How to use an induction hob

Induction hob Cooking Student accommodation

The induction hob is one of the most important appliances in your student accommodation. This guide has everything you need to know about how to use this nifty appliance.

What is an induction hob?

Before you get cooking on an induction hob, it might be helpful to first understand how they work. 

So, what is an induction hob exactly? Firstly, an induction hob is not the same as a gas burner or electric coil cooker. It uses electromagnetic fields to heat your pans directly, making them faster and safer. Especially if you want to save money by cooking more at home. Get guide on how to eat on a budget.

Induction hobs create a magnetic field when a ferrous (iron-containing) pot or pan is placed on them. This field generates heat directly in the pot, so the hob itself stays cool. Basically, an induction hob allows you to enjoy instant heat and precise control when cooking. 

How do induction hobs work?

If you have the induction hob user guide, make sure to give it a read, as it’ll contain everything you need to know about using, cleaning and properly maintaining an induction hob. 

Here are the basics on how to start using an induction hob:

  1. Turn it on - most induction hobs have an on/off power button as well as functions you can select for a specific cooking zone
  2. Select heat level - Use the plus (+) and minus (-) buttons to adjust the heat
  3. Start cooking - Place your induction-compatible pan on the cooking zone and start cooking

Tips and Tricks for Using an Induction Hob

Now that you know how to use an induction hob, keep these tips in mind: 

  • Keep an eye on your food to avoid burning it - induction hobs heat up fast and cool down quickly
  • Choose the right cookware - only some pots and pans are compatible with induction hobs (we’ll explore this in more detail below)
  • Beware of the boost function - some induction hobs have a boost function that adds extra heat very quickly

Induction compatible cookware

Here’s the deal: not all pans are created equal. Many students who find one of these high-tech stoves in their kitchen may ask, ‘Do you need special pans for an induction hob?’ 

The short answer is yes - you do need pans that are magnetic. Stainless steel, cast iron, and some non-stick pans will work, but they must be induction-compatible. A quick test? See if a magnet sticks to the bottom of your pan. If it does, then you’re good to go. 

Cleaning and Maintenance

Luckily, induction hobs are easy to clean. Simply wait for the hob to cool down, then wipe with a damp cloth. If you need to get rid of stubborn stains, try adding a splash of white vinegar, a squeeze of lemon juice or a little hob cleaner to your cloth to get your hob clean in no time.

Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads, as they can scratch the surface of your induction hob. If you’re wondering how to remove scratches from an induction hob, many people swear by a homemade baking soda paste. However, you might wish to purchase a purpose-made cleaning product for peace of mind.

Once you’ve mastered using an induction hob, you'll unlock a whole new range of cooking techniques. Next step, find out more about how to meal prep

FAQs about induction hobs

Here are three of the most common questions people ask about induction hobs and induction cooking:

What's the difference between induction and gas hobs?

Induction hobs are more energy-efficient and safer, as there’s no open flame. Plus, they’re easier to clean. On the other hand, you can see and control the flame of a gas hob, and it works with any type of cookware.

Are induction hobs safer than gas hobs?

Induction hobs are a popular choice of kitchen appliance in student halls, shared houses and iQ Student Accommodation penthouses across the country because they are safer than traditional gas or electric models. 

Induction cooking is a safer alternative because it doesn’t involve flames or direct heat - the hob will only heat up when pans are placed on it. This means there is less risk of accidental fires or burns. Many induction hobs also have an automatic switch-off feature, which turns the hob off when pans are removed.

How do you know if a pan is induction safe?

It’s easy to tell if your shiny new cooking pan is compatible with your induction stove. All induction-compatible models should be marked as such on the packaging (if you’re buying it new). All induction hob pans should also have a distinctive symbol on the base that looks like a small coil with four loops. All pans marked as such should be safe to use on your hob.

If you purchase your cooking pan second-hand or are lucky enough to receive one as a gift, a simple hack to tell if it will work on an induction hob is to hold a magnet to it. Any induction pan needs to be magnetic, so if the magnet clings to the underside, it should work on an induction hob.

We hope this guide was helpful and that you feel confident cooking with an induction hob. Now that you know how to use an induction hob, why not check out this fun and simple student recipe book from iQ Student Accommodation to get you started?

iQ
Nuha S

I’m Nuha, the Social Media Executive at iQ who fell in love with the world of content during my digital marketing apprenticeship. My best year yet? Spending time with my British Shorthair cat, Bubbles