Are you considering switching to an induction cooktop, or just curious how it works?  Borrow an induction cooktop for free from the City of Albany! Induction cooktops are safe, powerful, and environmentally-friendly.  Try it out for yourself with Albany’s free induction cooktop lending program! 

 The Program

• Register for the program using this Google Form, or by emailing mplouse@albanyca.org or calling (510) 528-5754.  Registration is free of charge and open to all Albany residents over 18.  
• After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with informational resources and will be placed on a waitlist for a cooktop. 
• Once a cooktop becomes available, you will be contacted by City of Albany staff to arrange to pick it up at City Hall and sign this waiver. 
• Take the cooktop home and try it out for up to two weeks!  The induction cooktop kit comes with a single burner cooktop, an induction-ready pot, an instruction packet, and educational materials.  The cooktop can be plugged directly into a standard electrical outlet.  
• Return the cooktop to City Hall on-time, clean, and in good condition. 

What is an Induction Cooktop? 

Induction cooktops use electromagnetism to transfer energy directly to a pot or pan. The cooktop doesn’t create heat unless it is touching a magnetic surface, such as an iron or steel pan. Induction cooktops run on clean electricity and are incredibly efficient.  They can boil water more than twice as fast as a gas stove and allow for precise temperature control. You can learn more about the science of induction here.

Cleaner and Greener Cooking

Switching to induction is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Gas stoves emit about 350 pounds of carbon every year. They also release potent pollutants into your home, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, which can cause health issues and poor indoor air quality. Induction stoves use Albany’s carbon-free electricity from East Bay Community Energy (EBCE), which means no emissions in your home or into the atmosphere!  BayREN is currently offering a $300 rebate on induction cooktops if you are ready to make the switch to induction cooktops in your home.

Learn More About Induction: 

• Waiver and Instructions for Cooktop Use (TBA)
• Benefits of induction and cooking videos with professional chefs. 
• The unique capabilities of induction. 
• An appliance expert explaining some of the benefits of induction. 
• $250 rebate for induction cooktops available through BayREN.
• Information about installing an induction range and general home electrification in Albany. 
• Join the Carbon- Free Albany Challenge and find more ways to reduce your carbon footprint.