A New Flame for the Kitchen: Induction Cooking Meets Battery Innovation
Induction stoves have long been hailed as the future of cooking—energy-efficient, fast-heating, and far safer than gas burners. Yet despite government subsidies and consumer awareness campaigns, adoption has been slow in many parts of the world. The culprit? Infrastructure limitations.
Most induction stoves require higher-voltage electrical outlets (220–240V) or expensive rewiring of kitchens—an upgrade many renters, older homeowners, and housing authorities cannot afford. This bottleneck has kept induction adoption largely restricted to newly built or high-end homes.
Enter Copper, a battery induction stove startup headquartered in San Francisco, that believes it has cracked the code. By integrating a high-capacity battery directly into the stove, Copper enables its induction cooktops to plug into ordinary 120-volt outlets—the same ones used for microwaves, kettles, or toasters.
This innovation transforms Copper’s product into more than just a cooking appliance. It doubles as a portable backup power source, reshaping how consumers and housing authorities think about kitchen energy.
The $28 Million Boost
On August 27, 2025, Copper announced that it had raised $28 million in funding, led by Prelude Ventures, with participation from Lowercarbon Capital, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, and Congruent Ventures.
This round gives Copper the capital to move from pilot programs to mass deployment. A large portion of the funding will go toward fulfilling its landmark contract: supplying 10,000 battery-powered induction stoves to the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) in 2026.
For NYCHA—one of the largest public housing authorities in the United States—Copper’s stoves offer a path to modernize kitchens without tearing up walls or spending billions on rewiring.
A spokesperson for NYCHA stated:
“Copper’s technology provides an affordable, scalable way to electrify kitchens and improve indoor air quality for thousands of families without major infrastructure costs.”
Why Copper’s Innovation Matters
1. Tackling Infrastructure Barriers
Traditional induction cooktops often demand electrical upgrades that can cost $2,000–$5,000 per unit in older apartment buildings. For housing authorities or landlords managing thousands of units, that expense is prohibitive.
Copper bypasses this by working on existing low-voltage outlets, cutting electrification costs dramatically.
2. Improving Indoor Air Quality
Gas stoves release nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter, pollutants linked to respiratory issues, especially in children. With public health concerns mounting, cities like New York and Los Angeles are accelerating efforts to move away from gas.
Copper’s stoves provide an immediate, health-friendly replacement without waiting years for building upgrades.
3. Backup Power and Grid Flexibility
Each stove comes with a rechargeable battery that can power the cooktop for several hours even when unplugged. In addition, Copper’s devices could one day be integrated into demand-response programs, returning stored power to the grid during peak hours.
Energy analyst Laura Martinez commented:
“Copper’s stoves blur the line between appliance and energy device. They’re not just kitchen tools—they’re grid assets.”
Market Opportunity: A Global Need
The global cooking appliance market is worth $250 billion annually, and governments are increasingly pushing electrification as part of climate policy.
- United States: Cities like New York, San Francisco, and Seattle are banning new gas hookups.
- Europe: EU policies are accelerating electrification with subsidies for induction adoption.
- Asia: Nations like India and China face urban air quality challenges, making gas-to-electric transitions attractive.
By solving the plug-and-play problem, Copper opens up adoption in all these markets. It’s not just a U.S. story—it’s a global electrification play.
The Road to NYCHA and Beyond
Copper’s first large-scale deployment with NYCHA marks a turning point. If successful, the model could be replicated in:
- Other U.S. Housing Authorities: Chicago, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia are all exploring clean kitchen initiatives.
- Private Property Managers: Apartment landlords seeking cost-effective electrification solutions.
- Developing Markets: Countries with limited electrical infrastructure but growing demand for modern cooking appliances.
Copper’s CEO, James Harlan, stated in an interview:
“Our mission isn’t just about stoves—it’s about making clean cooking accessible to everyone, regardless of income or housing type.”
Reactions Across the Industry
Investors, policymakers, and clean tech experts have widely praised Copper’s model.
- Investors see parallels with Tesla’s battery innovation—starting with a niche product that eventually redefines consumer expectations.
- Housing Authorities welcome the affordability compared to large-scale retrofits.
- Consumers appreciate the portability: the stoves can be moved between apartments or even used outdoors.
One early adopter in a pilot program shared:
“I used the stove during a blackout last month. Not only could I cook, but I also used the battery to charge my phone. It’s a game-changer.”
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism, Copper faces hurdles:
- Scaling Production – Meeting demand from large contracts requires rapid manufacturing expansion.
- Battery Costs – Lithium-ion prices fluctuate, potentially affecting affordability.
- Consumer Awareness – Many still see induction as “premium” technology, so education will be key.
- Competition – Larger appliance makers may launch similar battery-backed solutions in the next few years.
Copper will need to execute flawlessly on both production and brand-building to stay ahead.
Looking Forward: Copper’s Next Moves
With fresh funding in hand, Copper plans to:
- Expand manufacturing with new facilities in the U.S. and Asia.
- Enhance smart features, such as app-based monitoring of battery levels, cooking efficiency, and grid participation.
- Explore partnerships with energy utilities for demand-response pilots.
- Develop consumer-focused versions for middle-income households outside of housing programs.
Industry insiders speculate that Copper could eventually evolve into a home energy company, not just an appliance maker. By embedding batteries in everyday devices, the company is contributing to a decentralized energy future where homes themselves act as mini power hubs.
Long-Term Outlook
Copper’s story is more than a funding announcement. It reflects a broader shift in how startups are reimagining energy, climate, and everyday living.
If successful, Copper could pioneer a new appliance category: energy-resilient stoves that double as grid assets. Its blend of clean cooking, affordability, and backup power resonates in a world increasingly defined by climate policy, urban infrastructure challenges, and energy insecurity.
As the company heads into large-scale deployments, the startup ecosystem—and even big appliance manufacturers—will be watching closely.
Copper may have started with kitchens, but its vision could extend far beyond.
