Induction Cooktop Lending Program 

The City of Piedmont is offering an induction cooktop lending program for Piedmont residents. Any resident can try out an induction cooktop for free. The program started in April 2021. Learn more below.

If you haven't heard of induction cooktops, don't worry--you're not alone. Induction cooktops use electromagnetism to transfer energy directly to a pot or pan. The cooktop doesn't create heat unless it touches a magnetic surface, such as an iron or steel pan. Watch this video to learn more about the power of induction cooking. Induction cooktops are safe, more efficient, and better than natural gas cooktops. Try one out for yourself! 


The induction cooktop you can receive!

You can sign up for the City's free induction cooktop lending program by contacting [email protected]. A City Staff member will be in contact to confirm your details and arrange a pickup time!

How the Induction Cooktop Lending Program Works

If you are a Piedmont resident, you are eligible to try out one of our free induction cooktops! Here’s how it works:

  1. Email [email protected] or call a City staff member at (510) 420-3058 and leave your name, address, and phone number to be added to our loaning list. 
  2. A City staff member will contact you to confirm your reservation. Once contacted for your pickup, you can come to City Hall (120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont, CA 94611) to retrieve the cooktop unit. For individuals with physical limitations, you can arrange a socially distant pickup and/or drop-off. This waiver must be completed prior to pickup. 
  3. Use your induction cooktop! The cooktop can plug into any standard electrical socket. The cooktop will come with additional usage instructions, and there are some handy resources linked below. If you haven’t used one before, don’t worry--the induction experience is new for a lot of people. We encourage you to try using it for different things, such as boiling water, sautéing, or frying your favorite dishes. Visit this link to learn more about how to use your induction cooktop, and what is included in the program. 
  4. After 2 weeks, you must return your cooktop unit to the City. Please be respectful of the loan timeframe. We want as many Piedmonters to have the chance to use the cooktop as possible!

What is included?

In your cooktop package is: one single-burner induction cooktop (Max Burton 1800 Watt Digital Induction Cooktop, PN 6450), one 8” stainless steel stir fry pan, one 2¾ quart sauce pan, instructions on how to use and clean your cooktop, and additional educational materials about induction cooktops.

Related Documents

All of these documents will be included in your kit as well. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I have to pay to use this service?
A: No, you do not. This is a free opportunity to try out a new, modern kitchen appliance.

Q: Why is the City doing this?
A: The City is pursuing this project because appliances that use natural gas (such as gas stoves) emit greenhouse gas emissions and are less healthy than electric alternatives. Electric appliances can use electricity that is generated from carbon-free sources, such as rooftop solar or Ava's Renewable 100 service plan. Replacing gas stoves with electric alternatives like induction cooktops is an important climate action you can take at home.

Q: Are there other ways to reduce my greenhouse gas emissions?
A: I’m glad you asked! You can check out another useful webpage here.

Q: I love my induction cooktop! Do you have any information on how to buy one?
A: BayREN offers a $300 rebate if you choose to purchase a new cooktop. There are a few types of induction cooktops you can install. The ones we loan out plug into a typical kitchen outlet. If you want a larger unit, you may have to change your electrical outlet. Do some research before making a final decision.

If you have further questions, please email [email protected], or visit the resources below. 

Additional Resources about Induction Cooking


Videos