Pros and cons of induction hobs: the principle of operation of devices and an overview of popular models
The induction hob has recently appeared on the domestic market.
Many well-known manufacturers are engaged in the production of plates of this type.
Devices are constantly being improved, and modern models are not inferior to gas and electric stoves in terms of quality of work and functionality.
Content
Distinctive features
Induction hob - a new generation cooker. In fact, this is the same electric hob, the difference is only in the principle of heating. You can cook any food on it, with the exception of oven dishes.
Induction cookers operate from a standard 220 W network. The power of the device for 4 burners is a maximum of 7 kW.
Manufacturers offer a wide range of models with both basic functionality and advanced options.
Principle of operation
In traditional stoves and hobs, the heat source is either a gas burner or an electric heater..
They transfer heat to the dishes, and thus its contents are heated. Often the body of the stove itself is heated.
During induction cooking, only the bottom of the cookware heats up.. The burner itself does not participate in heat exchange. The heat supply comes from an induction coil, which is located directly under the glass-ceramic coating.
Due to the small heating zone, the device consumes little electricity compared to electric stoves. In the process of long-term operation, the housewives note significant savings in electricity.
As soon as the pan is removed from the burner, the appliance turns off.. Accordingly, power consumption is stopped.
Also, the appliance will not work without dishes.. For comparison, on gas and electric hobs, an empty burner works and heats up.
Device types
Induction panels practically do not differ externally. The key characteristics for buyers are the power of the device and the number of burners.
There are options for both 1-2 burners, which are purchased mainly for summer cottages or occasional use.. There are models for 3-5 burners for large families.
The working surface of induction cookers is made of glass-ceramic with rare exceptions. This is an expensive high-strength material that is not afraid of high temperatures and retains its original appearance for many years.
There are 4 types of hobs:
- Embedded - a classic type of hobs that are mounted in the kitchen worktop. The range allows you to choose the device in accordance with the parameters of the furniture.
- Portable - portable version for 1-2 burners. To use, it is enough to place the device on a flat surface, plug it into a power outlet. Such models are much cheaper than built-in panels. They are suitable for summer cottages, as well as for people who cook little at home.
- Combined - the device has induction and electric (gas) burners. They are 2-3 times more expensive than purely induction models with similar functions, and are almost never in demand.
- Without burners - the latest models, on which there is no separation into separate burners. The appliance automatically recognizes the area where the dishes are placed.It is allowed to use two or more pans at the same time with the ability to individually adjust the parameters for each of them.
Also, manufacturers are introducing additional features. They do not affect the quality of the food, but make the cooking process more comfortable.
Useful additional options:
- power boost - accelerated heating function, available on almost all models.
- Quick start - the device automatically determines which burner the dishes are on.
- Keep warm mode - the finished dish can be left on the stove, and it will not cool down.
- Timer - allows you to set the cooking time and do your own thing.
- Safety shutdown - if liquid is spilled on the surface, the device turns off.
Device device
There are no protruding elements on the surface of the induction hob. All working units are hidden under a glass-ceramic coating.
The device device includes the following elements:
- Induction coil - the main element of the hob, is responsible for heating the dishes. Located under each burner.
- Control Panel - with its help, the temperature and heating power are regulated, as well as additional settings are set.
- Temperature sensor - is responsible for matching the set and actual temperature.
- Insulating heat pipe - protects nearby equipment from heating. It is found in almost all modern models.
Pros of induction hobs
Many buyers are still skeptical about induction hobs.
Manufacturers offer various design solutions, you can always choose a device for the style of a kitchen set.
Advantages:
- Instant heating - induction cookers surpassed gas and electric counterparts in terms of the rate of boiling water.
- Efficiency - fast heating, automatic recognition of dishes, timer and other functions facilitate the cooking process.
- Energy saving - induction models have energy class A. Although the power of induction and electric stoves is the same, energy savings are achieved through rapid heating.
- Touch control - instead of the usual rotary switches, an electronic display is provided. To change the mode, just press the desired button, or slide your finger on the scale to the left / right (slider control).
- Easy Care - To maintain cleanliness, it is enough to wipe the surface with a damp sponge without aggressive detergents. There are no protruding elements on the panel, so grease and dirt do not accumulate anywhere.
- Bridge function - on many models, you can combine two burners into one, and for a given time they will work synchronously. This allows you to cook food in non-standard dishes (duck roaster, roaster).
- Air does not heat up - during the operation of a gas or electric appliance, the air temperature in the room rises, especially in summer. The induction hob only heats the bottom of the cookware.
- Safety - the working surface practically does not heat up during operation, so it is impossible to burn yourself if accidentally touched. Also, many models have a locking function, which is important for families with small children.
Cons of induction hobs
Many users prefer induction hobs due to their fast heating.. But before buying it is recommended to take into account some of the nuances.
An induction cooker is a powerful device, and old wiring may simply not withstand the load.
There are objective disadvantages that you should familiarize yourself with before buying equipment:
- Price - the average price of an induction panel is 3-5 times higher than the cost of gas and electric appliances. Not all consumers can afford such a novelty.
- increased noise - especially when the device is running at maximum power.
- Exposure to electromagnetic radiation - Its effect on the body is not fully understood. But it is possible that unpleasant consequences will make themselves felt in a few decades.
- Tableware Requirements - due to the specifics of the induction hob, special cookware with ferromagnetic properties is required. Often the hostess has to change the arsenal of pots and pans, and this is an extra waste.
Rating TOP-5 best models
Place | Name | Price |
---|---|---|
TOP 5 best induction hobs | ||
1 | Electrolux IPE 6453 KF | 27 000 ? |
2 | Bosch PUE612FF1J | 29 000 ? |
3 | Bosch PIF645FB1E | 34 000 ? |
4 | Beko HII 64400ATX | 14 000 ? |
5 | Weissgauff HI 641 BS | 14 000 ? |
The best induction hobs
Almost all manufacturers of household appliances have induction hobs in their assortment. Below are the characteristics and features of models of popular brands.
Electrolux IPE 6453 KF
The hob made in Sweden is popular among buyers. Powerful device for 4 burners.
This model provides slider control - the modes are adjusted using the scale on the control panel.
Noise during operation is almost not noticeable, with the exception of the Boost mode.
pros
- Neat appearance.
- Compact dimensions.
- Child lock function.
- Convenient slider control.
- Auto shut-off in case of spilling liquid on the work surface.
- Timer for each burner.
- Joint operation with a special hood is possible.
- The function of combining two burners.
Minuses
- The fan makes a lot of noise during heating.
Bosch PUE612FF1J
Stylish 4-burner white hob. Intuitive control, The touch panel is located at the front of the instrument.
Despite the white color, the surface is easy to keep clean.
It is enough to wipe it with a damp sponge, you can do it right during cooking.
pros
- Very fast heating.
- Instant response to temperature change.
- Timer with auto-off.
- Works almost silently.
- Residual heat indicator.
- Convenient control panel.
- Protection from children and animals.
Minuses
- High price.
- Due to the low power, it is impossible to operate all the burners at the same time.
Bosch PIF645FB1E
Modern four-burner stove for the family. Black color matches any room design.
The model is equipped with a metal frame around the entire perimeter.
If liquid is spilled during cooking, it will not spread outside the stove.
A burner with an oval extension makes it possible to use braziers, ducklings, fish pans and other non-standard utensils.
pros
- Fast response to mode change.
- Clear management.
- Fast heating.
- Automatic shutdown function.
- Timer for each hotplate.
- Works almost silently.
- Simple care.
- Wide temperature range.
Minuses
- High price.
- Some dishes leave traces on the surface.
- On the black surface, the slightest scratches and streaks are visible.
Beko HII 64400ATX
Modern four-burner hob includes 9 heat levels. You can always choose the best mode for each dish.
In front of the panel there is a touch screen to control the device.
The turbo heating function ensures instant boiling of water.
pros
- Acceptable price.
- Clear management.
- Child protection.
- Automatic shutdown function.
- Burners for different diameters of dishes.
Minuses
- General switch for all burners.
Weissgauff HI 641 BS
Stylish four-burner hob for the family. The work surface is made of glass ceramics, black.
If something spills, there is no need to worry about burning and long cleaning of the panel.
It is enough to walk with a damp sponge even without detergents.
Slider control allows you to adjust the modes by shifting your finger to the right / left.
pros
- Instantaneous boiling of water.
- Affordable price.
- Several power levels allow you to choose the optimal mode.
- Intuitive controls.
- Precise observance of the set temperature.
- Sensitive sensor.
Minuses
- It is not possible to use all hotplates at the same time.
- After 1.5 hours, the panel will automatically turn off due to overheating.
- There is no key lock indicator.
Conclusion and Conclusions
Induction hob - a useful technique for a modern kitchen. A large selection of models and manufacturers will satisfy any needs of the buyer.
There are no strict rules and restrictions in terms of operation. Additional options allow you to automate the cooking process as much as possible, and the hostess can do other things at this time.
Useful video
From the video you will learn about the pros and cons of the induction hob:
