What is the difference between an induction hob and an electric one. What is the difference between an induction hob and an electric

Every day each of us spends near kitchen stove about three hours. In order to prepare food efficiently and not to think about the difficulties in preparation, the first step is to choose the right working environment accordingly. Today, technical progress does not stand still. The most common gas ones have been replaced or new modern ones have come.

At first, they were very expensive and available only to some housewives, but soon this miracle of technology has confidently entered the homes of many people. Let's figure out what are the advantages and disadvantages of induction hob.

Varieties of heating elements

On the market kitchen appliances there are various models:

  • spiral heaters heat up very quickly (approximate time - 15 seconds);
  • tape- heating occurs in 8 seconds;

  • halogen work after 3 seconds of warm-up;
  • induction heaters create a strong magnetic field with a high frequency, which heats up the bottom of the cookware.

Features of the induction hob

What is an induction hob? This is a special kitchen construction that uses energy in its work magnetic field... Its mechanism of action is not very complicated, but much more effective than, for example, an electric stove.

Fact! A special feature of induction hobs is the cold surface around the heating zones. This minimizes scalding while cooking.

Benefits of an induction hob

The advantages of this technique include the following:
  • It's much safer than electric thanks to. For example, you can safely cook with children and not worry that the child may touch something and accidentally burn himself, because the stove heats up only when the dishes are on it. Plus, after removal, it remains warm, not hot.

  • Another advantage of the induction hob is the very high heating speed. Before you can blink an eye, the food will cook successfully.

Induction hobs have become very popular due to their fast heating.

  • This is also a godsend for those who are afraid that after using this kitchen equipment they will have to pay too high utility bills... It is very economical in spite of the large source of energy.
  • Often, especially in summer period, we complain that it is very hot in the kitchen while cooking. With induction hob there will be no problems at all. It's not so hot in the kitchen with her, because much less heat is generated.
  • Another advantage is the absence of smoke when food crumbs or water accidentally fall on the device. We all often encounter this, and then it is very difficult to get rid of the smoke. But an induction hob solves this problem.

  • Plus, you can install desired temperature and besides, throw it from one burner to another. That is, if you need the water to boil faster while the meat is being cooked, this can be done without problems.
  • The technique is very attractive in outward appearance, has and fits into almost any interior. In addition, there is also a tabletop induction hob that can be carried and placed anywhere.

  • It doesn't need to be washed so thoroughly. It is enough just to wipe it with a wet cloth or napkin - and everything is mirror-clean.
  • The appliance has a large number of cooking programs, so you will not need to buy other kitchen appliances, because this stove will become almost universal.

Unfortunately, things are not perfect. Modern housewives have already checked and appreciated all the disadvantages of an induction hob.

Cons of induction appliances

The disadvantages include the following:
  • The plate itself is made of glass-ceramics, so it is very fragile, therefore, cracks and damage may occur during transportation.

  • In the kitchen she needs to define a good place, that is, it should not be placed near other devices, because a short circuit or interruptions in operation are possible.
  • ... Do not use aluminum or glass cookware. Pots made of stainless steel, cast iron, iron are great. To check this, it is enough to attach a magnet, and if it is attracted, the pan fits exactly.

A magnet can be used to determine if the cookware is suitable for an induction hob

Badge of 4 vertical loops and signature Induсtion

  • Sometimes a little noise appears during operation.
  • Some people think that induction appliances have electromagnetic radiation, but it is not so.

Features of the electric stove: pros and cons

If we talk about an electric stove, then there are, of course, much less advantages than in an induction model.

Affordable price is one of the few advantages of electric stoves

An electric hob is a kitchen appliance that runs on electricity. This is one of the most powerful household items. It is used by the majority of the population, as it costs much less, which is its advantage.

The disadvantages include the following:
  • If the electricity goes out, you will not be able to use it. It depends on the supply of electricity.
  • Another disadvantage in the operation of such a stove is a complex installation. Not all people know how and where to install it correctly so that there are no problems in the work. Moreover, improper installation can lead to short circuit or fire, electric shock.

