Induction cookers: pros and cons, types and choices

Kitchen equipment is a very valuable type of equipment in everyday life. And it is constantly being improved. One of the most modern options for such devices is an induction cooker.

The basic scheme by which any induction cooker works is very simple. A copper coil is hidden under the glass or glass-ceramic hob. When a current flows through its coils, an electromagnetic field arises. Oscillations of high frequency and become a source of induction current. And he, acting on a magnetically permeable vessel, heats it up.

Everyone wants, of course, that only reliable and modern equipment was used in the kitchen. This list includes an induction cooker. But the problem is that a number of positive and negative myths have been created about her. Some absolutize the advantages, while others talk about the disadvantages. Let's try to objectively and impartially understand this topic. The undoubted advantages of a cooker using the principle of electromagnetic induction are its elegance and decent functionality. But there are also such statements:

• the induction hearth heats up in the same way as a conventional glass-ceramic design, therefore the additional board is irrational;
• the price is very high;
• there is a health risk;
• you will also have to buy specialized dishes;
• installation is very difficult;
• an induction hob cannot be placed over other household appliances.

In reality, compared to even the best electric cookers that use halogen heaters, induction products work faster. If you put 2 liters of water at room temperature on an ordinary electric stove, it will be brought to a boil in 10-12 minutes. If the panel uses electromagnetic induction, the warm-up time is reduced to 5-7 minutes, and the current consumption does not increase too much. The exception is the accelerated heating mode, but it fully justifies itself. This is already enough to say with confidence: the induction hob is definitely superior to the conventional glass-ceramic design. But it also wins in terms of efficiency. It reaches almost 90%. For gas burners, this figure is only 65%, and for glass-ceramic surfaces - 60%.

The next common statement - health hazards - is also incorrect. Surface heating will not start if there is no cookware. After all, it is the capacity that must receive an electromagnetic pulse, and therefore, without it, the danger of burns is zero. And even if there is a large saucepan or frying pan, the perimeter of the hotplate does not get hot. All splashes and spilled liquid, spilled food can be removed immediately: after all, the surface will remain cold.

Burning food, potholders, towels, wooden spoons is excluded. The problem of burnt fat, which has been the bane of housewives for many years, has been completely resolved. Since the panel is extremely smooth, most of the dirt can be removed without problems with a slightly damp sponge. The most serious stains and dirt are removed in the same way as from glass ceramic hobs. The absence of heating of the stove itself or any part of it allows you to exclude the characteristic stuffiness in the room. And also the advantages of induction models are:

• excellent accuracy of temperature control;
• a wide variety of factory programs;
• perfect adherence to the regime for cooking any dish;
• the presence of small table tiles that help out in a small kitchen, in the country and even in a hotel.

The glass-ceramic surface is fragile. It must be handled carefully and carefully. If something heavy falls, the probability of serious panel breakage is very high. As for the danger of low frequency magnetic fields, it is exaggerated. Only people with pacemaker implants are at risk. Induction also has no effect on the quality of the food being cooked. It remains to mention one more disadvantage of induction cookers: their high price. A significant fee is fully justified by the fact that in the future the device will consume less electricity. But there are also opportunities for savings when buying.

The price strongly depends on the promotion of the brand: sometimes the overpayment is not for the quality, but for the brand. Even one manufacturer has factories in different countries. At the same time, they work with different costs, and the cost of production differs by tens of percent. The number of auxiliary functions also affects the price.

There is a popular misconception that almost all kitchen utensils will need to be replaced. But in reality, everything is simpler. Heating of dishes by electromagnetic induction is possible when at least the lower part is made of ferromagnetic materials. That is, substances that interact with a magnetic field. If a permanent magnet sticks to the surface of a pot or pan, there is no point in changing it. But even without special checks, you can safely use containers:

• cast iron;
• stainless;
• enameled.

When choosing dishes, of course, the specific features of a particular material must be taken into account. They affect the usability, even if the magnetic parameters are approximately the same. Stainless steel resists corrosion well and hardly oxidizes. If you use it for cooking, the beneficial properties of the food will be fully preserved. Stainless steel dishes can be placed in the refrigerator or in a cold room (on the balcony) - the taste of the food will not deteriorate.

The enamelled container is also compatible with induction cookers. But it is necessary to carefully check that the bottom does not have irregularities. The closer it is to the plane, the better. Recommendation: the same rule is followed when selecting dishes for classic electric stoves. The discs should also have as flat a saucepan or frying pan as possible. You can safely use cast iron. You just need to remember that he is quite fragile. Even professionals use cast iron cookware for cooking on an induction hob. This material is also good for those who pay much attention to a healthy lifestyle. There are a few more nuances:

• cheap (less than $ 20) containers are obviously not suitable for an induction hearth;
• the compatibility of the utensils that are marked with the appropriate signs (4 vertically positioned loops) is guaranteed;
• do not put dishes with a thin bottom (less than 0.3-0.4 cm) on such a stove.

Another popular "horror story" is that you will have to select a place for induction cookers almost with the help of engineers. In reality, there are only three limitations. It should not be above devices:

• oven;
• washing machine;
• dishwasher.

