Do you know what induction cooking is all about? Apparently, it began in 1831 when a British scientist, Michael Faraday first discovered electromagnetic induction, which is a process of generating an electric power current in a conductor in a magnetic field which produces an electrical voltage. Electromagnetic induction is at the backbone of modern electric motors, and machinery such as generators, transformers, electric motors, and the countless wireless chargers we all have scattered all over our lives. 

Now induction heating, which has been used in Europe for years because of the environmental benefits, is the primary resource used in American specialized commercial kitchens outfitted with high quality energy efficient induction stoves that work much faster that a gas stove. Since most people have gas stoves in their home and have used them for years- apparently there has been an environmental problem with gas stoves that we didn’t know about. 

Studies by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC) have concluded that an open gas flame emit hazardous pollutants- nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and benzene directly from cooking in your home. In 2023 Commissioner Richard Trumka at the USCPSC stated that pollution and smoke from gas stoves is a significant source of indoor pollution linked to the rise of childhood asthma. That same year NYS passed the Electric Building Act Bill, thus becoming the first state to ban natural gas stoves and other fossil fuel appliances only in new construction of residential homes and buildings. The Bill’s enforcement, which was to start this year, is currently suspended due to a lawsuit brought by the National Association of Home Builders.

As part of an education effort about alternatives to gas stoves by NYS to introduce what induction cooking means and how it works, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is giving away free induction cook tops with one induction frying pan, a cooking spatula, and a silicone potholder. At a recent meeting of the Highland Seniors, Marty Colavito from the Cornell Extension Food Pantry and SALT (Sullivan Allies Leading Together) held an informational demonstration and gave out the cook tops and utensils. Marty demonstrated that once the cook top is turned on, it remains cool until the magnetic induction frying pan is placed- and then the pan heats up in a matter of seconds. 

A few points- anyone with a pacemaker cannot use induction heating or cooking and while cooking you must use induction pots, pans and utensils which are magnetic and readily available at major retail stores including Walmart. If you have concerns about cooking with gas stoves and children, you need to make sure you have a stove hood turned on and vented to the outside, or open a nearby window for ventilation. 

To be eligible for a cook top all you need to do is take a four question- “yes/no” survey about cook tops and there is no age or income qualifications, and the supply is limited to five hundred free cook tops to be distributed. If you are interested in giving induction cooking a try at no cost, contact Marty Colavito by email at mc2224@cornell.edu.