CLP Power yesterday sought to grab a larger share of the home-cooking market by launching a campaign to promote electric- induction hotplates.
The company has teamed up with Sun Hung Kai Properties and seven hotplate manufacturers to promote double-hob induction cookers suitable for the home. Single-hob induction cookers are already popular for hotpots.
Each hob contains one or more coils made of ferromagnetic material. When a magnetic-based pan is placed on the hob, a magnetic field induces a current in the pan, causing it to heat up and cook the food while the cooker top remains cool.
CLP Power claims the cookers have higher thermal efficiency than conventional units and provide rapid heating.
It said a recent study it conducted found that an average of $2.50 to $3 could be saved in energy costs by cooking three dishes plus soup by induction, compared with a gas cooker.
'Cooking has just got a new definition,' said Chow Tang-fai, director of marketing and customer services at CLP Power. Because the cookers require only a power-point, Mr Chow said, 'now you've got the freedom to cook anywhere at home.'