Can Induction Cooktops heat utensils?

November 2, 2007 7:42 AM

I am looking for information on using induction type hot plates to heat lab tools/industrial implements (think scrapers, putty knives, etc.)

I need to heat implements which are used to melt and form wax. I can’t seem to find any industrial/laboratory applications using Google. The only information I seem to find is about induction cook tops, etc. Has anyone had experience using induction cook tops/hot plates to heat individual small utensils or implements as opposed to larger pots and pans?

I was thinking Induction would be good as it wouldn't melt or burn any wax bits that fell on the surface. Also induction might be able to heat irregular shapes.

posted by senador to Technology (2 answers total)

One potential problem is that induction only works on certain ferrous materials. My understanding is that if a magnet won't stick to it, induction won't directly heat it.
posted by jon1270 at 8:26 AM on November 2, 2007

In art school, we kept a pot of boiling water on a hotplate. In the pot, there was a wire grate that held the waxcutting tools handle-up.

That way, we never risked melting the plastic handles. It also provided a constant source of hot water, which is really useful when working wax. Occasionally, we'd throw a smaller pot in it, and use it as a double boiler.

This also prevented the tools from getting so hot that they burned the wax and created toxic smoke.

Another trick as to keep a heat gun around. You could just grab it and warm up the tip of the tool, whenever you felt like it.
posted by fake at 8:37 AM on November 2, 2007 [1 favorite]