Work apron bright color will make the interior more contrasting

The interior of the kitchen-dining room in the style of modern classics

  • The size of the hob is large, so you should first choose a suitable place for it. In addition, it is worth thinking about external connectors, which also require a special European sockets.
  • When working with an electric hob, you must follow all instructions as it gets very hot. Children who do not know how to use such a stove should not be allowed close - they can get burns.
  • In addition, flammable materials must not be left near the device, because the high temperature can cause a fire and cause great harm.

Gourmia GIC-100 - multifunctional portable cooker

On a note! The design of the electric stove is less attractive than the induction one. She is also very demanding in care, that is, you need to try very hard to wash it from any dirt and boiled food. If crumbs from food get on the burners of the electric stove, they will quickly ignite, which will create a lot of smoke..

How to care for an induction hob?

First you need to remove food debris from the surface. This can be easily done with a special scraper. After the appliance has cooled down a little, apply a suitable detergent to it. Next, the surface should be cleaned and wiped with a damp cloth.

When caring for this type of equipment, you need to consider the following points:
  • in no case should you wipe the surface with a dishwashing sponge, this will give it streaks blue, moreover, they are very difficult to deduce;

  • do not use oven cleaning products or sprays;
  • use a vinegar solution to remove plaque;

Stoves have come a long way from smoking wood-burning fireplaces to gas and electric hobs. The massive use of electric stoves is due to the maximum environmental friendliness and safety of use. Modern kitchen fireplaces do not emit smoke, soot, are equipped with elements of protection, security and automation, have attractive design are easy to clean.

The electric stove market is represented by wide choose induction and electric hobs. In fact, both types of cookers are electric. The induction hob differs from the traditional electrically heating products. A conventional electric stove uses a spiral or tape heating element, induction generates heat due to electromagnetic processes and the properties of the cooking utensils themselves. Both types of devices have an attractive design, they can be designed as a completely smooth ceramic, glass or glass-ceramic surface, resistant to dirt and scratches. The hob can be easily integrated directly into kitchen countertop or table.

Operating principle

The induction hob basically contains a high frequency generator and an induction coil. The generator operates at frequencies around 20-60 kHz and is connected to an induction coil. High frequency currents create a powerful alternating magnetic field around the coil. When a magnetic conductor enters an alternating magnetic field, eddy currents (Foucault currents) are induced in it, causing it to heat up. In this case, a metal frying pan or saucepan installed on the burner of the stove acts as a conductor.

At the same time, the working surface of the plate does not heat up, since it is made of a non-conductive non-magnetic material. However, the temperature of the working surface still rises during operation. This happens due to contact with heated dishes.

Cookware suitable for use with induction hobs must contain or be made of ferromagnetic material: stainless steel or enamelled steel, cast iron. Pure glass, ceramics, aluminum and copper cannot be heated in this way. In order to ensure the possibility of using dishes made of non-magnetic materials, a disc made of ferromagnet is embedded in the bottom of pans and pans.

Induction hob operation is only possible with cookware installed on the hotplate. suitable type and dimensions. If the bottom area is too small or of the wrong material, the device will not turn on.

Thanks to the direct transfer of energy, the heating process occurs very quickly, without inertia, while the efficiency reaches 90%.

Traditional electric stove works from a resistive type heating element. It consists of a high resistivity electric wire or tape spiral. Electricity flowing through a high-resistance conductor causes it to heat up. Elaborated thermal energy heats the dishes due to direct infrared radiation and direct heat transfer at the point of contact of the dishes with the heated working surface of the panel. That is, the spiral heats up the surface of the stove, which in turn heats the cookware. Due to the presence of a heated surface, due to additional heat dissipation, the efficiency ordinary tiles is about 70%.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of induction cookers are:

  • high efficiency;
  • low thermal inertia;
  • lack of heating of the working surface;
  • turning off heating in the absence or removal of dishes from the stove;
  • less tendency to form stubborn dirt.

High energy efficiency, efficiency of about 90% and low thermal inertia are achieved due to the fact that energy is spent directly on heating the dishes, not wasted on heating the working surface of the hob. Reducing thermal inertia means that heating and cooling starts immediately after the hob is turned on or off. Low temperature working surface reduces the likelihood of the formation of stubborn dirt, burning.

The disadvantages are:

  • the complexity of the device;
  • dependence on the quality of power supply;
  • possible interference in the power grid;
  • the need to use special dishes.

