefs can cook food quickly and evenly. Quick transfer of heat is ideal for busy catering environments where time is of the essence.

Another significant advantage of induction is that it's much safer than other cooking methods. The cooktop doesn't get hot, so there's little or no risk of burns or scalds from the equipment itself. A safety feature like this makes it an excellent choice for kitchens where health and safety are a priority.

How can induction methods increase efficiency?

Induction cooking is not only more energy-efficient than other methods of cooking, but it can also help to increase the efficiency of your kitchen.

Induction cooking tops and hobs offer fast heat up times meaning results can be achieved more quickly than with other cooking top methods.

Induction hobs are also precise. The cooking heat transfers directly to the pan so temperature responsiveness is heightened giving more control to the chef. Accurate or precise cooking is necessary for busy catering environments that want an efficient way to cook and for professional results to be achieved first time, every time.

Commercial Induction Cooking Equipment - Induction Ranges and Hobs

An induction range is an excellent choice for commercial kitchens that want to save on energy bills and increase efficiency.

A commercial induction range typically consists of four or six burners, making it ideal for busy catering environments. The smooth ceramic surface is effortless to clean, so you can spend less time cleaning and more time cooking. Combined with a standard commercial oven below, an induction range can offer multiple functions from a single piece of equipment.

An induction hob typically has two or four burners, making it ideal for mid-sized catering environments where countertop equipment is preferred from a space point of view but without compromising on performance or efficiency.

Why buy an Induction Range Oven?

Leading catering equipment brands manufacture induction range ovens that are excellent additions to any commercial catering business, offering greater cooking performance, increased energy economy and a durability that can withstand the tough conditions of a professional kitchen.

Heavy-duty ceramic hobs support economic induction cooking, which is becoming increasingly popular within the industry. The induction cooking top only turns on when the proper cookware is present reducing energy waste and ensuring that all energy is directed where it needs to be to produce results.

Induction compatible cookware

You'll need to use cookware compatible with induction for your induction range or hob to operate.

Cast iron or stainless steel makes the best induction-compatible cookware or kitchenware. These metals are ferrous, containing iron that will react to magnets. Science takes over, and the magnetic field between the hob and the pan induces an electric current in the cookware, producing heat.

If you're unsure whether your cookware is compatible with induction, hold a magnet to the bottom of the pan. The cookware is suitable for induction hobs or ranges if the magnet sticks. This test is not the most scientific way to find out but amusing nevertheless.

When buying, look out for cookware noted as induction compatible. These products are generally manufactured using cast iron or 18/10 stainless steel materials with products including saucepans, frypans, stew pots and saute pans to meet every cooking demand.

If you're looking for commercial induction ranges, induction hobs and compatible induction saucepans sites such as https://www.247cateringsupplies.co.uk stock a great range of commercial induction cooking equipment to suit your needs.