Induction Cooking
The City is committed to supporting residents' transition away from fossil fuel-burning appliances to clean electric alternatives in simple and cost effective ways. Certain appliances are more difficult to electrify due to costs or technological readiness. Fortunately, gas stoves are not in this category. Electric induction ranges present a great option for kitchen electrification due to their excellent cooking quality, safety benefits, and their relative price parity with gas ranges.
Interested in an induction stove? City residents are eligible for rebates through Ann Arbor's Home Energy Rebate program. Please note that stoves must be at least 30 inches wide with four burners. Portable units are not eligible.
Check out this episode of Electrify This!, an energy innovation podcast, on cooking with induction stoves or view the video below from PBS Food comparing gas and induction cooking.
How Induction Works
An Induction cooktop is an electric appliance that will directly heat a pot or pan using magnetic induction. Electrical current passes through magnetic coils in the cooktop, which creates a magnetic field that excites the molecules in the pot or pan, causing it to heat up. The direct heating of the cookware is much more energy efficient than gas or electric resistance options, and reduces burn risk as there is no open flame or exposed heating element.
Induction stoves are also highly valued as a cooking tool. Induction stoves boil water significantly faster than other electric or gas options and are precise and responsive to temperature changes. In 2020, according to Consumer Reports, five of the top 10 stoves for sale were induction, including #1 and #2. Many chefs find the ease of use, precision, and quick cleanup ideal for cooking.
Cost of Induction
Induction stoves may be surprisingly cost effective. They are an often-overlooked appliance, as consumers are quick to switch from the slow cooking and inefficient electric resistance stoves to a gas stove without the knowledge of a clean electric alternative. The cost of induction stoves has dropped significantly in recent years as the technology has advanced, with high-end induction stoves costing significantly less than high-end gas alternatives.
Along with the cost of the appliance, there also needs to be a dedicated 240V electrical outlet for the unit. If switching from an electric resistance stove, you likely won’t need any upgrade. If no plug is available, an electrical contractor would need to install one.
The City of Ann Arbor has Rebates for induction stoves and ranges, that help to defray the costs! Learn more about home energy rebates for Ann Arbor residents here.
Counter-top Electric Cooking Appliances
Portable induction cooktops and other plug in cooking appliances offer an alternative to range replacement and are a great option for renters who can’t replace their kitchen appliances. Countertop induction “hobs” can be purchased for less than $100 and offer all the benefits of cooking with induction without the trouble of appliance replacement.
Want to learn more about induction cooking? Check out this website: https://switchison.org/cooking/
301 E. Huron Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Dr. Missy Stults,
Sustainability and Innovations Director
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