Natural gas stoves inflict asthma on about 650,000 kids per year in the US: roughly as many as secondhand smoke.
We can't all afford high-end induction ranges, so here are a few cheap and easy ways to protect kids by burning less gas in our kitchens. 1/6
First, the end game: replace gas with an induction range. These are safer than gas, cook faster, and control temperature more precisely. But they can cost $1200-9000, and may require $1000 of electrical work. Also not an option for most renters. 2/6
Thankfully, there are cheaper ways to cut kitchen gas use. Many recipes start with boiling water. Boiling the water in a $25 electric kettle before adding it to the pot can save time and reduce toxic emissions from gas burners. 3/6
Pressure cookers are another easy way to cook without gas. An Instant Pot, for example, costs about $80 and makes great soups, stews, curries, chilis, beans, lentils, potatoes, rice, meats, and much more. 4/6
Countertop induction 'burners' are also great! They work with grandma's cast-iron pans, plug into normal wall outlets, and cost about $70 at Ikea, Home Depot, etc. They heat food directly, keeping surrounding surfaces cool, so are much safer for kids and old folks. 5/6
@kevinjkircher i plan to buy one of these over the counter ones this week; boil water about 3x a day with gas.
This will save me a lot of time too
@harshal @kevinjkircher apart from the question raised on the method, it doesn't make sense to heat using electricity if the electricity came from a coal- or gas-fired power plant.
@tetrislife @kevinjkircher Induction is immensely more efficient than gas
https://www.maytag.com/blog/kitchen/induction-cooktop-vs-gas.html#:~:text=Induction%20cooktops%20can%20be%20three,HVAC%20system%20overall%20is%20reduced.
Also the US Grid is getting cleaner every day