What is the difference between an induction hob and an electric hob? Which stove is better, electric or induction?

Induction cooker - hob for cooking food that remains cold until a pan with a magnetic bottom is placed on it. It is absolutely safe and allows you to save on electricity. Let's look at how an induction cooker works and how it works.

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

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

When the inductors begin to pass alternating current high frequency, an alternating (pulsating) magnetic field appears. This field extends beyond the coil, including above the surface of the plate. If there is a material with magnetic properties (iron) on the plate, an alternating magnetic field excites the flow of 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 is in 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 whose operation is based on this effect are called induction.

The diagram of the induction cooker is shown below:

The frequency of magnetic field oscillations ranges from 20 to 60 kilohertz. The highest sound that the ear can distinguish ordinary person– 16 kilohertz. Coefficient useful action induction hob is very high - from 80% to 90% depending on the model. This means that while you get the same meals as on a conventional stove, you will use much less energy.

It should be noted that during operation the surface of the stove itself is heated not by the magnetic field, but only by the object on the stove. If you touch the stove during operation, the surface will be room temperature. The exception is the area under the pan (frying pan). This area is heated by the bottom of the pan. But if you remove the dishes, the heating will stop immediately (there is simply nothing to heat up), and the hob will cool down to the temperature environment literally in a few seconds.

Induction hobs are much safer than any other - there is no chance of getting burned by carelessly placing your hand on the hob. The likelihood of a fire is also reduced - a rag or paper that gets on the hob will never ignite.

Even non-heat-resistant materials will not melt or catch fire when in contact with the stove, including because even at high temperatures, after removing kitchen utensils from the surface, their temperature drops very quickly. Therefore, a plastic bottle with baby formula or a disposable plate will never burn on the stove.

Each induction furnace model has a built-in timer. With its help, you can either extremely accurately adjust the cooking mode or simply limit the amount of energy spent on heating dishes. Many models have a “boiling control” function, that is, a temperature sensor detects when the dish has reached a temperature of 100 degrees, allows it to boil for a specified time, after which the oven turns off.

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

• temperature for each burner (to choose from);
• power consumption;
• watch;
• cooking time on each burner.

In the event of an emergency shutdown of the oven, the indicator will also display the relevant information on the sensor so that you do not have to guess what happened.

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

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

Features of an induction cooker

What features are noted with such a slab arrangement, we highlight below:

• There is no harm from cooking food 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 physical and chemical composition of food.

It’s still not a good idea to get close to the top of the stove while working - the effect of a rapidly fluctuating magnetic field on the human body has not been well studied.

• The manufacturability of the furnace is much higher than that of a conventional electric or gas oven. This is why induction furnaces are still more expensive.
• One of the main positive aspects when using such a stove is that there is absolutely no burning smell in your kitchen. On an electric stove, the spiral, body and grill are heated (about the same with gas stove), and dust, oil and food particles fall on all heated parts, which burn and release the corresponding “aroma”. But on induction there is simply nothing to burn.
• Such ovens are equipped with temperature sensors that clearly maintain the specified temperature regime. Thus, you can program the cooking process literally minute by minute, which is impossible to achieve on a conventional gas or electric stove.
• By using energy solely to raise and maintain the temperature of food, your kitchen maintains a comfortable atmosphere. While cooking, you do not have to overcome the heat and stuffiness; you do not need to turn on the air conditioner again.

• Most induction furnaces have touch controls. A simple set of a few buttons, however, gives you many more options than an electric or gas stove.
• The oven may beep at you. If you set it up in a certain way, it will “call” you when the oil is boiling in the frying pan, or the kettle is about 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 don’t have to worry about leaving the kettle on the stove - smart electronics will protect you when all the water has boiled away.
• Induction stoves are also distinguished by the fact that they maintain the set temperature much more accurately than in gas or electric stoves. This happens because due to the absence of temperature interference for the thermoelement of the stove from gas flows or heating elements, its accuracy is much higher.
• Can be placed directly on the surface while cooking kitchen towels so that splashes of water and oil do not even fall on the hob;
• Even if food particles fall or spill on the stove during cooking, they will not burn and can be easily removed, because they will stop heating.
• If you put pots, pans and a kettle on all burners at the same time, 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 home. 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 cooker with a separate cable from the electrical panel to avoid problems with the wiring. Grounding is an integral part of the correct connection of the induction hob.

