Hi, I’m Jeff Johnson, an employee at Bekins Appliances and Electronics in West Michigan. When my family chose to upgrade the kitchen in our Spring Lake home, I wanted an induction range. This would help keep my curious toddler safer at home.
What Is an Induction Range?
An induction range combines a slide-in design, convection oven, and induction cooktop. Unlike gas or traditional electric, induction heats your cookware directly with electromagnetic energy. This means the cooktop stays cooler and heats up faster.
If you haven’t tried induction cooking, it’s a game-changer for both safety and efficiency. We even tested gas and induction in our showroom to which would boil water faster and induction won.
Why Induction Is Safer Than Gas or Electric
Induction ranges offer several safety advantages over traditional cooktops:
- No open flame: Unlike gas, there’s no fire risk. Toddlers or pets can’t accidentally ignite a burner.
- Cooler surfaces: The cooktop itself doesn’t get hot except where the pan touches it, reducing burn risk.
- Automatic pan detection: Induction won’t heat unless a compatible pan is on the burner.
These features make induction ideal for families, anyone with mobility challenges, or anyone who prioritizes kitchen safety.
Why I Chose Induction
- Safety for my toddler: No flame, no risk of turning on a burner accidentally.
- Control features: My slide-in range allows me to lock the oven and cooktop elements, keeping little hands safe.
- Cooler cooktop surface: The top doesn’t stay hot long after cooking, reducing burn risks.
A Note About Installation
Switching from our old gas stove to an induction range in our Spring Lake home required a small electrical upgrade. My wife and I hired an electrician to install the correct outlet and configuration for our new induction range.
While it’s an extra step, it was quick and ensures the range operates safely and efficiently.
Also, my toddler watched the Bekins appliance installers every move and the guys were great about it.
It’s Not Foolproof
Even with induction, safety still requires attention:
- I stick to using the back burners whenever possible, since pans can still get hot.
- The control lock doesn’t work while cooking, so I always supervise my toddler around the range.
Final Thoughts
For families with young kids, an induction range is a good choice. It offers quick cooking. It also provides accurate and safer cooking options. It blends modern technology, convenience, and peace of mind, making cooking both safer and more enjoyable.
About Bekins
Bekins Appliances and Electronics is a family-owned appliance and electronics store serving West Michigan since 1975. What started as a small appliance repair business in a garage has grown into one of the region’s most trusted destinations for home appliances and technology. We offer top-brand kitchen and laundry appliances, big-screen TVs, smart home technology, and custom electronics solutions, all backed by our own expert installation and service team.
We’re known for our interactive showrooms in Grand Haven and Grand Rapids, where customers can try appliances and electronics in real home-style displays before buying. Our trained professionals carefully handle delivery, installation, and service, and our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has earned us numerous awards and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. We’re proud to offer local expertise and personalized service to homeowners looking to upgrade their appliances or home technology.