Cooking Up Change: Our Induction Cooktop Demo During Global Climate Change Week

As part of Global Climate Change Week, our HCA cooking team joined forces with Wollongong City Council and Wollongong City Libraries to host a Induction Cooking Demonstration. The session was all about learning together, how induction cooking works, why people are making the switch from gas, and what the change could mean for our health, homes, and planet.

Cooking in Real Time

During the session, Manami Henderson – Health Promotion Officer, prepared a delicious soup to showcase how induction cooktops handle sautéing, boiling, and simmering. Participants could see, smell, and hear the tasty soup cooked up right in front of them. It was a great chance to ask questions, share tips, and see how induction really performs in everyday cooking

Why Switch from Gas to Induction?

One of the big reasons people to move away from gas is health. Gas cooktops release air pollutants into the air, the things that can increase the risk of asthma, especially in children. With induction cooking, those emissions disappear completely.

It’s also safer, as there’s no open flame, and the surface doesn’t get as hot because it heats the pot directly. That means fewer burns and safer kitchens, especially for families with little ones.

Better for Our Planet (and Our Pockets!)

Induction cooking doesn’t use fossil fuels, so it’s better for the environment. And if your home already has solar panels, even better as your cooking can be powered by the sun!

It’s also more energy efficient. About 80% of the heat goes straight into the pot (compared to only 30% with gas), meaning your food cooks faster and wastes less energy. Plus, cleaning up is easy, just a quick wipe of the flat glass surface and you’re done!

Thinking About Making the Switch?

Before switching, check if your pots and pans are induction friendly. The easiest way to test is with a magnet. If it sticks to the bottom of your pot, then it will work.

Different cooktops also have different “cooking zones,” so make sure your favourite pots fit the induction cooktop model you’re looking at.

If you’d like to learn more, Choice Magazine has great reviews and comparisons of induction cooktops and cookware. You can read them for free through Wollongong City Libraries. A great reason to pop into your local branch for a visit!

Save the recipe!

As someone who usually cooks on gas, trying induction for the first time was eye-opening. The heat-up time was quick, and the cooking process felt smooth, clean, and efficient. It’s definitely something I’m excited to explore more!

And here is the recipe we prepared on the day, it’s simple, tasty, and full of nutrients!