Important: all installation work should only be performed by a qualified technician. Glass ceramics are fragile. The slightest carelessness can severely damage it, and so that the surface cannot be restored. Professionals believe that an induction hob should be connected via a separate power cable. It is connected directly to the household electrical panel, and for greater safety, a circuit breaker is used. It is very good if the wire is connected to a special socket into which the hob is connected. Connecting directly with a cable is not considered safe enough and will not be recommended by any expert.

A classic electric stove first heats up the disc, and only from there the heat enters the cookware. The induction type transfers heat energy directly to the heated vessels, and cooking is faster. But it is much more demanding on the dishes used, which must necessarily have magnetic properties. However, there are several differences that support traditional electric stoves:

• the ability to connect independently (without contacting professionals);
• not too much difference in energy consumption (if you select the economy mode);
• a sufficient level of safety is ensured if the correct wiring is installed and basic precautions are taken;
• the air is as clean as an induction equivalent.

Usually such products are completed with 1-2 burners. The surface of induction portable cookers is predominantly made of glass ceramics, but tempered glass is sometimes used. The first version of the coating does not collapse even from a strong impact and serious heating. But glass ceramics are quite expensive, and their surface is too easily covered with scratches. Compared to a full-size induction hob, the tabletop is more economical: it consumes less current.

This option saves space. The useful area in the kitchen is minimally absorbed. A tabletop induction cooker is ideal for the country, where there is always a lack of space. What is important for many, it also looks prettier, better in line with modern design trends. The device can have different geometries. Designers try to find the best, from an aesthetic point of view, the placement of the burners and the ideal color.

A serious advantage of the tabletop design can also be considered its mobility. The tiles are available with touch or mechanical control. In terms of the number of options, they are almost as good as stationary products. But of course the bulky oven is missing. The best models have the following functionality:

• maintaining a constant temperature;
• timer;
• setting programs;
• determination of the size of the dishes and their material.

It is these stoves that come with the oven. They are preferred in professional kitchens for their increased productivity. The built-in hob almost always has 4 cooking zones. Another important feature is the use of a large number of temperature controllers, timers and other accessories. The purchase of a built-in slab is also justified for a private house, because the difference in price with desktop products is fully justified by the operational advantages.

Induction hobs are still used too rarely. Table models are recommended for those who live alone. For young families where there are no children yet, such a product will also be a good choice. A full-fledged built-in stove is suitable for those who like to cook original dishes and for large families. In some places, the power supply is unstable. To suffer less from its failures, you can buy a combination cooker. In it, 2 burners are supplied with electricity, and 2 - with gas. But if the choice is made in favor of just such a design, all safety restrictions will have to be taken into account.

The number of power switch positions is important. If there are few of them, the stove will be cheaper. But such products are less convenient to work with. The accelerated heating mode should not be overestimated: it is not suitable for cooking, since long-term operation in this mode is impossible. The maximum is the accelerated preparation of dumplings or dumplings, and you should not count on frying meat cutlets.

Some dishes are recommended to be cooked over an open fire. Its imitation in an induction hob is a concave spherical burner. Important: when there are small children, animals or birds in the house, you should choose plates with rounded corners or with a metal edging: they allow you to avoid injuries from sharp edges. The choice of a stove for a specific place is no less relevant. Adequate space is required for the installation of stationary hearths. And even desktop options take up a certain area. It is very important that the selected area is stable and away from refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers.

KitFort KT-114 is an excellent push-button induction cooker. Its power is 1.6 kW. Consumers can take advantage of one of five pre-installed programs. It is worth taking a closer look at the KT-115 model. Its power is slightly higher: 2 kW. Many people will love the touch control system and the 8 working programs.

The ratings consistently include the products of the Gastrorag company. Some consumers believe that it is even better than Kitfort. Many experienced chefs share this opinion. The tabletop model TZ BT-350D2 allows you to heat food from 60 to 240 °. Its dimensions are 60.5X36X6 cm. The stove consumes 3.5 kW and has 2 heating sections. The weight of the structure is 5.8 kg. The body is made of heat-resistant plastic. Alternatively, consider the TZ BT-180K. Its parameters:

• weight 2.6 kg;
• power consumption 1.8 kW;
• dimensions 34.4X32X7 cm;
• 1 heating section;
• maximum load 15 kg;
• timer for 180 minutes.

The Gemlux GL-IC3510PRO induction hob consumes 3.5 kW, and its body is made of stainless steel. Size - 45X36X12.9 cm. Mixed control (sensor-mechanical). The device has 10 power levels. The built-in timer is designed for 24 hours.

In addition to analyzing technical indicators, it is appropriate to pay attention to the feedback from direct users. Thus, Siemens EX375FXB1E models give positive marks.It stands out for its impressive quality and striking design. Among the positive features are the presence of a timer and a temporary blocking function.

You can also take a closer look at Gorenje IT 332 CSC. This model, although not a budget one, can satisfy the needs of most people. It is considered simple and of high quality. It has touch switches. The main control is carried out using buttons. The design also includes a timer.

They speak well of the Kitfort KT-101 single-burner stove: it is recognized as one of the best in its category. The power of the product is 2 kW. There are 10 operating modes, but blocking is not possible. The black glass ceramic surface looks attractive.

For information on how to choose an induction cooker, see the next video.