Where to install?

A huge advantage of an induction hob is that it can be built into almost any place on the surface of the kitchen countertop, as long as there is enough space. However, there are some points to consider:

1. It is undesirable for people to be close to such a stove. metal pipes, corners or other conductive structures are not dangerous, but may negatively affect the operation of the oven.
2. There must be enough space for ventilation since the electronics inside the induction cooker require good cooling.
3. Do not overly compact the location of all kitchen units. An induction oven allows you to save a lot of space, but you should not place it closer than 50 centimeters from the refrigerator, microwave and other electrical appliances. It's not even about the metal walls. The mutual influence of magnetic fields, electromagnetic radiation and high temperature may be unpredictable.

After installation, it is not advisable to leave the glass-ceramic coating without maintenance. For it, it is better to buy a special product containing silicone. This will give your stove an exquisite shine and well-groomed appearance.

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

The induction oven simply will not turn on and will not begin the heating process if the kitchen utensil placed on it:

• is not a current conductor;
• is too good guide;
• has a diameter of less than 12 centimeters (approximately 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 can even regulate the power, which is distributed depending on the size of the dishes. As a result, you again save electricity.

It should be understood that any materials containing ferromagnets can be heated on an induction cooker, 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 gives the name “ferromagnetic” to the property. Therefore, both stainless steel and cast iron heat up well under the influence of eddy currents of an induction furnace.

On specialized cookware for induction heating, a special sign is placed - several vertical loops and the 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 steel. The thickness of 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, stewpans), there are special iron circle stands that heat well on an induction oven and transfer heat to small containers.

Ordinary enameled iron containers are also quite suitable, although if the bottom is thin and concave, they may make unpleasant sounds. But due to the very fast 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 magnetic field fluctuations is this: if a magnet is attracted to a dish, such a dish is suitable, if it is not attracted, it is not suitable.

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

Another drawback of regular cookware is a damaged or loose bottom. A frying pan coated underneath with a layer of soot from a gas oven, when used on induction hob begins to emit unpleasant odors, sounds and even blows smoke, because now the temperature is rising not from the outside, but from the inside. In addition, a deformed bottom can scratch the surface of the slab.

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

What should you not do with an induction furnace?

In order not to cause problems with the operation of such a hob yourself, it is worth considering the following restrictions:

• Those who have a built-in pacemaker should not operate the induction cooker, 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 take risks.
• 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 phone cards, mobile phones and other electronic devices.
• Do not use aluminum foil - it gets too hot under the influence of induction currents and can cause a fire. The same applies to foil packaging - chocolate bars, candies, milk cartons, 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:

1. Check the power cord. Most often it breaks at the stove body or at the socket. If, when moving the cord, the contact appears and then disappears, the problem is localized, the cord needs to be repaired.
2. Try removing the plug and inserting it into another socket - this may be the problem.
3. Make sure the cooker power button on the back of the cooker is pressed in (near where the power cord enters). Sometimes children or pets manage to press it and unplug the oven.

If everything is fine on the outside, you will have to open the countertop. First, just visually inspect the filling of the slab to see if there are any clearly unusual places. 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, all that remains is to check the controller chip and the 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.

To avoid unnecessary headaches with repairing expensive equipment, install an overvoltage protection device in advance and connect the equipment through it.

Video: Induction cooker vs gas and electric

The following video shows in a practical way which type of slab is better:

Induction cookers and surfaces are almost ideal cooking appliances. They are safe, economical, beautiful, comfortable, compact, and also widely adjustable. Food cooks and heats up very quickly. In order for it to last for a long time, you should carefully approach installation, operation and maintenance.

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Which stove is better, electric or induction hob: pros and cons

Each person must decide which stove to choose, electric or induction.

Every housewife dreams of a beautiful kitchen equipped with the most modern appliances. Therefore, many of them sooner or later have a question about how an induction hob differs from an electric one. After reading today's article, you will learn about the main advantages and disadvantages of both stoves.

Features of induction surfaces

Which is better - an induction panel or an electric stove? Advantages and disadvantages of an induction panel. Despite the fact that such products are very popular in European countries, they are not in great demand among our compatriots. This is explained by a 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 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. Thus, the electromagnetic field that is created during the operation of a conventional hair dryer is almost a hundred times higher than that that occurs during the operation of an induction panel. Almost any cookware, including aluminum and enameled, is suitable for cooking on such a stove.

