# Induction burners **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** food-cooking\ **Created:** [October 14, 2022, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/induction-burners/973274 "2022-10-14T23:08:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2022, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/induction-burners/973274/1 "2022-10-14T23:08:27Z")
Do you have them? Do you like them? I borrowed a stand-alone single burner from a friend, to try it out. It heated water pretty well. But it was incredibly noisy. So much so that i don’t really want to try it again. Are they all that loud? WHY is it so loud? What do they do better than gas? What’s worse? (Other than the noise.) ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2022, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/induction-burners/973274/2 "2022-10-14T23:17:11Z")
You have to use cookware that works with it, right? It’s supposed to be faster than traditional electric/gas. Would you want a single burner to do table-side cooking, or just for times you need a sixth burner? ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2022, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/induction-burners/973274/3 "2022-10-14T23:20:40Z")
What’s noisy to you? I have one that buzzes, but it’s not what I would call loud or noisy. They are going to make some noise, as what they are doing is creating a quickly changing magnetic field, and that process will make noise. Maybe the one you have has something loose that is vibrating with the changing magnetic field. They are far better than a conventional electric burner. Against gas, it’s a bit less clear. They are more efficient in their use of energy, but given the cost of electricity vs gas, they may not be cheaper to use. It’ll keep your kitchen a bit cooler in the summer, at least. Plug ins are going to be limited to ~1500 watts, so a gas burner is probably going to put out more BTU’s, but a built in range like I had has a lot more oomph to it, and did heat up faster than a gas stove would have. Biggest downside is their initial cost and maintenance. I paid about a grand for my range back in 2004, and it was great until it broke down a couple years ago, and repairing it will cost about as much as replacing it. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2022, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/induction-burners/973274/4 "2022-10-14T23:32:46Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > You have to use cookware that works with it, right? It’s supposed to be faster than traditional electric/gas. > > Would you want a single burner to do table-side cooking, or just for times you need a sixth burner? Most of my cookware should work with it, although i suppose that’s something i can test. I got the single burner to test it out. But i also have been hearing about how it’s better, cleaner, generates less CO2…a lot of my cooking is done on one burner, and i thought if i could find a way to make the additional burner work, i might be able to get most of the benefits of induction without giving up my incredibly awesome gas oven, that i don’t want to part with. ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2022, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/induction-burners/973274/5 "2022-10-14T23:36:38Z")
If a magnet can stick to the pan, it will work. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2022, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/induction-burners/973274/6 "2022-10-14T23:36:58Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > But i also have been hearing about how it’s better, cleaner, generates less CO2 Cleaner and generating less CO2, yes. “Better” is an opinion based on how you use it and what your other options are. Honestly, if I had a gas stove, I’d probably stick with that for the most part. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2022, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/induction-burners/973274/7 "2022-10-14T23:38:17Z")
> [@k9bfriender](#): > > They are going to make some noise, as what they are doing is creating a quickly changing magnetic field, and that process will make noise. > > Maybe the one you have has something loose that is vibrating with the changing magnetic field. If doesn’t sound like something is loose. It sounds like a really loud fan. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2022, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/induction-burners/973274/8 "2022-10-14T23:48:13Z")
I guess mine has some fan noise as well, but I certainly wouldn’t call it loud. This is the one I have. > **[Amazon.com: NUWAVE Flex Precision Induction Cooktop, Portable, Large 6.5”...](https://www.amazon.com/Precision-Induction-Cooktop-Temperature-Efficient/dp/B08YJ6ZPFJ)** > > Online Shopping for Kitchen Small Appliances from a great selection of Coffee Machines, Blenders, Juicers, Ovens, Specialty Appliances, & more at everyday low prices ---
**Author:** ![abcdefghij](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/43a26b/32.png) [@abcdefghij](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/abcdefghij)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2022, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/induction-burners/973274/9 "2022-10-15T03:01:53Z")
We got a second-hand single burner a couple years ago to try out. It heats fast and responsively, but yes, it’s noisy, both fan noise and buzzing from the induction field. Putting a dish towel under the pot can help with the buzzing. We recently replaced our gas stove with induction. It’s quieter than the single burner, but we still use the towel trick to quiet the buzzing. ---
**Author:** ![Projammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/projammer/32/559_2.png) [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2022, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/induction-burners/973274/10 "2022-10-15T03:41:50Z")
If you really like your aluminum pans or ceramic teakettles they make adapters that are simply a plate of ferrous metal with a handle. Though personally I’d just use a cast iron griddle to have a cast iron griddle when I needed one. > **[Amazon.com: 9.45inch Heat Diffuser Stainless Steel Induction Diffuser Plate for...](https://www.amazon.com/9-45inch-Diffuser-Stainless-Induction-Electric/dp/B07QMNHB5F)** > > Shop COOZYER at the Amazon Cookware store. Free Shipping on eligible items. Everyday low prices, save up to 50%. ---
