Expert advice on how to choose an induction hob? An overview of important characteristics, as well as the pros and cons of devices

An induction hob is a practical and easy-to-use device that has an extensive list of advantages.

This equipment is characterized by a high level of safety, economical energy consumption and excellent ergonomics , which makes induction-type surfaces increasingly in demand and popular.

There shouldn’t be any particular difficulties in choosing kitchen appliances, because today there are quite a few interesting models with excellent functionality in stores.

However, it is better to prepare by familiarizing yourself with the basic selection criteria.

Pay attention to the ratings of various induction cookers presented on our website, there is a detailed overview of the models with characteristics, pros and cons:

• the best induction cookers for home brewing;
• tabletop with 1 burner;
• tabletop with 2 burners;
• hob with 2 burners;
• a large rating of different categories of induction hobs.

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Operating principle of induction hobs

Principle of operation. Unlike other cooking surfaces, induction-type panels do not have a heat source.

Small induction coils are hidden under the glass-ceramic surface ; when the device is turned on, they only heat up slightly.

In addition to induction coils, the equipment consists of such elements as:

• aluminum bracket;
• ferrites and coil wiring;
• temperature sensors;
• control Panel.

The mechanism of action of the device is the passage of alternating electric current through the turns of copper wire.

In this case, a magnetic alternating field is formed around the coil - it generates an induction current in any metal objects located in close proximity to the source.

As a result, the cookware placed on the work area begins to heat up.

Advantages

Induction hobs are surprisingly easy to use , they are multifunctional and energy efficient , but these are not all the advantages of modern kitchen equipment.

Keep in mind! Significant advantages of the technology are also:

• technical advancement. Induction-type surfaces are equipped with many useful options and programs that are not available for gas appliances. The equipment is able to determine the size of the dishes, change the heating intensity when moving the pans and has an intuitive control system;
• ease of care. Drops or food that accidentally fall on the surface do not burn, since the device practically does not heat up. Thanks to this, it is much easier to remove dirt - you only need a soft cloth and water;
• fast and even heating of dishes. In terms of heating speed, induction models are superior even to gas devices and electric stoves with cast iron burners. The technology can also boast of a lightning-fast response - you can notice this bonus when changing modes;
• the presence of combined heating zones. Almost all new stove models are equipped with them. This makes it possible to cook a variety of dishes in large-sized dishes, and not just in standard frying pans and pots. Unusually shaped dishes can also be used;
• maintaining optimal room temperature. Unlike ordinary electric panels and gas devices, which increase the air temperature during the cooking process, induction models eliminate the occurrence of such inconveniences;
• the presence of various additional options. They make the cooking process easier and easier. If necessary, the user can quickly adjust the temperature, set a timer or pause cooking, and also select intensive heating.

What you need to know before buying an induction cooker

Before you buy a stove, you need to know:

1. How it works 2. Pros 3. Cons 4. Differences between induction and electric stoves

Working principle of an induction cooker

Keep in mind! The operating principle is based on electromagnetic induction, that is, on the flow of electric current when the magnetic flux changes.

An induction coil is located under the glass-ceramic surface, and a current with a frequency of 20 to 100 kHz flows through it.

The induction coil plays the role of the primary winding, and the cookware that is placed on the surface is the secondary winding .

When pots and pans are placed on a work surface, induction currents appear that heat them. The glass-ceramic surface of the tile also heats up, but from the dishes, and not from the work area.

The power of the burner is regulated by two methods - impulsive or continuous.

In the first case, the operation of the device will periodically stop. The operating frequency depends on the installed power.

The areas not involved in the direct heating of the cookware are made in such a way that they always remain cold, so the possibility of getting a burn is significantly reduced.