During operation of the stove, the containers used are heated, not the panel itself. This allows you to minimize the risk of burns and burning of food. In addition, most modern models It has additional system safety, which does not allow the appliance to be turned on if there is no container of the appropriate diameter on it.

Disadvantages of induction surfaces

To choose good option, we need to find out which is better induction or electric cooktop? Despite a number of the above advantages, such slabs also 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 above ovens, washing or dishwashers. Therefore, before purchasing, you need to carefully choose the place in which the device will stand.

For an induction cooker, you need to purchase cookware that has ferromagnetic properties. After all, it will not work if you place a pan on it whose bottom is not magnetic. It is recommended to clean such stoves using special detergents that are not washed off with water. In addition, these devices must be protected from sugar.

Advantages of electric models

Such slabs are widespread throughout our country. In terms of popularity, they are not inferior to gas analogues. To understand the difference between an electric hob and 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 harmonizes with the furniture and the overall style of the kitchen.

Electrical surfaces can be easily cleaned using regular detergents. They are characterized by fairly fast and smooth heating. In addition, the residual thermal effect allows you to maintain the temperature of ready-made dishes.

Cons of electric stoves

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

It should be noted that such slabs do not have deflection. If excess liquid accidentally splashes onto it, it will spread over the entire work surface, and cleaning it will cause additional trouble. In addition, they must be protected from substances that contain sugar.

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

Which stove is better, electric or induction hob?

Let us immediately note that both models need to be connected to the mains. The main difference between these devices is the principle of their operation.

For those who are interested in the difference between an induction hob and an electric one, it will not hurt to know that the latter can heat up even if there is no cookware on it. As for the presence of additional options, such as telescopic guides, convection, grill or locking, they are present in both versions.

Pros and cons of an induction hob

Before answering 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 figure out real advantages and disadvantages of a modern induction hob.

• 1. The operating principle of such a panel is based on the property induction heating. It doesn’t matter how this heating is done and how it differs, because we don’t study the principle of operation mobile phone or a washing machine, however, we successfully use these devices in everyday life.
• 2. Security. This important advantage was already mentioned at the beginning of this material. It is absolutely impossible to accidentally get burned 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, you no longer have to worry that you forgot to turn off the stove, because the surface of the stove is heated by the dishes, and its temperature is low.
• 3. Save time. Some people who use electric hobs complain that they do not heat up well, that is, they heat up slowly. Concerning induction devices, then 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 “booster” function, thanks to which the power of one burner can be instantly transferred to another.
• 4. Ergonomics. In front of the heating zone of an induction cooker, you can find many options to select a specific mode and temperature. That is, the housewife can independently set the temperature to the nearest degree, or she can use clear and well-designed standard modes.
• 5. It is also important to note that all models of this hob have an automatic shut-off function - if the water has boiled away, the burner will turn off automatically.
• 6. Eco-friendly. Since such a hob itself does not heat up, but only heats up the dishes, no excess heat is released into the atmosphere, and the kitchen does not become unbearably hot even during the simultaneous preparation of several dishes.
• 7. Cleanliness. Such a surface can be brought into order easily and quickly. Because 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, as well as induction panels. Each person has his own opinion about the advantages and disadvantages of these stoves. We will 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 panel, let’s make a small comparison between them.

Operating principle of an electric stove

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

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

Operating principle of an induction panel

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 uses built-in electromagnetic coils. The coil is supplied with alternating current from the mains, and it generates a magnetic field around itself. If you place a metal utensil on the surface of the hob, the bottom of which has certain ferromagnetic properties, the utensil will begin 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 cookware 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 perplexed: so who cooks better - an electric or induction hob? When considering electric and induction cooktops, the advantages and disadvantages of these devices help evaluate the feasibility of purchasing them. Let's compare these types of electrical equipment according to the main parameters.

Electricity consumption

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

Efficiency

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

Heating rate

Considering the pros and cons of an induction hob, it should be noted that in terms of speed of cooking or heating food, it is superior to an electric stove. It does not need to heat up the heating elements, so it immediately starts heating the dishes. To boil a liter of ordinary water, the induction panel needs to spend no more than 3 minutes. An electric stove will do this same job in 5-7 minutes.

