Choosing a hob for the kitchen - electric or induction, what's the difference? What is the difference between an induction hob and an electric hob? Pros and cons of such devices

Which stove is better electric or induction hob: advantages and disadvantages

It is up to each person individually to decide which stove to choose, electric or induction.

Every mistress dreams of beautiful kitchen equipped with the most modern technology. Therefore, many of them sooner or later have a question, what is the difference between an induction hob and an electric one. After reading today's article, you will learn about the main advantages and disadvantages of both plates.

Features of induction surfaces

Which is better - an induction hob or an electric stove. Advantages and disadvantages of an induction hob. Despite the fact that such products are very popular in European countries, they are not very much in demand among our compatriots. This is due to the huge number of myths about the dangers and disadvantages of such surfaces. To figure out whether they have something in common with reality, and to understand what is the difference between an induction hob and an electric one, you need to consider all the advantages of such stoves.

The safety of such work surfaces has been confirmed by numerous studies. So, the electromagnetic field, which is created during the operation of a conventional hair dryer, is almost a hundred times higher than that which occurs during the operation of an induction hob. Almost any dish, including aluminum and enamel, is suitable for cooking on such a stove.

During the operation of the stove, the containers used are heated, and not the panel itself. This minimizes the risk of burns and food scorching. In addition, most modern models have additional system safety, which does not allow turning on the device if it does not have dishes of the appropriate diameter on it.

Disadvantages of induction surfaces

To choose good option, we need to figure out which is the best induction or electric hob? Despite a number of the above advantages, such stoves have several disadvantages. To better understand how an induction hob differs from an electric one, you need to study this aspect in more detail.

Unfortunately, not every model can be placed over ovens, washing or dishwashers... Therefore, before buying, you need to carefully choose the place in which the device will stand.

For an induction hob, you need to purchase cookware with ferro magnetic properties... After all, it will not work if you put a pan on it, the bottom of which is not magnetised. Cleaning of such plates is recommended to be carried out using special detergents that are not washed off with water. In addition, these devices must be protected from the ingress of sugar.

Benefits of electrical models

Such plates are widespread in our country. In terms of popularity, they are not inferior to gas counterparts. To understand how an electric hob differs from an induction hob, you need to study its advantages in more detail.

The main advantages of such devices include a wide range of design and color solutions... Thanks to this variety, you can easily choose an option that perfectly matches the furniture and the overall style of the kitchen.

Electrical surfaces can be easily cleaned with common detergents. They are characterized by rather fast and smooth heating. In addition, the residual heat effect allows you to maintain temperature regime already prepared dishes.

Cons of electric stoves

Like any other product, these models have not only advantages, but also disadvantages. To better understand how an induction hob differs from an electric one, you need to study the cons of the latter in more detail.

It should be noted that such slabs have no deflection. If an excess of liquid is accidentally splashed on it, then it will spread over the entire working surface, and cleaning it will cause additional trouble. In addition, they must be protected from the ingress of substances that contain sugar.

Electrical panels have a limit on the weight they can support. In addition, for the normal functioning of such products, you will need dishes whose diameter is comparable to the area of the working surface.

Which stove is better electric or induction hob

Immediately, we note that both models need to be connected to the mains. The main difference between these devices is how they work.

For those who are interested in how an induction hob differs from an electric one, it will not hurt to find out that the latter can heat up even if there is no cookware on it. As for the availability of additional options, such as telescopic guides, convection, grill or blocking, they are present in both versions.

Pros and cons of an induction hob

Before giving an answer to the question of which stove is better - induction or electric - let's figure out how they differ. I had to study more than one forum to highlight real pluses and the cons of a modern induction hob.

1. The principle of operation of such a panel is based on the property of induction heating. It doesn't matter how such heating is and how it differs, because we do not study the principle of operation of a mobile phone or washing machine, however, we successfully use these devices in Everyday life.
2. Security. This important plus was already mentioned at the beginning of this article. It is absolutely impossible to accidentally burn yourself if you touch a hot surface (because the surface does not get hot at all). If you handle hot dishes carelessly, you can only get burned from them. Again, do not worry anymore that you forgot to turn off the stove, because the surface of the stove heats up from the dishes, and its temperature is low.
3. Saving time. Some people who use electric hobs complain that they do not heat up well, that is, they heat up slowly. As for induction devices, they become capable of heating immediately after switching on (the time is the same as for a gas burner, that is, instantly). Plus, some models have an additional function "booster" thanks to which the power of one burner can be instantly transferred to another.
4. Ergonomics. In front of the heating zone of the induction hob, you can find many options for choosing a specific mode and temperature. That is, the hostess can independently set the temperature with an accuracy of a degree, or can use clear and well-thought-out standard modes.
5. It is also important to note that in all models such hob there is an automatic shutdown function - if the water has boiled away, the hotplate will be turned off automatically.
6. Environmental friendliness. Since such a hob does not heat up by itself, but only the dishes are heated, excess heat is not emitted into the atmosphere, it does not become unbearably hot in the kitchen even during the simultaneous preparation of several dishes.
7. Cleanliness. Easily and quickly such a surface can be brought into order. Because the escaped porridge or other products on the surface are not baked, all due to the fact that the surface of the induction cooker itself does not heat up.

