Last night I headed downtown after work for a date with Electrolux at Desiron, a gorgeous furniture gallery in SoHo.

While I normally tend to be more conservative in my interior design tastes, I was immediately taken aback by the gorgeous pieces when I walked through the doors. The colors, textures, and finishes were like a warm breath of fresh air as I found refuge from the cold winter air. I secretly wanted to spend the next hour upstairs, exploring the furniture, but I quickly headed downstairs for an hour of cooking fun with Johnny Iuzzini  and Anne Burrell instead.

The event, which kicked off Electrolux and Frigidaire’s “I Heart Induction” campaign, was themed around Valentine’s Day and highlighted the many benefits of induction cooking from both a chef and a pastry chef’s point of view. Induction heating, which has been around for years, is still a mystery to many. Induction cooking uses induction heating to directly heat the pot instead of a heat transfer from gas or electric burners. In order for induction cooking to work, the pot used must be made of magnetic material so that the heat may transfer. Therefore, cast iron pans work wonderfully but aluminum can’t work. Simply said, it’s the magnetic reaction which creates the heat.

Benefits

• Sleek like electric but cooks like gas
• Can touch it without risk of getting burned.
• 70% more energy efficient than gas and 20% more energy efficient than electric
• Responsive and even cooking
• Can boil water in 90 seconds

While their cooking styles and personalities were very different, both showed a passion for food and induction cooking that was contagious.

The duo whipped up a delicious Valentine’s Day meal including a fennel and grapefruit salad, spaghetti Bolognese, and a poached pear dessert.  While they each prepared the dish, they highlighted some of the many benefits of using induction cooking over the traditional gas or electric stove, common in most homes.

   The best part about induction cooking is that it doesn’t have to cost thousands. Frigidaire makes a portable induction burner which is perfect as a more affordable option. My father actually gave Bo and I one last year and we love it for quick and precise heat. It’s only $199.00 and can be easily stored in even the smallest of kitchens!

Question: What’s your favorite type of heat? Gas, electric, or induction?