Safety

The electric stove is turned on until it is turned off forcibly. But the induction hob is connected to operation only when the cookware is placed on the burner and occupies at least 70% of its surface. This increases the level of security. If, for example, you put a fork on the panel, the stove will not turn on. Without dishes, such a panel does not function.

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

Another important point is the temperature of the working surface. In an electric stove it is constantly hot, you can get burned on it. The induction panel does not heat up, so there is no risk of burns when touching the hob.

Surface preservation

The glass-ceramic surface can be scratched by abrasive crystals. Particularly harmful to it are particles of salt and sugar, which can damage protective film. Also, such a stove is afraid of chipping along the edges of the surface, which can be solved by purchasing a hob with a metal edging. For glass ceramics, it is not very desirable for food to burn on it.

Induction panels do not have all these disadvantages. Due to the fact that the panel itself does not heat up, even food accidentally falling on it does not burn and is easily cleaned with a regular damp sponge.

Adjustable

Induction panels have more automatic programs than any other type of cooker. In addition, such a stove reacts almost instantly to changes in program or temperature conditions.

The presence of automatic modes can provide significant assistance in cooking

Utensils used

You can heat any utensils on the electric stove. An induction panel requires special cookware with ferromagnetic properties.

Tip: As an alternative, you can use magnetic stands (adapters) for regular dishes.

Also, only dishes with a perfectly flat bottom are suitable for panels. A curvature of even 1 mm will make cooking impossible.

Noise level

Electric stoves operate silently. In contrast, with induction panels, you can hear the noise of a fan cooling the stove.

Induction panels are more expensive than electric stoves. However, the high price of an induction hob, given their more economical operation, will be justified over time 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 appeared relatively recently, so certain difficulties arise with their acquisition. In relation to a specific kitchen, the choice should be made simultaneously according to several basic parameters:

• Dimensions of the slab and its design. It is important to choose the right number of burners, which affects the dimensions of the surface. The panel itself can be independent or be a main free-standing slab. Nowadays, the most common are independent induction hobs, which can be easily integrated into kitchen furniture;
• Panel shape. It can be rectangular, square, polygonal or round. Choose a shape that will allow you to successfully combine it with the rest of the kitchen furniture;

Induction hob unusual shape can be an interesting design element for your kitchen

Important: Induction hobs must be installed above objects kitchen furniture or kitchen appliances with metal parts, observing the specific 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 can turn off the panel if food spills onto the burner;
• The products of some manufacturers allow the burner to adapt to the location of the cookware. But such models are more expensive;
• The function of storing a constant heating temperature in the memory will allow you not to adjust the temperature again next time;
• It is recommended to purchase suitable utensils along with the panel.

Tip: When purchasing magnetic cookware for your induction panel, check whether a regular magnet attaches to the bottom of the cookware. If it holds firmly, then this type of cookware is perfect for you.

Electrolux combination hob

And if you can’t decide whether to make your choice in favor of a gas or induction stove, then you can choose a combination option. There are models on sale in which two burners operate on 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 from this manufacturer in stores. For example, PIB651N17E, PIE651F17E, PIF673FB1E, PIM631B18E.
• The following models are available for sale: IT6SYW, IT 612 AXC, IT614CSC, IS634ST, IT612SY2W.
• We list the most famous models of this trademark: EH885DN19E, EH975SK11E, EH 651FT17E, EH 685DB19E, EH 679MN27E.
• The most famous models of this company include the following: KM 6380, KM 6349, KM 6395, KM 6388, KM 6381.
• Some models in this line: NZ 64H37070K, NZ64H37075K, NZ 64H57477K.

We looked at the features of induction hobs and 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 main nuances, we can conclude that both induction and electric stoves, the difference between which lies not only in the principle of operation, but also in price, are equally good. Devices of both types are divided into stand-alone, built-in and desktop. Therefore, every consumer will be able to find optimal model, meeting all its requirements. However, busy housewives who do not have time to clean are better off choosing the second option, since these products do not require special care.

Besides, electrical panels 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. In terms of 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.

This household appliance has replaced gas devices, because, unlike them, it has greater functionality and ease of use. Today, more and more buyers are inclined to buy electric stoves, since even many developers refuse to lay a gas pipeline when building a new house.

