Local chef and writer Ari Miller during a live cooking demonstration with the new cooktops at the West Philly Tool Library on Friday, Feb. 7.

The West Philly Tool Library has just received a generous donation from PennEnvironment, a non-profit organization that advocates for clean air, water and energy in the state of Pennsylvania. PennEnvironment donated two induction cooktops that will be offered for community use through the tool library’s membership program.

Induction stoves are a more sustainable alternative to traditional gas ranges because they don’t rely on methane, a greenhouse gas that’s considered much more potent than carbon dioxide and contributes to global warming. At the same time, induction appliances can be up to three times as efficient as their gas counterparts, and 10 percent more efficient than electric appliances. This efficiency can lead to potential long-term energy savings on utility bills and faster cooking times.

Indoor gas stove use has also shown to dramatically increase indoor air pollution and was found to cause some childhood asthma cases, according to a recent study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

To demonstrate the ease and efficiency of induction stovetops, well-known local chef and writer Ari Miller held a live cooking demonstration with the new cooktops at the tool library on Friday.

“Induction is an important tool for me both at work and at home. It allows for versatility in cooking, as well as exactness and precision,” said Miller. “I think it’s important that more people will get to try induction by way of this addition to the Tool Library’s collection.”

Jason Sanders, WPTL Executive Director, thanked PennEnvironment for their donation during Friday’s event. “Our members will now have the opportunity to use and try out induction cooktops in their homes as a green alternative to traditional electric and natural gas stoves,” he said.

For more information on induction appliances, check out this online resource.

The West Philly Tool Library has over 3,500 tools available for lending to community members. If you’re interested in borrowing an induction cooktop or other tools, check out this page on how to become a member.

Photos courtesy of PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center.