New Induction Range Cooks Fast, Easy to Clean

QUESTION: I heard about some new types of electric ranges that cook as quickly and precisely as gas ranges, but are extremely safe and very easy to clean. Are these ranges efficient and how do they work?

ANSWER: There are several new designs of electric ranges that offer fast cooking and the precise heat control of a gas range. These ranges are extremely safe and energy efficient. Nearly all the heat goes into the food and very little escapes to overheat your kitchen.

An induction electric range design is most convenient and efficient to use. Instead of heating a resistance coil beneath the pot or cooktop, an induction range heats the pot directly. This gives instant control of the heat. You can even melt chocolate without a double boiler.

The cooktop itself does not get hot enough to burn you. This is a real safety feature around children. Also, food spills don’t burn on and you can easily wipe them away with a damp cloth. With an induction range, you must use steel, cast iron, or magnetic stainless steel cooking utensils.

If you remove a pot for a short time to stir or add something, the induction element automatically shuts off. When you replace the pot on the range, the memory switches it on again to the same heat level setting. If you don’t replace the pot within 30 seconds, the range switches to a locked-off mode so children or pets cannot accidentally turn it on.

One manufacturer mounts its induction elements in decorative one-foot-square ceramic tiles. You can also have blank tiles permanently decorated with your own design. Each heating tile is separate, so you can mount them together in a counter surface or remote for more convenience.

An induction element is a simple electromagnetic coil under a smooth range surface. The coil creates a magnetic field. As this field passes through a metal pot setting on the cooktop, the pot instantly begins to heat. This provides a nearly infinite range of heat levels for precise control.

Another new design, halogen light elements, also offer efficiency and fast response time. When you turn on the element, a special halogen light under a smooth cooktop glows red. It is easy to see when one is turned on. This infrared radiant heat quickly transfers to the pot. Many also have a resistance heating element in the center of the light for even heating.

Solid metal disk elements heat by using a conventional electric resistance heating method. The wires are embedded in the underside of the disk. Although the heating response time is not unusually fast, the disks are raised and sealed in the cooktop for easy cleanup and a “European” look.

You can write to me at the address below for Utility Bills Update No. 025 showing a buyer’s guide of manufacturers of new induction, halogen and solid disk design electric range tops, heat outputs of the elements and controls each offers, and a chart listing the advantages and drawbacks of each design. Please include $1.50 and a self-addressed business-size envelope.

Install Roof Vents as High as Possible

Q: I plan to install roof vents on the back side of my roof. How high on the roof should I install them and do you have any tips?

A: You should install the roof vents as high as possible near the roof peak. This exhausts the most hot air in the summer and improves attic ventilation in the winter too. Roof vents come with simple instructions.

Don’t try to be foolishly brave when working on a pitched roof. Consider using a hook ladder or roof jacks to give you support when you are on the roof. Also wear a safety harness tied to a large tree. I always do.

Ammonia Mix Helps Remove Window Film

Q: I have an old permanent type of window film on my windows and I want to remove it and install the self-cling film you wrote about. What is the easiest way to remove the old window film?

A: There are two methods. First, using a single edge razor blade or window scraper, scrape the film loose from the top edge. Spray the exposed area with a solution of half ammonia and half water. Slowly work your way diagonally across, peeling it off from top to bottom.

It this doesn’t work well, spray the film with the ammonia solution. Cover the window with plastic and let it stay wet for 10 to 12 hours. After this sweating of the film, the first removal method should be effective.

Letters and questions to Dulley, a Cincinnati-based engineering consultant, may be sent to James Dulley, Los Angeles Times, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45244.

DR, INDUCTION COOKING RANGE