**Author:** ![Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e4f/32.png) [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_is_the_new_Analog)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2022, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/induction-burners/973274/11 "2022-10-15T13:52:28Z")
As an added bonus, if you get that diffuser, you’re all ready to cook in your clay tajine! ---
**Author:** ![Tride](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tride/32/13907_2.png) [@Tride](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tride)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2022, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/induction-burners/973274/12 "2022-10-15T13:59:05Z")
We’ve got a Jenn-air cooktop, and only one pan buzzed (a stainless tea kettle). None of the other pans buzz even a little. It’s very, very powerful and responsive. I would never go back to gas for many reasons. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2022, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/induction-burners/973274/13 "2022-10-15T14:09:06Z")
The pan didn’t buzz. It was the burner itself that was noisy. It was noisy before i put a pan on it, and after i removed the pan. Other cooking items in my kitchen that make noise are the convection fan in my oven, and the microwave. Neither is as loud as this burner. I guess the kitchen exhaust fan is comparable. But i always breath a sigh of relief when i turn that off. And i certainly don’t turn it on every time i heat water. Is it a “this burner” thing? Should i look in reviews for how loud different cooktops are? ---
**Author:** ![Tride](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tride/32/13907_2.png) [@Tride](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tride)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2022, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/induction-burners/973274/14 "2022-10-15T14:16:19Z")
I would think so. Happy to send a video of it in action. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2022, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/induction-burners/973274/15 "2022-10-15T14:17:51Z")
> [@Projammer](#): > > If you really like your aluminum pans or ceramic teakettles they make adapters that are simply a plate of ferrous metal with a handle. Kinda defeats the whole point. I suppose if you have nothing but an induction cooktop and non-induction cookware, you can use it, but it pretty much eliminates every advantage of induction. > [@puzzlegal](#): > > Is it a “this burner” thing? Should i look in reviews for how loud different cooktops are? Probably. I’ve seen different reviews claiming various burners being too loud. It may even not be a model thing, but a _this burner_ thing. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2022, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/induction-burners/973274/16 "2022-10-15T14:20:26Z")
> [@k9bfriender](#): > > Kinda defeats the whole point. I suppose if you have nothing but an induction cooktop and non-induction cookware, you can use it, but it pretty much eliminates every advantage of induction. How so? I have pans that have multiple layers of metal, maybe stainless steel next to the food and aluminum next to the burner. How is having an additional metal plate fundamentally different from that? Wouldn’t the enormous surface of the plate transmit heat to the pan and thence to the food pretty effectively? ---
**Author:** ![Tride](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tride/32/13907_2.png) [@Tride](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tride)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2022, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/induction-burners/973274/17 "2022-10-15T14:23:23Z")
One of the nice things about induction is no excess heat/heat hazard. You can pretty much wipe down the burner immediately after using it. You’re also decreasing the thermal efficiency by using extra mass… ---
**Author:** ![Crane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crane/32/3495_2.png) [@Crane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crane)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2022, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/induction-burners/973274/18 "2022-10-15T14:24:26Z")
I have a Bosch induction stove top. It makes a little noise on the ‘turbo’ setting, otherwise it’s quiet. I’ve been using it for over a year and probably won’t go back to gas or electric. The pan thing is an issue. Sure many pans will work, but induction is far more sensitive to individual pots and pans than gas. I had some expensive stuff that I had to toss and some I kept are OK but not reliable. Also it is very sensitive to pan vs burner size. Some pans will only work on one burner. Diffusers are an attractive alternative, but the user comments say they are a disaster. Stuff like ‘it ruined my expensive glass stove top’ so I didn’t experiment. It’s like having a new cat. Once you get used to each other it’s OK. ---
**Author:** ![Crane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crane/32/3495_2.png) [@Crane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crane)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2022, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/induction-burners/973274/19 "2022-10-15T14:27:06Z")
> [@Tride](#): > > You can pretty much wipe down the burner immediately after using it. Yeah, I often wipe down the burner while I am using it. Just lift the pan and swipe the burner area. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2022, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/induction-burners/973274/20 "2022-10-15T14:40:45Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > How so? I have pans that have multiple layers of metal, maybe stainless steel next to the food and aluminum next to the burner. How is having an additional metal plate fundamentally different from that? It basically just turns it into a traditional electric burner. The whole point of the induction stove is that it heats the pan directly, by using this, you are just heating up a piece of metal with the induction stove, and heating your pot through conduction from there. > [@puzzlegal](#): > > Wouldn’t the enormous surface of the plate transmit heat to the pan and thence to the food pretty effectively? The larger size is also inefficient, as any surface area that is not directly covered by your pot is instead radiated away. > [@Crane](#): > > Yeah, I often wipe down the burner while I am using it. Just lift the pan and swipe the burner area. Boil overs are far less annoying and messy, too. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/induction-burners/973274.md?page=2)