Main features of induction cookers: principle of operation, rules of use, rating of popular manufacturers

An induction cooker is a type of heating technology that runs on electricity. It uses a rapidly changing magnetic field. An induction cooker heats up much faster than an electric or gas cooker. The entire surface of the panel or a certain area of ​​it is not subject to heating. For cooking, special pans are used that are attracted by a magnet (steel, cast iron).

Induction hob in the kitchen.

Induction cookers are gradually replacing traditional gas options. They consume less electricity, are efficient and look extremely aesthetically pleasing. This has become the main reason for the popularity of equipment in modern kitchens. Let's try to figure out what an induction cooker is, how the equipment works, and what you should pay attention to when choosing.

For an induction cooker, special ceramic cookware is used.

Specifics of induction cookers

Induction hobs use a rapidly changing electromagnetic field. It is created by coils located just below the working surface. Once a pan of ferromagnetic materials (substances attracted by a magnet) is placed and the plate is turned on, the electricity is converted to heat, causing eddy currents. This way the cookware is heated directly. This will make cooking more efficient.

An induction cooker heats the cookware by induced eddy currents.

Anyone purchasing an induction cooker needs to purchase a special kitchen set. The bottom of pots and pans for the presented household appliances is marked with a special symbol.

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Pros and cons of induction cookers

Induction cookers do not differ in appearance from conventional ceramic options. They look extremely elegant and modern. This is their undeniable advantage.

The biggest advantage of induction cookers is their elegant appearance.

The presented hobs are energy-saving devices - heat is generated only at the bottom of the plate, and not on the surface of the stove. This operating principle increases the safety of using household equipment. Other advantages of its use include the following:

1. Safety. Thanks to the direct heating of the dishes, the area itself remains cool. Unlike gas stoves, there is no contact with fire. This will be appreciated by any housewife who prefers comfort while cooking.
2. Economical. By heating only the bottom of the pan rather than the entire hob, less energy is consumed. In view of the constant increase in tariffs, this is considered a good advantage.
3. Easy cleaning. The flat surface and absence of hard-to-reach nooks and crannies makes cleaning easy. Cleaning the hob will take a minimum amount of time.
4. Save time. The Power Boost function reduces cooking time by half. This is due to the ability to program modes for embedded equipment.
5. Healthy meals. The direct effect on food and the ability to regulate temperature allows vegetables not to lose as many vitamins, and meat becomes more juicy.
6. Functionality. Household appliances are equipped with many additional and useful functions. They are specially designed to preserve the taste of individual products.
7. Ease of use. Diagnose faults by displaying the error code. This will simplify the work of any technician who will immediately understand what is wrong with the equipment.
8. Elegant and aesthetic appearance. This parameter is especially important for those who prefer harmony in the kitchen.

Using a special heating technique, induction cookers allow you to preserve the juiciness and vitamins of food.

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Operating principle and capabilities of the device

The offer of induction cookers is becoming wider and more diverse from year to year. This modern and convenient type of built-in appliances is very popular. Induction cooking is convenient, fast and appreciated by modern housewives. This makes induction cooktops increasingly popular. The models presented in stores differ in many ways. The buyer should familiarize himself with several key features of the choice:

1. Induction hob size. This is one of the most important characteristics that you should pay attention to when purchasing the presented household appliances. Not every kitchen will meet the standard sixty, and it is not always necessary. Induction cooktops are available in many different sizes. This is an important parameter due to the different layouts of modern kitchen rooms.
2. Distribution and number of heating circles. It is worth paying attention to the ergonomic location and other features of the selected induction cooker. The most important thing is not the size of the plate, but how the heating fields are distributed and what plates can be placed on them. This need is different for different people.
3. Power and type of power source. Parameters such as these can be critical in the case of old electrical wiring. Some heating plates must be connected to a three-phase system. Others can be used after connecting to one phase (230 V).
4. Design and control. These are parameters that should not be underestimated. The aesthetics and color of an induction hob are important because they affect the appearance of the entire kitchen. When it comes to control, it's all about the user-friendly operation of the device. Currently, the most popular and widespread are induction cookers with touch controls. Models with electronic or mechanical options are rarely used. Electronics are more practical and functional.

High practicality and functionality are the distinctive features of induction cookers.

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What to look for when purchasing

It’s easiest to decide on the type of stove, but understanding the modifications and additional options is not always easy. What should you pay attention to when choosing a good induction hob?

1. The number of burners - it can be different, it is worth determining which will be optimal.
2. The number of cooking modes can vary over a wide range, the average value is 15.
3. Size. For many, the dimensions of a household appliance play an important role; if there is not a lot of space in the kitchen, you can take a closer look at portable or built-in 3-burner models, they are quite stylish and will allow you to place other kitchen items nearby.
4. The Boost intensive heating function is useful for those who live in a strict rhythm. It will allow you to quickly heat a kettle, water for soup or pasta.
5. The Stop&Go function allows you to pause the cooking process for a short period of time.
6. Maximum cooking time - often limited to 3 hours, which goes against some recipes. Naturally, the cycle can be extended and the device will continue to work.
7. Switching modes – not every induction surface will allow you to set different modes on different burners; most often, this option is not available in budget models.

Understanding what an induction cooker is and what options it can have, it is quite easy to make the right choice when looking for a new cooker. By comparing induction and traditional electric stoves, you can identify the pros and cons of both options. In general, induction hobs have an intuitive interface, a number of safety systems and convenient cooking modes.

What types of induction cookers are there?

An important advantage of induction cookers is the safety of their use. By directly heating the bottom of the pan rather than the entire plate (and no flame underneath the pan), the risk of burns is reduced. Even though the plate is turned on, the surface around the container remains cold. Some manufacturers use additional locks that prevent the countertop from accidentally turning on, both during cleaning and when a child is playing in the kitchen. Among the important selection parameters are the following.

There is a large selection of induction cookers.

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Number of heating fields

The number of fields is an important factor when choosing a disk. The fewer there are, the lower the price of the device. Most plates are equipped with four fields. However, you may find tabletops with three or even two margins. Unlike gas stoves, induction options allow for precise temperature control. Cooking zones do not have to be as varied in power and size as other available solutions. Heating fields can be in the shape of a circle, oval or rectangle.

Induction hob with one heating field.

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Control

Most manufacturers use intuitive solutions. Some people choose mechanically adjustable knobs or tactile sliders (electronic sliders). You can also find induction cookers in the market that are controlled using color LCD displays. More expensive models of such hobs are equipped with sensors located in front or on the side of the device.

Built-in induction hob in the kitchen.

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What are the differences from other plates

With a wide range of induction cookers available in the market, it can be difficult to choose a specific model. Most devices vary in shape, color and available features. When using induction hobs, remember the following:

1. To avoid improper operation of household appliances, do not place wet pots on its surface and keep it perfectly clean.
2. Cookware for the presented built-in equipment must be made of ferromagnetic steel and have a flat bottom corresponding to the heating zone.
3. Do not leave magnetic cards near the induction hob, for example in an ATM, as they may become demagnetized.
4. To save energy, use pots with lids.

Cookware on an induction hob does not burn on the outside.

Induction cookers are a special type of kitchen utensils for cooking. The operating principle is the heating of metal tanks caused by eddy currents. The latter are created by a high-frequency magnetic field. The advantages of induction stoves are the highest efficiency (about 90% versus 60-70% in conventional electric stoves), rapid achievement of the desired temperature, accurate temperature maintenance, safety, etc. Manufacturers provide induction cookers with many additional functions. They make the cooking process easier and heating more accurate.

After removing the cookware, the induction cooker switches off automatically.

Useful features:

1. Vessel size recognition. Sensors detect the edges of the vessel and select the appropriate amount of energy for its diameter.
2. Detection of the presence of cookware. Due to the presented function, the plate is automatically turned on or off.
3. Programmed operating time. After a certain time, the hob automatically turns off. The electronics signals the end with an audible signal.
4. Availability of a cooking control sensor. They detect the temperature inside the pan and automatically adjust it. The sensor also tells you when to start frying. There is a function that provides heating acceleration up to 50% by increasing the power of the electromagnetic field.
5. Residual heat indicator. Indicates whether the hob remains warm. This is important in terms of safety and saving resources.
6. Stop&Go. Allows you to reduce the field heating level to 1 when you need to leave the kitchen for a while. Once back, simply press the button and the dial will restore the previous cooking settings.
7. Memory. Allows you to save cooking settings that you can use in the future. This is a very practical function for people who value their free time.
8. Hitch-hiking. Automatic disc interruption when overheating during cooking. This helps prevent damage to dishes and household equipment.
9. Bridge. The function allows you to combine two adjacent heating fields into one. This is very useful when using larger cookware.
10. Blocking. The button can be used to lock all drive settings and prevent accidental turning on or off. This function is very important when children live in the house.

Gas stove options have many cooking programs.

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Technical features

If you look at the diagram of a regular induction electric stove, it will contain 5 elements:

• glass ceramic surface;
• insulation;
• a coil that induces eddy currents;
• frequency converter;
• Control block.

Induction panels are produced in standard or non-standard dimensions, thanks to which they are easily built into kitchen furniture, and the dimensions do not always affect the number of options and technical characteristics.

Metal frames can run along the contour of the built-in slabs - they are created for additional rigidity and to protect the edges from chipping.

As a rule, the stove is a smooth glass-ceramic surface, under which all the components are located. The control panel is most often located in the front part, but there are modifications where each burner is equipped with an individual set of touch buttons.

The design of induction electric cookers will impress even discerning users: universal colors, laconic control zone, informative markings, in a word - Hi-Tech in its full splendor.

Cookware recommended for use

To use an induction hob, you need to acquire a set of special ferromagnetic steel vessels. Cooking is more efficient if the pan consists of several layers made of high-quality materials. Induction cookers are not the cheapest, but they can be used for many years because they are of the highest quality.

Only cookware made of ferromagnetic material is suitable for such a stove.

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Installation Tips

Before using the purchased induction cooker, it must be connected. The assembly of induction hobs must be carried out by an electrician who will connect the wires correctly. More and more manufacturers are requiring that the person installing the appliance include a stamp on the warranty card confirming that the induction hob was installed correctly. Incorrect cable connections may damage your home equipment and void your warranty.

The glass surface is easy to clean.

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Disadvantages

In addition to its positive properties, the device also has weaknesses:

1. The fragile glass-ceramic surface requires careful handling.
2. Installing a stove near refrigerators and microwave ovens is prohibited. Electromagnetic waves have a detrimental effect on the operation of metal devices.
3. Such a stove requires the use of special containers with ferromagnetic characteristics.
4. High price.

The induction cooker is quite noisy, which causes discomfort for users. Many consumers are concerned about the harmfulness of such a stove. We can say with confidence that in this case any negative impact on a person is excluded. The level of electromagnetic radiation is so low that it does not pose any danger. Induction heating is comparable to the effect of laptops, phones, and computers that are familiar to everyone.

Important! Persons with a pacemaker should not purchase such household equipment due to possible malfunctions of the medical device.

Despite the imperfections of this heating device and the many prejudices that have arisen around it, the harmfulness of induction cookers is very doubtful, and hesitations in choice are associated only with insufficient information about the new equipment.

TOP 12 best induction cooker manufacturers

The range of induction cookers is so wide that it is difficult to quickly determine which models are especially popular and deserve attention. That is why our rating of induction hobs was compiled. It shows the devices that are most often purchased in stores. Purchasing an induction hob requires significant expenses. Don't rush into making decisions. One of the important characteristics is popularity and a good opinion about the manufacturer of the selected device. By knowing which induction cooktops and manufacturers are the most trusted by consumers, you can choose the best device for yourself. A list of the most popular brands that offer induction cooktops includes:

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Skvara

The first place in our ranking is occupied by the manufacturer Skvara, whose motto is quality and reliability. The company is fighting for its leadership, which has been maintained for more than a decade. Skvara produces induction cookers for different price segments. There are customer service centers.

Skvara induction hob.

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Electrolux

One of the world's most popular manufacturers of household appliances. The brand offers a wide range of induction cookers. There are devices on sale from different price ranges. Built-in induction appliances from the manufacturer Electrolux always receive good ratings from customers.

Electrolux induction cooker.

Gorenje

Gorenje is a well-known brand of the Slovenian engineering company of the same name. Small and large household appliances are produced in different European countries, including at our own factories in Slovenia itself. Practical and productive equipment has long been safely placed in the kitchens of those who appreciate comfort and safety. The Slovenian brand was founded in 1950. Gorenje has repeatedly received awards for its user-friendliness, design and contribution to the environment.

Gorenje induction cooker.

Hansa

Hansa is a Russian brand. It produces fairly good household appliances in terms of reliability and functionality. Hansa induction panels are manufactured in Poland by Amica Wronki SA. This is a company that supplies budget kitchen equipment to the market. Built-in appliances are always of high quality. The manufacturer has repeatedly received awards in the “Brand of the Year” category. Constant development of production and quality control allowed us to enter the international market.

Hansa induction cooker.

Saturn

Induction cookers from this manufacturer are gradually replacing traditional gas and electric ovens. Users are moving away from outdated solutions in favor of superior design, user-friendliness and ease of maintenance. In addition to the affordable price, modern Saturn induction cookers have another important advantage - safety.

Saturn induction cooker.

Bosch

This is a German company. The brand is recognized and appreciated almost all over the world. In the Bosch assortment you can find many popular models of induction cookers, including equipment with different functionality and sizes. Household appliances are mainly assembled in Spain.

Bosch induction hob.

Hotpoint-Ariston

The company's history began in 2007, when Indesit merged its Ariston brand with the acquired Hotpoint brand. For this reason, the history of the newly created brand is quite extensive and impressive. Thanks to this, there is hardly any need to doubt the quality of the technology. The company pays special attention to preserving the beneficial properties of its products. Hob models use a lot of energy, allowing you to cook truly healthy meals that are nutritious.

Induction hob Hotpoint-Ariston.

Whirlpool

This is another global brand. The manufacturer offers an extremely wide range of induction cookers. The company's work is characterized by constant innovation.

Whirlpool induction cooker.

Zanussi

Another recognized leader in the production of kitchen equipment. The company's engineers take innovative solutions as the basis for new levels of safety, comfort and savings. Zanussi is an Italian representative in the household appliances market with a century-old history. Known for decent quality and customer service. Products are manufactured in many European countries.

Zanussi induction hob.

Siemens

litas are in demand among consumers, and the company cooperates with many recognized brands. This brand creates products according to the principle of a quality pyramid. Reliability and functionality are the basis of the products, original style is the top.

Siemens induction cooker.

Samsung

The surfaces of the famous manufacturer are the embodiment of true lightness and grace, combined with strict adherence to European quality standards. The Samsung brand is well known in the domestic market, like other manufacturers in this ranking. In terms of functionality, induction hobs with glass-ceramic surfaces provided by this manufacturer are extremely popular.

Samsung induction cooker.

Indesit

Supplies budget built-in equipment. In most cases, such equipment is compact in size. The device parameters are calculated in the smallest detail. The surface contains only a set of necessary elements; it is stylish and easy to use.

Indesit induction cooker.

To determine which induction cooker to choose, the customer must pay attention to various parameters. First of all, it is important to make sure that the size of the particular model matches the opening under the kitchen stove, if you have one. You also need to decide how many heating zones you need. There are many excellent models on the market with 5 burners and 6 cooking zones. No less attention is paid to additional functionality and thoughtful management. They affect the convenience of cooking.

Disadvantages of induction panels

Everything has its downsides, and induction hobs are no exception. The reason why they still remain a rare attribute of modern cuisine lies not only in prejudice. Among the disadvantages of such panels are:

• high cost. Since they are much more technologically advanced than conventional ones, the panels are correspondingly more expensive. But prices are gradually falling, as happens with all new equipment. In addition, purchasing an induction model will allow you to save on electricity in the future;
• the need to use special utensils. If your pots and pans are not made of ferromagnetic materials, they will need to be replaced. But, fortunately, there are more and more universal cookware models on the market that are suitable for any appliance. Including induction;
• inability to work with small containers. For example, brewing coffee in a Turkish coffee pot can be problematic. But for this, special adapters and other accessories have been invented to solve the problem;
• slight noise during operation.