Get a portable induction cooktop

Can’t get rid of your gas stove? Do this instead!

If you are a renter, or don’t have the electrical capacity or the funds to replace your gas stove and oven with induction or electric, DON’T DESPAIR. There are easy and very cost effective measures you can take to improve your indoor air quality. First of all, for less than $150, you can get a great counter-top induction cookplate and cookware. We love cooking on our induction cookplate, and cooked on it exclusively for two years while we waited to replace our range. Our favorite is this Wirecutter recommendation, but Ikea also has one that is a few dollars less. You need to use magnetic pots and pans on induction: low cost cast iron pans work great and there are great options through Amazon, Ikea, and other vendors. You can also use other electric appliances to supplement and reduce the use of your gas stove and oven: countertop ovens, slow cookers, electric kettles, etc..

If you can, venting your stove and oven when you are cooking with gas is important. If you have a ventilation hood - USE IT. (Unfortunately, fans that come with microwaves units over ranges are recirculating and do not vent to the outside, and therefore do not get rid of harmful emissions). You can also open windows you are able to.

Additionally, you can purchase an air filter with HEPA and carbon filaments for your kitchen and/or bedroom (the carbon is important to filter gases like nitrogen dioxide and benzene).  Here are the New York Times Wirecutter recommendations. We have the Conway and love it (purchase some extra filters to change them out, as they do get dirty). 

NEVER USE your gas stove to supplement heat in your home. It is dangerous and emits tons of toxic emissions.

And if there isn’t one already, see this page about starting an induction cook plate lending program at your local library. You can also get together with friends and do a cooking demonstration (chocolate covered strawberries is a favorite of Mothers Out Front Brookline)!