Induction Cooktop Lending Program 

The City of Piedmont is offering an induction cooktop lending program, in partnership with Acterra and Ava Community Energy. Any East Bay resident can try out an induction cooktop for free. 

If you haven't heard of induction cooktops, don't worry--you're not alone. Induction cooktops use electromagnetism to transfer energy directly to a pot or pan. The cooktop doesn't create heat unless it touches a magnetic surface, such as an iron or steel pan. Watch this video to learn more about the power of induction cooking. Induction cooktops are safe, more efficient, and better than natural gas cooktops. Try one out for yourself! 

To learn more or sign up for the City's free induction cooktop lending program, visit Ava Community Energy's Induction Cooking webpage.

If you haven’t used an induction cooktop before, don’t worry -- the experience is new for many people. All cooktops come with additional usage instructions, and there are some handy resources linked below. We encourage participants to try using it for different things, such as boiling water, sautéing, or frying your favorite dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I have to pay to use this service?
A: No, you do not. This is a free opportunity to try out a new, modern kitchen appliance, and the cooktop can plug into any standard electrical socket.

Q: Why is the City doing this?
A: The City is pursuing this project because appliances that use natural gas (such as gas stoves) emit greenhouse gas emissions and are less healthy than electric alternatives. Electric appliances can use electricity that is generated from carbon-free sources, such as rooftop solar or Ava's Renewable 100 service plan. Replacing gas stoves with electric alternatives like induction cooktops is an important climate action you can take at home.

Q: Are there other ways to reduce my greenhouse gas emissions?
A: I’m glad you asked! You can check out another useful webpage here.

Q: I love my induction cooktop! Do you have any information on how to buy one?
A: BayREN offers a $300 rebate if you choose to purchase a new cooktop. There are a few types of induction cooktops you can install. The ones we loan out plug into a typical kitchen outlet. If you want a larger unit, you may have to change your electrical outlet. Do some research before making a final decision.

If you have further questions, please email [email protected], or visit the resources below. 

Additional Resources about Induction Cooking

• Detailed description of the science behind induction cooktops, including how they work, their benefits, and their drawbacks. (Explain That Stuff, 2021)
• Factsheet about home electrification: induction stoves and cooktops. (Berkeley Electrification Working Group, 2019). 
• Factsheet about induction cooking safety and radiation concerns. (Rocky Mountain Institute, 2020). 
• Factsheet about the benefits of induction cooking. (Ecology Center and City of Berkeley, 2019)
• Induction cooking resources. (Ava, 2023)
• Overview of Ava Community Energy (Ava)'s residential  induction cooking program. (Ava, 2022)
• BayREN currently offers a $300 rebate on induction cooktops. Find out more on their website here.
• Consumer Reports' review on induction cooktop and ranges can be found here.
• WireCutter’s review of portable induction cooktops can be found here.

Videos

• Here are two professional chefs teaming up to cook a zero-waste and emissions-free meal using induction cooking and seasonal ingredients
• Here is an appliance expert explaining some of the benefits of induction
• Another brief overview of induction cooking
• A test of how the cooktop functions while boiling water
• Watch a grilled cheese tutorial here