An induction hob is a rarity in most kitchens. Despite the fact that this is a very convenient way to cook food, not all housewives have heard of such a device. Of course, an induction cooker requires special care and adherence to certain operating rules. The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" will tell you about the intricacies of use and will provide you with a rating of the best manufacturers of these hobs.
Content
History of creation and principle of work
Many years ago, namely in 1824, scientist-physicist D.F. Argo discovered eddy currents by an experimental method. However, at that time, the scientist could not find a final explanation for this phenomenon. After some time, M. Faraday discovered the law of electromagnetic induction, which explains the interaction of eddy currents and a magnetic field.
Many scientists additionally studied induction and eddy currents, and, finally, in 1909, A.N. Lodygin was the first to patent an induction oven, and hobs became popular in home kitchens in the 80s of the 20th century.
What is the principle of operation of these devices? An induction hob is a glass-ceramic panel that works with a heating element. The heating element is in the form of a coil that generates an electromagnetic field. This field is in contact with the surface of the cookware and generates heat, allowing food to be cooked. As soon as you remove the pan from the hob, the energy production stops immediately, and the stove remains absolutely cold even in the midst of cooking.
Also, the features of glass ceramic induction cookers include fast heating and very slow cooling, so you can forget about huge electricity and gas bills.
Choice of dishes
It is useless to purchase an induction hob without the right cookware. You cannot put ordinary pots on such a stove, they simply will not interact with the hob. So how do you choose the right dishes?
- The pot and pan must be ferromagnetic, in other words, a magnet must be attracted to them. Such cutlery can be found in any specialty store. Do not be afraid to use such utensils, they will not bring any harm to your health. Ferromagnetic cutlery includes pans made of enamel, cast iron, stainless steel.
- To select the right cookware for the induction hob, bring a magnet to the bottom of the pot or pan. If the magnet is attracted, then such a device can be placed on the stove.
- The bottom of the dishes should not be less than 13 mm in diameter, this will ensure proper heating of the food. The recommended bottom thickness is 2-6 mm.
- The bottom of a pot or pan should be perfectly smooth, even a slight inaccuracy can make the cookware unusable.
- These cutlery are suitable for use on conventional electric stoves, which will be very convenient if you use a combined panel.
- It is not recommended to save on dishes.A high-quality saucepan costs 2,000-3,000 rubles, and a frying pan - from 3,000 rubles.
Choice of hob
An induction hob is not cheap. Therefore, it will be a shame to purchase an unsuitable product for a lot of money. In order to accurately find the desired product, pay attention to the following parameters and options of the plate.
Manufacturing firm
The highest quality product is produced by European brands; German manufacturers are the most trusted. Their kitchen accessories are durable, long lasting and stylish in design.
Hotplates
Modern stoves are equipped with a different number of heating zones, and these are not only four standard round burners. If you plan to purchase a compact hob, for example, for a summer cottage, then you can get by with one heating zone. For a small family of two, 2-3 burners are enough. Such stoves are very ergonomic in a small kitchen. For a full-fledged family, plates with 4 or more heating zones should be selected. Often, the induction hob device allows you to combine several burners into one large one.
The diameter of the burners must match the diameter of the cookware, the power ranges from 1 to 3 kW. Most often, on one plate there are heating zones with different power and diameter.
Control
There are several types of switches, choose the one that suits you best:
- rotary switches - look like the handles of gas stoves we are used to;
- Recessed Switches - These also rotate but must be pulled out of the panel to do so. The rest of the time they merge with the surface of the slab and do not take up much space;
- touch switches - everything is clear here - one touch to the sensor is enough to use the hob. Often, the manufacturer carefully thinks out the control point, so you will not make mistakes in application;
- push-buttons - also do not raise questions in use, however, the buttons are more difficult to rinse after cooking.
A control panel is also provided to adjust the energy output of the stove. She may be:
- mechanical - you can only adjust the parameters manually, like on a conventional kitchen stove;
- electronic - power parameters can be set using buttons or a sensor. Such models are equipped with a display, sensors and indicators. In addition, such stoves have built-in memory, timer and other useful options.
Temperature regime
If you plan to actively cook and experiment on an induction hob, purchase a hob with twenty temperature settings. This amount will be quite enough for a complete cooking. In addition, we recommend paying attention to the turbo cookers. This mode allows you to quickly cook food in extreme conditions. In this case, all the power of the hob is concentrated on one cooking zone.
Cookware recognition function
An important option when it comes to security. A special sensor detects the presence of dishes on the hob, if the pan is removed from the stove, heat generation stops. In addition, some panels are able to adapt the heating zones to the diameter of the cookware.
Pause and keep warm
Often, the cooking process needs to be paused, in which case the pause mode will come to the rescue. And if there is a need to maintain the required temperature for a long time, then in this case, you can choose a mode that preserves the heat of the cooked food.
Additional options
If you want an economy option, then purchase a stove with a minimum of additional functions. But if you purchase a full set of useful add-ons, you can get an irreplaceable assistant in the kitchen. What functions can be built into an induction hob?
- Autoboiling - the system itself recognizes boiling water and stops supplying energy;
- Auto power off;
- Delayed start;
- Protection from children;
- Shutdown when spilling food or food on the surface of the stove;
- The residual heat indicator will allow you to cook food with the stove off.
Manufacturing material
Induction panels are most often made of glass ceramics. This is a very high quality, though not cheap material. The advantages include durability, energy savings, durability and ease of cleaning.
