Induction cooktops have become an indispensable part of every modular kitchen as it speeds up the cooking time. Also, the induction cooktops’ power consumption is much lower than other ovens and cookers. The Induction cooktops are a perfect combination of quality and functionality and are capable of reducing the cooking time by at least 50%. They are also very affordable and generally consume about 1700 to 2500 watts per hour.
How does an induction cooktop work?
The induction cooktop works on the principle of the electromagnetic field. There is an electromagnetic coil and a ceramic plate in the induction cooker. The electromagnetic coil generates all the heat required for cooking food. When the user turns on the induction cooktop, electricity is drawn, and the electricity propels the magnetic field in the coil.
When we place a cooking vessel over the stop top, this magnetic field generates the heat, cooking the ingredients inside the pot. In short, the vessel placed on the stovetop receives minor currents produced by the magnetic field, and this gets converted into heat. Thus, it can cook food at a very short turnaround time and cook or boil anything in half the time a conventional stove takes.
The most interesting feature of the induction cooktop is that its ceramic plate will not get heated up, and only the utensil gets heated. For this reason, it is considered to be safe and comfortable for cooking. Food takes less time to cook in the induction cooktop, and the appliance also consumes less energy and heat. They are environmentally friendly and are also easy to maintain.
How much power does an induction cooktop consume?
The Induction cooktops that run for one hour a day can consume about 2kWh of electricity in a day. This adds up to about 60 kWh of electricity in a month. This translates to about Rs. 600 a month.
The power consumption of the induction cooktop depends on two main factors: the wattage of the induction cooktop and the electric tariff in the region. We can find the wattage of the induction cooktop on its label or under the product description section. A 1000 watts induction cooktop is capable of drawing electricity at the rate of 1000 watts an hour.
If we use the induction cooktop for one hour a day and say we use it at the rate of 500 watts for an entire hour, we can calculate the power consumption using this formula.,
Power consumption of the induction cooktop = wattage of the appliance x operational hours.
The induction cooktop’s cost can be calculated using the following formula.
Cost = power consumption of the appliance x electricity tariff in the region.
The average power consumption of a 2KW induction cooktop, used for only an hour in the day, is Rs. 20 for a day, it is Rs. 600 for a month, and for a year, it could be around Rs. 7000. The actual power consumption, however, will depend on a number of factors such as the type of food cooked, the temperature setting used and the setting of the power mode.
Induction cooktop power consumption calculator:
Induction cooktops are an exceptional alternative for the soaring LPG prices. These appliances are compact, easy to use, and great for cooking in less time., But they consume a lot of electricity, and we thus have to use them wisely to save on power. You can make use of the power consumption calculator to learn how much power your cooktop can consume. This also helps to look for ways to save on power and get the job done easily.
These calculators are available online and will ask for certain inputs such as the power rating of the appliance in watts, hours of operation of the cooktop on a daily basis, and the electricity tariff in your locality.
For example, if the wattage rating of the appliance is 500 watts, and it is used for one hour a day, and the electricity tariff per unit is Rs. 7, the,
- The daily electricity units consumed by the appliance is 0.50 kWh
- The monthly consumed wattage is 15 kWh
- And the monthly electricity bill will be Rs. 105.
You can either use the online calculators available online or substitute the units in the formula we have given here to get your monthly electricity expenses. The induction cooktop with a higher power rating will cook faster and will consume less time, but its power consumption will also be higher. Similarly, the cooktop with a lower electricity rating will take more time to cook food but consumes less power. So, it depends on the individual preference on what to focus on while buying the induction cooktop.
See also: Kettle vs Induction Cooktop (Safety, Energy Efficient & Convenient)
Some useful tips to save power on the induction cooktop:
The major parts of the induction cooktop that contributes to its power and electrical consumption are its copper coil, PCB board, and cooling fan. By choosing appliances with appropriate component parts, it is possible to save a lot of energy and enhance the induction cooktop’s life period. These tips are as follows.
- Invest in an induction cooktop with a copper coil instead of an aluminium one. The resistance of aluminium is higher. than copper, and thus it can take greater time to get heated up compared with copper coil cooktops.
- We should turn off the induction top when it is not in use. This helps save additional power, as the induction system can consume about 5 to 10 watts of power when it is ready.
- It is not a good idea to run the stove continuously, as running the cooktop for longer without any break can consume higher electricity.
- Immediately after cooking is completed, the induction cooktop should be switched off, as its in-built fan can run for a few additional hours to cool the coil. If we switch off the cooktop after finishing the work, the coil will cool by conduction.
- It is wise to use vessels that are compatible with induction cooktops on the stove. Generally, aluminium vessels and pots do not work well in the induction stove. If we use vessels made of aluminium alloys, the heat consumption will be moderate. It is ideal to use silver pots, as silver conducts heat quickly and also cooks in less time.
- Use appropriate OEM temperature setting recommendations. The Original Equipment Manufacturer’s temperature settings will cook the food efficiently and in less time than random temperature settings. For example, boiling should be done at a higher watt than shallow frying. To save time, we should not fry at a higher temperature, as it will spoil the food and result in higher utility bills.
- For women who multi-task, using the on and off timer option given in the electric cooktop is better to save power. At times we keep milk on the stove and forget it until it solidifies and thicknesses, wasting time and power. It is better to use the time in these instances to switch off the stove immediately.
Auto modes in induction cooktops:
In order to calculate the power consumption of an electrical cooktop, we generally multiply the peak power consumption of the appliance by its duration. But we also have to remember that most of the high-end models of induction cooktops come with auto modes, and thus they adjust their wattage on their own to optimize the consumption of energy.
For example, most induction cooktops will have a keep warm option, where the power varies between four and eight hundred watts. It is, thus, important to choose models and brands that take advantage of the residual heat in the coils to mitigate energy consumption. If you choose models with a steady power consumption function, their overall power consumption would be higher.
See also: Gas Stove Vs Induction Cooktop
Induction cooktops – FAQ
- What is the difference between the 500 and 1500-watt induction cooktops?
The watt specification of the cooktops is generally given on the label of the device. The 1500-watt induction cooktop will convert a larger portion of the electricity it consumes into heat to heat the device. Since the appliance operates at a higher watt, it heats faster and eventually takes less time to cook. But they will consume more power than 500 watts cooktop.
- Is an induction cooktop better than an electric cooktop?
Without any doubt, an induction cooktop is better than electric cooking on the basis of safety, energy efficiency, and ease of cleaning.
- What is the relationship between the wattage and the size of the cooktop?
Induction cooktops come in the watt range of 200 to 3700 watts. Stovetops with burners generally come at a higher wattage, such as 1200 to 1800 watts. An appliance with a 9-inch burner will have a wattage between 2200 and 3300 watts. Stovetops with 11-inch burners can consume up to 3700 watts. So, the bigger the burner, the higher the wattage.
Bottom Line:
Investing in an induction cooktop is actually a wise choice as it doesn’t cost as much as using a gas stove. But if you want to make the best out of the induction cooktop and enjoy better durability and optimization of energy, it is highly recommended to invest in a cooktop from a reliable brand. Observe the features and functionalities of the cooktop. and choose the one that offers the best value for the money spent.