Ramtons Induction Cooker Review: Speed, Efficiency, and Downsides

This review dives deep into the Ramtons induction cooker, exploring its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it's the right appliance for your kitchen. We'll examine its performance, focusing on speed and energy efficiency, key features that set induction cookers apart. Safety considerations, including the relatively cool cooktop surface and child lock feature, will be discussed alongside potential hazards associated with incorrect cookware usage or accidental damage.Beyond performance and safety, we'll delve into practical aspects like the need for specialized cookware, the impact of power outages, and the initial investment cost. The review also provides a frank assessment of the Ramtons cooker's limitations, particularly concerning temperature control at lower settings and the learning curve associated with mastering its precise heat adjustments. Ultimately, this comprehensive review aims to provide a balanced perspective, allowing you to make an informed purchasing decision based on your individual cooking needs and budget.

Pros And Cons

Read more: Nuwave PIC Titanium Induction Cooktop Review: A Mixed Bag of Features

Speed and Efficiency

Induction cookers are renowned for their speed. In my experience, they're significantly faster than gas cookers, often doubling the cooking speed for tasks like boiling water. This is due to the unique heating mechanism, which directly heats the cookware.

Furthermore, induction cookers are remarkably energy-efficient. Unlike gas or electric cooktops that rely on heat transfer, induction generates heat directly within the pan's base, minimizing energy loss. This translates to lower electricity bills compared to other cooking methods.

How Induction Cooking Works

Unlike traditional cooktops, induction cookers don't generate heat directly. Instead, a copper coil beneath the glass surface creates a magnetic field. This magnetic field interacts with the ferromagnetic base of the cookware, generating eddy currents that produce heat directly within the pan itself.

This direct heating process explains both the speed and efficiency of induction cooking. The heat is precisely targeted, minimizing energy waste and resulting in faster cooking times. This is a stark contrast to other methods where significant heat is lost in the transfer process.

Safety Features

Safety is a major advantage of induction cookers. The absence of open flames eliminates the risk of gas leaks or accidental burns. The cooking surface itself remains relatively cool to the touch, even during operation, reducing the risk of accidental burns, especially beneficial for households with children.

However, it's crucial to remember that the pan itself will get hot. Exercise caution when removing cookware from the induction surface to avoid accidental contact with hot surfaces. While the cooktop stays relatively cool, the cooking vessel can reach high temperatures.

Features and Settings

The Ramtons induction cooker offers various preset cooking modes such as hot pot, stir-fry, milk, and water. These presets adjust the heat levels based on the wattage or temperature, allowing for precise control.

Additionally, the cooker includes a timer function, helpful for unattended cooking or for timing delicate dishes. The child lock feature adds an extra layer of safety, preventing accidental adjustments while the cooker is in use.

Downsides and Limitations

A primary limitation of induction cookers is the need for specialized cookware. Only ferromagnetic cookware (magnetic) will work effectively. Always test your cookware with a magnet before using it on an induction cooktop. The base of the pan needs to be completely compatible with induction, not just partially.

Another factor to consider is the cooking surface size. The maximum size should align with the induction cooktop’s capabilities to ensure optimal efficiency. Ensure the cookware is as flat as possible for maximal contact with the cooking surface.

Glass Cooktop Durability

While the glass cooktop is usually durable, it’s susceptible to cracking from impacts. Never use a cracked induction cooktop, as it poses an electrical hazard. Ramtons offers a repair service for damaged glass tops.

It is also important to note that using the wrong cookware may cause the induction cooktop to overheat and potentially damage the glass surface or other components.

Electricity Dependence and Cost

Induction cookers rely on electricity, making them unusable during power outages. This is a significant consideration, especially if it's your primary cooking method. Consider having a backup cooking method, such as a gas stove.

The initial cost of an induction cooker is relatively high. This cost is further increased by the additional investment required for compatible cookware. Consider the total cost of ownership and compare it with other options before purchasing an induction cooker.

Cooking Performance and Overall Assessment

The Ramtons induction cooker excels in speed and efficiency for most cooking tasks. However, lower-setting temperature control is not consistent and may lead to uneven results with certain dishes like chapatis or pancakes. It requires a learning curve to master heat control, especially for high-heat tasks.

Despite the downsides, its speed, safety, and ease of cleaning make it a convenient option. The high initial cost and reliance on electricity are significant drawbacks to consider. It's not a universally superior choice; it's ideal for certain cooking styles and situations. Consider your needs and budget before making a purchase.