The Sustainability Centre recently chose magnetic induction hobs, incorporated into a six zone induction hob cooking station, to replace a traditional electric plate range in their Beech Cafe.  Centre manager, Mary Lewis chose the induction cooking station, having successfully secured funding from the RDPE Leader funding program for the centre to acquire the energy saving induction cooking station.

The Beech Cafe, where chef Alasdair Sim creates an array of delicious organic, Fair Trade and vegetarian food, is based at The Sustainability Centre which is run by The Earthworks Trust Ltd charity and located near East Meon, Petersfield in Hampshire.

Energy efficiency in the kitchen is an area which is often overlooked.  Kitchens are traditionally accepted as being hot places to work in, requiring high levels of ventilation to keep them cool but exhausting waste hot air from the cooking process into the atmosphere.  With the introduction of magnetic induction hobs, commercial kitchens can now be cool and comfortable places to work.

When cooking using magnetic induction hobs over 90% of the heat generated is used to cook the food compared to less than 40% when cooking using traditional open gas burner or radiant plate electric hobs.

Magnetic induction hobs win hands down in the energy race and are also quick and easy to clean as nothing burns onto the Ceran glass cooking surface.  The six zone induction cooking station is fully mobile and plugs into standard 13 amp plugs making installation easy as there are no special service requirements.

The Sustainability Centre offers courses in rural crafts, childrens courses and outdoor activities including camping in Tipis and Mongolian-style Yurts.  By generating its own electricity from inclined roof and wall mounted PV panels The Sustainability Centre also utilises the power of the sun, this enables them to minimise energy waste and reduce running costs to a minimum.

To find out more about The Sustainability Centre courses and activities visit www.sustainability-centre.org