Induction Hob: What Is It, How To Choose

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 12:53

Induction hob: principle of operation and selection criteria

The first induction cookers appeared in the 80s of the last century. But at first they were not very popular with consumers, since they were quite expensive and had a number of design features that limited their scope. Nowadays, manufacturers have significantly improved this equipment and induction panels have become much more in demand.

Content

• 1 Constructional device and principle of operation of the induction hob

  1.1 Video: how an induction cooker works

• 2 Induction hobs: advantages and disadvantages

  2.1 Video: the pros and cons of induction cookers

• 3 Criteria for choosing an induction hob
• 4 Installation rules for induction hobs

• 5 Which cookware is suitable for the induction hob

  5.1 Video: choosing cookware for a hob with induction heating

• 6 Restrictions on the use of induction hobs

• 7 Overview of popular models of induction built-in hobs

  • 7.1 Bosch PIB375FB1E
  • 7.2 LEX EVI 320 BL
  • 7.3 Gorenje IS 677 USC
  • 7.4 Zanussi ZEI 5680 FB
  • 7.5 ELECTROLUX EGD 6576 NOK
  • 7.6 Asko HI1995G
  • 7.7 Kitfort KT-104

Constructive device and principle of operation of the induction panel

Household induction cookers are electrical appliances. But unlike conventional kitchen stoves, they work differently and the method of transferring heat in them is fundamentally different. In ordinary electric stoves, heating elements (tubular electric heaters) are installed, which heat the burners. In induction hobs, there are no heating elements as such; during their operation, the dishes themselves are heated.

Visually, an induction hob does not differ from a conventional glass-ceramic electric hob, but the principle of its operation is completely different.

Flat coils of lacquered copper wire are placed under the working surface of the plate, passing along the turns of which an electric current causes the appearance of an alternating high-frequency (20–100 kHz) electromagnetic field. This field acts on the kitchen utensils installed on the stove, which have certain ferromagnetic properties, generating induced eddy currents in them. Passing through a conductive dish, the current experiences opposition (resistance) to its movement and heats up the material (the bottom of the pot or frying pan), which in turn transfers heat to the contents inside.

Coils of copper wire are placed under the glass-ceramic surface

Any induction hob consists of the following basic elements:

• working surface made of glass-ceramic or tempered glass;
• insulating layer;
• vortex inducing coil;
• temperature sensor;
• frequency converter;
• Control block.

The principle of operation of induction cookers is based on the phenomenon of magnetic induction.

During operation, the glass-ceramic panel itself heats up only where it comes into contact with the bottom of the dishes standing on it. The rest of the surface at the same time has an ambient temperature and it is impossible to burn yourself on it. When the cooking utensils are removed from the stove, the hot spot cools down very quickly as the heating stops immediately.

For the induction process to begin, the contact spot with special ferromagnetic utensils must be at least 50% of the area of the burner, otherwise the oven simply does not turn on. You can safely put a knife, ladle or other small metal object on its surface.

The induction hob starts working only when you place special cookware with a ferromagnetic bottom on it

Video: how an induction cooker works

Induction cookers: advantages and disadvantages

Hobs with induction heating technology have a number of positive qualities:

• Safety. Since the surface itself practically does not heat up, excluding the area under the dishes, it is impossible to accidentally burn yourself. Any spilled liquid or pieces of food being cooked will not burn. Even a towel or rag left on the stove will not light up.
• Profitability. The efficiency of induction panels reaches 85–90%. Whereas for simple electric stoves it does not exceed 55-60%, for gas burners it is 60-65%. Since energy is spent exclusively on heating the dishes, bypassing the preliminary heating of the spiral (heating elements), the power consumption is significantly reduced.

• Practicality. The glass-ceramic surface is very hygienic and easy to clean, it can be cleaned with a cloth or sponge and any non-abrasive detergent.

  

  Induction hobs are very easy to care for as nothing burns on the bottom

• Functionality. Modern devices are equipped with a large number of additional functions (timer, intensive heating mode, etc.).
• High heating rate. The heating process, on average, is 1.5–2 times faster than on a simple electric stove. Cooking takes less time.
• Comfort. Such panels do not heat the surrounding air and do not burn oxygen out of it (like gas and simple electric ones).

