At a Glance:
Why is Seattle Banning Natural Gas?
Seattle’s Natural Gas Ban and Home Appliances
Understanding How Induction Works
The Benefits of Induction Cooking
How to Shop for Induction Appliances
With success in major cities, including Berkeley, San Francisco, and San Jose, more metropolitans across the nation are putting a ban on natural gas in favor of all-electric energy resources to power their cities. Seattle has officially become a part of the green initiative recently, and as a result, there will be a major impact on how housing in Puget Sound will operate in the future.
With the new law in effect, Seattle appliance shoppers are weighing their options when it comes to cooking appliances. While gas remains a popular cooking method for many home cooks, induction is quickly becoming a favorite for foodies who aren’t willing to convert to electric cooking setups. With that in mind, there are a lot of questions in the air regarding induction cooking.
To prepare our buyers for the transition, we’ve put all the details about Seattle’s gas ban and induction appliances into this guide. Follow along as we explain how induction works, why induction is becoming the preferred option for serious cooks, and for reviews of two induction appliances that make the change from gas to electric simple.
What Seattle’s Natural Gas Ban Means for Homes
In hopes of going carbon neutral by 2050, Seattle is undergoing a mission to go fully electric. For many experts, cutting ties with natural gas will see a direct reflection in the number of heatwaves and wildfires that are attributed to the rapid rise of global warming. The biggest offenders? Indoor water and air heating, but residents should get used to the idea of a fully electric kitchen, too.
Does Seattle’s Natural Gas Ban Affect Gas Appliances?
For now, the ban on natural gas in Seattle only applies to water heaters and air systems in new commercial buildings and multi-family housing units, but residents across Puget Sound are encouraged to consider the switch sooner than later. Under a new clean energy law from 2019, the entire state of Washington needs to produce electricity that is free of carbon emissions. In the long run, that means gas cooktops and ranges will also phase out in favor of electric cooking appliances.
New evidence reveals another reason why appliance shoppers should consider the switch to electric cooking appliances now. The urge to transition comes from studies that report gas leakage from gas cooking appliances that account for up to 2.6 million tons of methane emissions when not in use. Experts consider this a major double whammy since methane leaks largely affect indoor air quality, plus it adds to the already 6.8 million tons of emissions gas ranges produce annually.
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Understanding How Induction Works
In the early days, “what is induction cooking?” and “how does induction cooking work?” were the burning questions buyers had when it came to this new cooking method. But these days, the question is whether or not induction can be the solution to surrendering gas kitchen appliances altogether.
But if you’re new to induction appliances, here’s a quick explanation of how the technology works.
- Special magnets are placed underneath a ceramic cooktop.
- When in contact with certain cookware, induction currents trigger an electromagnetic field of energy.
- The field fluctuates quickly, creating heat as a result.
- That heat happens directly in a pot or pan, essentially turning induction cookware into heating elements themselves.
The method of cooking differs from electric cooking appliances, which use currents beneath a ceramic surface to create radiant heat. Unlike induction, which heats the cooking vessel directly, heat transfers from the surface of an electric cooktop and is absorbed via conduction.
The Benefits of Induction Cooking
Seattle homeowners looking to get ahead of the new clean energy law are finding it easy with induction cooktops and ranges. From Whirlpool and Frigidaire to Wolf and Thermador, shoppers can now find a wide selection of induction appliances for a range of budgets and lifestyles from major appliance names that are trusted in the industry.
Features and designs vary from brand to brand, but overall, induction comes with a healthy list of incentives that even faithful gas cookers can appreciate. Take a look!
✓ No gas leakage: Induction cooking is 100 percent gas-free, helping improve indoor and outdoor air quality.
✓ Precision: Induction heating is prized for its precision that is nearly identical to a live flame.
✓ High heat output: Induction appliances are able to generate heat output as high as gas.
✓ Quick cook times: Because they’re so energy-efficient, induction appliances cook faster.
✓ Easy to clean: Only the cookware gets hot, not the cooking surface. That means messes can be cleaned on the spot.
✓ Sleek design: Touch controls and glass cooking surfaces are the pinnacles of modern design.
Shop Induction Cooktops at Albert Lee
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Induction CooktopsGood to Know: Induction Cooking Takeaways
With that in mind, there are a few things you’ll want to consider when switching from gas to induction appliances. Here’s a checklist of considerations for a smooth transition.
