Today, there is a wide range of induction hobs in home appliance stores. However, not all potential buyers are aware of the distinctive features of this device. The stove is characterized by a unique operating principle, which significantly increases its advantages in comparison with other options. What is an induction cooker: the pros and cons of such a hob are discussed in detail in this article.
Induction cookers are able to provide regulation of power and heating rate - with an accuracy of a degree
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What is an induction cooker: design features
An induction cooker is a kitchen electrical appliance that heats up metal dishes by induced vortex flows created by a high-frequency magnetic field. Heat is generated directly in the bottom of the cookware.
Induction hob - a kitchen electric stove that heats metal utensils with induced eddy currents
In appearance, such a stove is difficult to distinguish from traditional appliances with glass-ceramic surfaces. The flat body contains induction coils with a winding of copper wire, through which high-frequency current flows. The main element of the induction cooker is the electronic control unit, the microcircuit of which contains the necessary programs that ensure the convenience and high efficiency of the cooking process.
The structure also includes an inverter, a fan and a glass-ceramic panel. The hob is not equipped with heating elements. They are replaced by the bottoms of cooking utensils, which are made of a special material with ferromagnetic properties.
A stationary or built-in induction hob is equipped with many functions. There is a quick heating burner, which is brought up to maximum power a few minutes before the water in the cookware boils. Then the power is reduced to the required level. Another interesting feature of this device is the "booster" function, which is to transfer half the power from one burner to another.
The induction hob is not equipped with heating elements, they are replaced by the bottoms of the cookware
The design needs to follow certain rules when installing it.Having understood the question of what an induction cooker is, it is important to provide conditions for the removal of heated air. Since induction hobs are characterized by a decent power, special fans are used to cool them, which are located on the bottom side hob... In this regard, when installing the device in kitchen furniture, ventilation gaps must be provided.
Induction hob working principle
The principle of operation of an induction cooker determines the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction, which was discovered by the famous physicist M. Faraday at the beginning of the 19th century. In a closed loop, an electric current arises due to a change in the magnetic flux that passes through the loop. The induction hob is a portable transformer.
How does an induction oven work? An induction coil with a copper winding is located under the glass-ceramic surface of the plate. An electric current flows through it, the frequency of which is 20-60 kHz. It turns into magnetic fields and begins to generate induction currents. The pan bottom is a closed circuit conductor. The vortex generated by the induction cooker makes the electronic particles in the bottom of the cookware move.
An induction coil with a copper winding is located under the glass-ceramic surface of the stove, through which an electric current flows.
Heat begins to form from the electrons, heating the dishes. Thus, heat is delivered to the bottom, leaving the glass ceramic surface cold. It can heat up directly from the cookware.
What is an induction hob? We can say that this is a household appliance, the characteristic heating technology of which ensures the minimum heat losses and the maximum heating rate of the dishes. Energy is directed exclusively to the cookware, without wasting power. The efficiency of induction heating is 90%, while for electric stoves this value reaches 60%.
Important! The induction hob does not heat up to very high temperatures as the bottom of the cookware heats up first.
Induction hob: pros and cons hob
The induction hob, due to the special operating principle, has a lot of distinctive advantages. One of its main advantages is the high speed of food preparation, which is carried out by heating the bottom of the dishes, and not the hob. If we talk about the pros and cons of an induction cooker, electricity consumption, which is minimal, is considered one of the main advantages of the device. The current is consumed exclusively to create a magnetic field in the induction coil. As a result, one more positive feature can be distinguished. When cooking, the room will not get too hot, as in the case of using a gas or electric stove.
An important advantage of an induction hob is the high cooking speed, which is carried out by heating the bottom of the cookware, and not the hob
It should be noted another advantage of the induction cooker - the high safety of the device. The heating process begins at the moment when a special cookware is installed on the surface, which has magnetic properties. When it is retracted, the panel turns off automatically.
Another advantage of the induction hob is that the edge of the hotplate will not be hot. This reduces the risk of accidental burns. Greasy splashes that get on the surface during cooking can be removed immediately as the cooking zone does not heat up. Food falling on the stove will not burn, producing smoke.
The hob automatically detects the diameter of the pan bottom, adjusting to it. The surface is easy and simple to maintain. It is enough to wipe it with a damp sponge without using cleaning agents or abrasive substances.
Important! Heavy dirt is removed with special devices that are used for glass-ceramic plates.
