Speed, Power, and Efficiency: A Starting Guide to Induction Ranges
Welbilt Restaurant Range Lineup
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March 28, 2023Soaring natural gas prices make finding an alternative for your restaurant or commercial kitchen attractive. But experienced food service pros sometimes dislike radiant heat ranges—also known as electric ranges—due to their unpredictability and low power.
Induction ranges offer an enticing alternative to both.
What are they? How do they work? And are they the right choice for your commercial kitchen?
How do induction ranges work?
The induction process creates an electromagnetic field (EMF) on the cooking surface. When a conductor (a pan) contacts that EMF, heat is generated from the metal’s resistance to the field.
Induction differs from radiant heat because there is no heating element. Essentially, the pan becomes the heating element as soon as it enters the EMF. As a result, the cooking surface does not conduct heat and remains cool to the touch.
No pan = no heat.
What type of pans can you use?
Pans that always work:
- Cast iron and enameled cast iron
- Stainless steel
Pans that generally don’t:
- Aluminum
- Glass
- All-copper
When in doubt, run a magnet over the bottom of a pan. If the magnet is attracted, you’re good to go. If it doesn’t pull or has a weak attraction, it won’t work.
Any pan with the induction symbol on the bottom will work. Usually, it looks something like this.
If a favourite pan isn’t compatible, you can simply place a stainless steel diffuser between the pan and the cooktop. In this case, the diffuser will heat up, which will heat the pan indirectly.
What are the benefits of induction?
For years, chefs and kitchen staff have had to choose between the efficiency of ambient heat and the power and speed of gas. However, induction ranges offer all these benefits and more:
- Safety – Because the cooktop does not conduct heat, there are fewer opportunities for kitchen staff to get burnt. Many models also feature boil-dry sensors that shut off automatically if the pan overheats.
- Efficiency – Induction ranges are 3 times more efficient than gas burners.
- Heat reduction – Induction does not emit excess heat into the air, which keeps kitchens, notorious for being heat traps, cooler and more comfortable. This, in turn, can reduce your air conditioning costs in the summer.
- Temperature precision – Induction cooking can precisely heat and hold ingredients at a food-safe temperature.
- Speed – Units take minimal time to preheat and cook faster, decreasing production time.
- Cleanliness – The smooth, unheated cooktop is less likely to accumulate stuck-on grease and food waste, making cleanup less overwhelming.
Types of induction models
There are a variety of ranges designed for different purposes:
- Tabletop – Designed with one or two “burners” (known as hobs or zones), these units are highly portable.
- Buffet/holding range – An induction holding range can be built into a buffet table, and portable models are perfect for catering and events.
- Griddle – Unlike electric or gas griddles, induction griddles are ready to cook in three minutes.
- Wok – Ideal for stir fry or one-pot dishes, wok units feature a concave cooking surface that mimics traditional woks.
- Specialty – Various other units are designed to meet specific kitchen needs, like keeping fajitas warm.
- Built-in/modules – Module induction units are dropped into existing countertops. Each glass cooktop can be customized with multiple zones or “burners” for heating multiple pans. Module units allow you to design the perfect workflow for your line.
Garland, a member of the Wellbilt family of brands, specializes in state-of-the-art, swiss-engineered induction products (including options for any of the above environments). Garland units feature Realtime Temperature Control System (RCTS) technology utilizing multiple temperature sensors to cook with incredible precision. Contact your local RH sales rep to learn more about Garland induction equipment.
Making the switch from gas or electric
The experts at RH can help your kitchen enjoy the many benefits of induction ranges by guiding you as you navigate the switch.
Reach out to your RH sales rep or visit your local showroom for more information. Additionally, you can contact us with any questions.