Power supply problems can arise when the installation rules are violated or when products of questionable origin are used.

Traditional electric stoves are simpler devices. They are reliable and unpretentious to the quality of the supply network.

Advantages:

  • work with utensils of any type;
  • simplicity of design;
  • low cost.

Disadvantages:

  • high thermal inertia;
  • high temperature of the working surface;
  • The efficiency is lower than that of induction models.

Which hob to choose

The lineup of both types includes built-in and free-standing models, with and without a built-in oven. The number of burners and the design of the hobs are also similar. The only advantage of traditional cookers is their lower cost compared to induction cookers.

By the totality of qualities, induction cooker has an advantage over the traditional electric stove due to its high energy efficiency. Modern models are equipped with a set of functions that make it possible to simplify and automate the cooking processes as much as possible. The limitation associated with the use of special utensils is insignificant, since suitable dishes commercially available in a wide range. With a slightly higher starting price, the reduced power consumption quickly makes up for the difference in cost over a traditional hob.

Pros and cons of induction cookers: video

Induction and electric (glass-ceramic) are most popular today among connoisseurs of modern kitchen appliances. In terms of their functionality, safety and usability, they are significantly superior. Moreover, both options have many advantages. And in order to make a balanced choice between them, you need to understand how induction hobs differ from electric ones.

The principle of operation of glass-ceramic and induction hobs

The principle of operation of any, even the most advanced model of an electric stove is based on heating the burner under the influence of an electric current that passes through the heating element and heats it up. Further, heat is transferred to the dishes or any objects in contact with the surface. Thus, on electrical panel you can warm up anything you want.

The principle of operation of an induction hob is fundamentally different, although it is also considered electric. The reel built into the hob feeds alternating current that generates a magnetic field. If you put special dishes on the surface, the bottom of which will have ferro magnetic properties, currents will begin to be generated (induced) in it, heating the metal. At the same time, the stove itself does not heat up, and energy is consumed only to heat up a saucepan or frying pan.

Main selection criteria

To determine which hobs are better (electric or induction), it is enough to hold comparative characteristics ... As for the efficiency and economy of the plates, everything is obvious here. On average, an induction cooker consumes one and a half times less electrical energy, therefore, in this regard, it is indisputably better.

In terms of the heating rate of the burners, "induction" also surpasses "glass ceramics". To boil a liter of water induction surface it will take 2-3 minutes, and glass-ceramic - from 5 to 7. In this case, the glass-ceramic also heats up, since in order to transfer heat to the dishes, the heating element itself must warm up. The surface of the induction hob is always cold, because only the bottom of the pan heats up as a result of induction.

As for the level of security, everything is also very clear here. Since it remains cold, there is practically no risk of scalding. Thanks to the automatic on / off mode, the hob turns on as soon as the dishes are placed on it and turns off when it is removed. The glass-ceramic surface heats up to high temperatures, so you can burn yourself on it. In addition, the cooking process on an electric stove must be monitored.

What are induction and glass-ceramic surfaces "afraid" of? The first one - "wrong" dishes (only pots and pans with a special magnetic bottom are suitable for an induction cooker), and the second - scratches (especially from crystals of salt and sugar), pinpoint impacts and repeated heating of a dirty surface.

Almost the only advantage of a glass-ceramic hob is more affordable price... Moreover, it does not require the purchase of new dishes. Among the indisputable advantages of an induction cooker are economy, highest efficiency and safety. Both panels will delight the stylish beautiful design and heating rate.

Benefits of induction hobs and myths about them

Before deciding which hob to choose: induction or electric, you need to understand the pros and cons of both options. As mentioned earlier, one of the most obvious disadvantages of induction hobs is the need to purchase special cookware. But in reality, this is not entirely true. For heating on an induction hob, pots that you already have in your home - for example, stainless ones - can also work. Although it is desirable, of course, to buy a couple of pots and pans with a special icon on the bottom in the form of a spiral.

Induction hobs are considered the safest among all existing ones. The stove will not start working if the burner is not covered by at least 70% of the dishes, so if a spoon or fork hits it, they will not heat up. Thanks to the special cooking modes, milk is induction hob will not run away, and the fry will not burn.