The main disadvantage of an induction cooker is the high cost of the product.
Studying the pros and cons of an induction or glass-ceramic hob, it should be mentioned that the device is equipped with many programs that turn out to be very useful in the process of preparing various dishes. The selection of the required function is carried out using the touch control panel. The temperature is adjusted and smoothly regulated to the required level. Modern models of induction hobs have a stylish design, so the appliance will fit into any kitchen interior.
List of the main disadvantages of induction cookers
Despite the numerous advantages, such a hob is characterized by negative aspects. The main disadvantage of an induction cooker is the high cost of the product. There are models with an affordable price, but they are characterized by limited functionality. The efficiency, safety and energy saving feature of the stove will be ensured exclusively when using special cookware.
Important! Do not use cookware with a bottom diameter of less than 6 cm for an induction cooker.
The glass-ceramic surface is very fragile, which requires careful and careful handling, excluding accidental shock and strong mechanical stress. To avoid damaging the hob, do not use abrasive chemical cleaners or brushes.
The induction hob automatically detects the diameter of the pan bottom, adjusting to it
A specific noise is generated during operation of the induction hob. It is caused by the rotation of fans that cool the coil and the electronics board. For especially sensitive individuals, this can cause some discomfort. An induction hob can negatively affect the operation of nearby household appliances, slowing it down. Therefore, it is not recommended to install such a surface above the oven.
There are stove models that are not designed for a long period of operation, which is required for the preparation of certain dishes of Russian cuisine in the form of jellied meat, jam or stewed meat. The built-in timer will automatically turn off the stove after 3 hours of continuous operation. Such a feature must be indicated in the instructions for the device, which must be read before purchasing the stove.
Which cookware is suitable for induction hobs: primary requirements
For the efficient operation of an induction cooker, the use of special cookware that strictly meets certain requirements is required. The dishes should have a thick, perfectly flat bottom with a thickness of 3-6 mm. The minimum permissible bottom diameter is 6-12 cm. Thus, the required contact area between the bottom and the burner will be provided.
Cookware intended for an induction hob will have a distinctive mark
Products should be made of stainless steel or enamelled steel. The material must have the required ferromagnetic properties. Do not use products made of aluminum and copper. Also, ceramic, glass and porcelain dishes will not work. A frying pan for an induction cooker can be made of cast iron.
Useful advice! To check that the cookware is suitable for induction hobs, a magnet must be brought to the cookware.
Taking into account the growing popularity of induction cookers, many cookware manufacturers make special ferromagnetic layers on the bottom of products made of any material, allowing the models to be used for these surfaces. Layering increases the ability to store heat, which has a positive effect on the cooking process.
Cookware intended for an induction hob will have a distinctive mark. Quality products are of high cost.
Not all pots and pans may be suitable for use on an induction hob
Is an electric induction cooker harmful to human health?
There are both positive and negative reviews about this hob. The induction hob is characterized by an unconventional heating principle. Failure to understand the essence of the process contributes to the emergence of a misconception that the hob has a negative impact on human health.
Most experts and manufacturers assure that the harm to the health of an induction cooker is minimized. Magnetic induction is not dangerous to humans if you follow certain safety rules when working with the device. The coil creates a low frequency magnetic field that is no more harmful than the radiation from a mobile phone.
Important! People with pacemakers should avoid purchasing this type of plate.
Parts of the human body should not come into contact with the stove during its operation. An absolutely safe distance from the surface is 0.5 m. It is quite acceptable and 0.3 m. Household appliances and gadgets should not be located closer than 1 m from the stove. Food prepared by induction is not harmful to health. The magnetic field generated during the operation of the appliance does not affect the food in any way.
Magnetic induction is not dangerous for humans, if you follow certain safety rules when working with the device
Having dispelled the main myths about the dangers of an induction cooker, one cannot fail to mention that food cooked in stainless and cast iron products is enriched with iron. This element has a positive effect on the immune and circulatory system of the human body. This cooking option is the most optimal for people with diseases of the circulatory system.
Related article:
Built-in electric oven: tips for choosing
Varieties of devices. Dimensions and functionality of built-in electric ovens. Features of choice. Oven rating.
Induction cooker manufacturers: product prices
Today many home appliance manufacturers produce induction cookers. The most popular among consumers are models of world brands Siemens and Bosch (Germany), Electrolux (Sweden), Gorenje (Czech Republic), Hanca (Poland), as evidenced by numerous reviews. You can find out the pros and cons of induction cookers from well-known companies by reading the responses on forums and specialized sites.