However, there are many models and varieties of slabs that have different characteristics and operating parameters. But what is the difference between an induction cooker and an electric one? Today we will tell you more about this.

Electric stove

Electric stoves first appeared on the market back in the 19th century, and their developer was a talented Canadian, Thomas Acheren. Even today this device is one of the most powerful household devices because it consumes a large amount of electricity. To understand the specifics and features of its work, it is important to know the principle of its functioning.

Each burner of the device contains a hidden spiral, which is heated by electric current. At the same time, the heat emanating from it evenly spreads to surrounding objects - a frying pan and a pot of food or a kettle of water. The main advantages of using electric stoves are:

• silent operation process;
• ease of use;
• easy process of heating level control;
• a large selection of models with different characteristics.

Despite their advantages, these Appliances They also have significant disadvantages, which include strong heating of the surface, huge energy consumption (especially when all burners are turned on), and also unsafety (you can easily get burned if you accidentally touch them).

But even taking into account these disadvantages, electric stoves are affordable, and therefore are widespread among buyers. They are inertial, since they not only heat up slowly, but also cool down longer, so even after turning off the device, the residual heat can be used for further cooking.

Induction cooker

There is a large number different types electric stoves – with halogen heating elements or a spiral, but induction ones are worth highlighting separately. In my own way appearance they do not differ from the previously considered type. Their main difference lies in the principle of operation - radiation electromagnetic field, which only interacts with metal utensils.

It leads to the formation of vortex flows that heat the metal. In this case, heat is transferred from metal utensils(pans or pans), and the surface of the device itself remains cold. That is why it is preferable to buy them for families with small children, since even if they accidentally come into contact with the surface during cooking, there is no risk of getting burned.

The main advantages of these plates are:

• fast heating process (for example, a volume of liquid of 1 liter can heat up in just three minutes);
• low electrical energy consumption;
• high functionality, many operating modes.

Unlike their analogues, these devices require the use of special utensils made of magnetic metals. Simple utensils can also be used, but only in combination with special pancakes, which are placed under its bottom during cooking.

Other disadvantages are the presence of noise during operation and high price, as well as the negative impact of the electromagnetic field on human well-being and health.

What is better: induction cooker or electric: what is the difference?

But which stove is better, electric or induction? Only each owner of the equipment can determine this for himself, since when purchasing it is important to take into account its advantages, features and specifications. It is almost impossible to distinguish these devices from each other by appearance, but it is worth noting that induction models are more functional and practical compared to electric ones.

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A modern kitchen is not an easy place to prepare food, but it is also an original design solutions, combining beauty and a large amount of high-tech household equipment. Even an ordinary gas stove is replaced with various panels, making it not only convenient, but also safe. Thus, an induction hob is becoming more and more popular, the pros and cons of which must be taken into account when choosing.

Built-in panel kitchen table

An induction hob is much safer than gas options. It does not require a fire to heat up and is powered by electricity rather than flammable fuel.

The principle of operation is to heat induction coils, which are located under the glass-ceramic working surface of the circuits. They carry high current with a frequency of up to 60 kHz. Moreover, each coil is the primary winding of the transformer, and the secondary is the utensil itself used, made of ferromagnetic material. Heating occurs after placing the cookware on the surface of the stove, and the presence of a bottom made of of this material to cook food at the right temperature.

During operation of such equipment, heat loss is significantly less, and the heating rate is higher than that of other types of hobs. The efficiency of such a stove reaches 90%, while for a classic gas stove this figure is 60%.

Appeared in the 80s. In the 20th century, an induction hob, the pros and cons of which we will discuss below, was very expensive. However, now its cost and variety of models make it possible to install such a stove in any kitchen.

note! To cook food on an induction cooker, you must use only special cookware.

Before purchasing and choosing a model, you need to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of this technology.

In any modern equipment have their own strengths and weak sides, so before purchasing you need to carefully weigh the pros and cons. So, an induction cooker also has its own strengths, which include:

• Safety. Without placing special dishes on the surface, even a switched-on stove will not heat up, which is very important if there are small children or pets in the house. You also don’t have to worry about leaving spoons or forks on the stove, since they don’t get hot.
• Easy to clean. Everyone knows how difficult it can be to clean a gas or electric stove from the remains of burnt food. This cannot happen in the induction version; just wipe it with a damp cloth and that’s it.