When the induction cooker is in operation, only the dishes are heated, the rest of the surface is at ambient temperature

The disadvantages of induction panels include the following characteristics:

• Quite a high cost. Induction cookers are about twice as expensive as conventional cookers.
• The need to use only special kitchen utensils with ferromagnetic properties.
• The total power of the induction hob can exceed 6 kW, so when connecting it, it may be necessary to rewire the electrical wiring.
• Some models may not produce maximum heat when all cooking zones are turned on at the same time, as they are equipped with only one high-frequency generator.
• Noise (hum, crackling, clicking, etc.) during operation.

Only suitable cookware is suitable for induction hobs

Unfortunately, I do not have my own experience in using an induction-type stove, because network gas and a hob, respectively, are supplied to our house. But according to the reviews of numerous friends, I can say that the main advantage of induction panels is simply the rapid heating rate. Those housewives who have used induction at least once will never switch to another type of equipment. Even the high price does not scare you, since the speed of cooking more than covers all other disadvantages. In addition, the extra money paid is quickly paid off, since induction cookers are very economical.

Video: the pros and cons of induction cookers

Selection criteria for an induction hob

On sale you can find induction cookers in various versions:

• Full-sized freestanding with hob and oven.

  

  Freestanding cookers can have an induction surface

• Portable or portable (mobile) - small hob with 1–2 burners.

  

  Induction cookers are desktop (portable)

• Built-in hobs that are mounted in a worktop. They can be dependent and come complete with an electric oven with a common control panel. The independent option provides for placing the headset anywhere and regardless of the oven. Embedding panels are also available:

  • combined, which are equipped with induction and classic or gas burners;

    

    Combined hobs are equipped with induction and gas hobs

  • without separate burners with a single heating zone (induction without borders) - the dishes can be placed anywhere, smart technology will determine it by itself.

    

    Some induction hobs do not have a well-defined hotplate, the cookware can be placed anywhere

When choosing an induction cooker, experts advise you to pay attention to the following points:

• Overall dimensions and shape. Most often, hobs are rectangular in shape, while the dimensions can vary from 30 to 100 cm. Sometimes surfaces of unusual shapes (round, hexagonal, etc.) are encountered.

  

  The induction hob can be non-rectangular

• Number of heating zones (hotplates). The standard built-in hob has 4 cooking zones, which is optimal for a family of 3-4 people. For single people or childless couples, a small two-burner stove is sufficient. A large family needs a large hob with 5-6 heating zones.

  

  Most often induction hobs have 4 cooking zones.

• The number of temperature modes. The power regulator allows a different number of steps (maximum 16). For those who rarely cook, there is no need for a multi-stage heating panel.
• Work surface material (tempered glass or glass ceramics). Glass is slightly cheaper and glass-ceramic is stronger.

• Control type:

  • touch - most of the plates are equipped with sensors in the form of icons and pictograms;

    

    Most often on induction panels touch control

  • slider - the temperature of an individual burner is set with one touch to the desired point on the slider;

    

    Expensive induction cookers have a slide control

  • electromechanical switches - not found in modern models.

• Additional functionality:

  • autoboiling - when the liquid boils, the device turns off on its own;
  • child lock - the control panel is locked against accidental pressing;
  • auto shutdown - the panel turns off automatically when foreign objects or liquids hit it;
  • timer with sound signal - the ability to set the cooking time;
  • residual heat indicator - the sensor is on until the hotplate has cooled down to a safe temperature;
  • the presence of sensors for detecting dishes - the stove turns on only when the "correct" kitchen utensils are installed on it;
  • heat preservation - the burner can be turned on to the minimum heating, which allows you to maintain the set food temperature for the required time;
  • pause - you can temporarily stop the cooking process;
  • intensive heating (booster) - transfer of power between the burners;
  • the ability to save user programs in the device's memory;
  • power consumption control - the ability to set the maximum permissible level of power consumption.