Heating elements of the working area are divided into several types:

• Spiral . They look like a twisted spiral and heat up within 15 seconds.
• Tape. They look like a ribbon coiled like springs. Heats up in 8 seconds.
• Induction. They create a high-frequency field that heats the bottom of the dish.
• Halogen. They are made in the form of a tube filled with halogen gas. The current passes through the heater located inside. Maximum heating is achieved almost instantly, in a maximum of 3 seconds.

Advantages and disadvantages of an induction cooker

The main advantages of this type of equipment include:

• High efficiency.

  The efficiency of such a device reaches 90%, while for a traditional gas stove it does not exceed 60%, for a glass-ceramic stove - 50%, and for an electric stove - 30%.

  Very high efficiency: about 90% of all heat generated directly heats the food.

  This concentration allows you to save time: the frying pan heats up faster than on an electric stove, therefore the dish is cooked faster. If the stove operates for a shorter period of time, then less energy is consumed.

• Reducing time spent on preparing dishes.

  This is achieved due to the fact that the cooking process begins immediately after placing the pot or pan on the stove.

  If you accidentally place a fork on an active burner, it will remain cold. Therefore, even a switched on stove will not harm children and pets.

• Energy efficiency.

  An induction cooker uses much less electricity than a standard electric cooker.

• One of the main advantages of an induction cooker is its efficiency.

  Due to their cooking technology, induction cookers save not only time, but also energy. The stove consumes several times less energy than any other.

  This happens due to the fact that heating according to the configuration of the pan allows you to select the optimal mode that ensures minimal energy consumption. That is, the stove automatically adjusts to the diameter of the bottom of the pan and heats only the required coverage area. The stove will not start working without any utensils on it.

  Moreover, if the pot or pan is empty, the stove will not turn on either. By the way, the heating of objects whose diameter is less than 12 cm is blocked by a special sensor. Therefore, if you accidentally leave a spoon, fork or knife on the stove, they will not become hot and there will be no danger of getting burned.

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• Safety and ease of care.

  During the cooking process, the device heats only the bottom of the cookware, but not the burner, so if food gets on the panel during cooking, it does not burn and is removed with a napkin or soft sponge without much effort.

• Maintaining a comfortable microclimate.

  The induction cooker does not produce excess heat, so the air temperature in the room does not increase.

• The presence of a large number of adjustment modes, which allows you to cook each dish in a suitable mode (quickly boil water, simmer meat over low heat, etc.).
• Automatic shutdown of an unused device.

  If you remove the pan from the stove, the equipment turns off. This ensures maximum safety of its use.

• Stylish design.

  This is especially important for those catering establishments in which food preparation is carried out in front of customers.

Flaws:

• Sensitivity to electromagnetic radiation;
• The need to use special utensils;
• The fragility of the glass-ceramic panel.

It is worth remembering that a tabletop induction cooker has a higher price compared to gas and electric.

It is possible that you will not be satisfied with the specific sound that accompanies the operation of the induction cooker. In some cases, users cannot stand this hum and noise; it bothers them.

What types of induction cookers are there?

The following types of induction cookers are available for sale:

• Portable (desktop). They are small in size and have one burner;
• Built-in - combined with furniture in the kitchen;
• Combined. There are stoves on which one half of the burners operates on the electric principle, and the second on the induction principle.

Scheme.

Features of cooking on the stove

Important! The operation of an induction cooker has its own characteristics that you should pay attention to before you start cooking:

• Do not cook on cookware with a convex bottom or if it is clearly damaged.
• During cooking, do not touch the glass-ceramic surface to avoid possible burns.
• Place the pan exactly in the middle of the burner.
• Stir food using non-metallic kitchen utensils.
• Cook in a pan that completely covers the heating surface.
• When purchasing cookware, pay attention to the marking that indicates the product can be used on an induction hob.

Requirements for dishes

In fact, the requirements for dishes are still strict. Firstly, its diameter should not be less than 12 cm. For example, if you want to brew coffee in a Turk, you will not be able to do this on an induction cooker. Contact too small. Today, special adapter modules are offered for Turks. They are somewhat similar to teapot stands. That is, place an adapter with a diameter equal to the diameter of the burner, and place a Turk on it.

