Slow cookers again

[sudsmaster]

Pressure cookers and induction plates

Yeah, well I bought the Cuisinart pressure cooker anyway. I guess once I fire it up (waiting for artichoke season) I'll find out how well it works. It's still sealed in box.

The local Costco Business Center in Hayward currently has two countertop single burner induction units. One, for $89, is mostly plastic but comes with a thick steel plate to allow the use of non-magnetic cookware. The other one is about $140 (I think) and is much sturdier, mostly 18-8 stainless steel. Both are the same wattage (1800). I thought of getting one but I've run out of counter space!

When I was in Japan in '96 I remember a very cool miniature induction hot plate in the hotel room. It came with a little teapot that was magnetic, so you could boil water for a cup or two of tea for minimum energy. I almost bought one in a local shop when I was there, and wish I had. I haven't seen anything like it since getting back to the states, and I have looked.

 

[panthera]

1600 Watts is certainly

adequate, although I notice the difference between 2000 and 1600 when bringing 5 liters to a boil.

It says something very good about the efficiency of induction that, even hobbled by the low wattage possible under the ancient 120V system in the US or the even lower 100V in much of Japan, they still are viable and usable.

After my experiences the last years, I'd say the $59 is worth it - once you've used induction, it is very hard to think of any advantages to resistance heating. Especially with things like milk, eggs or anything which needs careful temperature control.

The raw power won't be available to Americans until 240V units come down to reasonable prices, but never mind. It took decades for German microwave ovens to get beyond 600W, and to this day you'll hear the same bs on "radiation" in the food, kills vitamins, etc.