Benefits of using induction hobs:
- savings - all electricity costs are spent only on heating the dishes, and not on the entire surface of the stove. In addition, induction and glass ceramics will not allow you to quickly lose heat, so you can continue cooking with the stove off;
- speed - the interaction of the hob and the bottom of the dishes occurs very quickly, and this saves time for cooking;
- safety - induction cookers will protect you and your children from burns if accidentally touching the surface. Also, don't worry about a fire. Even if you forget to turn off the stove, it will cool down on its own if there are no dishes on it;
- food falling on the surface of the panel will not burn. Dirt from the stove can be easily removed with a regular rag;
- stylish appearance;
- compactness.
Disadvantages:
- high price;
- can not be installed on a metal surface;
- requires separate utensils.
Rating of the best induction cookers for 2020
Gorenje IS 677 USC
This brand is one of the favorites for the production of induction cookers. The stylish black glass-ceramic hob is equipped with 4 hotplates, a residual heat indicator and the possibility of turbo mode. The capabilities of the stove allow you to combine all the power into one active heating zone. Convenient touch control will maximize the use of the hob, and ease of use will not raise questions even for beginners.
Advantages:
- protection from children;
- timer;
- automatic shutdown;
- control using sliders;
- many temperature conditions.
Disadvantages:
- there are no significant disadvantages.
The average cost is 30,000 Russian rubles.
Bosch PIF 645FB1E
Among the leaders of our rating is the model, which is the choice of most buyers. And this is quite justified, since the product has a number of advantages. Among them stand out: combining several heating zones into one large one, child lock, timer, economical use of electricity. Stylish glass-ceramic smooth surface will save housewives from long and exhausting cleaning. A special technology will allow you to prepare the required dish 2 times faster, if necessary. The controls are touch-sensitive and intuitive.
Advantages:
- ease of use;
- silent operation at the highest power;
- high speed of cooking;
- long warranty period.
Disadvantages:
- small diameters of burners;
- touch panel without backlight.
The average cost is 40,000 Russian rubles.
Weissgauff HI 32
If you are looking for a compact economy option, then take a closer look at this hob. This product consists of two heating zones, it can be either built into the kitchen interior or used separately. Despite its small size, the core diameter can be increased as required. The stove turns off automatically, has a boil-off control function, a residual heat indicator and built-in child protection.
The touch panel is quite sensitive, but you shouldn't be afraid of accidental presses - the product is equipped with a button lock.
Advantages:
- cookware recognition function;
- budgetary cost;
- timer;
- stylish appearance.
Disadvantages:
- there is no full description of the product in the instructions;
- the minimum power is not functioning correctly.
The average cost is 7,000 Russian rubles.
Smeg SIH7933B
An induction stove of Italian assembly with three burners will become an indispensable assistant in the kitchen. 14 temperature modes, including turbo mode, timer and signal about the readiness of the dish - the stove has all the necessary functions for comfortable use of the product. An added bonus is the option to limit power consumption.When the water boils off and the temperature is exceeded, the hob switches itself off. In addition, it is possible to recognize the diameter of the pan and automatically adjust to the parameters of the pan.
The design is standard - black glass ceramics, but the stove does not look less stylish from this. All burners are located in one row, which will make the use of the stove more convenient.
Advantages:
- pause function;
- timer;
- auto shutdown;
- protective shutdown of the heating zone.
Disadvantages:
- high price.
The average cost is 70,000 Russian rubles.
Kuppersberg ICS 604
If you are looking for an induction hob with an unusual design, take a look at this product. The burners of this stove are presented in a very unusual form, but this does not in any way affect the performance of the product. Slider control, there is a timer, child protection, turbo mode and a pause button. The panel with the settings is touch-sensitive, but the adjustment of the parameters raises questions and difficulties for some users.
Advantages:
- residual heat indicator;
- stylish design;
- protection from children;
- the presence of useful additional functions;
- Excellent value for money and quality.
Disadvantages:
- complex management;
- noisy fan operation.
The average cost is 20,000 Russian rubles.
Hansa BHIW 68308
And one more high-quality stove in our selection. The equipment of the product is quite standard and functional - 4 burners, residual heat indicator, child lock, independent installation. One of the main amenities of the accessory is a separate timer for each heating zone. And the unusual features include the white color of the plate. A very non-standard solution, since most of these products are made in black.
The hob adjusts to the dimensions of the cookware, the temperature is independently regulated as needed.
Advantages:
- temperature maintenance option;
- fast heating function;
- auto shutdown when water flows;
- timer.
Disadvantages:
- there is no way to pause cooking;
- the touch panel does not respond to wet hands;
- any contamination is very noticeable.
The average cost is 20,000 Russian rubles.
Candy CFID36 WIFI
Such a stove will appeal to supporters of technical progress. The smart hob with the function of combining the burners will be a real boon for people who value their time. The main feature of the stove is the ability to control it via an app on a smartphone. Thus, the user gets the opportunity to adjust modes and parameters remotely - from another room or even outside the house.
The bonuses of the product include auto shut-off, protection against overheating and accidental fluid leaks.
Advantages:
- setting up the hob through the app;
- safety;
- temperature control;
- protection from children.
Disadvantages:
- difficulties with management.
The average cost is 35,000 Russian rubles.
When purchasing an induction hob, do not forget about safety. Check wiring and repair if necessary. Despite the built-in childproof lock, do not leave your child alone with the stove. The use of such kitchen appliances is contraindicated for people with a pacemaker. Do not forget to rinse the stove in time to avoid stains on it.
If you had experience using the products described in the rating, please share your feedback in the comments.