Interested in trying induction cooking? Now you can. Our Environmental Services Department and our Library have partnered on the Cool Cooktops Program. Sunnyvale Library cardholders can borrow a high efficiency, all-electric induction cooktop to try out.

About Cool Cooktop - Induction Cooking

Induction cooktops generate heat using magnets. The magnetic pan and electric current in the cooktop create heat in your cookware. This is different from electric resistance cooktops, which are slower and inefficient. Those cooktops use electricity to heat a coil, which heats your cookware.

Why Try Induction Cooking?

Induction cooktops are an electric alternative to gas stovetops.

Compared to gas stovetops, induction cooktops:

• Heat up faster and have better heat control than gas stoves.
• Offer 40% more energy efficiency.

They're also:

• Safer than other cooktops because they don’t have hot coils or open flames.
• Healthier. Gas stoves are a major source of indoor air pollution.
• Greener. Gas stoves use fossil fuels that contribute to climate change. Induction cooktops use carbon-free electricity.
• Easier to clean. No nooks and crannies, simply wipe it down.

And, replacing gas appliances with electric alternatives is an important ingredient in the City’s Climate Action Playbook.

What Cookware Will Work?

You may use cast iron, stainless steel, carbon steel and all-clad cookware. Cookware with the induction-compatible symbol (see image at right) will work. Test your pan with a magnet. If the magnet sticks and holds to the bottom of the cookware, it will work.

If a magnet does not stick to your cookware's bottom, it will not work on induction. Aluminum, copper, aluminum foil, glass, ceramic, and some mixed materials stainless steel will not work on induction.

If your non-compatible cookware is in good condition, consider donating it. For unusable cookware, use the How to Get Rid of Anything tool and search "pots/pans" to find local drop-off locations to recycle these items.

How to Borrow a Cool Cooktop

You can check out an induction cooktop kit from the Library. You must be over 18 years old and be a full-access Sunnyvale Public Library cardholder. The checkout period is up to three weeks.

• The Cool Cooktop Kit includes:
• Portable induction cooktop (NuWave Gold)
• Duralon frying pan
• Six-quart stainless steel pot with lid
• Silicone spoon and slotted spatula
• Cookbook: The Best Induction Burner Recipes on the Planet: 100 Easy Recipes for Your Portable Cooktop, by Ella Sanders
• Magnet to test cookware
• Induction cooktop user guide and instruction manual
• Cooktop case
• Backpack

Reserve a Cool Cooktop Kit