Solar cookers are definitely the most energy efficient way of cooking our food as it uses a renewable source of energy that is both very environmentally friendly and free. However, this technology is still in its infancy which still has a number of inconveniences and disadvantages that would make it quite difficult to have this used for everyday cooking in our modern society.
However, one cooking technology that is now fast gaining popularity may just be the next best thing. This is known as the induction cooker. However, does it really provide more advantages to make us right away make the change from our traditional cooking stoves and electric flat tops?
To better answer this question, it is best that we look at the different advantages and disadvantages of using this cooker.
Advantages
• Safety. The traditional gas stove we have expose us to an open flame apart from the gas leak that can occur if the device is not properly used or maintained. As for electrical powered cookers like the ones with the heating coils we are exposed to the coils that burn red when used. These can prove to be safety hazards that one can easily do away with induction cookers. The induction cooker would only be activated when in contact with a material that has enough ferrous content so even if you place your hand on it while it is turned on, you will get no response from it.
• No Wasted Heat. In gas powered cookers, less than half (40% to be exact) of the energy it consumes gets used for cooking as opposed to induction cookers which use around 84% if the energy it consumes to cooking.
• Accurate Heating. You can adjust the heating of the induction cooker instantly and it provides a steady and accurate amount of heat.
• Aesthetics. Unlike the gas the leaves a byproduct that you can see around the stove area, this one does not have one just like any other electric powered cookers. However, the nice ceramic top and the hidden cooking element make your counter top looks cleaner than the old traditional cookers. Furthermore, it takes up less space giving you more room to work on or more storage space for your kitchen.
Disadvantages
• Ferromagnetic Materials Required. You can only use cooking vessels with ferromagnetic materials in it. You cannot use regular Pyrex, copper or aluminum pans. This is due to the fact that the electromagnetic system of the cooking element gets activated when in contact with cooking tools made of substantial amount of iron. However, you can always purchase the induction disc to work like an adapter to allow you to use non ferromagnetic cooking vessels on it.
• It is powered by Electricity. Although this is not necessarily a disadvantage but can prove to be one should electricity outage is rampant on your area.
• No Flames. This can be a disadvantage only the perspective of those who loves to cook meals that require charring of certain ingredients in open flames.
The induction cooker can have its disadvantage but generally when it comes to energy efficiency and safety, this is a good cooker. Furthermore, although this is a new technology, it does not cost that more than your traditional cooker and can be bought at a reasonable price.