Induction hob: what is it, how to choose

What is an induction hob

An induction hob (or, more simply, an induction cooker) is a modern type of household appliance. Its peculiarity is that the stove burners do not heat up themselves. Using a magnetic field, the hob causes the cookware that is installed on it to heat up directly. This provides it with many advantages over conventional electric stoves.

Design features

The surface of an induction cooker is usually made of glass ceramics. The internal structure of such a household appliance differs significantly from an electric stove:

the main element is the induction coil, which occupies most of the stove’s structure. It is installed under each burner. It is she who is responsible for the magnetic heating of dishes placed on the stove;
The temperature sensor is connected to the coil and covered with thermal paste. It is responsible for matching the power set by the user and the actual temperature that the cookware reaches;
insulating heat sink is found in all modern induction cookers. He is responsible for the safety of equipment located near the device itself. For example, if the stove is installed above an oven or any other appliance with a metal surface, then the magnetic effect should heat them too. However, manufacturers anticipated this problem and isolated the magnetic field, forcing it to heat only objects on the burners;
The control panel is based on a microcontroller. It, like other stoves, allows you to control the heating power on various burners and additional functions.

In the center of the magnetic coil, the installed temperature sensor, covered with thermal paste, is clearly visible

Principle of operation

The operating principle of an induction cooker is significantly different from the electric one we are used to. Instead of heating the burner, from which the heat is transferred to the cookware, the induction panel uses magnetic fields to heat the cookware directly. Heat is transferred from the dishes to its contents. Thus, induction removes the burner from the heat transfer chain, thereby saving heating time and reducing thermal energy losses.

Modern induction cooktops send magnetic radiation only to the area in contact with the cookware. This means that excess energy will not be wasted if the bottom of the pan is smaller than the conventional burner area.

Power and energy efficiency of an induction hob

Electricity consumption per hour of operation for electric and induction cookers is approximately the same. The maximum power consumption of most hobs is around 6 kW. However, an induction cooker, due to its high efficiency, can heat cookware to the desired temperature much faster. For example, you can boil a pan of water on an induction panel in five minutes, while an average electric one can heat a pan of water to boiling temperature in only 15–20 minutes. Therefore, we can talk about greater energy efficiency of induction cookers.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of such a device include:

high efficiency. For most modern manufacturers it fluctuates around 90%, while for electric stoves it is about 60%;
safety. Due to the fact that the panel itself hardly heats up during use, the risk of burns is significantly reduced. You can compare - electric burners heat up to 550 °C in the center, and up to 150 °C at the edges. Induction heats up only from contact with hot cookware, so in the center of the burner the temperature can be no higher than 90 °C, and at the edges - a maximum of 20 °C;

Due to the fact that the panel itself hardly heats up during use, the risk of burns is significantly reduced
easy care and cleaning. The induction panel is not in danger of burning milk or broth - the surface does not heat up to such temperatures that the liquid could stick strongly to the stove;
smooth and precise temperature control. Thanks to its operating principle, the induction panel quickly changes the temperature in the cookware. And the temperature sensor is not interfered with by the heat emanating from heating elements or burners, as can happen with electric or gas stoves. Because of this, very fine and quick adjustments to the cooking process become possible;
The induction panel is capable of maintaining a very low (for a stove) heat level. When you need to slowly melt something, such as chocolate, it is perfect. At the same time, electric and gas stoves need to be constantly turned on and off in order to maintain the required low temperature level;
do not heat the room. You may have encountered this problem: while cooking, the kitchen becomes unbearably hot. This causes a lot of trouble, especially in the summer. This doesn't happen with induction cooktops because they only heat the cookware. Heat is not wasted to heat the room if the cookware is not in contact with the burner;
no unpleasant odor. On an electric stove, small particles of dust, food, remaining film from detergents, and so on are constantly being burned. This causes the hob to emit an unpleasant burning smell. An induction cooker does not have this drawback;
As soon as the dishes are removed from the hob, heating (and, consequently, electricity consumption) stops. Moreover, induction panels recognize suitable cookware and start working only when in contact with it. Therefore, for example, if you put your hand on the burner or just the product and turn on the stove, nothing will happen - it simply will not find a suitable material and will not begin to generate a magnetic field.

induction hobs recognize suitable cookware and start working only when in contact with it

Among the disadvantages it is worth noting:

slightly higher price. Indeed, induction cookers cost approximately 1/5 more than similar electrical appliances. However, in the long term, such a device allows you to save money due to more rational energy consumption;
Some inexpensive panels have one generator (analogous to a heating element) for two burners. This means that if these two burners are used at the same time, the stove will not be able to provide maximum heat;
The impact of magnetic radiation on humans has not yet been fully studied. Although no negative health effects have been identified in the short term, it should not be ruled out that exposure to magnets could have an impact decades later or even in the next generation;
requirements for dishes. Due to the way it works, an induction hob works best on pots and pans made from a material with good conductivity. Using other types of kitchen appliances is not as effective.

Induction cookers: advantages and disadvantages

Hobs with induction heating technology have a number of positive qualities:

Safety. Since the surface itself practically does not heat up, excluding the area under the dishes, it is impossible to accidentally get burned. Spilled liquid or fallen pieces of cooked food will not burn. A towel or rag left on the stove will not catch fire either.
Economical. The efficiency factor (efficiency) of induction panels reaches 85–90% . While for simple electric stoves it does not exceed 55–60%, for gas burners it is 60–65%. Since energy is spent exclusively on heating the dishes, bypassing the preheating of the coil (heating elements), electricity consumption is significantly reduced.
Practicality. The glass-ceramic surface is very hygienic and easy to clean; it can be wiped with a cloth or sponge and any non-abrasive detergent.
Induction hobs are very easy to care for as nothing sticks to the bottom.
Functionality. Modern devices are equipped with a large number of additional functions (timer, intensive heating mode, etc.).
High heating rate. The heating process, on average, occurs 1.5–2 times faster than on a simple electric stove . Cooking takes less time.
Comfort. Such panels do not heat the surrounding air and do not burn oxygen from it (like gas and simple electric ones).

When an induction cooker is operating, only the cookware is heated, the rest of the surface is at ambient temperature

The disadvantages of induction panels include the following characteristics:

Quite a high cost. Induction cookers are about twice as expensive as regular cookers.
The need to use only special kitchen utensils with ferromagnetic properties.
The total power of an induction cooker can exceed 6 kW, so when connecting it, alteration of the electrical wiring may be required.
Some models may not produce maximum heat when all burners are turned on simultaneously, since they are equipped with only one high-frequency generator.
Noisiness (humming, crackling, clicking, etc.) during operation.

Only special cookware is suitable for induction cookers

According to the installation rules, for a long time it was prohibited to place such devices in close proximity to devices that have metal elements in their design (washing machine, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, etc.), since a strong electromagnetic flux can heat them up and negatively affect their operation. Modern models of induction cookers are equipped with magnetic heat sinks, which are located in the lower part of the body and are designed to block the penetration of magnetic radiation, so they no longer have such installation restrictions.

Unfortunately, I do not have my own experience in using an induction cooker, because our house is supplied with mains gas and the hob is, accordingly, gas. But based on reviews from numerous friends, I can say that the main advantage of induction panels is simply the rapid heating rate. Those housewives who have used induction at least once will never switch to another type of equipment. Even the high price is not scary, since the speed of cooking more than compensates for all other shortcomings. In addition, the extra money paid pays off quite quickly, since induction cookers are very economical.

Video: pros and cons of induction cookers

Types of induction cookers

The market offers customers a fairly extensive selection of kitchen appliances, and induction cookers boast an abundance of shapes:

built-in This type of equipment is the most popular today, but also the most expensive. A built-in stove and oven cost more in total than a free-standing appliance. But such a device does not spoil the appearance of the kitchen and always suits the style;

The main advantage of a built-in induction hob is its modern appearance, which harmonizes perfectly with almost any kitchen.
portable. This type is much cheaper than built-in stoves. A portable hob usually has one or two burners. Such a device can be connected to any outlet, placed on a flat surface and used. The main advantage is, of course, convenience and mobility. The price of such a device starts from 4,000 rubles. A portable hob is an excellent option for a low-budget kitchen setup. It is also well suited for people living in separate rooms (for example, dorms or communal apartments). Such a device eliminates the need to regularly go to the common kitchen;

A portable hob is an excellent solution for a small living space or living without a separate kitchen
combined. To avoid the need to separately purchase an adapter disk, you can choose a combined plate. Some of its burners are heated by inductive magnetic fields, and some by traditional gas or electricity. The most common are stoves with two and three induction burners out of four. Such devices cost about a third more than induction cookers of similar quality;

A combined hob is a good choice for those who are not ready to give up their favorite cookware just because of its low ferromagnetic properties
without burners. Modern (and expensive) induction cooktops may not have separate burners at all. The stove independently recognizes the place where the dishes were placed and begins to emit magnetic fields precisely to this area. Of course, such stoves support the installation of two or more pots or pans at the same time. In this case, the user on the control panel has the opportunity to separately adjust the heating power for each of the installed containers.

An induction hob without burners looks stylish and can be more convenient to use

How to choose an induction hob

To choose the right induction hob for you, you should rely on your own needs:

First you need to determine the required number of burners. If you do not need to regularly prepare lunch and dinner for a large family, then a stove with two burners is quite suitable for you. There is no point in overpaying for a device with four heating zones if you don’t have to use them. On the other hand, a family of four can no longer do without a large stove. In this case, you need a panel with four burners. It is worth mentioning separately about induction hobs, which are made monolithically and do not have separate zones at all. As a rule, they have a small area and are suitable as a stylish and convenient alternative to two-burner devices;
shape and design play an important role when choosing a device. Choose a stove based on your existing living conditions. Pay attention to the built-in panel if the appearance of your kitchen is very important to you. Don't forget to measure the space under the hob and compare the data with the dimensions of the selected model. Pay attention to portable devices if you do not have much space to accommodate a full-fledged stove;
pay attention to the energy efficiency class. A good device should have it from A to A+++;
The number of temperature settings depends on your cooking style. If you rarely conduct culinary experiments and prefer a fairly simple kitchen, then you can choose a model with a minimum number of steps in adjusting the heating. Such a device will be cheaper. If, on the contrary, you are a gourmet and like to distinguish the subtle features of dishes, then you should think about buying a device with 16 temperature settings for each burner;
booster function. It often appears on modern stoves and, of course, affects the cost of the device. This function is designed for fast heating. It may be needed, for example, to boil water;
additional functions. Modern household appliances offer a large selection of different options: on and off timers, temperature maintenance, auto-boiling, defrosting, saving user programs. But don't bother with too many buttons. Choose only equipment whose options you will definitely use. Otherwise, you will significantly overpay for a smart device that you objectively do not need.

Review of the best induction hob models

To understand the variety of models, read the descriptions and reviews of the most popular induction hobs:

Electrolux EHH 96340 XK

This model is one of the most beloved by customers. The built-in hob has a large number of functions: convenient one-touch control, booster (quick heating), a button for instantly stopping and resuming the operation of the stove, a timer (albeit installed only on one burner). The number of burners is four. The cost of the device starts from 24,00 rubles.

Electrolux EHH 96340 XK is a good device at a relatively affordable price

I often use a timer; the timer goes only to the near left burner. Turned it on, left it and went away, so far it has never let me down. stop and go also turned out to be a very convenient system, considering that it takes seconds to warm up dishes and sometimes you need to pause to remove everything you need from the refrigerator. The surface is moderately soiled, cleaning will be a problem only for perfectionists, wash it once a week with a product, the rest of the time you can wipe it with a napkin. After six months of using this panel, I tried to use a regular electric panel (not induction), it’s just terrible, you quickly get used to the good stuff.
Dmitry Dolgopolov
https://market.yandex.ru/product—varochnaia-panel-electrolux-ehh-96340-xk/10800137?show-uid=15416039674857500096916002&nid=58612&context=search

Bosch PUE631BB1E

The model is equipped with four burners and a large number of additional functions: child protection, timer, residual heat indicator, touch control, nine cooking modes. However, the model is not without its shortcomings. Among the disadvantages noted by customers, it is worth highlighting the inconvenient controls. When you press the touchpad, the device makes a loud sound, which cannot be turned off in the settings. The control also does not respond to quick presses - to change the temperature mode you need to hold your finger for a long time. It is also worth noting some problems when working with three burners. The model does not support high heat on three zones simultaneously, so it is not suitable for those who often need to use all burners. Bosch PUE631BB1E costs from 24,000 rubles.

Bosch PUE631BB1E - induction panel from a global manufacturer of household appliances

9 operating modes allow you to choose a convenient temperature. It’s especially cool to simmer meat on mode 2 or 3. The breakfast pan heats up in 20 seconds. It makes me very happy in the morning. Any dish is suitable, the main thing is that a magnet “sticks” to the bottom. It doesn't have to be expensive for induction. My set of pans is quite simple and budget friendly.
valentina23
https://irecommend.ru/content/umnitsa-i-krasavitsa-na-moei-kukhne

When you cook on 2 stoves everything is ok, but when you turn on the third one, something starts ticking very loudly, as if the cooking is turning off and on. The instructions say "this is normal, just turn off tile 3."
Anonymous
https://market.yandex.ru/product—varochnaia-panel-bosch-pue631bb1e/1723749713/reviews?track=tabs

Hansa BHII38503

The built-in model with two burners is perfect for a small kitchen. Among the advantages of the model are fast heating, convenience and low price. The disadvantages include fragility - in some cases, the device begins to poorly recognize suitable dishes. In this case, you should contact the manufacturer to provide a warranty. The cost of the device starts from 14,000 rubles.

Hansa BHII38503 - budget and compact built-in stove

I am very pleased with the purchase. Due to the fact that it only has 2 burners, there is enough space left for cooking; you don’t need more to have a stove and a slow cooker. The boiling speed is surprising. In booster mode, a 2.5 l kettle boils in 4.30 minutes. And if you heat a couple of cups, it will take less than a minute. Warming up a portion of soup - 30 seconds. Faster than a microwave. Boil oil in a cast iron frying pan - 30 seconds. I really like the edge, sometimes you don’t have time to run when something runs away, it helps out and holds the liquid within the panel. Easy to clean, the scraper was not needed.
Svetlana Startseva
https://market.yandex.ru/product—varochnaia-panel-hansa-bhii38503/10613401?show-uid=15416067180187865361616006&nid=58612&glfilter=5127518%3A~2&glfilter=7893318%3A152718&con text=search

LEX EVI 320 BL

A model from the LEX brand, little known in Russia, costs from 8,000 rubles, but in terms of quality and efficiency it is not inferior to more expensive analogues from famous manufacturers. Two induction burners and a compact body make it an excellent choice for installation in a studio or small one-room apartment. Users were most pleased with the safety features: locking, child lock and automatic shutdown. Among the disadvantages, poor touch controls are noted - the stove does not always respond to pressing the first time.

LEX EVI 320 BL - budget compact model for a small kitchen

The panel is working fine. No complaints. Boil a 1 liter pan in 4.5 minutes, >2 liters in 11 minutes. It makes a little noise, but it's not annoying. (Probably all induction panels are noisy). It does not react to touch the first time, but it is tolerable, you probably need to get used to pressing. In the first modes it works in impulses, boils for 2 seconds, then doesn’t boil for 2 seconds, but this is a feature of all induction cookers.
Anonymous
https://market.yandex.ru/product—varochnaia-panel-lex-evi-320-bl/12671818?show-uid=15416070071436813722216001&nid=58612&glfilter=5127518%3A~2&glfilter=5127526%3A2~&context=search

Hotpoint-Ariston IKID 641 BF

The model is equipped with a standard set of functions: timer, residual heat indicator, child protection, lock. The dual-circuit burner allows you to quickly heat up if necessary (analogous to the booster function). Users noted rapid wear of the surface - scratches quickly appear. The cost of the model is from 25,000 rubles.

Hotpoint-Ariston IKID 641 BF - high-quality and reliable induction cooker, equipped with a basic set of functions

I have little experience with induction yet, but if you buy induction, then after it you won’t even want to cook on regular burners. I didn’t have any problems with the dishes (I heard that they happen). Anything that is magnetic fits perfectly. After this surface, I won’t take the usual one, it will be simply inconvenient to use, after all, modern technologies are taking their toll. Even the timer here is not just a beeper, but turns off the burners. One of the burners is dual-circuit, and this is quite convenient for even more powerful and faster heating.
Elizaveta Pevchenko
https://market.yandex.ru/product—varochnaia-panel-hotpoint-ariston-ikid-641-bf/1724932862?show-uid=15416072829025898759416001&nid=58612&glfilter=5127518%3A~4&glfilter=5127526%3A2 ~&glfilter=7893318% 3A152831&context=search

It is noisy, like all inductions. Doesn't like foreign objects, makes a nasty squeak. Activates the lock when a cat climbs in. Scratches appeared within the first month. There is no power limitation, like other models from this price segment, you can safely use all the burners at once. I chose it precisely on this basis. Works well, no complaints. Made in Italy.
Gulliver Foyle
Read also: 12 best electric ovens
https://market.yandex.ru/product—varochnaia-panel-hotpoint-ariston-ikid-641-bf/1724932862?show-uid=15416072829025898759416001&nid=58612&glfilter=5127518%3A~4&glfilter=5127526%3A2 ~&glfilter=7893318% 3A152831&context=search

Popular brands of induction hobs

The most famous brands have not neglected appliances such as induction cookers. Among the positive reviews you can find such companies as German Siemens, Bosch, Swedish Electrolux, Czech Gorenje, Polish Hanca.

Siemens has models that heat very quickly and have 4 burners, one of which is dual-circuit.

The hob has infrared sensors, which speeds up the cooking process. There are models that offer a “stop sensor” function that interrupts the process for 3 minutes. To resume work using the previous settings, press the key again. If you do not click on it, the system stops working.

Siemens has a range of slabs in black, gray, and white at prices ranging from 32,000 to 75,000 rubles.

Another world-famous brand, Bosch, also offers hobs of different designs. Models may have several burners, some of which may be induction, and some may operate in HiLight mode. It is possible to combine them into one heating zone.

Bosch has models that have the PowerBoost function. This is what allows you to increase the power of each burner by half. This allows you to make cooking as fast as possible. But this happens due to the fact that power is taken from another, free burner.

The hob has electronic sensors that allow you to accurately assess the diameter and volume of the container on it, as a result of which the hob itself will adjust the required power. You can purchase an excellent model for around 35,000-40,000 rubles.

You can admire the elegant induction hobs from Electrolux. The concern produces high-quality products, reinforcing their surface with corrugated glass ceramics. There are models with beveled edges, stylish and modern.

There are models equipped with induction and gas burners, and there are products with a Wok burner for a special frying pan. The cost of the slabs is around 25,000 rubles.

Consumers give high marks to Gorenje slabs.

Induction hobs from the company have an acoustic timer, protection against accidental pressing, and liquid boils very quickly on such a stove. Models are sold for 30,000-35,000 rubles.

Connecting an induction hob

Connecting an induction hob and integrating it into a kitchen unit is best left to a professional. Many home appliance stores provide free installation of devices purchased from them. However, if you want to perform the procedure yourself, follow these instructions:

Determine where to install the hob. It should be smooth, without obvious distortions. The back wall of the panel being placed should be located approximately 2–3 centimeters from the wall.
Buy a cable. For stoves with two burners, a cross-sectional area of 4 mm is sufficient. Large models with four heating zones will require a 6 mm section. A cable with three wires is suitable for connecting 220V stoves. Four wires - for connecting a 380V stove. Choose the length of the cable depending on the distance to the outlet - it should not pass under tension. The cable will have two wires (black and brown) related to the phase, one blue is the neutral wire, and the yellow-green wire is the ground.
There is a diagram on the back of the cooktop indicating how to properly connect this device. The symbols on it are as follows: L1 and L2 indicate the first and second phase, respectively, N is the neutral wire, and PE is ground. From the diagram it is easy to understand where to connect which wire. Phase wires can be connected to any phase.
The stove comes with a box with terminals necessary for connecting the wires and a plug. You need to screw the wire contacts into the terminals, and then install the terminals into the plug, also supplied with the stove. The cable must also be connected to the stove itself. This will also require terminals, which are installed in a prepared place on the stove body. It is equipped with symbols that will help you avoid getting tangled in wires. Since terminal and plug designs often vary greatly between models, be sure to refer to the instructions for a clear demonstration of the use of these parts.

Terminals are most often flat pieces that are tightened with a screwdriver

Video: connecting an induction hob

How to use an induction cooker

Operating an induction cooker is almost no different from an electric one. The device is also equipped with a panel on which you can select the heating intensity, as well as control additional functions such as timers or maintaining the temperature for each individual burner. A much more important point is the choice of dishes.

Cookware for induction hob

The general requirements for cookware that can be used on an induction hob are:

flat, level bottom;
high ferromagnetic properties of the material;
the bottom diameter is at least 12 cm - otherwise the stove simply will not recognize the dishes and will not turn on.

Modern frying pans and pots, with which induction works effectively, are made of steel (including enameled steel). Cookware made of cast iron and stainless steel are also successfully used on induction cookers. Most kitchen appliances that are designed specifically for use on induction cooktops are labeled "Induktion".

The Induktion marking looks like an elongated spiral of four turns and the word Induktion underneath it

There is a simple rule to determine if your cookware is suitable for an induction cooktop. If the bottom on the outside is covered with a good conductor (for example, steel) and is not separated from the burner by anything other than enamel, then the container is suitable. How to test ferromagnetic properties at home? Use a regular refrigerator magnet. If the magnet sticks well to the bottom of the pan, then it is perfect for an induction cooker.

Many potential users have a reasonable question: what will happen if you use “inappropriate” cookware on an induction cooker? In fact, nothing bad will happen - the dishes and stove will not be damaged. If the stove recognizes the material as suitable for use, then the heating process will proceed, but more slowly than when using special cookware. If the device rejects the capacitance, then the magnetic effect simply will not be generated.

Old Soviet pots and pans with a bottom that rises in the center, when installed on an induction panel, can emit a characteristic hum, similar to the noise of a microphone or loudspeaker. This is normal and does not pose any threat to either the dishes or the stove itself. This phenomenon is associated with vibrations of the bottom that does not fit tightly to the burner.

If you do not have suitable cookware on hand, you can purchase a special steel disk, which is a kind of adapter for induction cookers. The cost of such devices ranges around 2,000 rubles. The disc is placed on the burner of the induction panel, and the dishes are placed on it.

An adapter disk may be required when you need to heat a container that does not have good ferromagnetic properties.

List of materials that do not interact effectively with an induction cooker:

aluminum;
copper;
brass;
glass;
ceramics;
porcelain.

Which cookware is suitable for an induction cooktop?

The operating principle of an induction cooker involves the use of exclusively specialized kitchenware that has certain ferromagnetic characteristics. Such utensils are sold in every supermarket or kitchen supply store and are marked accordingly in the form of a spiral.

The marking looks like a spiral

It is also possible to use ordinary utensils from:

of stainless steel;
cast iron;
enameled steel.

The marking is on the bottom of the cookware

However, it must meet certain requirements:

have a thick (2–6 mm) smooth flat bottom;
have suitable conductive properties (but not be too good a conductor);
the diameter of the bottom of the container must be at least 12 cm and occupy at least 50% of the burner area, otherwise the stove will not turn on.

You can check the suitability of cookware for use on an induction panel using a simple magnet. If it is tightly attached to the bottom of the container, then such dishes can be used.

You can check the suitability of cookware for cooking on an induction cooker using a magnet.

Kitchen utensils made from the following materials are not suitable for induction-heated hobs:

simple thin stainless steel;
glass;
plastic;
ceramics;
brass;
aluminum and copper, which conduct electricity too well (eddy currents do not experience significant resistance and do not heat up the cookware).

If for some reason there are no suitable utensils, then you can use a special steel adapter disk that is placed on the heating zone. This stand heats up well on an induction burner and transfers heat to pots and pans placed on it, as well as small containers (for example, a coffee pot).

For induction cookers you can use special adapter discs

I always try to give my girlfriends good dishes for the holidays, especially on March 8th. Such a gift is doubly pleasant for housewives who have an induction hob in their arsenal, since changing all the kitchen utensils at once is difficult and expensive. Thanks to the special icon on the bottom of any frying pan or pot, making the right choice is not difficult at all.