How to find the best rangehood to suit your induction cooktop

September 21st, 2015

Appliance Hack Appliance Talk Cooktops Ovens & Cooking Rangehoods

Induction cooktops provide an energy-saving cooking method. An induction cooktop uses a magnetic field to create an electric current that generates heat solely in the base of the pan and not on the surface of the cooktop.

“Compared with gas and traditional electric cooktops, they are the fastest to get a pot of water to the boil.” – Appliances Online Buying Guide

But when cooking with an induction cooktop, since the surrounding air is not warm, there is a risk of condensation forming on the splashback and other kitchen surfaces. When the pan is removed from the cooktop surface, it releases an immediate surge of heat into the cold air.

Omega OI64Z Induction Cooktop

If not aerated properly, this efficient way of cooking may cause long term damp and mould damage in the kitchen.

Therefore it is important to match your induction cooktop with a rangehood suited to the amount of cooking you will do in the kitchen.

Colin Jones from Appliances Online advises that ducted rangehoods are the most effective for induction cooktops.

“The best for any rangehood where possible is to have your rangehood extracted to the outside atmosphere; this removes heat, smoke and smells to the outside,” says Mr Jones.

Westinghouse Fixed Rangehood WRJ600UW

He says it is important to look for a powerful rangehood with strong air movement of 800 cubic metres per hour or more.

Mr Jones warns that if you do a lot of cooking “and purchase an induction cooktop but the rangehood has low air movement, it is unable to move the amount of heat/steam being produced. Condensation occurs and moisture drips back either onto the cooking surface or into your cooking.”

Rangehood manufacturers Condari Pty Ltd suggest the following tips for reducing condensation:

• Use rangehood with the largest filter area possible
• Follow rangehood manufacturers’ instructions on installation heights above cookware
• Use rangehood on lower speeds when boiling
• If using a twin motor rangehood, use both motors on low rather than a single motor on high speed.
• Turn on rangehood 10 minutes prior to cooking

For more information, check out the Appliances Online Buying Guides for Canopy, Retractable, Fixed, Under Cupboard and Island Rangehoods, and for induction cooktops.