Siemens manufactures induction hobs with four fast heating zones. One of them is double-circuit. The surface of the products is equipped with a zone for maintaining a low temperature. A feature of the hobs of the world brand is the presence of infrared sensors, thanks to which a fast food preparation process is carried out.
The most popular among consumers are models of induction cookers of the world brand Bosch (Germany)
For added convenience, some models are equipped with a “stop sensor” function that interrupts the hob operation for three minutes. Pressing the key again will restore the system to the previously specified settings. If this does not happen, the panel turns off completely. The surfaces are available in black, gray and white. The cost of Siemens induction cookers is in the range of 30-75 thousand rubles.
The world brand Bosch produces several varieties of four-burner induction hobs of various designs, with a different number of heating zones. All burners can be induction on the surface, or one or two will work in HiLight mode. They can also be combined into one heating zone. A distinctive feature of Bosch boards is the original design of the product, as a result of which the design stands out noticeably in the interior of the room.
Many Bosch induction hobs are equipped with the PowerBoost function, thanks to which the power for each hotplate can be increased by up to 50%, which helps to shorten the cooking time. In this case, the additional power will be borrowed from the adjacent cooking zone. The surfaces are equipped with electronic sensors that recognize the nature and size of the cookware and adjust the required power. The average cost of Bosch induction cookers is 35 thousand rubles.
Many home appliance manufacturers produce induction cookers as they are very popular.
The world's popular brands of induction hobs
A wide range of induction cookers is presented in the catalogs of the Electrolux concern. The surface of the products is made of reinforced corrugated glass ceramics. Some models have beveled edges, which significantly enhances their appearance, emphasizing modernity and style. Electrolux induction cookers are equipped with an extended set of functions, which makes them indispensable for the implementation of all kinds of culinary ideas.
The company also specializes in the production of combination models, in which induction hobs and gas burners can be located on the same hob. The products are equipped with a burner on indicator, which displays their power level. There are models with an induction wok burner that have a special recess in the glass-ceramic surface for placing a frying pan. You can buy an Electrolux induction cooker from 25 thousand rubles.
The induction cooker of the Czech company Gorenje is not inferior in multifunctionality. The models are characterized by compactness, low noise operation, convenient location of touch buttons and a large number of functions. Gorenje induction cookers are equipped with an acoustic timer, protection against accidental pressing, and a quick boil function. The models of this brand are distinguished by their stylish design. The average cost of slabs is 32 thousand rubles.
Electrolux cookers are equipped with an extended set of functions, which makes them indispensable for the implementation of all kinds of culinary ideas
Among the budget category of induction cookers, Hanca hobs deserve due attention, the price of which is in the range of 15-20 thousand rubles. A special feature of the models is that they are suitable for installation in apartments with old wiring, since they are equipped with a self-regulating EGO module.
The indisputable advantage of the device is the single-phase connection. Therefore, no additional preparation of the electrical network is required before turning on the induction hob. The models are equipped with all the necessary functions: power increase, overheating protection, the ability to recognize dishes and a timer. Despite the low cost, Hanca induction cookers are characterized by original design.
Rules for installing and connecting an induction cooker
The basic requirements for operation and installation parameters of the hob are defined in the instructions and on the induction hob diagrams that are attached to the product. The panel cannot be positioned over an oven, washing machine or dishwasher. The refrigerator must be at least 1 m away.
Helpful advice! For small rooms, it is advisable to purchase induction cookers with an oven.
To install the stove in the tabletop, a seat is made, the size of which corresponds to the dimensions of the surface of the device
The induction hob must be connected to the power supply system through a separate cable with an individual circuit breaker located on the power panel. The cable must be connected to a separate socket, to which only the hob will be connected.
To install the product in the tabletop, a seat is made, the size of which corresponds to the dimensions of the surface of the device.To exclude the ingress of moisture on the end cuts of the chipboard, a furniture edge is glued or a silicone sealant is applied. The correct position of the product is checked using a building level.
The induction hob is currently at its peak of popularity. Characterized by a special principle of operation and having the highest efficiency, the product provides a fast, safe, economical and efficient cooking process. The only significant drawback is the high cost of the plate. However, this is a worthwhile investment that will pay off quickly and allow you to save money in the future without harming your health.