Warm-up speed is another advantage of "induction". While the glass-ceramic surface only heats up by itself, the induction already transfers heat to the cookware.

One of the most common misconceptions about induction cookers is that they affect the operation of the surrounding electrical appliances. In fact, not a single such case was recorded, since the magnetic field is concentrated exclusively inside the hob, so it practically does not affect the nearby devices in any way.

In order to exclude harmful effect induction on human body, you need to follow the following guidelines:

  • make sure that the dishes completely cover the heating zone;
  • do not press your body against the operating panel;
  • do not use metal objects to stir cooking dishes.

One of the main disadvantages of an induction panel is the noise of its operation. The noise is emitted by the cooling fan, which must constantly cool the stove, since it simply turns off due to overheating.

As for the automatic cooking programs, there are more of them on induction hobs than on any other. For example, a fast mode is optimal for boiling water, and a slow mode for stewing vegetables. It is very simple to care for such a stove: since its surface does not heat up, nothing sticks to it.

Advantages of glass ceramic panels

A couple more facts regarding which hobs are better: electric or induction? In many respects, glass ceramics is inferior to induction, but it also has its own advantages. The main advantages of modern electric stove can be attributed:

  • cost (on average it is cheaper than an induction analogue with the same number of heated elements);
  • noiselessness (electric or infrared stove, when turned on and during operation, does not emit any sounds and monotonous noises);
  • a variety of choices (today, various modifications of electric stoves are widely represented on the kitchen equipment market, so it will not be difficult for the user to choose the right one in terms of configuration, design, and price);
  • inertia (the electric panel heats up more slowly, but also retains heat longer, so you can continue cooking on it even if the electricity is suddenly turned off).

A matter of choice

It is impossible to say unequivocally which hob to choose (induction or electric), since both models have disadvantages. If this choice baffles you, a sensible alternative might be to purchase one that contains several burners with different types heating. In other cases, you can easily find the optimal hob in the "Kitchen Expo" online store. Our assortment includes different models electrical and induction panels from the world's leading manufacturers.

Induction and electric stoves are chosen for various reasons - in some houses there is no gas supply, and some prefer a modern technological type of technology. I will describe what features these two types of techniques have, we will also look at their main pros and cons.

Differences between induction and electric cookers

In order to choose the right kitchen equipment, let's take a look at what features, pros and cons each option has. Only knowing the intricacies of the work of both types, you can understand which electric stove is better and safer, and which pots and pans you need to choose for the induction option.


Features of work

Externally, both hobs are similar. To understand which hob you need better fit- electric or induction, you need to understand the principles of operation of each.


What is the difference between an electric stove and an induction stove:

  1. The electric stove first heats up itself, and only then transfers heat to the dishes that are on it. Electric current is converted into heat using a resistor, so no gas supply or matches are needed to operate the device.
  2. An induction cooker, on the contrary, does not heat itself up, but heats up special dishes that are placed on it. The fact is that kitchen utensils in this case act as a conductor that receives current. It is generated by a generator located under the cooking zones.

Advantages and disadvantages

When deciding which is best, pay attention to performance. An induction cooker will boil a liter of water in 5 minutes, and an electric one in 10.

In addition, the former spends energy more economically, because it heats not the surface of the panel, but the dishes themselves. But electric stoves are cheaper and you don't need to buy special pots and pans for them.


The advantages and disadvantages of each of the options:

Induction Electric
pros Minuses pros Minuses
Security.

The hob does not heat up.

Buying new dishes.

All you need is special cookware with a magnetic bottom.

Large selection of dishes.

Cooking utensils made of almost any material can be used.

Risk of burns.

The entire surface of the electric hob gets very hot during cooking.

High efficiency.

Food cooks faster with less energy.

Price.

An induction cooker is more expensive than an electric one.

Residual heat.

The hob cools down slowly, and even with the stove turned off, you can simmer or simmer food.

The high price of electricity.

Utility bills will increase dramatically as products consume a lot of electricity.

Additional functions.

Most models only turn on when a pots or pan is placed on top of them, and turn off automatically if there is no utensil on the stove.

The ability to improve safety with modern technology.

