Risks of cooking with halogen heat

Halogen ovens and hobs are cooking appliances that can generate heat extremely fast. These ovens heat by releasing bursts of red light. Halogen moves heat through the air. Sometimes this heat reaches the food directly and cooks it evenly without any conduction, while other times the heat strikes a cooking utensil and cooks in the same way those traditional stoves cook. While effective, halogen cooking devices sometimes have drawbacks.

Halogen heat only works with cooking materials made out of magnetic materials, such as stainless steel and cast iron. Aluminium, copper and glass are not effective when using halogen heat, according to the Induction Site website. If you've just installed a halogen oven, you might have to replace your pots and pans.

Some cooks think that halogen is not as strong as other kinds of cooking mediums and that pro gas ranges are much stronger, according to the Induction Site.

Halogen heat may produce radiation hazards. The European Union investigated human immune system problems, cardiac effects, nervous system effects, neuralbehavioral effects, ocular effects, genotoxicity, carcinogenisis and problems with melatonin production, according to the Induction Site.

Halogen cooking uses electricity. If there is an electrical power outage, the halogen cooking appliances will not be usable, according to the Induction Site. However, homeowners can use propane-powered backup generators for events in which the power goes out and the halogen appliance needs a different source of energy.

Halogen cooking does not produce flames, which makes it impossible for foods char when cooking. However, the Induction Site maintains the lack of flames increases the safety of the halogen stove.

Halogen can be more expensive when electricity prices go up. However, halogen heat becomes more affordable when gas prices go up or when electricity prices go down.

The halogen oven can cause an electric shock if the cord becomes wet. The appliance can also become dangerous if the electric plug becomes damaged, according to GE Housewares. The oven should never be immersed in water.

Halogen ovens are not likely to burn those who are using them because the actual oven itself does not generate heat but instead relies on the container to create heat. However, the food and the cooking utensils can still be hot, and those using the halogen oven can still accidentally burn themselves, according to GE Housewares. This is especially a problem when cooking with water or oils, since they can become heated and accidentally burn.