Thinking of buying an induction cooker to deal with gas shortage? Here are some things to keep in mind

 Thinking of buying an induction cooker to deal with gas shortage? Here are some things to keep in mind

General geopolitical upheavals or tensions in the Gulf countries or West Asia directly affect Nepali kitchens. Obstacles in the import and transportation routes of petroleum gas (LPG) not only cause gas shortages from time to time, but its rising price is also hurting consumers.

In such a situation, the use of induction, or electric, cookers as a reliable, safe and affordable alternative to gas cylinders is increasing rapidly worldwide. In Nepal too, with the increase in hydropower generation, induction cookers have become an important means of increasing domestic energy consumption and modernizing the kitchen. Induction cookers of various brands and models are available in the market. However, before buying a new cooker, it is important to pay attention to many things such as its functioning, technical aspects and the electrical capacity of the house.

The technology of heating only the pot, not the stove

A regular gas stove or a conventional heater cooks food by transferring fire or heat directly to the pot. However, the induction stove works in a completely different way. A metal coil is placed under its glass-ceramic surface. When the stove is turned on, the medium-frequency alternating current (20 to 90 kilohertz) flowing through it creates a kind of magnetic field.

This magnetic field creates an electric current in the base of the iron pot (Ferromagnetic Cookware) placed on the stove. Due to the pot's own resistance, the pot starts heating itself and the food inside cooks. In this technology, the surface of the stove is not heated directly, so that energy is not wasted and the kitchen remains safe.

Fuel saving and low cost

The biggest advantage of the induction stove is its energy efficiency. According to CLASP, an international organization for energy efficiency and policy, induction stoves are 80 to 85 percent efficient. In comparison, LPG gas stoves are only 45 to 55 percent efficient, as much of the gas flame is lost to the surrounding air.

According to the Cooking Diaries report published in 2026 by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), electric stoves have proven to be much cheaper to operate than LPG for South Asian households. Gas prices are volatile because they are linked to global crude oil prices. Domestically produced hydroelectric power is cheaper and more stable, which can save a lot of money in the long run. Laboratory tests by Consumer Reports, a US-based consumer affairs organization, have shown that induction stoves can boil water two to four minutes faster than gas or traditional electric heaters.

Air Pollution Relief and Safety

When a gas stove is used, harmful gases such as nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide, and benzene are emitted into the kitchen. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and various medical studies, such indoor air pollution can cause or worsen asthma and other respiratory diseases in children. Since there is no fire or gas combustion in an induction stove, it always keeps the air in the kitchen clean.

This stove is also considered the best in terms of safety. Even if the stove is turned on without a pot, no heat is generated. Most modern stoves have important features such as IGBT overheating protection, pot recognition sensor, auto-shutoff (a system that automatically shuts off when the water dries up), and child lock for the safety of children.

Things to consider before buying an induction cooker

When buying an induction cooker, it is important to understand some key technical aspects, rather than just going after advertisements or attractive designs. These are as follows:

1. Power rating and voltage

According to the technical specifications set by the Alternative Energy Promotion Center of Nepal for a single-pot induction cooker, the minimum active power capacity of the cooker should be 2000 watts. It can fully support the cooking style of a Nepali kitchen. Its voltage capacity should be 230 volts (±10 percent).

2. Quality of coils and plates

A cheap cooker may use aluminum coils, which reduces the life of the cooker. Therefore, you should choose a cooker with a pure copper coil inside and a high-quality A-grade crystal glass plate with a thickness of at least 4 millimeters on top.

3. Electrical load and capacity of the house

This is a very important aspect. Many consumers are unaware of this. Since induction cookers consume a lot of electricity, the wiring and electrical capacity (Ampere Capacity) of the house should be strong. A Cooking Diary study conducted in Indonesia showed that in houses with an electricity connection of 900 VA or less, when the induction cooker is operated at full capacity or when a water pump or rice cooker is operated with the cooker, the problem of the house's safety device (MCB) tripping or power outage occurs because it cannot handle the load. Therefore, before installing an induction cooker, it is necessary to consult a technician to make sure that the capacity of the main switch or meter of the house is at least 15 amperes or higher.

4. Suitability of utensils

Not all types of utensils can be used in induction cookers. For this, iron, cast iron or induction-compatible stainless steel with magnetic properties Utensils are required. Copper, aluminum, glass, or clay pots do not work with this. To check whether a pot works on induction or not, you can stick a magnet to the bottom of the pot. If the magnet sticks firmly, it works on induction.

5. Control panel and power settings

It is considered good to have at least 10 power levels (from 200 watts to 2000 watts) on the stove. This helps control the temperature from boiling milk, slow cooking (simmering) to fast frying (frying). The modern touch panel is easy to use and very easy to clean.

6. Compatibility of coil and pot size

Most consumers make the mistake of considering the round circle painted on the stove glass as the size of the coil. But in reality, the inner coil may be smaller than that. If the base of the pot overhangs more than 2 inches from the actual coil, only the center will heat up quickly, and uneven heating may cause the pot to warp. Therefore, you should choose a model with a cooking zone large enough to accommodate the size of your pot (usually a diameter greater than 21 cm).

7. Frame and frameless designs

A design with a metal frame around the glass surface prevents spilled liquids from spreading. However, it does have the problem of dirt accumulating at the corners. Although frameless or beveled glass is easy to clean and looks attractive, it is more likely to crack or break the corners if a hard pot is tilted and hit at the corners.

8. Pacemaker sensitivity

The strong magnetic field generated by induction can create electrical disturbances in people with pacemakers or defibrillators. Therefore, doctors advise pacemaker users to maintain a distance of at least 2 to 3 feet (60 centimeters) when operating the stove and not to use metal spoons or ladles while cooking to prevent leakage current from flowing through the body.

9. Kitchen Humidity and Space

Since Nepalese kitchens often use a lot of water and are humid, special attention should be paid to electrical safety. There should be sufficient ventilation space under and around the stove. Placing it directly under a drawer or shelf without providing space for air to flow can cause the internal system of the stove to overheat and deteriorate. There should not be a drawer for storing heavy items directly above the stove, because items can fall from there and break the delicate glass of the stove.

10. Risks of Plugs and Extension Cords

If there is no plug of the appropriate amperage in the kitchen, using an extension cord to operate the induction is considered very risky in terms of safety. Since induction cookers consume a lot of energy, separate and strong wiring from the main switchboard of the house to the place where the cooker is placed is mandatory.

11. General noise

It is normal for an induction cooker to make a soft sound when it is operating. This is especially noticeable when it is at high power. This vibration and noise are greatly reduced when using heavy, flat-bottomed (flat-bottomed) iron and stainless steel utensils without copper or aluminum.

12. Smart connectivity and WiFi

Modern premium inductions are also starting to come with the feature of connecting to WiFi and mobile apps. This helps to monitor the condition of the cooker remotely, view the cooker timer, and control the cooker through voice with the help of voice assistants for blind or low-vision people.

13. Safety system that automatically shuts off when spilled

A stove that has a feature that automatically shuts off the stove and gives a beep signal if milk or water spills on the control panel while cooking is considered very safe. Similarly, it is important to look for the 'Pause' feature that allows you to stop cooking for a while and wipe the glass, and the 'Keep Warm' feature that keeps the food warm.

14. Service-Warranty

There are many cheap and unknown brands of stoves in the market. The repair technology and parts for which are not easily available in the local market. Therefore, when buying, you should choose an established brand that has at least 1 to 2 years of replacement or repair warranty and has an authorized service center at the local level.