On the market you can find different types electric stoves, which can, for example, be blocked from being accidentally turned on, as well as devices that automatically turn off if an oven mitt gets on the surface or food "escapes".

Air heating.

The hotplate heats up the entire hob and the kitchen gets hot.

What kind of dishes to choose?

When choosing which hob is more suitable for you in terms of functionality and convenience - induction or glass ceramics, pay attention to kitchen utensils, because not every pot or frying pan can be used on such surfaces.


Utensils for electric stoves

In general, for electrical options products from any material are suitable and it does not matter which hob is glass-ceramic or with pancakes. It is important that the utensil has a wide, strong bottom, as products with a thin bottom can deform over time due to temperature changes.


One more important aspect - bottom diameter. It should be no larger than the hotplates to prevent heat loss and uneven heating of food. Therefore, cauldrons, pans non-standard form and wok pans will not work.


When deciding which stove to choose, pay attention to the shape of the electric hob burners. They can be not only round, but also oval, also in modern models you can find multi-circuit options. It will be possible to pick up both cauldrons and oval pots-pans for them.

Cookware for induction surfaces

This technique will require the replacement of almost all existing kitchen utensils because only magnetic products are suitable for it. Otherwise, the circuit will not close, and the stove will simply not perform its functions.


For some models, cast iron and enameled products are suitable.

In order not to update all the utensils, you can buy a magnetic disk that is simply placed on the burner and acts as a conductor. But the energy consumption in this case turns out to be much higher, and it is easier to immediately buy an electric model.


conclusions

I described the differences between induction and electrical models, their advantages and disadvantages. Now tell us what kind of stove you use at home and what advantages of hobs are more important to you. And a few more useful tips look in the video in this article.

The hob is a necessary attribute of any kitchen, therefore, its choice should be approached as carefully as possible. This will significantly increase the efficiency of food preparation, as well as regularly save energy resources. Now the most popular are electrical and induction panels, which have fundamental differences... This material will be devoted to the question of which hob to choose: electric or induction.

What are the panels by heating method

All hobs are divided into 3 large groups, depending on the heating method:

  • Gas. They are used in apartments and houses equipped with gas supply systems and are quite economical. All burners of the stove are supplied with gas, which is used to heat food. Warming up is quick and the degree of heating can be manually adjusted by decreasing or increasing the gas pressure.
  • Electrical. They can be cast iron, in the form of several pancakes, or they can be a single glass-ceramic surface with various heating elements under it. They consume a lot of electricity, especially in the cast iron version. Are environmentally friendly. An economical option for electric stoves is their induction version.
  • Combined. Gas and electric burners are usually used together. Their ratio may be different. Such designs are convenient if there are periods of no gas.

The combined induction and electric hob are more modern. Apartments in new buildings are equipped with such plates.


Dependent and independent panels

Hobs are also subdivided into the following types:

  1. Addicted from the included oven... Usually ready-made kits are sold from one manufacturer. The control panel is usually located on the oven.
  2. Independent from the oven. Convenient in that you can purchase a panel without an oven, or install an oven of another production. The control of such a panel is located right next to the burners.

Which hob to choose based on the listed types? If you already have an oven, then it is better to prefer an independent option. Such a panel will work by itself. If you buy equipment from scratch, then ready-made kit may be cheaper and look better.


Hob material, heating elements.

Hobs differ in materials of manufacture:



The difference between heating elements:

  • Metal pancakes with electric spirals inside. They heat up and cool down for a long time.
  • Rapid burners. Used on glass ceramic panels. These are ordinary spirals that generate heat. Heating time 10-12 sec.
  • Hi-Lite hotplates. A tape heater is used in an asbestos base. They are smoothly regulated, they heat up faster than the rapid ones, in 5-7 seconds.
  • Halogen burners. In addition to the main coil, there is a halogen lamp on the burner, which allows you to quickly heat up the entire panel. Advantages - very fast heating in just 1-2 seconds. Disadvantage - lamps have a short lifespan, often requiring replacement.
  • Induction hotplates. Coil generates induction current which affects only the bottom of the cookware placed on the top. This does not heat up the hotplate.


Differences between induction and electrical panels

Let's see how an electric hob differs from an induction one.