Important! Never use iron sponges or abrasive detergents to clean the stove.

• Saving. Using the induction principle, you will save on electricity compared to electric stoves.

• Heating speed. Due to its high efficiency and low heat loss, the induction version heats special cookware very quickly. For example, to bring water to a boil in a 1.5 liter saucepan, 3-4 minutes is enough.
• Booster. This is an additional feature that increases the speed of heating food. Its principle is to transfer the power of one burner to another that you are using.

There is no ideal technology, so induction cookers also have their disadvantages:

• Only special dishes are suitable. If there is no ferromagnetic material at the bottom of the cookware, the stove will not function. In this case, you can use steel or cast iron version, but non-ferrous metals are not suitable. At the same time, it is important to take into account the dimensions of the dishes: a small diameter (less than 15 cm) will not work.
• High cost compared to other options. Such equipment can exceed the cost of analogues by 5 times, but during operation it will pay for itself due to energy costs.

• Low panel strength. Glass and ceramics are susceptible to chipping due to impact. For example, if you drop a cast-iron lid on a glass-ceramic surface, the stove will have to be repaired.
• Difficult repair. If it breaks, then it will have to be completely replaced, which is much more expensive than repairing a gas stove. That is, in terms of reliability induction cookers inferior to other options.

When choosing, do not forget to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option. If you handle appliances carefully and want to pay less for electricity, then you should buy an induction hob.

Related article:

Which is the best electric built-in oven? An oven is an indispensable attribute of any kitchen. Reviews and expert advice will help you decide which built-in electric oven is best.

Which is better: induction or electric hob for the kitchen

Consumers often wonder how an induction hob differs from an electric one, because the second option is much cheaper and does not require the purchase of special cookware.

Despite the external similarity and the presence of a glass-ceramic panel, there are quite a lot of differences:

• The efficiency of the electronic version is much lower, about 50% or 30%, if a glass panel with ceramics is not used.
• Electricity consumption is significantly higher, so the induction option will pay for itself faster.
• The level of safety is lower, since the stove will work until it is turned off, in contrast to the inductive principle, which will stop heating after removing the dishes.
• Heating occurs more slowly (about 2 times).
• It is important that in electric version The panel itself heats up, so the temperature of the working surface is high and you can get burned.

Thus, when comparing electric and induction hobs, consumers come to the conclusion that the second option is much safer and more economical and justifies its cost.

How to choose an induction hob

On Russian market the choice of high-quality panels is not so large today, but choose for yourself suitable option Can. You should first decide on the following parameters:

• how many burners are required;
• required panel dimensions;
• availability of additional functions.

Decent options among manufacturers can be seen from Bosh, Electrolux, Philips, Siemens, and AEG is recognized as one of the best, which, unfortunately, is becoming less and less common in stores after the crisis.

Below is a table with the TOP 3 best induction hobs, according to buyers.

Table 1. Best induction cooktops

Name	Photo	Specifications		Cost, rub.
Siemens EH875SC11E		Power	7.29 kW	50990
		Number of burners	5, two of them with an oval heating zone
		Installation dimensions	75 by 49 cm (width by depth)
		Additional functions	Safety shutdown.
Electrolux EGD 6576 NOK		Power	3.7 kW	30400
		Number of burners	2 gas, 2 inductive
		Installation dimensions	59 to 52
		Additional features	Thanks to the combination, it can work without electricity, there is a protective shutdown and gas control.
Bosch PIC645F17E		Power	7.2 kW	26900
		Number of burners	4, 2 induction, 2 ceramic
		Installation dimensions	56 by 49
		Functional	There is automatic recognition of dishes, emergency shutdown

Dmitry, Ryazan:“I bought myself a Siemens EH875SC11E hob, which was the perfect size. I’m very pleased, I don’t have to unplug it, and the cookware is reliable, so I only bought it once at the beginning.”

Olga, Tver:“I was looking for an Electrolux combined induction hob and settled on this option. Works great and is easy to clean.”

Mikhail, Kazan:“I’ve always wanted a Bosch induction hob. I settled on this option, it has been working without interruptions for a year now, I am very happy with the purchase.”

There are many options and models of induction hobs; you can choose a combination one or one with a small number of burners. It all depends on your desire and capabilities.

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