What is an induction cooker: how is the principle of work - the scheme and service life and how to choose

Hobs entered the market quite a long time ago, but induction hobs were not in demand, because, firstly, before, the range of this type of stoves was in limited quantities, and secondly, the cost exceeded the prices of alternative equipment options. In addition, not all consumers until today fully understand the principle of operation of a modern induction cooker and its differences from analogues, therefore, in this article we will examine in detail the features of this type of device.

Now on the market you can find various panels with any design, size, number of functions. In addition, their price is acceptable, not much higher than the cost of classic models of hobs. There is an opinion that induction cookers are harmful to human health. It is important to note that if you follow the rules for using this equipment, then it will not be hazardous to health, since the level of its electromagnetic radiation is not higher than that of mobile devices, tablets, etc. In addition, the stove does not have a negative effect on food during cooking, since the magnetic field does not harm the composition of the food and its qualities.

What is an induction hob

Induction hob

The surface of this technique during operation, unlike other types of plates, does not heat up, which is its main feature. This is due to the fact that the functioning of the plate depends on the energy of the magnetic field. The standard circuit of the stove is the placement in the burners of an electromagnetic coil made of copper wire, which conducts a current with a frequency of 20-60 kHz. The impact of this coil is directed directly to the bottom of the dishes intended for cooking on induction cookers. Such utensils are a secondary winding, in connection with which its bottom conducts an eddy current of induction, due to which it is the dishes and products in it that are heated, and the stove remains cold.

Schematic principle of operation of the induction panel

Several coils of various sizes are built under the panel, and in order to start the induction process, it is necessary to put the special above-mentioned ferromagnetic utensils, and the bottom of this dishes should occupy more than 50% of the heating element. Therefore, when cooking, you can safely put a spoon, knife and other small things on the panel.

An example of the effect of a plate directly on dishes

Another advantage of such a plate is that, unlike its classic counterparts, it has no deviations in the set temperature, the adjustment is clear. In addition, it has the highest level of efficiency - 90%, while in ordinary electric stoves it reaches 60%, and in gas - from 30 to 60%.

Induction hob has both advantages and disadvantages, but it has more positive sides. Consider the main advantages:

• cooking process is accelerated;
• high level of efficiency;
• ease of understanding of operation;
• many options are built in to facilitate cooking;
• convenient touch control panel;
• the device is compact;
• beautiful, stylish, modern design;
• the walls of the dishes do not heat up, therefore, burns are excluded;
• perfectly fit into any layout of the kitchen;
• it is possible to adjust the exact temperature, without noticeable deviations;
• if food gets on the surface, it will not start to burn and smoke, will not leave stubborn marks, since the panel is easily washed;
• all energy is directed to cooking, since the stove has the ability to accumulate and retain heat;
• Only the bottom of the dish should have the necessary ferromagnetic properties, and its walls can be made of any material, including glass or ceramics.

As in any technique, except for the positive aspects, there are also disadvantages, we will consider them in more detail:

• the device makes a humming noise;
• the cost significantly exceeds the price of other types of stoves;
• this technique should not be installed near metal devices, for example, near a dishwasher or refrigerator, as it can interfere with their electromagnetic radiation;
• you cannot make coffee in a Turk, because the panel will not recognize it and will not turn on due to the small diameter of the Turk;
• if you use a pacemaker, it is better to abandon the induction cooker, as it will have a negative effect on the device;
• the glass-ceramic surface is easily scratched, it can not be washed with abrasive sponges;
• dishes that are necessary for cooking are expensive;
• it is necessary to take into account all the subtleties of the installation in advance, which may require the connection of an additional cable, alteration of wires, since the plate is designed to work from a 220 V network.

What utensils can I use

Necessary utensils are sold not only in specialized stores. It is important to immediately exclude utensils from aluminum and copper. Cast iron and stainless steel cookware will do. Pay attention to the size of the bottom, a sufficient contact area will be a diameter of at least 120 mm. There is an icon on special dishes that makes it clear that the dishes have ferromagnetic properties.

Symbol for ferromagnetic properties of cookware

The bottom thickness should be at least 2 mm. The price category of special utensils is from 2,000 to 4,000 rubles, depending on the size of the pan or pan. When you understand the principle of which cookware can be used on an induction hob, determine the manufacturer. The best brands for the production of such dishes of the highest quality with the appropriate price are the German brand Fissler and the manufacturer Woll (it has a non-stick coating, the bottom is 1 cm thick). Pay attention to the dishes of the Finnish company Hackman or the more budget version of the French manufacturer - Tefal. Many people believe that acquiring an induction hob, it will be necessary to abandon all your favorite dishes and replace it with a special ferromagnetic one. In fact, some cookware may work, just like any expensive induction cookware. In order to check whether your utensils fit, hold a magnet to its bottom, if it is magnetized, then the dishes are suitable for interaction with an induction cooker. Pay attention to the material from which the dishes are made, if enameled steel, cast iron or stainless steel, you can safely leave such utensils in the list of used. Most people like glass and ceramic dishes, if you have such dishes available, that is, you can turn them into ferromagnetic by attaching a special alloy metal disk to its bottom.

Special disk with ferromagnetic properties

How to choose the right model

Today induction cookers have a high price, which is their significant drawback, but it is worth considering that such stoves perfectly save energy consumption, so the high price will pay off. The price of such a plate, depending on the quality, brand, number of functions, varies from 17 to 100 thousand rubles. Since the cost is high, it is important to take the choice of the necessary model seriously. Note in advance that the service life of an induction hob is ten years, than it does not differ from its counterparts. Although the principle of operation is the same for all panels, the dimensions, functions and design differ significantly.

Initially, decide on the manufacturers whose models you want to consider. In the Russian market, the range of induction cookers is not wide. Based on expert opinions and customer reviews, we can say that the best brands are AEG-Electrolux, BOSCH, Hotpoint-Ariston and Gorenje Plus.Further, depending on the size of the kitchen, the number of family members and your own preferences, decide how many rings should be. Decide in advance what type of installation you need, dependent or independent, and which type is built-in or desktop. In addition, there are combined devices in which two types of burners are built-in - gas and induction. Focus on the number of temperature conditions: the most efficient models are available with 16 temperature modes. Please note whether there is a “Booster” function in the device (power adjustment by transferring it from one burner to another). In addition, there are a number of useful functions, such as auto power off, child lock, boil detection, timer with an audible signal, defrost mode, auto power off when spilling liquid onto a panel, etc. The last important detail is the design. Since the induction panel has a coating that is subject to mechanical damage, choose a model with tempered glass, but it will cost more. The range of stoves is diverse, so the choice of the necessary induction hob for design, which is suitable specifically for the design of your kitchen, should not be difficult.

TOP 5 best models

We present to your attention the five best models of induction cookers of various kinds. Explore options, features, functions, and choose the right device for your kitchen.

TOP 1 - Electrolux EHH 9654 HFK

Model Electrolux EHH 9654 HFK

Manufacturer - Germany. The electric cooker of an independent type of installation is black, has four burners (18 cm, 21 cm, 18 cm, 14.5 cm in diameter and 1800 W, 2300 W, 1800 W, 1400 W respectively). Dimensions of the device - 55 mm x 560 mm x 490 mm. Connection - 7300 watts. The current price is 23,496 rubles.

Pros:

• Hob2Hood hood control;
• the presence of a timer with an audible signal;
• use of residual heat EcoTimer;
• countdown function “CountUp”, “Booster”, “Stop & Go”;
• child lock;
• three-stage indication of residual heat;
• boiling automation;
• auto power off.

Minuses:

• replacing glass surfaces is expensive.

TOP 2 - Gorenje Plus GIT95XC

Model Gorenje Plus GIT95XC

 Manufacturer - Slovenia. Five-burner independent black plate. Four rings with a diameter of 18 cm have a power of 1850 W, each separately with the Booster function operates at 3000 watts. The fifth ring is located to the right of the others, has a diameter of 26 cm and a power of 2600 W (with the Turbo mode - 3700 W). Dimensions of the device - 5 cm x 90.3 cm x 52 cm, weight - 14.5 kg. The stove is equipped with SmartControl touch controls. Maximum connection power - 3700 watts. The current price is 27772 rubles. The current price is 54,990 rubles.

Pros:

• timer with a sound signal;
• function “Booster”, “Stop & Go”;
• thoughtful arrangement of rings;
• integrated cooking automation;
• melting frozen food;
• display;
• child lock;
• reliable, high-quality assembly.

Cons: not found.

TOP 3 - Bosch PIB375FB1E

Model Bosch PIB375FB1E

 Manufacturer - Spain. This device of a dependent type of installation is made in black, has two rings (one is single-circuit, the second is double-circuit). Dimensions of the device - 4.4 cm x 30.5 cm x 52.7 cm. Control - rotary control levers. The minimum insertion thickness is two centimeters. The maximum connection level is 3200 watts. The stove is equipped with nine power levels. The current price is 13267 rubles.

Pros:

• can interact with other surfaces of Dominoes;
• convenient metal switches;
• surface resistant to various damages;
• interesting design;
• compact
• high-quality reliable assembly.

Minuses:

• low-functional;
• missing plug.

TOP 4 - ELECTROLUX EGD 6576 NOK

Model ELECTROLUX EGD 6576 NOK

Combined stove with gas and induction hobs. The left near and far burners are of induction type, with a diameter of 21 cm and 14 cm, respectively (the first power is 2300 W per 3300 W, the second 1400 W per 2500 W).The right near and far burners are gas heated, with a diameter of 7 cm and 10 cm, respectively (the first power is 1900 W, the second 2700 W). Dimensions of the device - 5 cm x 59 cm x 52 cm. The stove is equipped with frontal touch control and rotary heaters. The maximum connection power is 3700 watts, the connecting power of gas is 4600 watts. The current price is 27772 rubles.

Pros:

• panel illumination;
• timer;
• economical consumption;
• high quality;
• child protection;
• high level of speed;
• Stop & Go function;
• gas control;
• residual heat indicator;
• timer;
• the surface is easy to clean.

Minuses:

• burners heat up during prolonged use;
• marka.

TOP 5 - BOSCH HCA744250Q

Model BOSCH HCA744250Q

The furnace has a glass-ceramic hob with four burners, among which there is one oval and one bypass. Left near and far burners with a power of 1800 W and 1600 W, respectively, right near and far burners - 1200 W and 2200 W. The oven has a volume of 66 liters. The device is equipped with 8 cooking modes (bottom heating, for pizza, grilling, defrosting, lower and upper heat, Vario-grill large and small heating area, lower heating). The current price is 30867 rubles.

Pros:

• four-segment indicator of residual heat;
• quick warm up;
• heat resistant glass;
• uniform baking;
• drawer for dishes (pull-out);
• legs are adjustable in height;
• fast heating;
• high build quality;
• Digital Watch;
• the oven has a backlight.

Minuses:

• you must separately purchase a cord and plug.