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I first encountered induction stoves maybe in the... 1990s? I thought it was a fantastic idea (and kind of a bit sci-fi) so I was stunned to learn that they were first introduced in the 1930s--but have simply been too expensive to really take off. In the 1990s, maybe early 2000s they were reasonably affordable (I no longer recall precisely, but I think they were not even twice as expensive as a similar electric range) but around that same time, "cooking with gas" became quite a meme. I think it was perhaps 2000 or 2001 when I first noticed young people bragging that "real chefs cook on high" or somesuch, and being snobby about cooking over gas flame. Wikipedia tells me the "Food Network" launched in the early 1990s, so I have my guesses about how that particular meme wormed its way into people's minds.
However in trying to source some of my own memories on appliance trends, I was intrigued to find this year-old article about the "bitter breakup with gas stoves" on our collective horizon. So I'm not really sure this particular culture war issue has been any more bizarre (or out-of-nowhere) than any other--a Biden appointee really did suggest a gas stove ban, and legacy news media did more or less immediately castigate Republicans for pouncing on that.
I do not presently have an induction stove. But I would like one. Maybe someday!
First time I'm hearing that induction stoves are expensive!
I had one in India during my student days, I believe it cost about $200, and it did all I could ask of it. I don't think I even used it above the 1000 watt setting, though I believe it went up to 2000.
Well, they used to be a lot more expensive. However--
Are you referring to a simple hot plate style burner? Because you can get those in the United States today for under $50. I don't know how long ago you were a student, but even today in the United States, $200 would be a lot for a student to pay for such an appliance (Amazon has single-burner hot plates for under $20). But if you're talking about a drop-in countertop range with multiple burners, or even a complete range/oven combo, then yeah, $200 was probably "not expensive."
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I love my induction range/top and am eternally regretfull that I didn't buy a double over the single one I have. The only downside as the OP mentioned is the need for specific cooking ware (having to carry a magnet when shopping is a little onerous) but the advantages clearly outpace that little downside.
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