BayREN CookSmart Pilot Program
The BayREN CookSmart Pilot Program was created to offer Contra Costa households an easy, fun way to be introduced to induction cooking and learn for themselves why it is the cleanest, safest, most efficient way to cook food.
Over the past several months we screened and accepted 100 households into the Pilot Program, providing each with a portable induction cooktop and two induction-compatible pieces of cookware. All participants who complete three, short monthly surveys and attend at least one cooking demonstration will be keeping their cooktop and cookware at the end of the program!
Thanks to all of you who expressed an interest in participating in the Pilot Program. The program is fully enrolled and we are no longer accepting applications.
Even if you are not a participant in the CookSmart Pilot Program, please feel free to explore this webpage to learn more about the benefits of induction cooking.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does induction cooking technology work?
Induction cooktops use magnetism to generate heat. Magnetic coils below the cooktop’s surface generate a magnetic field that sends pulses directly to the cookware. Induction cooktop surfaces can get hot, but only because of the heated base of the cookware. Unlike induction cooking technology, traditional gas and electric stovetops provide heat indirectly using elements like electric coils or gas flames.
What are some benefits to cooking with induction?
- Faster and more precise heating
- Energy efficient
- Cooler kitchen
- Safer
- Improved indoor air quality
- Easy to clean
- Even cooking
Why switch to an induction cooktop?
According to San Jose Clean Energy, “[e]lectric cooktops are another good alternative to gas stoves because they do not emit toxic fumes, are easier to clean, and are more energy efficient. Gas cooktops are only 32% efficient compared to electric stoves which are 75% efficient (induction cooktops are 85% efficient). This means that they use less energy to cook the same amount of food, which saves money on your energy bill.”
How do I know if my cookware is induction compatible?
Magnetic cookware is needed for induction to work. Your cookware is induction compatible if you’re able to stick a household magnet securely to its bottom! The stronger the magnet sticks to the bottom of the pan, the better the cookware will work with induction. Two examples of induction friendly cookware are cast iron and magnetic stainless steel. (All CookSmart participants will receive 2 pieces of induction compatible cookware in addition to their portable induction cooktop).
USER MANUALS:
SINGLE BURNER: Duxtop 9100 (Single Burner) User Manual
DOUBLE BURNER: Duxtop 9620LS (Double Burner) User Manual
Consult the (annotated) user manuals to learn more about:
- Electrical hazards & Personal safety
- Do’s and Don’ts for Users
- Unit diagram/parts identification
- Operating instructions about the Power level and Temperature cooking Modes
- Troubleshooting and error code guide
- Commonly asked questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (Cont.)
How will using an induction cooktop make my household safer?
- Induction cooking immediately reduces indoor pollution by not producing any of the fumes electric and gas stoves do. Everyone benefits from cleaner air!
- Since induction cooking doesn’t require any flames, the risk of accidental burns or kitchen fires is significantly reduced. Because of that, the surface of the induction unit remains cool to the touch (except where the cookware bottom comes into contact with the cooktop surface.
- Built-in safety features like an automatic shut-off, smart timer, and overheating sensors provide added peace of mind, especially in environments with small children!
Visit the BayREN CookSmart Forum on Sustainable Contra Costa’s Ning Network for:
Information about induction cooking
Recipes used in the Cooking Demonstrations
If you are interested in leaving any comments on any of these posts, you’ll need a Ning Network account. You can sign up for one here.
Have any questions about your induction unit or comments for our team?
Send us an email at
cooksmart@sustainablecoco.org
We will reach out to you directly!
Induction cooking tips
- Induction stoves heat up quickly. Preheating your pan is not necessary, and you don’t need to wait as long to heat up the pot or pan.
- You can overcook food because induction cooks fast.
- When you lift the pan off the cooktop, the power turns off.
CookSmart Cooking Demonstrations:
Thank you to everyone who joined our in person and virtual cooking demonstrations!
June 29: In person (Lafayette)
July 19: In person (Richmond)
August 14: Recording
Recipes: Chef Cindy’s Turkey Ragu and Red Lentil Curry Stew
September 25: Recording
Recipes: Chef Cindy’s Rosemary Lemon Chicken and Vegetarian Chili
ALL ABOUT INDUCTION:
Check out these great Recipes from our Cooking Demonstrations so far!
Big thanks to Chef Cindy Gershen, from East Bay Health, for all of her help leading our Cooking Demonstrations! She strongly believes in the idea of food as medicine. Check out her column in the The Concord, Clayton, Pioneer Pioneer here.
More on East Bay Health: We believe high-quality primary care should be accessible to all regardless of socioeconomic status. As a nonprofit, we provide free healthcare to the uninsured and undocumented or to individuals who are very low income living across the East Bay. If you believe you may qualify, contact us here.
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