Electrical panel

The heating elements of an electric stove are heated up from exposure to an electric current. After heating, the heating elements themselves give off heat to all objects in contact with the hob.

Electrical panel advantages:

  • Combustion products are not emitted, as on gas burner;
  • Quiet work;
  • Convenience and ease of use; a huge assortment allows you to choose not only the type of heating element, but also the colors, the number of burners, the type of control; acceptable cost;
  • Possesses inertness, cools down longer. After switching off, the food continues to heat up for a while.

disadvantages electrical surfaces:

  • Increased consumption of electricity, as the burner heats up to 400 degrees; the stove itself heats up, as a result of which you can burn yourself when you touch the hob;
  • Long heating time. The hotplate itself heats up for 4-5 minutes, depending on its type. The water in the pot can boil only after 10-12 minutes.

Induction hob

To understand which hobs are better - electric or induction, we will present the principle of operation of an induction hob. Its operation is fundamentally different from the action of electrically heated burners. The cooker has a built-in coil through which an alternating current circulates. As a result, a magnetic field is generated, in which currents are generated that affect the cookware installed on the hob. However, not every one. Cookware must have a bottom that has certain ferromagnetic properties. Such a bottom heats up, the dishes are heated, as well as the food in it.


Induction hob advantages:

  • Low consumption of electricity. The hotplate only heats up to 60 degrees;
  • The hob does not heat up while the cookware is heating
  • Security. In addition to the fact that the panel does not heat up, it will not turn on in operation if the cookware installed on it does not occupy more than 70% of the area of ​​the burner. That is, accidentally hitting the stove cutlery will not provoke the panel to turn on;
  • Has many modes of operation;
  • If there is empty dishes on the stove, the panel will not work or will automatically turn off when the water boils away;

food is heated very quickly, since energy is not consumed for heating heating elements and hob. The dishes are able to warm up in 1 minute, and the water in it boils within 2-3 minutes.

Disadvantages of an induction hob:

  • During operation, makes a small noise coming from the cooling fan;
  • Has a higher cost;
  • Cooking requires pans with a special magnetic bottom.

To decide for yourself which hob is better to choose - electric or induction, weigh everything positive points of these surfaces, always taking into account the cost of the products. If any of the shortcomings seem critical to you, then choose the option without them.

Advice: You can do without buying special cookware for the induction hob if you buy an adapter on which ordinary cookware will be placed. This adapter is magnetic. It will heat up and heat the dishes standing on it.

Panel control

Before choosing an electric hob, it is advisable to inquire about its type of control. It can be mechanical or touch:

  1. Mechanical control. This is the most simple and reliable way switching the hob on and off. To control it, just turn the knob of the burner, or press and turn;
  2. Touch control ... It's over modern version which you can quickly get used to. For any action with the stove, you just need to put your finger on a specific sensor. The good thing about this type of control is that the control surface is very easy to clean, unlike mechanical handles.


Additional options

Some useful additions can increase the comfort and safety of using the hob:

  • Automatic shutdown when liquid is boiled out of the dishes;
  • Work on the program. The timer gives a signal after a certain time, and is also able to turn off the stove;
  • The presence of a lock function from small children will increase the safety of using the stove;
  • Overheating protection will work when the surface reaches its maximum temperature;
  • Digital indication of the operation of each hotplate will increase the convenience of using the stove.

Popular manufacturers

It remains to decide which company the hob to choose. The selected model can be of different quality. We list the most popular manufacturers of such equipment, dividing it conditionally into three quality categories:

  1. Elite series products are produced by such brands as AEG, Miele, Kuppersbusch, Gaggenau;
  2. Mid-range models with an ideal ratio of quality and value are produced by Whirlpool, Zanussi, Siemens, Bosch, Electrolux, Gorenje;
  3. The budget series is represented by the products of the companies Ariston, Hansa, Ardo. However, the quality even budget models usually at a high level.

Advice: On sale now there are hobs that combine induction burners and electrically heated elements. Both types are powered by electricity, so you can use the burners you want in any way. If you cannot make a choice, then such combined option will be perfect for you.

It is up to each person individually to decide which stove to choose, electric or induction. Having weighed your requirements for such a panel, as well as your financial capabilities, it is quite possible to do right choice.

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