How to choose an induction hob?

When Michael Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction, no one could imagine that this physical phenomenon would be widely used in the kitchen for cooking. Modern technologies have allowed the creation of induction cookers, on which heat is formed in the dishes themselves. How to choose an induction hob? - It is necessary to pay attention to some characteristics that we will consider in this article.

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How does an induction cooker work?

This device helps to work with electromagnetic induction, in which an electric current occurs in a closed circuit due to the fact that the magnetic flux passing through it changes.

The device of such a hob includes the following elements:

• Glass ceramic is used to make the surface of the plate.
• Below is an induction coil, and below it is an electric current with a frequency of 20-60 kHz.

In this case, the primary winding is represented by an induction coil, and the secondary by utensils. The supply of induction currents occurs in the bottom of the dishes, which leads to its heating. Heat losses are minimal.

Important! To cook food on an induction stove, you will have to acquire special dishes having ferromagnetic properties.

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Benefits

When deciding which induction cooker to choose, consumers are quite naturally interested in its beneficial aspects. They are as follows:

• Heating induction devices faster than a gas burner.
• The burner itself does not heat up, so the energy consumption is significantly reduced.
• Since only the dishes are heated, excess heat is not released and the kitchen is not so hot.
• If food enters the burner, smoke does not form, since its edges do not heat up.
• The cold edges of the burners also prevent accidental burns.
• The panel is switched on only if it contains dishes with products with a diameter of more than 120 mm. If a smaller object gets in, the stove will not turn on.
• The induction cooker is very easy to put in order - just wipe it with a damp cloth five minutes after the end of cooking.
• Modern models have built-in operating modes and different capacities, which allows quick boiling of water and slow stewing of vegetables.
• Temperature changes instantly, accuracy - up to one degree.

Important! For a summer residence, you can buy a desktop version of the induction panel, which is small in size and easy to transport.

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disadvantages

Despite the many advantages, before choosing an induction hob, you should think about some of the disadvantages of such a stove. They are as follows:

• For the manufacture of panels using glass ceramics - a fairly fragile material. During installation, to avoid the appearance of cracks, you need to be very careful.
• For such a plate, you need to purchase dishes with ferromagnetic properties. To check it is enough to bring the magnet to its bottom, if it is not attracted - the dishes do not fit.
• The stove must be placed in such a way that there is no dishwasher, refrigerator or other metal equipment nearby, as it may not work correctly due to electromagnetic radiation.
• Induction hobs hum and noise during operation.
• Cost, despite the advent of budget models, remains high.

Important! To determine which panel is better, in a separate article on our website you will find a detailed comparison of induction and electric stoves.

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How to choose an induction cooker?

The choice of an induction hob is not an easy task, because you need to take into account that different models can differ greatly in the following characteristics:

• The surface shape can be any - square, hexagonal or rectangular.
• Size also varies greatly.
• Some models are equipped with both induction and electric hobs.
• If there is an expansion zone, cookware with different diameters can be placed on one burner.
• The stove will turn off after a set period of time if it is with a built-in electronic timer.
• In a home with young children, it is better to choose induction with a control panel lock.
• Control panel controls are mechanical and touch. Both types are equally convenient, since they do not heat up during cooking.
• Thanks to the indicator of residual heat it will be visible that the ring has already cooled down.

Design

Most often, plates are available in black and silver. More practicality in silver models, since fat is not so noticeable on them - even during cooking, the appearance of the surface remains presentable.

Important! Fans of black classic panels should not be upset, since it is very easy to wipe the glass ceramics. Read a lot of practical tips on how to keep the stove clean and spend a minimum of time cleaning it, as well as an overview of suitable tools in the article "Care for the induction surface".

Price

Of course, new items are more expensive than time-tested models. Of great importance is the brand - manufacturer.

Important! Little-known manufacturers often in the production of the first batches especially control the quality of their products in order to gain a foothold in the market. So, even an unknown company may have the highest quality equipment.

Be sure to keep in mind that a model that has many additional features will cost more.

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The most famous brands and models of induction hobs

Even when studying information on forums or specialized sites, it is difficult for a non-specialist to identify the best induction hobs. Consider the rating of the highest quality manufacturers of household appliances and their best models.

EGD 6576 NOK, Electrolux

This model is popular, primarily due to the combination of burners: two induction and two gas. Such a stove can be used both in the apartment and in the country. All necessary functions are built in.

Hansa plug & play ii

This induction hob is lightweight. It can be purchased for a house with old wiring.

Important! The power of the model is almost two times less than the other induction cookers - it is 3.7 kW.

This did not stop equipping induction with additional functions:

• child protection;
• recognition of utensils.

Important! Four burners make cooking easy and fun.

Bosch PIB651F17E

This manufacturer has been known for a long time, its name in itself is a testament to quality. This model is best purchased for a large family:

• Maximum power - over 7 kW.
• Four burners.
• Power Boost and convenient touch controls.

All this is available at a relatively low price.

Important! In order for the stove to work properly, be convenient and safe, it is important to comply with all the rules for its installation. You will find detailed instructions in the articles:

1. Induction hob connection.
2. Hob socket.

Zanussi ZEN 6641 XBA

Zanussi technique has long been recognized as high-quality and convenient. This model of the stove is equipped with four rings, a child lock and a timer. There are other features that will help the hostess.

Important! A more detailed selection of models is presented in our other article. Follow the link and compare features, specifications top hobs.

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Stock footage

Of course, an ordinary electric stove is also suitable for cooking culinary masterpieces, but a functional induction surface will save time and energy. It’s up to you to decide whether to step forward and keep up with progress or to wander in the kitchen in a more familiar way.