Induction hobs are highly efficient. This figure reaches 90%. Compared to gas and traditional electric cookers, induction hobs have the following advantages:
- they heat the dishes, not the burners and the air around;
- safer and easier to handle;
- have many heat regulation modes.
Disadvantages:
- connected through wires with a diameter of at least 4 mm;
- a regular outlet does not fit;
Only ferromagnetic dishes are suitable for panels.
Go directly to the rating of hobs =>
How to choose a good induction surface
There are many parameters to consider when choosing the right panel for your kitchen. There are many of them, but some are of particular importance.
Consider the selection criteria. Reliable operation and safety of the device depend on them.
Well-known brands
Devices from different manufacturers behave differently. At low powers, one panel either cooks or not (heating occurs in pulses, in short heating intervals). Another stably supports the boiling process. It is believed that the first plate has a duty cycle, the second one does not.
In a few words duty cycle Is the reaction of the hob to a low power level. The instability of operation is explained by the fact that the panel works at high power for some time, then it does not work at all for some time. The lower the selected power, the less time the panel works and no longer works. It is difficult to cook dishes on them that burn quickly. These are plates with a duty cycle.
This criterion limits the possibilities of cooking, and users try to buy products no duty cycle... They are more expensive, but less hassle for housewives.
It is generally accepted that some manufacturers produce panels with a duty cycle, others without it.
Inexpensive models without duty cycle produced by the following manufacturers: Electrolux / AEG / Zanussi, BSH (BOSH / Siemens / NEFF), Gorenje / Gorenje + / Asko. These brands can be purchased safely.
Dear European brands: Elica, FulgarMilano, Miele, DeDietrich, Gaggenau also do not have this drawback.
Manufacturers such as: Hansa, Maunfeld, Darina, Whirpool, Hotpoint-Ariston, cheap Gorenje, many Chinese brands may have duty cycle problems.
Power and energy efficiency. The energy consumption depends on the number of cooking zones and the total power. One panel can have from 2 to 4 burners of 1-3 kW each. On average, the energy consumption of the panels is higher, but they cook food two to three times faster than on conventional stoves. Consequently, panels are much more economical.
Features to watch out for
If a man in the house is concerned about the economy of the device, then the hostess is more interested in its capabilities. The panels have many functions, but some deserve special attention.
Heating degree adjustment ranges. One of the problems with cookers is the lack of automatic temperature control. Panels also have this disadvantage. But they are equipped with a large number of temperature conditions. On some models, their number reaches 20. Users believe that it is enough from 14 to 16 modes.
Booster. The panels have a booster function. It allows you to increase the power of one hotplate at the expense of another. Usually the increase in power occurs in the range of 2.5-3.5 kW. On some models, the increase reaches 4.5 kW.
Keep warm mode. Despite the demand from housewives, the function is not characteristic of all induction panels.Happy owners of appliances with this function can maintain the temperature of food in a saucepan or frying pan at 60 to 70 degrees. At the same time, there is no danger that it will burn.
Bridge A bridge connects the two burners. After connecting the function, they are controlled by one element. Power and timer are changed simultaneously. The diameters of the burners should be large (18-21 cm). The function allows you to cook in a large or elongated pan on two cooking zones.
The bridge has one drawback: there is a large distance between the burners, which leads to heat loss.
Power limitation. When the house wiring is unreliable, you can use this feature. Its essence lies in the use of a limited number of burners. This function is used when several electrical devices are operating simultaneously.
