To some, the electric stove is a mystery. They grew up cooking on gas stoves and can’t imagine how to cook on anything else. Others may have never cooked on anything but an electric stove.
No matter which camp you fall into, there are a few things everyone should know about cooking on an electric stove. So, let’s get started.
How to cook on an electric stove
Cooking is one of my favorite things to do. It’s a chance to be creative and experiment with new flavors and ingredients. And, of course, it’s a great way to show off your culinary skills to friends and family. But even if you’re not a professional chef, you can still cook up a great meal with any type of cook tops.
However, in this particular instance we will focus on just one stovetop. Here are a few tips on how to cook well on electric stove tops.
1. Correct pot or pan size
You have to make sure that your pan or pot is the right size for the burner. If it’s too small, the heat will be too intense and can lead to scorching. If it’s too big, the food will take longer to cook and may not brown evenly.
2. Cookware is compatible with electric stove
Always use cookware that is compatible with an electric stove. This means using flat-bottom pots and pans made of materials like glass, ceramic, or cast iron.
3. Correct pot arrangement
When cooking with multiple pots or pans, arrange them so that the ones requiring the most heat are closest to the element.
4. Use oven mitts
Don’t forget to use oven mitts or potholders when handling hot cookware! Also, this is useful when you are working between plates and need to protect your hands from being burned.
Why do electric stoves take so long?
While gas stoves heat up quickly, electric models can take several minutes to reach the desired temperature. So why do electric stoves take so long?
There are a few reasons for this:
- Electric stoves rely on coils to generate heat and it takes time for those coils to reach a high enough temperature to effectively transfer heat to the pan [1].
- Electric stoves tend to have poorer heat conductivity than gas models, meaning that heat is less efficiently transferred from the coils to the pan.
- Most electric stoves have lower wattage than gas models, meaning they simply don’t produce as much heat.
So if you’re looking for a quicker way to heat up your food, a gas stove may be the way to go. But if you’re patient and willing to wait a few extra minutes, an electric stove can still get the job done. Some people are just a bit nervous still when it comes to gas stoves, thus electric stoves will always have its place in the kitchen.
How hot does an electric stove get?
I was curious about how hot an electric stove gets, so I did some research. I found that electric stoves can get up to around 932 degrees Fahrenheit [2]. However, the temperature varies depending on the type of stove top and the setting that you have it on.
For example, if you have a coil stove, the coils can get red hot, but the area around them will be cooler. If you have an induction stove, the cookware itself will get hot, but the surface around it will stay cool. No matter what type of electric stove you have, it’s important to be careful when cooking with it.
Always use oven mitts when handling pots and pans and make sure that your cookware is compatible with your stove. With a little bit of care, you can safely enjoy cooking with an electric stove.
How to bake in an electric oven
When it comes to baking, there is nothing quite like the smell of freshly-baked goods wafting through the kitchen. Whether you are baking a cake, cookies, or bread, the oven is an essential tool. If you have never baked before, the thought of using an oven can be daunting.
However, with a little bit of practice, you will be able to bake like a pro in no time. Here are a few tips for baking in an electric oven:
1. Preheat the oven
This is always the first step when baking. Make sure to set the correct temperature for your recipe.
2. Place the food on a baking sheet
This will help to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
3. Check on your food
Depending on the recipe, you may need to check on your food every few minutes. Open the door carefully to avoid letting heat escape.
By following these simple tips, you will be well on your way to creating delicious baked goods that will fill your home with the tantalizing smells of decadent cinnamon, drool-worthy chocolate and sweet-smelling vanilla.
Electric hot plate recipes
Whether it’s the intimacy of cooking for someone special or the simplicity of preparing a meal on a busy weeknight, electric hot plates offer a unique and delicious way to enjoy your favorite recipes. And with so many different recipes to choose from, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
From classic comfort foods to modern flavors, there’s an electric hot plate recipe out there for everyone.
Spicy Italian sausage skillet with peppers and onions
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 4 x Italian sausages
- 1 x onion
- 2 x bell peppers
- 1 cup x canned diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp x mixed herbs or chopped chives for garnish
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ x stock cube dissolved in a 20ml hot water
Instructions
- Heat the electric hot plate to medium heat and add the sausages. Cook, turning occasionally until nicely browned all over, about 8 minutes.
- Add the onion and bell peppers to the pan, stirring often until just softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, herbs, salt & pepper (or stock cube mix) and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Serve with your favorite sides garnished with chives (if desired), such as mashed potatoes or rice and enjoy!
Can I use oven and stove at the same time?
The answer is a resounding yes! I love using my oven and stove at the same time because it helps me to be more efficient with my time. For example, I can brew tea in my tetsubin teapot on the stove while I make a yummy meal in the oven.
This saves me time because I don’t have to wait for the tea to brew after I’ve started cooking. Additionally, I can also use the stove to keep food warm while I’m waiting for the oven to preheat. This is especially helpful when I’m making large meals that require a lot of time and effort.
Overall, being able to use both the oven and stove simultaneously helps me to be more productive (in other words multi-task!) in the kitchen.
Wrapping up: How to cook well on electric stove tops
And that, my friends, is how you cook like a boss on an electric stove top. Tackle electric stove top cooking with reckless abandon, okay maybe not that reckless. Just go forth and conquer those electric stove tops. Happy cooking!
PS – if you still can’t seem to get it right, there’s always take-out 😉
PPS – if you made a mess and need to clean your stove top from grease, then read this article.
Charlene Gallant
Charlene is a lover of good food. She enjoys nothing more than cooking up a storm in the kitchen and sharing her favourite recipes with her readers. She also enjoys reading a good book.