- Induction cookware requires specific cookware to work. A quick test can be done by placing a magnet on the bottom of a pot or pan. If it sticks, it will work with an induction cooking surface.
- In general, induction appliances cost more than gas and electric models.
- You need professional installation of an electric power outlet where a gas supply once was if your home doesn’t already have one.
- Although rare, induction surfaces can scratch or damage.
How to Shop for Induction Appliances
There are two great ways to enjoy the luxury of induction cooking in a home: with an induction cooktop and an induction range.
For many homeowners, induction cooktops deliver a clean look that is synonymous with modern cooking spaces. On top of low profiles, touch controls, and sleek glass surfaces, many of the induction cooktops available on the market today offer even more perks like Wi-Fi compatibility and step-by-step recipe guides. For the busy household, that means connecting and cooking faster and without any guesswork.
Models like this Cafe induction cooktop are perfect examples of what the best induction cooktops allow home cooks to do. The 30” induction surface sports four heating elements with bridging capabilities on two 7” burners to accommodate large roasting platters and griddles. Pair this cooktop with your smart device and enjoy the liberty to monitor temperatures or set cooking timers right from the palm of your hand. And with Gourmet Guided Cooking, answering what’s for dinner is as easy as following the instructions, complete with automatic temperature and time management based on a recipe.
Induction ranges are quickly becoming popular kitchen appliances. Shoppers are finding slide-in models the ultimate combination of space-saving design and sophistication ideal for new-age kitchens. Case in point, this GE Profile induction range.
With an entirely digital interface complete with five heating elements, this 30” induction range slips into cabinetry for a clean presentation that makes a statement. Sure, induction is the star feature on this range, but is that all it can do?
Think again. With powerful cooking features like Air Fry, convection baking, and sous vide capabilities, this induction stove puts the power of professional cooking in your hands. Coupled with two bridging elements and an extra-large 11” induction element, the flexibility to create a feast on this range is up to you.
And if induction doesn’t scream the future to you, how about the Wi-Fi functions on this smart induction range? At its simplest, the SmartHQ App lets you control this range from a smart device for no-strings-attached management anywhere in the home. But with GE Profile Connect +, new features are able to download right to this range for on-the-spot upgrades that improve your cooking skills.
Learn More: Rangetops vs. Cooktops
Induction Cooktop FAQs
The new clean energy law in Seattle is an opportunity to embrace the future of energy, and induction appliances make the switch exciting and simple. But before you replace your gas or electric appliance, consider the following questions our shoppers ask about induction appliances.
What are the disadvantages of an induction cooker?
There are only two minor disadvantages associated with induction cooking. One is that the upfront cost to purchase can be more expensive than electric cooktops or stoves. However, as this technology continues to rise in popularity, it is becoming more and more affordable. The second disadvantage is that you do need to ensure that you own the correct cookware.
Can you use cast iron on induction cooktops?
Cast iron can be used with induction cooktops. Cast iron is all iron. The metal draws in the electromagnetic current from your induction cooktop and naturally retains the heat.
Does induction cooking use more electricity?
No, induction cooking does not use more electricity than preparing meals on an electric cooking surface. In fact, in a comparison of electric vs induction cooktop models, induction outperforms thermal heating with the ability to transfer up to 90 percent of its energy to cookware compared to 75 percent with thermal heating.
Why Trust Us?
Since 1939, Albert Lee Appliance, a three-generation, family-owned business, continues to grow and serve the greater Seattle area with quality you can count on and service you can trust. We are proud to have served this community for so long and wouldn’t be here without our loyal customers. There is a reason why we are Washington’s largest independent appliance dealer, and it’s not a secret. Simply put: We have the experience. We are the original appliance experts for over eight decades (and counting).
Shop Induction Appliances at Albert Lee
At Albert Lee Appliance, we provide quality name-brand appliances for great prices. Shop induction appliances online or visit us today at one of our locations in Puget Sound, WA. In the meantime, browse our website to shop Albert Lee appliance sales and check out Albert Lee appliance reviews online to ensure every purchase is an informed one. More available than ever, our experts at Albert Lee Appliance are always happy to help you make the switch to induction cooking, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Contact us today!
Learn More: 6 Induction Ranges Changing the Game