Induction hobs - advantages and disadvantages

Each kitchen is equipped with a stove used for cooking. There are several varieties of such plates today. These are gas, electric stoves and induction hobs. Each person makes his own opinion about the advantages and disadvantages of these stoves. We will take a look and analyze how an induction hob works, the pros and cons of such a device, and the features of its operation in a regular kitchen.

To understand the difference in the functioning of a conventional electric stove and an induction hob, let's make a small comparison between them.

The principle of operation of the electric stove

Majority modern apartments today they are equipped with electric cookers with glass-ceramic surfaces. Bulky metal pancakes are already considered anachronisms, as they consume a lot of electricity, although such plates are also still quite common. The principle of operation of such a device is based on the effect of an electric current on the heating elements with which the hob is equipped. The electric current heats up the heating element, the heat from which is transferred to the cookware standing on the stove. This is how food is cooked or warmed up.

Metal spirals made of special metal or halogen heaters are used as heating elements. The electric stove is controlled by mechanical or touch switches.

The principle of operation of the induction hob

Despite the fact that the built-in induction hob also belongs to the category of electric stoves, it works on a completely different principle. It does not have heating elements, and instead, built-in electromagnetic coils are used. The coil is fed from the mains alternating current, and it generates a magnetic field around itself. If you put a metal cookware on the surface of the hob, the bottom of which has certain ferromagnetic properties, the cookware will start to heat up quickly. This happens due to the effect of eddy currents on the dishes.

How an induction cooker works is shown in the photo: it heats only the dishes on it.

The stove itself practically does not heat up during operation. Thus, all the energy consumed by the stove is spent only on heating the dishes.

Comparison of induction and electric hobs

Future users are at a loss: so who cooks better - an electric or an induction hob? When considering electric and induction hobs, the advantages and disadvantages of these appliances help to assess the feasibility of purchasing them. Let's compare these types of electrical equipment in terms of basic parameters.

Power consumption

Since the induction panel does not include heating elements, its power consumption is 1.5 times less than that of a glass-ceramic electric stove.

Efficiency

If you calculate the efficiency of an induction panel, you will find that it is equal to 90%. This is the highest among all slabs. For comparison: the efficiency of a conventional electric stove is 30%, electric stoves with a glass-ceramic surface - 50%, gas stove - 60 %.

Heating rate

Considering the pros and cons of an induction hob, it should be noted that in terms of the speed of cooking or heating food, it surpasses an electric stove. She does not need to reheat the heating elements, so she immediately starts heating the dishes. It takes no more than 3 minutes to boil a liter of ordinary water on an induction hob. The electric stove will perform the same work in 5-7 minutes.

Security

The electric stove is turned on until it was turned off forcibly. But the connection of the induction hob to work occurs only when the cookware is installed on the burner and occupies at least 70% of its surface. This increases the level of security. If, for example, you put a plug on the panel, the stove will not start working. Such a panel does not function without dishes.

Safety of use is one of the important advantages of induction-type hobs.

Another important point is the temperature of the work surface. It is constantly hot in the electric stove, you can burn yourself on it. The induction hob does not heat up, so the risk of burns when touching the hob is excluded.

Preservation of surfaces

The glass-ceramic surface can be scratched by crystals of abrasive substances. Particles of salt and sugar are especially harmful to her, which can damage protective film... Also, such a stove is afraid of chips at the edges of the surface, which is decided by the purchase of a hob with a metal edging. For glass ceramics, it is not very desirable to burn food on it.

Induction panels are devoid of all these disadvantages. Due to the fact that the panel itself does not heat up, even food accidentally hitting it does not burn and can be easily cleaned with an ordinary damp sponge.

Adjustability

Induction hobs have more automatic programs than any other type of hob. In addition, such a stove almost instantly reacts to a change in program or temperature regime.

