How to choose a 4-burner induction hob?

Just some 30 years ago, the German concern AEG introduced the world's first induction cooker to the European market. At first, this type of technique was not widespread, since, due to its high cost, only large restaurant chains could afford it. And only after a lapse of several years, such a stove took its rightful place in home kitchens. Let's see why this kitchen appliance is so attractive.

The operation was based on the principle of the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction, discovered by Michael Faraday. A copper coil converts electrical current into electromagnetic energy, creating induction currents. Electrons, when interacting with dishes made of ferromagnetic materials, come into active motion, while releasing thermal energy. Food and utensils are heated when the burner is completely cold.

Let's highlight 5 important advantages of induction.

• Security. The food is heated only when the cookware is in direct contact with the hotplate, which minimizes the risk of burns.
• Profitability. Energy consumption is several times less than that of electrical counterparts. The high efficiency factor allows you to significantly reduce the cooking time.
• Comfort. During work, there are no unpleasant smells of smoke and burnt food. Even if you accidentally drop food, it will not leave marks. This property greatly facilitates maintenance, eliminates the need to remove stains by scratching the surface. Cleaning is limited to simple wiping with a soft cloth.
• Practicality and ease of management. Intuitive electronic control interface. Touch buttons allow you to select the power and heating time, the cooking mode, set the timing.
• Design. Plates are available in black, gray and white, often equipped with exclusive designs or ornaments. Ergonomically fit into any interior, giving their owners a true aesthetic pleasure.

The modern market is saturated with models for various tasks - from home use to professional equipment for the restaurant business. This article provides an overview of a universal and most common option that meets the needs of any family and even a small cafe - a 4-burner induction hob.

• Embedded. Independent panels that cut into kitchen furniture or worktops. Stylish and versatile option for modern kitchens. Most of the products on the market follow this principle.
• Standing separately. A more budgetary option is suitable for those for whom the built-in appliances do not suit at all in their dimensions or in the absence of the possibility to radically change the interior of the kitchen. It is also perfect for a country or country house.

The functions are presented quite widely, with the growth of demand, more and more know-how appears. Here are the most popular and essential ones:

• autodetection of dimensions and material of dishes;
• turbo heating or autoboil mode;
• lock against accidental activation and child protection function;
• residual heat indication to control the degree of cooling;
• display protection for safe cleaning of spilled liquid or sauce;
• smart timer.

It is also worth paying special attention to the presence of double-circuit or oval heating zones, which will allow you to place dishes with a larger diameter and with a non-standard bottom. (for example, ducklings, cauldrons, etc.). In the latest premium class samples, there is no clear delineation of the working surface into heating zones, the user himself can choose the parameters of the burners depending on their preferences for the dishes and the process of work.

The priority and most common is the touch control system. It makes it possible to visually control all cooking parameters. An important advantage is ease of maintenance - there is no accumulation of dirt and grease, as in old electric stoves. In premium models, the sensors are recessed for a more pleasant tactile sensation.

The height of the built-in panels is about 5-6 cm. The width ranges from 50-100 cm. The depth is from 40 to 60 cm. Such a variety of parameters allows you to implement any of the most daring design decisions. It must be understood that these are the actual dimensions of the technique. The parameters of niches when installed in a tabletop will be slightly different, as a rule, manufacturers indicate them in the documentation.

Most surfaces are made of glass ceramics, which is a rather capricious and fragile material. It is easily exposed to mechanical stress (scratches and point chips). But at the same time it has high heat-resistant properties. An alternative can be tempered glass, which is distinguished by good anti-shock properties and practicality. If it breaks, it becomes covered with a network of cracks or disintegrates into harmless fragments.

The range of power consumption ranges from 3.5 to 10 kW. The market average is about 7 kW. When choosing, you need to focus on energy efficiency classes A + and A ++. The self-monitoring function of power consumption will be especially useful for networks of old housing stock and country houses. In addition, the presence of this function made it possible to equip the unit with an ordinary cord and plug for connecting to a 220 V network without installing additional wiring.

Also, to save kilowatts will help automatic standby function when the panel is not used for a long time (Power Management).

When buying, it is better to focus on well-known models of European manufacturers (Electrolux, Bosch, Miele), the quality and reliability of which are confirmed by appropriate certificates and a guarantee of performance over a long period of operation. In the budget niche, the leaders are the Russian company Kitfort and the Belarusian Gefest.

The induction four-burner hob is purchased according to your own needs. A reliable manufacturer and a high energy efficiency class A + and A ++ will be the key to a successful purchase. If your budget allows, pay attention to tempered glass models with arbitrary heating zones and a slider control principle. Functions of auto-off, auto-heating and fast boiling will be useful. For families with children, the priority will be protection mode against accidental activation.

In the next video, you will find an overview of the Bosch PUE631BB1E induction hob.