The stove can be equipped with additional functionality

Finishers I know say that it is extremely important to choose some kitchen appliances at the stage of renovation. This is especially true for induction cookers, since almost always it is necessary to redo the electrical wiring for them.

Installation rules for induction hobs

Certain requirements are imposed on the installation of an induction-type stove, since the coils have a sufficiently large power and heat up during operation. To cool the case to a safe temperature, it is necessary to organize a good system for removing heated air. A special cooling fan is located at the bottom of the device.

When installing the induction hob, there must be ventilation gaps

When installing an induction hob, it is necessary to provide for a ventilation gap between its bottom and a built-in oven or furniture element (drawer, mesh container, etc.) of at least 1–2 cm (the exact value is indicated in the passport).

You can install a stove with an induction heating principle in any free space on the working surface of the kitchen set. But at the same time, it is undesirable for water or gas pipes, elements of the heating system (batteries, etc.), metal corners, brackets and other conductive structures that can adversely affect the functioning of the furnace to be located nearby.

Ventilation gaps are required for cooling working induction coils

Which cookware is suitable for the induction hob

The principle of operation of an induction hob involves the use of exclusively specialized kitchen utensils with certain ferromagnetic characteristics. These utensils are sold in every supermarket or kitchen supply store and are labeled in the form of a spiral.

The marking is in the form of a spiral

It is allowed to use ordinary dishes from:

• of stainless steel;
• cast iron;
• enameled steel.

The marking is located on the bottom of the pan

Moreover, it must meet certain requirements:

• have a thick (2–6 mm) flat flat bottom;
• have suitable conductive properties (but not too good a conductor);
• the diameter of the bottom of the container must be at least 12 cm and occupy at least 50% of the burner area, otherwise the stove will not turn on.

You can check the suitability of the cookware for cooking on an induction hob using a magnet

Cooking utensils made of the following materials are not suitable for induction hobs:

• simple thin stainless steel;
• glass;
• plastic;
• ceramics;
• brass;
• aluminum and copper, which conduct electricity too well (eddy currents do not experience significant resistance and do not heat the dishes).

If for some reason there is no suitable cookware, then you can use a special steel disc adapter, which is placed on the heating zone. Such a stand heats up well on an induction hob and transfers heat to the pots and pans installed on it, as well as small containers (for example, a Turkish coffee maker).

For induction cookers, special adapter discs can be used

I always try to give my girlfriends good dishes for the holidays, especially on March 8th. Such a gift is doubly pleasant for housewives who have an induction hob in their arsenal, since it is difficult and costly to change all kitchen utensils at once. Thanks to the special icon on the bottom of any frying pan or saucepan, making the right choice is not difficult at all.

Video: we select cookware for a hob with induction heating

Restrictions on the use of induction hobs

There are some limitations when using induction hobs:

• It is not recommended for people with a built-in pacemaker to use household equipment that emits an electromagnetic field. Even approaching a distance closer than 0.5 m to the stove is not worth it, since radiation can adversely affect the operation of a high-tech medical device.

  

  It is better for people with pacemakers not to approach induction cookers closer than half a meter

• Do not allow close contact with the magnetic field emitted by the cooker of various electronic devices (mobile phones, tablets, etc.), bank cards with a magnetic chip, mobile communication cards (SIM cards), etc.
• Since aluminum foil heats up too much under the influence of eddy currents, which is fraught with fire, it cannot be used for cooking on induction hobs. A similar limitation applies to any other foil-coated items (foil for wrapping gifts, decorative ribbons, wrappers from chocolate bars and sweets, etc.).

A good friend of mine, who has had an induction hob in the kitchen for about two years, notes the extraordinary ease of cleaning and caring for her kitchen equipment. On such a stove, food never burns and it is not necessary to scrape it off; it is enough to wipe the surface with a damp soft sponge. You can spread a paper towel on the stove so that the boiling oil does not splatter the glass ceramics when frying something in a frying pan, this will not interfere with the operation of the device.

To prevent the stove from getting dirty during cooking, you can put paper under the frying pan or pan

Overview of popular models of induction built-in hobs

Consider several models of induction cookers that are most popular among consumers.