The presence of automatic modes can be of significant assistance in food preparation.

Cookware used

Any kind of cookware can be heated on the electric stove. The induction panel, on the other hand, requires special cookware with ferromagnetic properties.

Tip: Alternatively, you can use magnetic supports (adapters) for ordinary dishes.

Also, only cookware with a perfectly flat bottom is suitable for panels. Even a curvature of 1 mm will make cooking impossible.

Noise level

Electric stoves work silently. In contrast, induction hobs produce the noise of a fan cooling the cooker.

In terms of cost, induction hobs are superior to electric stoves. However, the high price of an induction hob, given their more economical operation, will eventually be justified and it is considered more profitable to buy them.

What to look for when choosing

The question of how to choose an induction hob is relevant for many housewives. Such devices have appeared relatively recently, so there are certain difficulties with the issues of their acquisition. With regard to a specific kitchen, the choice should be made simultaneously according to several main parameters:

The dimensions of the slab and its design. It is important to choose the right amount of comforts that you need, which affects the dimensions of the surface. The panel itself can be independent or be the main freestanding slab. Nowadays, the most common are independent induction hobs, which can be easily built into kitchen furniture;
Panel shape. It can be rectangular, square, polygonal, or round. Choose a shape that will successfully combine with the rest of the kitchen furniture;

Induction hob unusual shape can become an interesting design element of your kitchen

Important: Induction hobs must be installed over objects kitchen furniture or kitchen appliances with metal parts, observing the specified clearance specified in the instructions.

Pay attention to the power and size of the burners, adjust them to your requirements. The power regulator can be designed for several positions, maximum - 16;
The safety shutdown function is able to turn off the panel if food splashes onto the burner;
Products from some manufacturers allow the burner to adapt to the location of the dishes. But such models are more expensive;
The function of storing a constant heating temperature in the memory will allow you not to re-set the temperature next time;
It is recommended to purchase suitable cookware together with the panel.

Tip: When buying cookware with magnetic properties for an induction hob, check if a regular magnet is magnetised to the bottom of the cookware. If it holds firmly, then these dishes are great for you.

Combined hob Electrolux

And if you cannot decide in favor of a gas or induction cooker to make your choice, then can choose combined option ... There are models on sale in which two burners work according to the induction principle, and two are gas.

Popular brands

Electrolux

The most popular models are EHH 96340 XK, EHI 96540 FS, EHI 96540 FW, EHO 98840 FG, EHH 96240 IK.
There are enough models of this manufacturer in stores. For example, PIB651N17E, PIE651F17E, PIF673FB1E, PIM631B18E.
The following models are on sale: IT6SYW, IT 612 AXC, IT614CSC, IS634ST, IT612SY2W.
We list the most famous models of this brand: EH885DN19E, EH975SK11E, EH 651FT17E, EH 685DB19E, EH 679MN27E.
Of the most famous models of this company, you can specify the following: KM 6380, KM 6349, KM 6395, KM 6388, KM 6381.
Some models of this line: NZ 64H37070K, NZ64H37075K, NZ 64H57477K.

We examined the features of induction hobs, compared these devices with electric stoves. Now everyone can decide for themselves which induction hob to choose, or give preference to an electric stove with a glass-ceramic surface.

Conclusion

Having studied all the basic nuances, we can conclude that both the induction and the electric stove, the difference between which lies not only in the principle of operation, but also in the price, are equally good. Devices of both types are subdivided into stand-alone, built-in and benchtop. Therefore, every consumer will be able to find optimal model that meets all its requirements. However, for busy housewives who do not have time to clean, it is better to opt for the second option, since these products do not need specific care.

In addition, electric panels are much cheaper than induction models. If the first variety can be purchased for $ 220, then the prices for the second are at least twice as high. As for safety and efficiency, it is more profitable to purchase induction panels, since they are more efficient and consume much less electricity.

By comparing their advantages and disadvantages, you can determine which hob is better - induction or electric.

Gas cookers have several serious drawbacks, so they have been successfully replaced by induction cookers and electric cookers. These modern models have a lot of advantages. They work approximately on the same principle, but they also have some differences. Let's see which hobs are better, electric or induction. This will make it possible to make the right choice.

The main differences typical for all models are:

Unequal electricity consumption;
Induction cookers more secure;
Induction devices require special cookware.

This hob is different big amount advantages. She has one minus, but significant, high cost.

Therefore, before you buy such a device, it is worth examining its characteristics. The induction hob boils water much faster. For example, it takes 3.3 minutes to heat 1.5 liters of liquid. A similar electric hotplate will do this in 15 minutes. The work surface cools down much faster. After about 6 minutes, the temperature of a liter of boiling water will be 60 degrees.

Cooking is very fast, the speed is comparable to microwave oven... Moreover, burning is completely excluded. Induction hobs designed for home conditions are not distinguished by a large assortment. Much more, electric and gas stoves. The most famous manufacturers of induction panels are AEG, Electrolux and others.

In stores, you can buy multifunctional cookers from these manufacturers, equipped with an oven. Portable models are also offered for implementation. The devices manufactured by these companies are practically free from defects. The warranty period of the stove is one year, but the stove can work without repair for many years.

The most reliable are AEG slabs. Less well-known models include:

Oursson;
"KITFORT".

The products of these companies do not have such high cost, but it perfectly fulfills all the functions laid down in it by the manufacturer.

TO positive characteristics induction hob includes:

The surface heats up only 60 degrees;
Cooling down occurs within 6 minutes;
The ambient air remains cold;
The maximum power can reach 3500W.
High speed of cooking;
Low power consumption;
Food never burns.

TO positive qualities electric stove include:

The hotplates heat up very quickly;
Only the bottom of the dishes is heated;
Any dish can be used.

disadvantages

Both cookers require electricity to operate. In this case, the induction hob is much more profitable. However, such a plus is offset by the additional costs associated with the purchase of special cookware with a ferromagnetic bottom.

In this sense electrical panel, is in a better position. Of course, new technologies are more advanced, but they require large additional cash investments.

Therefore, which is the best induction or electric hob, which one to choose, everyone decides for himself. The basis for the decision can be a balance between positive and negative characteristics.

It is important for any housewife to know how effective the purchased panel is, while design and beauty fade into the background. Glass-ceramic and induction surfaces are several times faster than their gas predecessors. An induction hob will boil a liter of water in three minutes, a glass ceramic hob in five minutes, and a traditional gas hob takes nine minutes.

A regular gas stove can be a rather unpleasant potential threat if there are small children in the house, as it heats up in all directions and it is very easy to burn yourself on it.

Glass-ceramic surfaces ideally conduct heat along the vertical axis and practically do not heat up in horizontal plane... This means that only the area under the pot or pan is heated significantly during cooking.

For these surfaces, the diameters of the cooking zones and saucepans must match exactly. A pot that is too small for the hotplate can overheat the surface, and too large pots leave unsightly marks.

Features of induction heating

Induction hobs heat the cookware, not the surface. Thanks to this, the air does not warm up in the kitchen, which is especially valuable in hot weather. At various presentations, they often demonstrate the trick with induction hobs - the pan is moved halfway through the burner, and ice or chocolate is placed on the second. After a few minutes, water boils in the pan, and the chocolate or ice does not even think to melt. Electromagnetic induction only heats the cookware. The burners turn on if there is a saucepan on the stove, but it is worth removing it and the stove turns off automatically. Induction panels allow you to forget about the terrible runaway milk, because it simply does not stick to the surface.

Do not place a wet saucepan on the hot glass ceramic hob, as this can damage the surfaces.

Both induction and glass-ceramic surfaces require the purchase of new cookware. Induction surfaces do not work with glass, brass, copper, porcelain, ceramics and aluminum. To check if the saucepan you like will fit your stove, bring a magnet to it. If it is attracted to the bottom, then the dishes will suit you.

Glass-ceramic surfaces require pans with a flat, flat bottom, and they should not be made of aluminum or copper, as these metals leave marks on the glass-ceramic.

Today we will talk about induction and simple electric cookers, traditional with cast iron "pancakes", as well as the most modern ones.

The material is extensive and before deciding to buy, it is worthwhile to thoroughly delve into the issue, since there are many nuances in each of the types that you simply must know about.

Induction or electric?

So, first of all, we need to decide which of the main types of hobs is better: just electric or with an induction mechanism? This is a common question, but not entirely correct.

The fact is that an induction cooker is also electric. But the technology of its device is very different from the traditional ones, therefore, they are singled out into a separate group.

How does an induction cooker work?

If in an ordinary panel, even the most expensive one, the surface heating comes from some heating element, which is heated by the current, then the induction system is fundamentally different.

There is a coil through which an alternating current passes and a magnetic field is generated.

It remains absolutely cold until you put dishes with a magnetic bottom on it. and then, according to the laws of physics, it begins to induce a current between these two surfaces, heating up the material as a result.

Such a stove is very convenient and safe if there are small children in the house. You can press the power buttons as much as you like, but the hob will not heat up and the child will not get burned.

But, in our country, they are not yet as common as ordinary ones, because the price for them is very "biting". And it's not just the price. There are also myths around induction cookers ...

However, this is not surprising: new items are always greeted with caution.

So what is this for myths that slow down sales?

1 First, people are afraid of what is harmful the effects of a magnetic field on the body... For some reason, it seems to them that in such a stove it is simply huge!
But in fact, the harm from a mobile phone that we use every day is much more. And it's not worth talking about the microwave. The radiation in the induction hob is so negligible that it can in no way be harmful to health.

The only thing is that people with pacemakers (a device that is sewn into the chest to regulate the work of the heart) - you should not purchase such a technique, since they (pacemakers) react sharply to the slightest fluctuations electromagnetic waves... But in fairness, it is generally contraindicated for such people to be next to almost any technique.

2 The second myth: you need special dishes that cost a lot of money.

A in fact, absolutely any with a flat (not convex or vice versa) bottom, which is magnetized! And stainless steel, and ordinary enameled. The only thing to use aluminum cookware will not work, but she is not needed for nothing, by and large.

And it is for these two reasons that they are not so popular.

But you need to be afraid of completely different things that are not very well known, but negate all the delights of induction panels.

The advantages that manufacturers of induction hobs entice the buyer with:

Incredible warm-up speed... For example, a three-liter kettle boils in three minutes. And this means that cooking time will take much less and expensive kilowatts along with it.
Electricity consumption induction hobs are also about 1.5 times less than conventional
About this stove impossible to get burned since it does not warm up

A now let's look at all this from the other side and spoil it a little advertising strategy, which keeps the promotion of these products.

What remains with us in the end?

Only an inflated price for the opportunity to boil the kettle for 3 minutes (and the electric one heats up faster) and cook soup at lightning speed. Is it worth it?

In our opinion, no.

By the way, there is another good fly in the ointment in induction surfaces.

They make a rather unpleasant, monotonous noise during operation.... These are cooling fans working and the sound can be compared to a working microwave, however, it is much quieter.

And finally, drive in the last nail: induction cookers break much more often than conventional cookers. And their repair will cost about half the cost of a new product, since there are practically no light breakdowns there.

So, don't be discouraged if you don't have the money for an induction cooker!

But if you have money and you are still haunted by the laurels of housewives who cook soup in 10 minutes, then we strongly recommend that you choose not just an induction hob, but one combined with a conventional type of heating.

They are different. For example, 2 hotplates are induction, and three are conventional. Or vice versa. And taking this option is much less risky, as you know.

And now let's talk about ordinary electrical panels, consider their types and identify the pros and cons of each. At the same time, you can decide which type of heating is more preferable in the "combi" version.

What types of electric hobs are there? Their pros and cons

So they exist two main types:

Traditional (with cast iron "pancakes")
Glass-ceramic

Which one to choose? Let's go in order.

With cast iron pancakes

Let's say right away that there is only one of the advantages - affordable price... If you plan to rarely use it, for example, in the country, then yes, this is a good option.

For everyday use, they will not like any housewife much, since have such disadvantages:

take a long time to warm up;
not economical, they draw a lot of electricity;
troublesome to care for;
over time, pancakes become unusable and need to be changed.

Depending on the material of the top panel, they are enameled or stainless steel.

If you save on the purchase, then you will overpay for the light for years, while wondering whether it is worth cooking or saving electricity. They are not even comparable in terms of efficiency with glass-ceramic electric stoves.

Also washing them is very inconvenient, and food is prepared in them slowly, about 1.5 times longer than on gas burners.

In addition, if food gets on them during cooking, the smell is unpleasant, it burns strongly.

Then, if milk is running out of you, then you need to instantly remove the entire pan, since a regular shutdown will do nothing: the cast-iron disk will cool down for another hour! Last century it is honestly.

Glass ceramic hobs

But glass-ceramic can be turned off, and they will cool down, albeit not as lightning fast as induction, but also very quickly.

Depending on the type of heating, they are:

Rapid (regular spirals, warm-up time 10-12 seconds)
Halogen (heating with halogen lamps, 1-2 seconds, but they often burn out)
Hi-Lite (tape heaters, asbestos base, warm-up time 5-7 seconds)

As for the choice of the type of heating, our advice is the usual (rapid) spirals. They do not burn out very often and their replacement will cost less than other consumables.

And one more plus of this option: a large selection. After all, spiral panels have been on the market for a long time and almost all eminent manufacturers have been producing them.

Some people are afraid to take modern glass-ceramic hobs because they are afraid to break them. But the alarm is in vain, because they are very durable.

They have one weakness: the fear of a pinpoint strike. If you drop the knife with great height and it hits the surface hard, then a crack can go, theoretically.

But in practice, such cases are extremely rare and most buyers who have such equipment are very happy with the choice.

What additional functions should I look for when buying a hob?

In addition to types and types, it is necessary to pay close attention to the set of functions that the hobs are equipped with.

Sometimes the price is too high due to the fact that the model has a lot of innovative additions that you will not need at all. And there are also very useful things, without which the comfort will not be the same.

Control buttons- are touch-sensitive and in the form of rotary knobs. It is better to give preference to the first, as such a panel is easier to clean.

Wait timer or stop- by pressing this button, you can move away from the boiling soup for a while (heating will stop). In our opinion, a completely ridiculous function. Nothing prevents you just turn off the pan or move it to another comfort.

Dish ready timer- very useful thing and the stove should not be taken without it. It's convenient: you set the time and you won't forget about the boiling dish.
Locking the touch panel from turning on- if you have small children in your home, then do not skimp on such a measure of security.

Sensor for detecting dishes on the comfort zone- if you put an empty container or even forget to put something on the stove and turn on the comfort, then it will work: it will beep. Glass-ceramics "does not like" to work idle and deteriorates from this, therefore, such a function is quite useful.

Guarantee period- this is, in general, the first thing you need to pay attention to when buying. If the warranty is 3 months, then you should not take the equipment, no matter how affordable the price may seem. The better the product, the longer the warranty.

Recipe memory - remembers cooking modes for various dishes. A completely unnecessary function, in our subjective opinion. Even if the dish is the same, the products may be different.

For example, you cook chicken borscht today, and lamb borsch tomorrow. And what's the point to you that the panel "remembers" how to cook chicken borscht? If you rely on her "experience", then you will get half-baked meat at the exit.

Our article has come to an end, and we have told you everything that is really important for the buyer. We really hope that with the help of this material it will be easier to understand which hob is best for you.

An induction hob is a hob for cooking food that stays cold until cookware with a magnetic bottom is placed on it. It is absolutely safe and saves on electricity. How an induction cooker works and works, we will consider further.

How does an induction cooker work and how does it work?

The hob is usually made of glass ceramics or other dielectric and non-magnetic composite material. Under the surface of the induction hob are inductors made of metal with good electrical conductivity in the form of a cylinder. They look like this:

When an alternating current of high frequency begins to pass through the inductors, an alternating (pulsating) magnetic field arises. This field extends beyond the coil, including above the surface of the plate. If a material with magnetic properties (iron) appears on the slab, an alternating magnetic field excites a current in it. This current, passing through the conductor, experiences resistance to its movement, which heats the object on the stove.

This phenomenon (currents induced magnetic field in a material that has fallen into the zone of action of a magnetic field) is called electromagnetic induction(the effect was discovered by the British scientist Michael Faraday in 1831). Therefore, stoves, the work of which is based on this effect, are called induction.

The induction cooker diagram is shown below:

The oscillation frequency of the magnetic field is between 20 and 60 kilohertz. Highest sound that the ear can distinguish an ordinary person- 16 kilohertz. The efficiency of an induction hob is very high - from 80% to 90% depending on the model. This means that by getting the same dishes as on a regular stove, you will spend much less energy.

It should be noted that the surface of the stove itself during operation is heated not from a magnetic field, but only from an object on the stove. If you touch the stove during operation, the surface will be room temperature... An exception is the area under the saucepan (frying pan). This zone is heated from the bottom of the pan. But if you remove the dishes, the heating stops immediately (there is simply nothing to keep warm), and the hob will cool down to the temperature the environment in just a few seconds.

Induction cookers are much safer than any others - there is no risk of getting burned by inadvertently putting your hand on the stove. It also reduces the likelihood of a fire - a rag or paper that gets on the hob will never ignite.

Even non-heat-resistant materials will not melt or catch fire on contact with the stove, including because even at high temperatures after removal kitchen utensils from the surface, its temperature drops very quickly. Therefore, a plastic bottle of infant formula or a disposable plate will never stick to the stove.

Each induction oven model has a built-in timer. With its help, you can both extremely accurately adjust the cooking mode, and simply limit the amount of energy spent on heating food. Many models have a "boil control" function, that is, a thermal sensor detects when the dish has reached a temperature of 100 degrees, the set time allows it to boil, after which the oven turns off.

The digital indicator on the control panel can indicate several parameters:

temperature for each hotplate (optional);
consumed power;
watch;
cooking time on each cooking zone.

At emergency shutdown the oven indicator will also display relevant information on the sensor so that you do not get lost in guessing what happened.

There are models of hobs, where some of the burners are induction, and some are conventional electric burners. All this is under the common glass-ceramic surface. If there are several induction cooking zones, they can work as one, together heating a large pan or a whole baking sheet, and the temperature is evenly distributed over the bottom of the container.

You can clearly see how an induction cooker works in the following video:

Features of the induction hob

What features are noted with such a plate arrangement, we will highlight further:

There is no harm from cooking on such stoves and cannot be - neither during the cooking process, nor when eating food. This is due to the fact that there is no powerful radiation that affects the physicochemical composition of food.

It is still not worth approaching the top of the stove during operation - the effect of a rapidly fluctuating magnetic field on the human body is not well understood.

The manufacturability of the furnace is much higher than that of a conventional electric or gas furnace. That is why induction furnaces are still more expensive.
One of the main positive aspects when working with such a stove, there is absolutely no burning smell in your kitchen. A spiral, a case and a grate are heated on an electric stove (about the same with gas stove), and dust, oil and food particles get on all the heated parts, which burn and give off the corresponding "aroma". And on "induction" there is simply nothing to burn.
Such ovens are equipped with temperature sensors that accurately maintain a given temperature regime. Thus, you can program the cooking process literally by the minute, which is impossible to achieve on a conventional gas or electric stove.
By using energy exclusively to raise and maintain the temperature of food, your kitchen retains comfortable atmosphere... During cooking, you do not overcome the heat and stuffiness, you do not need to turn on the air conditioner again.

Most induction ovens are controlled by touch. A simple set of just a few buttons, however, gives you much more possibilities than an electric or gas stove.
The oven may beep for you. If you set it up in a certain way, it will "call" you when the oil boils in the pan, or the kettle gets ready to whistle.
Almost all induction furnaces are equipped with an additional emergency temperature sensor that monitors the surface temperature. When the temperature reaches, for example, 250 degrees Celsius, an automatic shutdown will occur. So you can not be afraid that you left the kettle on the stove turned on - smart electronics will back you up when all the water has boiled away.
Induction ovens are also distinguished by the fact that they maintain a given temperature much more accurately than in gas or electric stoves. This is because due to the absence of temperature disturbances for the thermoelement of the stove from gas flows or heating elements, its accuracy is much higher.
Can be placed directly on the surface during cooking kitchen towels so that splashes of water and oil do not even fall on the hob;
Even if food particles fall or spill onto the stove during cooking, they will not burn and can be easily removed as they stop heating up.
If you put pots, pans and a kettle on all the burners at the same time, then the total power of the stove will be artificially reduced in order to reduce the load on the electronics in the stove and on the wiring in your house. This is a programmed function. For example, the total power of the stove is 3 kilowatts. But if you use all the burners, only 2.5 kilowatts will be consumed.

You can learn about the features, pros and cons of an induction cooker from the following video:

It is better to connect the induction hob with a separate cable from electrical panel so that there are no wiring problems. Grounding is an integral part of correct connection induction panel.

Where to install?

A huge plus of the induction hob is that it can be built into almost any place on the surface kitchen countertops, if only there is enough space. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

It is undesirable that near such a furnace were close metal pipes, corners or other conductive structures are not dangerous, but they can negatively affect the operation of the oven.
There must be enough space for ventilation as the electronics inside the induction coil requires good cooling.
It is not necessary to compact the location of all kitchen units too much. An induction oven saves a lot of space, but you shouldn't place it closer than 50 centimeters from a refrigerator, microwave and other electrical appliances. It's not even about the metal walls. Mutual influence of magnetic fields, electromagnetic radiation and high temperatures can be unpredictable.

After installation, it is undesirable to leave the glass-ceramic coating without maintenance. It's better for him to buy special tool containing silicone. This will give your stove a sophisticated shine and a well-groomed look.

Which cookware should I choose for cooking on an induction hob?

An induction oven simply will not turn on and start the heating process if an item of kitchen utensils is placed on it:

is not a current conductor;
is too good a conductor;
Has a diameter of less than 12 centimeters (about 5 inches);
has a temperature above a certain maximum (usually 100 degrees Celsius).

A complex of magnetic field and temperature sensors is responsible for the above conditions. The electronics even know how to regulate the power, which is distributed depending on the size of the dishes. As a result, you save electricity again.

It should be understood that any materials containing ferromagnets can be heated on an induction hob, even if the materials themselves are not magnetic. For example, stainless steel or cast iron do not have pronounced magnetic properties, but they still contain iron - the material that gave the name to the property "ferromagnet". Therefore, both stainless steel and cast iron are perfectly heated under the influence of eddy currents of an induction furnace.

On specialized cookware for induction heating, they put a special sign - several vertical loops and an inscription « Induction».

They are usually made from "white" cast iron.

The bottom of the vessel for heating by magnetic fields must be iron-containing - cast iron, steel or stainless. The bottom must be at least 2 millimeters thick. Expensive and high-quality products have a bottom about a centimeter thick and some kind of innovative non-stick coating(for example, titanium ceramic).

For containers with too small a bottom (Turks, saucepans), there are special iron supports-circles, which are perfectly heated on an induction furnace and transfer heat to small containers.

Ordinary enamelled iron containers are also quite suitable, although if the bottom is thin and concave, they can make unpleasant sounds. But due to the very rapid heating of the container, you will not have to endure these sounds for long.

In general, the main sign of suitability for an increase in temperature from fluctuations in a magnetic field is this: if a magnet is attracted to a dish, such a dish is good, if it does not attract, it is not good.

Some non-specialized cookware may not heat up evenly. For example, the center of the frying pan may be hot, while the temperature at the sides will be fifty degrees lower. This can only be corrected by replacing the dishes.

Another disadvantage of ordinary dishes is a damaged or loose bottom. A frying pan covered with a layer of carbon from the bottom after a gas oven, when used on an induction hob, begins to emit unpleasant odors, sounds and even blows smoke, because now the temperature rises not from the outside, but from the inside. In addition, a deformed bottom can scratch the surface of the slab.

Naturally, kitchen utensils made of glass, ceramics, plastic, and other materials that do not contain metals are not suitable for induction ovens. Also, copper, aluminum and other kitchen utensils made of materials that are well conductive are not suitable electricity... The fact is that for rapid heating by magnetic fields, it is required that the conductor be bad. Then the eddy currents, experiencing great resistance, cause the dishes to heat up, and the resistance increases even more from the increased temperature.

What should not be done with an induction oven?

In order not to cause malfunctions in the operation of such a hob on your own, it is worth considering the following restrictions:

Do not work with an induction cooker for those who have a built-in pacemaker, as the magnetic field can negatively affect the implant. At a distance of half a meter from the slab, the field is almost indistinguishable, but it is better not to risk it.
Do not allow credit cards, documents or other objects to come into contact with the magnetic field of the induction cooker. The same applies to mobile cards, mobile phones and other electronic devices.
Can not use aluminum foil- it gets too hot under the influence of induction currents and can provoke a fire. The same applies to foil packaging - chocolate bars, sweets, milk bags, and other similar items, including decorative foil ribbons for gifts, balloons, and so on.

Why does not it work?

If the induction cooker does not work at all, you can find the cause of the breakdown as follows:

Check the power cord. Most often, it breaks at the stove body or at the outlet. If, when the cord is moved, the contact appears and disappears - the problem is localized, the cord must be repaired.
Try unplugging the plug and plugging it into a different outlet - perhaps that's the problem.
Make sure the cooker power button on the back of the cooker is depressed (close to where the power cord comes in). Sometimes children or pets manage to press it and unplug the stove.

If everything is fine outside, you will have to open the countertop. First, just inspect the filling of the stove visually - are there any obviously unusual places imperceptible. Here we check:

fuse;
terminals and wire connections (you can tighten the screws tighter, just for prevention);

diode bridge;
power transistor;
power transformer.

After that, it remains to check the controller microcircuit and transistors through which the controller signals go. If checking all of the above elements does not reveal the cause of the problem, you will have to contact a specialized workshop.

In order not to have an unnecessary headache with repairing expensive equipment, install an overvoltage protection device in advance and connect the equipment through it.

Video: Induction cooker versus gas and electric

The following video demonstrates in a practical way which type of plate is better:

Induction hobs and surfaces are almost ideal cooking appliances. They are safe, economical, beautiful, convenient, compact, and also adjustable in wide range... Food is prepared and heated very quickly. In order for it to serve for a long time, it is worthwhile to carefully approach the installation, operation and maintenance.

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