How to choose an induction hob and what to look for: an overview of models with a description of the advantages and disadvantages

Not every apartment or house has the ability to connect a gas stove.

Many are forced or because of personal preferences to use electric stoves, which consume a lot of electricity.

The best choice in such a situation may be a hob that works on the principle of induction.

Such a device allows you to cook meals quickly and saves electricity.

How to choose and what to look for?

Induction cooktops have appeared relatively recently.

The peculiarity of such a device is that only the bottom of the used dishes and the products in it are heated, while the walls of the dishes and the stove itself do not heat up..

Number of burners

When choosing an induction hob, it is important to decide how many burners you need.

Surfaces can be equipped with a different number of heating zones, this number varies from one to six.

This indicator will depend on the number of people in the family and how varied the food you are used to cooking.

For a couple or a single person, as well as a family that is used to eating out, a compact version of the device equipped with one or a pair of burners will suffice. This will save space in the kitchen.

For a large family, it is recommended to give preference to a panel that will have at least four heating zones.

Such devices are one of the most popular among buyers, as they allow you to cook a full meal at the same time. But more space is needed to accommodate such equipment.

In terms of the configuration and location of the burners, the standards for their placement have long ceased to involve exclusively square or diamond shapes..

Heating zones can be arranged in a row, in the form of a triangle, oval, semicircle. When choosing this option, you should imagine how convenient it will be for you to have access to each of the burners so that the dishes on the neighboring ones do not interfere with each other.

It is also worth considering the diameter of the heating zones, their shape.

Otherwise, the device will simply not turn on.. In the most modern induction hobs, the burner can automatically detect the size of the cookware and adjust to it.

Panel material

The most common coating material is glass ceramic.. The second most common is tempered glass.

The first option will be cheaper, but it is durable to mechanical stress.

There are difficulties in care, since sugary liquids, such as compotes and jams, can leave indelible marks..

Panels covered with tempered glass are slightly more expensive, but rather fragile and require careful handling. But such material is more aesthetic and practical in care, not afraid of scratches and abrasives.

Cooking induction cookers can be framed with a metal profile or beveled edge.

Both options have their advantages.:

• framed - do not allow the escaped liquid to stain the countertop or drain to the floor;
• Panels with a beveled edge are easier to clean.

Panel color

When choosing an induction hob, it is worth considering various design options..

Most models are produced in dark colors that fit perfectly into any interior style.

For rooms decorated in country or Provence style, induction surfaces with a floral pattern are available..

For modern high-tech interiors, models that do not have heating zones and look like a single piece of glass are perfect.

You can rarely find on sale devices that have a silver or white color, which also look very profitable..

On a light surface, dust, grease stains and water stains are less noticeable, which makes them especially attractive. It is worth noting that cleaning both light and dark panels is not difficult.

Dirt can be removed even during cooking, as the surface is not hot.

Some hobs are decorated with patterns, inscriptions and pictograms for easy operation of the appliance.

Dimensions

It is important that the size of the hob fits perfectly into the interior of your kitchen.

The narrowest varieties are only 30 centimeters wide.. They are equipped with one or two heating zones and are a great find for a small kitchen.

Panels wider than 60 centimeters usually contain five burners, and with a width of about 80 centimeters, the heating zones can already be five or six.

The thickness of induction cooktops can also vary. This range is usually from 4 to 10 centimeters.

Standard thickness - from 6 to 8 centimeters.

Dependent/Independent

Induction hobs can be independent devices that can be placed anywhere in the kitchen.

For such devices, it is only important to have a nearby power source and a flat surface for installation..

Another type of induction is built-in kitchen countertops. They tend to be a little more expensive, but look like one piece with the kitchen set.

In terms of functionality, there are no significant differences between them..

Additional functions

The presence of various additional options for the selected model can make cooking a very pleasant experience.

