INDUCTION COOKING

INTRODUCTION The old maxim "if you cannot take the heat, get out of the kitchen" has been slightly outdated. In fact , some of the newest designs in kitchen stove tops and burners don't throw off any heat at all, potentially creating a cool kitchen environment, in every sense of the word. DEFINITION: Induction cooking is cooking using a device which utilizes electric current to produce the heat energy as all electric stoves do but the difference lies in that it does not release heat to the immediate environment. Now let's see why the heat radiates to the environment while cooking on any cooking device- 1. When there is a flame (as in gas stoves ) or a heated element (as in

electric stoves). 2. When vessel is of improper size. 3. When the flame does not stop when the vessel is removed, the same

requires to be switched off manually. The Induction plate tries to achieve these basic requirements.- 1. There is no flame. 2. Vessel fits over the cooking top. 3. When the vessel is removed, the heat goes off automatically.

HOW DOES IT WORK : The basic principal behind Induction burners is that the burner itself never gets hot. An electric current is transformed into magnetic vibrations, which heats the pan that sits on the burner. It is actually the pan that becomes the heating unit, which cooks the food.

THE PHYSICS OF INDUCTION HEATING:

It is a method of raising the temperature of an electrically conducytive material by subjecting it to an alternating electromagnetic field. The electric currents induced in the object (vessel) brings about dissipation of power in form of heat. The principal of the induction heating process resembles that of a transformer. A coil (primary coil) syrrounds the object to be heated (acts as secondary coil). A.C. flows in coil and produces EDDY CURRENTS in the secondary coil (the vessel). The depth to which eddy currents penetrate , and therefore the disbursal of heat depends on the alternating current, magnetic nature of object (vessel).

REQUIREMENTS FOR USING THE INDUCTION COOKING SYSTEM: As the induction cooking system works on the principal of magnetic forces inducing heat energy. Therefore, the vessels chosen must be of ferromagnetic material. E.g. -

Iron Cast Iron Enameled Iron Stainless Steel

COMMERCIAL USE OF INDUCTION TECHNOLOGY: The Induction technology can be exploited commercially as a range of Induction plates are available right from small units of 1 kW to 6 kW. The heat generating capacity can vary from 8000 BTU to 30,000 BTU. Irrespective of the size, only electric socket is required for its functioning. Smaller units are prefect for all aspects of Front of the house service e.g. on Gueridon and buffet setups. More powerful multiple burner units can be used for all applications in Back of the house for almost all types of cooking. Induction cooking systems are elegant as well as fully functional for open kitchen or shoe kitchens e.g. in coffee shops etc. As they have Easier to clean surfaces. Absence of radiated heat. Elegant look.

ADVANTAGES OF USING INDUCTION TECHNOLOGY 1. EFFICIENCY- with an energy transfer efficiency of 95%, the

environmental benefits of Induction burners are significant, since none of the heat escapes into the atmosphere. The added bonus is that less ventilation is needed

2. BETTER TEMPERATURE CONTROL- A multi-notched, computerized control panel allows a broad range of temperature control , and the response to any change in setting is instant.

3. NEAT WORK AREA - A smooth rectangular ceramic tile covers the top of the Induction burner so it is very easy to clean compared to conventional gas stoves.

4. COMFORTABLE- unlike conventional cooking there is no flame in Induction cooking and hence, no fear of flame being extinguished. Direct AC vents can be provided in the kitchens also.

5. ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY- since there is no use of gas etc. There is no smoke or carbon-di-oxide emission making it more environment-friendly.

A TYPICAL INDUCTION PLATE CONTAINS: ON/ OFF SWITCH : Electric power is switched on or off by pressing this

switch. POWER AND HEATING INDICATOR : Shows the status of the device,

whether it is on or not. WARM AND HEAT MODE SELECTION SWITCH : Selects the functions

warm & heat. WARM AND HEAT MODE INDICATOR : Lights indicate whether the

device is on or not. UP/DOWN CONTROL SWITCH : For temperature control settings. HEAT / TEMPERATURE INDICATORS : Indicate the degree of heating. TIME INDICATOR : Preset time is indicated on the panel.