Bosch PIB375FB1E

The two-burner induction panel of the Domino type with 17 power levels from a well-known German manufacturer belongs to the middle price category (cost about 30,000 rubles). Glass-ceramic surface with two burners (210 and 145 mm) with a total power of 3.7 kW and touch control, there is a safety shutdown and a child lock. The stove is equipped with a cookware presence detector, but lacks automatic boiling and automatic selection of the heating zone width. The built-in indicator shows the residual heat of the burners, the countdown timer will sound a signal, but without automatic shutdown.

Bosch induction hob PIB375FB1E belongs to the "Domino" type and can be combined with other hobs

LEX EVI 320 BL

Inexpensive panel (price up to 10,000 rubles) with two identical burners (180 mm each) with a total power of 3.5 kW, controlled by sensors. There is a timer, residual heat indication and control blocking against unauthorized access. The stove cannot automatically recognize the type of cookware, there is no shutdown of the hotplate when the liquid boils. The disadvantages include a short cord, the absence of a plug on it and not quite clear response of the sensors. Due to the lack of a protective metal frame along the edge, with careless use, small ceramic chips are possible along the edges.

LEX EVI 320 BL panel is among the most inexpensive

Gorenje IS 677 USC

Traditional four-burner hob (two single-circuit and two double-circuit burners) with a rated power of 7.4 kW from a Slovenian brand. Smooth control touch switches (slider type) are located at the front. Cooking zone timer with sound signal, button for general blocking of surface operation, residual heating indicator, pan sensor and automatic boiling. Additional functions include defrosting and heating food, as well as the ability to combine burners. The only disadvantage is the relatively high price (about 40,000–45,000 rubles).

Gorenje IS 677 USC panel is divided into two large heating zones

Zanussi ZEI 5680 FB

The most inexpensive induction hob for four single-circuit burners (cost about 20,000 rubles) with a connection power of 6.6 kW. Touch control, 9 power levels, protective shutdown of heating zones, locking the control panel from accidental pressing and from children, automatic detection of the presence of dishes on the burner and indicators showing the level of residual heat. Among the shortcomings, consumers note the noisy work. There is no automatic boiling.

The Zanussi ZEI 5680 FB panel belongs to the economy class

ELECTROLUX EGD 6576 NOK

Versatile combined built-in surface with two induction and two gas burners. Mechanical rotary switches, cast-iron dishware grids, electric ignition, gas control, burner timer. The function of stopping cooking (short pause) is very convenient. There is a safety shutdown and a button for blocking the entire surface, as well as an indication of residual heating. The toggle buttons are located too close to the heating zones, so they get quite hot. Sometimes sensors do not work well, you have to press them for a long time. The cost is about 36,000 rubles.

ELECTROLUX EGD 6576 NOK panel has two power sources: electricity and gas

Asko HI1995G

A large and expensive (price about 138,000 rubles) glass-ceramic stove from a Scandinavian manufacturer, part of the Gorenje group of companies, with six burners with a total power of 22.2 kW, which can be combined in pairs into three large zones. 13 degrees of power adjustment, automatic dish detection, standby mode with saving settings, touch control. Each of the six identical cooking zones has its own timer with shutdown and sound signal, as well as a residual heat indicator. The stove has 6 automatic programs with temperature control, the function of a chef. All levels of protection are available (child lock, overheat shutdown and simultaneous shutdown of all burners). There are no disadvantages other than high cost.

The Asko HI1995G panel has practically no flaws, but it is expensive

Kitfort KT-104

A portable non-built induction hob with two burners with a total power of 4 kW. Button control, digital display, timer delayed start and delayed cooking, 10 operating modes and 7 preset programs. The stove has an indication of switching on and a protective shutdown against overheating. A significant disadvantage is the lack of blocking of the control panel. Price in the region of 7500 rubles.

The portable panel Kitfort KT-104 is convenient to use in the country or in a country house

Induction hobs are a relatively new product in today's market of household kitchen appliances, but have already gained a good reputation for their safety, economy, good looks and great functionality. Such equipment is especially suitable for active and busy people who need to quickly prepare or reheat food.