Below is a list of the most common features found in modern devices.:

1. Instrument control panel block. Especially useful if there are small children in the family.
2. The protective shutdown increases the safety level of the use of equipment, turning it off when liquid boils onto the stove, there are no dishes on it, or significant power surges in the mains.
3. Timer. It is convenient because you can set the time required to bring the dish to readiness and not stand at the stove, constantly monitoring the process. Advanced models are not only able to turn off the heating at a specified time, but also with the help of a sound signal will notify the hostess about the end of cooking.
4. The residual temperature indicator will help you understand if it is safe to touch the surface. The hob itself does not heat up, but may become hot from contact with the cookware in which the food is being cooked.
5. In modern inductions, there is a special rapid heating mode (Turbo Boost), which will allow you to quickly cook the desired dish by increasing the power of the selected burner at the expense of the neighboring ones.
6. Control of electricity consumption and temperature conditions.It is enough for the hostess to set the consumption rate or temperature indicators to the device, which will then be maintained automatically. The device saves all indications on internal memory.
7. Cooking pause and keep warm (keep warm) functions. It is convenient to use if households are used to eating each in their own mode.
8. The most modern stoves are equipped with a new technology - induction without borders, which allows you to do without the usual marking of burners. It is enough to put dishes with products in any place, and smart technology will provide the necessary heating zone.

Rating TOP-5 best models

Place	Name	Price
TOP 5 best induction hobs
1	Electrolux IPE 6453 KF	27 000 ?
2	Bosch PUE612FF1J	27 000 ?
3	Bosch PIF645FB1E	34 000 ?
4	Beko HII 64400ATX	14 000 ?
5	Weissgauff HI 641 BS	14 000 ?

The best induction hobs

Electrolux IPE 6453 KF

Induction hob Electrolux IPE 6453 KF with automatic adjustment heating zones depending on the size and shape of the cookware used.

There is an option for quick heating, blocking from accidental activation, a built-in timer, a shutdown function in case of overheating.

Management is carried out by touch buttons on the panel.

14 options for adjusting the heating power.

Characteristics:

• number of burners - 4;
• black color;
• independent;
• coating - glass ceramics;
• power - 7.35 kW;
• frameless;
• dimensions - 56 * 49 * 4.4 cm.

Bosch PUE612FF1J

The Bosch PUE612FF1J hob works on the principle of induction. Each of the burners equipped with the PowerBoost cooking option, which means accelerated heating to reduce cooking time.

The device is equipped with a DirectSelect control system that allows you to easily select the heating power and activate additional options.

In addition, there is a shutdown timer, a panel blocking function, a restart, a sensor for the presence of dishes on the stove.

The white color of the coating will refresh any kitchen interior.

Characteristics:

• number of burners - 4;
• White color;
• independent;
• coating - glass ceramics;
• power - 3 kW;
• frameless;
• dimensions - 56 * 49 * 5.1 cm.

Bosch PIF645FB1E

The Bosh PIF645FB1E induction hob features an economical level energy consumption, reliable and allows you to cook a dish quickly.

The stove is located independently and is equipped with four convenient induction burners. the device supports 17 levels of heating power adjustment, which greatly expands its practical possibilities of use.

The heating zone is determined automatically.

It is extremely easy to control the hob thanks to the touch system.

Additionally, the stove is equipped with a timer to turn off the burners, options for protective shutdown in case of overheating or lack of dishes, and has the ability to accelerate heating.

The surface can be blocked.

Characteristics:

• number of burners - 4;
• black color;
• independent;
• coating - glass ceramics;
• power - 7.4 kW;
• with a protective frame;
• dimensions - 56 * 49 * 5.5 cm.

Beko HII 64400ATX

The Beko HII 64400 ATX hob is induction and requires the use special utensils for cooking.

The diameter of the burners varies to fit pans and pots of different sizes.

The device is controlled by a touch panel, the heating power can be adjusted in 9 levels.

There is a built-in timer and a shutdown function if the stove is not used for a long period of time.

The equipment is reliably protected from children by a special locking system.

Characteristics:

• number of burners - 4;
• black color;
• independent;
• coating - glass ceramics;
• power - 7.4 kW;
• with a protective frame;
• dimensions - 56 * 49 * 5.5 cm.

Weissgauff HI 641 BS

The hob, thanks to its modest dimensions, will save free space on your kitchen.

Has a stylish glass-ceramic coating, attractive modern design.

Practical to use, reliable and has all the functionality necessary for a modern hostess.

Equipment can be controlled with a single click. There is a built-in timer that allows you to control the cooking process.

Nine levels of heating power, a pan sensor and an oval heating zone.

Characteristics:

• number of burners - 4;
• black color;
• independent;
• coating - glass ceramics;
• power - 7.4 kW;
• with a protective frame;
• dimensions - 56 * 49 * 6.2 cm.

Useful video

From the video you will learn how to choose an induction hob: