An induction hob is based on electromagnetic induction. An induction coil is located under the glass-ceramic surface, through which an electric current flows with a frequency of up to 60 kHz. Induction currents are supplied in the bottom of a metal dish, which is placed on the stove, heating not the hob, but the dish itself and what is in it.
Advantages and disadvantages of induction hobs
Like any other appliance, an induction hob has its pros and cons.
Benefits:
- High heating rate compared to all other types of hobs. The efficiency reaches 90% (for comparison, for a gas stove this figure is 60%).
- Significantly lower energy consumption than traditional electric cookers. Much less current is required to create a magnetic field than heating a coil.
- Perhaps the most important advantage is safety compared to electrical and gas hobs... It is impossible to burn yourself about it, there will be no fire if you accidentally forget to turn it off. The surface cools down in just a minute.
- Ease of care. You don't have to be afraid to spill something on the surface - it can be easily wiped off with a soft cloth.
Disadvantages:
A feature that an induction hob often scares off buyers is that you cannot use aluminum or glass dishes on it, or place it over built-in appliances made of metal (for example, an oven). Another important drawback is the high price compared to analogs, as well as expensive repairs in case of malfunctions (although if you use the device correctly, it will last for many years). These disadvantages prevent modern kitchen appliances from replacing the usual gas and electric stoves.
TOP 3 induction hobs from Bosch
- Bosch PUE631BB1E
- Bosch PIF672FB1E
- Bosch PIE631FB1E
Induction hob selection criteria
When considering which model to choose, you should pay attention to the following parameters:
- built-in or free-standing (dependent or independent);
- shape and size;
- functions;
- design;
- price.
Freestanding - these are usually compact independent portable stoves for one or two burners. They are convenient to use in rented housing, in the country or during renovations. Their advantage is that they can be placed on the table in any room. There are also full-size freestanding models connected to the oven, but they are not very popular. It is better to pay attention to the built-in independent panels, in which the hob is “recessed” into the worktop. Their assortment is much more diverse. You can choose the best option for a kitchen of any size, configuration and design, taking into account all the features of the interior.
By form the built-in independent hob can be rectangular, square or hexagonal. Dimensions - from a small panel 30x30 to a huge block more than a meter wide.Choose the number and arrangement of burners that are optimal for your family. For one person, two is more than enough, but for a large family it is better to choose four or even six.
Induction hob functions
When choosing a kitchen assistant, special attention should be paid to the amount of functionality. And to decide which of them are needed and which are not, since the cost will greatly depend on this. Here are the most basic ones:
- the presence of both induction and heating elements (combined cookers) - for those who do not want to part with their favorite dishes;
- induction burners of different diameters: a wide frying pan needs a large area, a coffee turkey - a small one, take into account the size of your cookware (there are models with an expansion zone that allows you to use cookware of different sizes on one burner);
- panel lock - protects against accidental switching on of the device (important if there are small children in the house);
- protective shutdown - triggered if liquid is spilled onto the panel;
- timer with a sound signal - allows you to set the cooking time, the stove will turn off after a specified period of time;
- heat indicator - will show when the burner has cooled down and you can touch it without fear of getting burned;
- multi-stage temperature control - will allow you to cook different dishes in different modes;
- indicator of the presence of filled dishes - the panel without dishes or with an empty pan will not turn on;
- automatic shutdown if the hob is not used for a while;
- PowerBoost - the ability to increase the power of the hotplate up to 50% due to the adjacent one (for the fastest heating);
- keeping warm - allows the cooked dish to stay hot for a long time (it is important if all family members come home at different times);
- “Induction without boundaries” - there are no clearly marked boundaries, but there is only a cross, which allows you to easily position the dishes correctly;
- pause - the ability to turn off the hob for a short time (if you need to leave urgently).
It should be noted that no other type of cooker has such a rich set of functions; many consider these advantages to be decisive when choosing the type of hob. Elderly people consider a large set of functions a disadvantage, but the interface of modern independent hobs is as simple and clear as possible.
TOP-3 induction hobs Electrolux
- Electrolux EHH 96340 XK
- Electrolux EHH 56340 FK
- Electrolux EHF 96547 XK
Induction hob design
The appearance is very diverse, you can easily choose a hob that will perfectly fit even the most sophisticated interior, built-in kitchen appliances are especially popular today. If earlier most of the models were presented in black, today white and silver are more popular, you can also choose independent color panels. Despite the fact that regardless of color glass ceramic surfaces easy to clean, yet grease and moisture stains are less noticeable on a light background than on a black one, this advantage allows the white plate to retain a presentable appearance even in the midst of cooking. Induction cookers are made not only from glass ceramics, but also from tempered glass. They are more beautiful than ceramic, but, accordingly, more expensive.
Also, the models differ in the type of control regulators: touch, magnetic, mechanical. In terms of functionality, they do not differ, you can choose any that are more convenient and you like more externally. The touch buttons do not heat up at all, unlike stoves with heating elements, when it is difficult to touch them after a long cooking.
Price depends on many factors: brand, functionality, new or old model, built-in or stand-alone, independent or dependent. A brand is not always a guarantor of quality; worthy models can also be found from little-known manufacturers.No matter how much the panel costs, the main thing is that the store provides a warranty for the product, so that in case of a breakdown, a refund or a free repair can be requested. Choosing an affordable option with a huge variety of hobs is not difficult.
Is induction safe in the home?
There is a hypothesis that the magnetic field adversely affects human health. And the mechanism of operation of induction cookers is not clear to all ordinary people, so the concerns about safety are understandable. And this opinion is not without foundation: when an induction cooker is operating, a vortex magnetic field is created, theoretically it can be dangerous for people wearing pacemakers, these features should be taken into account and a doctor should be consulted. It may be worth choosing kitchen appliances without induction.
But the manufacturers claim that such a field in their devices is low-frequency and is not capable of harming human health. In addition, eddy currents are limited by the body of the device, and already at a distance of 30 centimeters from it, the effect of the magnetic field is zero. In any case, the damage from the radiation of the stove is no more than from a mobile phone or computer.
And the statements that food cooked on such a hob has harmful properties is nothing more than a myth. Magnetic radiation does not affect the properties, taste and structure of the food being cooked; the induction hob is in no way inferior to the good old gas stoves in terms of the quality of the prepared dishes. And if we compare the pros and cons of these devices - gas and electric hob lose in all respects.
TOP-3 induction cooktops MAUNFELD
- MAUNFELD EVI 292-BK
- MAUNFELD EVI 594-BK
- MAUNFELD MVI 59.4HZ.2BT BK
Choosing dishes
If you decide to purchase an induction hob, you need to take care of suitable ferromagnetic cookware. You do not need to look for it in special stores, the main requirement is that a magnet should be attracted to the bottom. Do not put copper, aluminum, glass, ceramic, porcelain on the induction hob. And dishes made of cast iron, stainless steel, even white enamelled ones are quite suitable.
If you are in doubt which pot is better to buy, take a magnet to the store: if it attracts, it means it fits. Pay attention also to the diameter of the base (it should correspond to the size of the burner) and the thickness of the base (optimally from 2 to 6 mm). Cookware suitable for induction hobs is now on sale. It is indicated by special characters.