Secondly, you should not use dishes with uneven bottoms. Full contact will not occur due to projections or concavities. Thirdly, if the bottom has mechanical damage, then it is not recommended to use such dishes. It will simply ruin the glass surface of the hob.

Attention! The purchased cookware for induction cookers can be used on electric and gas ovens.

So, we looked at induction cooktops with their pros and cons. Now let's move on to another question that worries many today: induction or electric hob - which is better.

Flaws

Among the disadvantages of induction-type technology, it is worth highlighting:

• the need to use special utensils. To cook food using induction, you need to use stainless steel cookware with a perfectly flat bottom. Copper and brass cookware are suitable, but the cooking process will be much slower. The use of glass and ceramic utensils is strictly prohibited;
• minor soundtrack. Due to the operation of the cooling system, the surface may make a slight noise when turned on. However, there are also devices that operate with minimal noise effects that do not cause discomfort at all;
• the presence of certain rules for installing equipment. Built-in devices should not be installed next to metal surfaces, above a compact refrigerator or near a microwave oven. Also, the electromagnetic field can have a negative effect on pacemakers.

How to choose the required number of burners?

The number of induction burners can be different (from one to six), so it is important to decide which value will be optimal in a particular case.

It is worth noting! For individual use, a model equipped with one or two heating zones is sufficient.

If the device is purchased for a large family or users who regularly prepare a wide variety of dishes, you should give preference to equipment with a large number of burners .

Induction surfaces do not necessarily have round burners.

Heating zones can be hexagonal or diamond-shaped - it all depends on the imagination of the manufacturer and the preferences of the buyer.

Installing an induction cooker

Before choosing a hob, you need to prepare the electrical installation. The boards have power from 3kW to 12kW. A common mistake is to connect a high-power induction cooker, for example 7.2 kW, to a conventional single-phase installation with a 16 A fuse , the standard power distribution for an apartment is 5 kW. Therefore, insufficient power can cause many difficulties.

Then you won't get the full heating output or you'll run into problems with "pop-up plugs." Problems will arise when you want to turn on additional devices - an oven, an electric kettle, a dishwasher. Therefore, it is recommended to connect the boards to a two-phase power source . The exception is two-pole plates, the power of which usually does not exceed 3 kW, so they can be connected to a “regular” outlet.

Some models of induction hobs are equipped with a system for regulating maximum energy consumption. From 7200 W for users without power consumption limitation to 2800 W for users with a 3 kW meter. Thanks to this, everyone can have an induction cooker at home.

How to choose the shape and size of the panel?

The size of the cooking surface depends directly on the number of induction burners.

based on what type of device (built-in or independent) is needed, as well as how many heating zones will be present.

The stores have both miniature models starting from 30x30 cm and full-sized devices measuring 100x100 cm.

It’s not a problem to find equipment of any shape. Classic square, rectangular and even oval models are available for sale.

Stay up to date! In this case, you need to take into account the size of the kitchen and your own design preferences.

Which family is the induction hob for?

The first step when choosing a cooktop should be to analyze your kitchen habits and lifestyle. It depends on what size panel will be optimal - when you cook a lot and often because you have a large family, then you will choose a panel with five or even six heating zones, which is definitely not needed for singles or couples.

In their case, even a two-floor model with a width of 30 cm is suitable. The standard width of the hob is 60 cm, it has four heating zones. Versions of 70, 80 or even 90 centimeters are also available. There are also models with fields larger than standard ones, which makes it possible to connect fields, as well as drawers with a grill function.

How to choose panel material?

There are several options:

1. Glass ceramics. Varies in mechanical strength and resistance to overheating. Glass-ceramic surfaces have an attractive appearance and can withstand cleaning with detergents containing abrasive particles. But they can crack if a heavy object accidentally falls.
2. Strained glass. Tempered glass devices cost a little more. The high cost of the devices is due to their unsurpassed durability, ease of cleaning and presentable design. The only negative is that the range of models is small.

Top companies of tabletop induction cookers

Let's look at the leading manufacturers in the kitchen appliances market.

Kitfort

The company produces the best 1 and 2 burner surfaces on the market.

They are made of high-quality glass ceramics, which hardly heats up when cooking.

All products have an affordable price, clear controls, stylish appearance and good functionality.

The most popular models:

• KT-101,
• KT-104,
• KT-105,
• KT-107.

Gemlux

The manufacturer specializes in single-burner appliances .

All of them have a compact size, safe operation and efficiency.

They are used both for home and garden purposes, as well as for professional kitchens.

The best products from the manufacturer:

• GL-IP20A,
• GL-IP20ULTRA,
• GL-IP212,
• GL-IC220HP.

Endever

Reliable and stylish devices at reasonable prices.

The models are equipped with clear controls, are usually made of tempered glass, and are protected from power surges and overheating.

Best models:

• IP-32,
• IP-42,
• IP-28,

• IP-36.

Color selection

The design and color palette of the induction hob are also of considerable importance, because ideally the device should be in harmony with the overall interior of the kitchen.

Note! Most often, buyers prefer equipment presented in a classic black design.

This option is more practical and versatile, because drops will be immediately visible on the white surface.

If you want to stand out, you should take a closer look at multi-colored, eye-catching models, adding bright colors to your kitchen that will bring joy to everyday life.

Innovative features of the induction cooker:

Innovation is the feature responsible for popularizing plates made using induction technology . They are amazingly comfortable and can be tailored to suit your needs. Knowing the features offered will make it easier for you to choose the perfect stove for your family.

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It is worth paying attention to the slider-type touch controls, separate for each field, which are more intuitive and useful in everyday use. The hob can be integrated with a hood - the ventilation turns on when you start cooking. You're used to automatic programs in ovens, but you can also find them in cooktops.

For example, modern cooktops from Franke and Mythos have 3 automatic programs, such as defrosting (42°C), keeping warm (70°C), cooking potatoes or pasta (94°C). In addition, there are functions such as boost (increases the power of the burner for 10 minutes), pause (stop and extinguish) and high power zones that can be used for cooking in large pans.

Dependent or independent installation

The buyer has two options for induction surfaces to choose from:

• freestanding. They have their own control units and are not connected by common wires, so the equipment can be positioned exactly as is convenient for the owner. In this case, the oven can be located in any part of the kitchen or absent altogether. In addition, the autonomous surface can be easily placed in the kitchen countertop. It can be placed exactly where it will be convenient for the housewife to prepare food;
• built-in It involves combining an oven with a hob with a common drive, which means the devices cannot be used separately. The two appliances will have a common control unit and electrical wires, so the induction hob will always be located above the oven. This option is much less mobile, but will be an excellent solution for housewives who often experiment in the kitchen.

Additional selection features and functionality

In order to avoid mistakes when choosing induction equipment, you should pay attention not only to the basic functionality, but also to some nuances that also play a significant role.

Switch type

Induction surfaces are equipped with touch sliders (circular or linear) and buttons for each power level.

A magnetic switch may also be present in the form of a removable rotary disk.

Timer

The presence of a timer allows you to turn on the cooking surface at any time and turn it off at the right time.
This useful option will definitely appeal to forgetful users and will help save energy.

Safety shutdown

The system guarantees a high level of safety as it helps prevent equipment breakdown due to overheating.

Reference! The program works as follows: a signal is received from temperature sensors indicating an increase in the temperature limit, after which the cooling fan automatically turns on.

If this is not enough, the system turns off the operating heating zones and restores the workflow with user-preset settings only after the temperature reaches an acceptable value.

Temperature indicator

The temperature control system allows the owner to take a break from the cooking process without interrupting it.

If the heating temperature rises above the parameters set by the user, the system will automatically reduce power and go into temperature maintenance mode.

This approach will prevent uncontrolled locking or overheating of products.

Fast heating mode

Fast heating mode or booster is a function that allows you to increase the power of one heating zone at the expense of another burner.

The option is usually used if the owner needs to quickly boil water.

Energy consumption monitoring

program is another useful option that will appeal to budget-conscious users .

Models equipped with this function are a little more expensive, but they are more practical.

Possible additional functionality

Stay up to date! Additional options may include:

• safety locking of the control panel is an indispensable feature for families with small children, which will increase the level of safety;
• pause - by activating this function, the user can temporarily pause the cooking process or extend it to keep the finished dish warm;
• unlimited induction - allows you to place cookware on the stove in any zone. The equipment will adjust automatically and turn on the heating in the right place;
• the range of adjustment of the degree of heating is often present in premium models and can reach 20. The optimal solution would be a device with 14 modes.

How and with what should I wash and clean induction hobs?

By following the rules of cleaning and caring for the device, the owner will be able to extend the service life and maintain the attractiveness of induction equipment.

It is recommended to clean and wash the surface with silicone-based detergents - they provide a good protective film.

You can also use regular dishwashing detergents , after making sure that the composition does not contain aggressive components.

You should know! The use of abrasive products should be abandoned.

Complex contaminants are removed using special scrapers.

Steel wool should not be used - they can easily damage the surface, leaving scratches.

Which cookware is suitable for induction?

When planning to purchase a brand new induction hob, you need to be prepared to upgrade your cookware - as not all cookware will fit.
After all, you can only use kitchen utensils made from materials that have ferromagnetic properties.

These include cast iron, stainless steel and cookware made from other iron alloys. The bottom should be smooth and level .

The buyer will have to say goodbye to utensils made of copper, aluminum, brass, glass and ceramics - these materials are not suitable for induction cooking.

The surface will not work with dishes whose diameter is less than 12 cm.

You shouldn’t be upset, because there is another option for using your favorite pots and pans.

Reference! You can find special adapter stands on sale.

Using them, you can cook dinner in dishes made of the wrong material, although this is not very convenient.

How to connect?

First of all, the buyer needs to decide on the installation location of the equipment.

If the device is intended
for independent installation, it must be placed on a perfectly flat surface , taking into account that the distance from the wall to the rear of the structure must be at least 3 cm.
Connecting built-in models requires no less thorough preparation.

You need to make sure in advance that the dimensions match and find a place for the wire outlet.

After installing the structure, you need to use the seals included in the kit or use a special sealant.

Popular manufacturers

Note! The best manufacturers of induction hobs are:

1. Bosch . A German brand that is the world's leading supplier of industrial technologies. The company produces excellent induction surfaces, which are famous for their reliability, high quality and multifunctionality. The equipment has an acceptable cost.
2. Weissgauff. A large brand that offers products of stable quality for purchase. The developer uses innovative solutions in the production of kitchen equipment and provides a long warranty on its equipment.
3. Electrolux . A popular Swedish manufacturer of professional and household appliances. The company offers induction cookers at an affordable price, which are distinguished by impressive functionality. The devices have a stylish design.
4. Indesit. A proven Italian company for which nothing is impossible. The manufacturer takes into account the needs of its customers and creates equipment with impeccable characteristics. The surfaces are easy and convenient to use, they are easy to clean and absolutely safe.
5. Zanussi. Another Italian brand whose kitchen appliances occupy leading positions in various ratings. The equipment from the developer belongs to the middle price segment and attracts with its rich capabilities, ultra-modern design, and a long warranty period.
6. Midea. Chinese manufacturer of small and large household appliances. The company is well known for its full-featured induction surfaces that effectively combine ergonomics, safety and sophistication. Equipment from the brand is durable and reliable, which attracts buyers.
7. Gorenje.

Types of glass and surface finishes

In many reference books you can find information that two types of glass - ceramic and regular tempered glass. This is not entirely true. 99.9% of the plates are made from ceramic glass by two global magnates: EuroKer (lower case "k" in the corner) and Schott Ceran.

Both companies come from Germany, and the only thing that distinguishes them is the coating - EuroKer boards are more matte, which makes scratches on them easier to see . Schott Ceran slabs have a glossy surface. There are also Chinese manufacturers that make glass for companies like Candy and MPM, but it goes without saying that they have a small market share.

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An induction cooker can be finished in three ways: a metal frame around glass , glass with milled edges and without a cutter . The first type has two advantages - it protects the glass from breaking and gives the plate a delicate recess (when something boils over, it remains on the plate and does not immediately fly out of the device). The disadvantage of frame boards is the difficulty of cleaning the metal element.

The second solution is to have aesthetic value with the simplest method of mounting the stove - on a countertop . The third option is ideal when you have the opportunity to completely integrate the hob into the countertop - the surface will be flush with the countertop or even slightly lower. Thanks to this way of fastening the slab, there is no risk of breaking the corners, and you get an extension of the tabletop without edges.

Personally , we recommend the last solution - for this you need to find a good carpenter and a few thousand more for assembly, but the effect and comfort of work are irreplaceable.

conclusions

Wide functionality is a strong argument for purchasing an induction hob.

However, when choosing equipment, you need to consider the following nuances:

• the number, size and shape of burners, design dimensions, installation method and basic functionality are the parameters that you should pay attention to first;
• Protective options for safe use play an important role The device must have a protective shutdown system and a program for locking the control panel from small children;
• the design has its own connection features and requires careful care - this information must be carefully studied before starting operation;
• Despite all the advantages of induction-type devices, they require the use of special cookware. Such dishes must have ferromagnetic properties and be perfectly flat and smooth.

The most important functions of induction cookers:

• AutoBridge - automatic linking of fields . The plate itself detects a larger vessel placed on two coils and combines them into a single field controlled by a single power level. Cheaper boards with a combined field allow you to join the fields manually.
• Most new models feature Flexi Cook , which allows you to combine two induction heating zones into one, creating a surface for placing large, oval or rectangular cookware up to 38 cm in diameter.
• Power Booster - quick preparation. The hob "burns" for a short time at maximum coil power to speed up cooking. Good stoves can boil 2 liters of water in 3 minutes.
• Timer —set the time for this field.
• Pause - the ability to pause the operation of the hob (the timer stops or the program is ready). When you press the button again, the hob will continue to operate.
• Hob & Go - automatically starts the hob after placing a pan on the hob (this function is called by different manufacturers).
• Detecting the presence and size of a pan is the main function of induction. This only works where the dishes are, not the entire field. The more expensive the board, the better this function works. Cheaper cookers require at least 60% of the coil to detect pans, while more expensive ones require only 30%.
• Ready-made programs are most often programmed cooking temperatures. In the most expensive cookers you can find special programs for pancakes, eggs or dishes that require precise temperature and time.
• Residual heat indicator - the letter H appears on the display instead of the power level, indicating heat. This symbol means that the pan can be heated. This feature usually works at an angle of 45 degrees.
• Plate lock is a simple combination of sensors that prevents the plate from operating. A good solution for small children.
• Check Pot is a rare feature that has recently appeared on Amica motherboards. The plates will check to see if your pans are suitable for use. The result will be shown as a percentage.
• Including range hood - many Electrolux cooktops and some select Amica models can be operated with a range hood. The hob will adjust the hood power according to the power level of the hob.
• Remote control - the highest models of induction hobs are equipped with WiFi modules - you can control the “stove” from any device with iOS or Android.
• Bridge - two adjacent burners of an induction cooktop can work together to form one larger heating zone. This option can be used if you are going to cook in large dishes, for example, a duckling pan or a rectangular grill pan.