How to choose an induction cooker?

Cooking on an induction hob is a pleasure. It is not the hob that is heated, but the dishes, the cooking process is fast, the controls are the most modern. In general, this miracle of technology has many significant advantages (a little later about them). We will figure out how to choose an induction stove so that the purchase does not give you disappointments.

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What are the advantages of induction technology?

• Economical energy consumption. Unlike an electric stove with cast-iron pancakes-hobs, an induction device does not spend electricity on heating the cooking surface and the surrounding air. Only utensils and products that are inside are heated. Cooking time is reduced. It turns out saving time and money.
• High level of security. The stove “works” as long as there is cookware on it.

Important! A child accidentally left unattended cannot turn on the device on his own. One has only to free the surface from the dishes, as it turns off.

• To reduce the heating temperature, just press the special button. Now you can forget about the problems associated with boiling water.
• Food accidentally spilled onto the surface of the stove does not burn, because its surface itself does not heat up. This means that cleaning the hob is more than easy.

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Are there any downsides?

The induction device is not without its individual flaws, which must be understood before choosing and buying an induction cooker:

• Special requirements for utensils. The bottom should be thick, with ferromagnetic properties. Therefore, when buying dishes, take a magnet with you. The best option is stainless steel with a thick bottom. In a separate article on our website, you will learn how to choose the right cookware for induction cookers.

Important! Such kits are expensive, but the cooking process is significantly accelerated.

• Glass ceramic, from which the hob is made, is quite fragile and requires specific care. On our portal, we examined in detail how to care for her.

Important! You will find all the necessary information with practical advice from experienced housewives and housekeeping specialists who will be useful to you later when using the new panel in the article“Care for induction hob”.

Now, in more detail, consider the criteria that must be taken into account when buying.

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Cooktop VS hob

Freestanding induction cookers can be found on sale infrequently. Smaller compact models for 2 burners are much more often sold - this option is more suitable for the cottage. But the choice of independent hobs is huge. In this case, it is necessary to have a worktop where the device is built in.

Important! If a compact stove for 2 burners does not suit you, it is advisable to choose a desktop induction stove.

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Manufacturing company

Brands of European manufacturers remain in price and honor. In particular, German equipment is out of competition, because an impeccable reputation guarantees a long service life of the equipment.

Important! When choosing an induction appliance, do not forget to pay attention to the energy efficiency class.The best option is A or A +.

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The form

Here, in addition to the classic square, you can choose a device of a rectangular or hexagonal shape. Product dimensions range from compact 300x300 mm to quite spacious 1000x1000 mm.

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Design

This is also an important factor, since you have to fit the stove into an already formed or planned kitchen interior:

• The most common option is a black hob.
• Recently, surfaces made of white or transparent material have appeared.
• The heating zones are outlined by geometric shapes - circles, polygons or ovals.

Important! As for the control, it can be mechanical or touch. What to choose depends on your taste.

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Cost

Induction devices cannot be called cheap. Their cost is much higher than other types of plates. The cost of the model depends on the brand and equipment of the device.

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Number of burners

For one or two people, two heating zones are enough. Naturally, a large family will need more burners. In this case, it is advisable to pay attention to models with an expanded heating zone, which makes it possible to place more pots on the stove.

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The number of temperature conditions

Controlling the intensity of heating is an indispensable part of kitchen experiments, so a large number of modes will please the hostess. As a rule, 16 modes are enough for the most sophisticated culinary specialist.

A function called “booster” (quick heating) deserves attention. It is indispensable if you need to quickly cook food. Simple, like all ingenious: at the touch of a button, you transfer power from one burner to another.

Important! People with pacemakers need to use induction cookers carefully.

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Additional functionality

The more functions a cooker has, the more expensive it is. Do I need to overpay for unused functionality? Probably not. Therefore, in addition to the main functions, you need to pay attention to such moments:

• Different number of burners, different sizes and layout.
• Combined models are the choice of those who are not ready to completely switch to using an induction device. The way out is a combination of induction and electric burners.
• Power and diameter of rings. What power to choose for an induction cooker? It all depends on the amount of cooking and the dishes you have. Convenient in this regard, models equipped with burners with extension. They “adapt” to the dimensions of the bottom of pots and pans.
• The control panel lock is a reliable protection of the stove from the attacks of children, and of the children themselves from injuries.
• Electronic timer. A sound signal will tell you when the stove needs to be turned off.
• Residual heat indicator - minimizes the likelihood of burns.
• Possibility of power regulation. The maximum number of control stages is 16.
• Recognition of dishes. The stove works exclusively with the “right” cookware.
• Power Management This feature allows you to control power consumption. You set the rate of energy consumption yourself.
• Induction without limits. This is an innovative feature that the most modern models have. Simply put the pan on the stove, and the “smart” device itself determines how to act on it.
• Keeping warm. This mode is convenient if family members come home at different times. Do not have to constantly warm up food. Very comfortably.
• Constant temperature control mode. It is enough to enter the necessary data into the device’s memory, and the plate itself will set the specified parameters.

Important! Want to connect your hob yourself? Especially for you, we have selected the necessary information in the article"Socket for the hob".

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Review of successful models

In addition to the technical characteristics and functions, in order to choose the best induction cooker, one must pay attention to the manufacturer, its variations of the models.

Electrolux EHM 6335 K

The stove is equipped with 3 gas burners and an induction heating zone Hi-Light. The working surface of the plate is glass-ceramic; power control is performed using rotary elements.

Electrolux EHM 60132 K

Another model with a combination of gas and induction burners. There is a gas control function, touch control.

Gorenje KC 620 BC

Beautiful modern model in black ceramic, combining electric and induction hobs.

Siemens EH875SC11E

Good built-in model for a large family. Such a hob is safe and easy to care for.

Important! This is a real find for the hostess who cooks numerous and varied dishes. A definite plus is the safety of the device. There is protection from children.

Benefits:

• 5 rings, 2 - with an expanded heating zone.
• Easy care, scratch resistant.
• Economical energy consumption.
• Residual heat indicator.
• Child lock
• Beautiful modern design.
• Timer with shutdown.

Midea MC-IF7021B2 IV

An unusual design solution is an induction panel made in the Retro style. The ivory surface is decorated with beige hues.

Important! Regulation of the cooking mode is carried out by pressing the slider. At the same time, the safety of the plate is at its best. There are features such as child lock and timer shutdown.

Benefits:

• Unusual beautiful design.
• Fast heating mode.
• Auto shut off when overheating.
• Residual heat indicator.
• Lock buttons from children.

Zanussi ZEI 5680 FB

Budget built-in cooker with 4 induction hobs. Management is simple, you can deal with it in a few minutes. The model is safe. When the dishes are removed from the surface, the appliance automatically turns off.

Benefits:

• Relatively low price.
• Strict design (minimalists will be delighted).
• Simple operation.
• Automatic recognition of dishes.
• Protective function against accidental activation.

Bosch PIC645F17E

A good hybrid model for 4 burners, 2 of which are induction, and 2 are ordinary ceramic. So, you can gradually switch to kitchen utensils with a ferromagnetic bottom. One of the induction hobs is made with an expansion zone. There is an indicator of residual heating and automated recognition of the presence of dishes on the surface.

Benefits:

• Quality factor, high-quality assembly.
• Combination of burners of different types.
• Practical steel sides that do not allow spillage of spreading fluid.
• Possibility of power amplification.
• Locking control panel.
• Each burner is equipped with a timer.
• Power limitation function, the ability to control energy consumption.

Among the shortcomings, only high cost and quite expensive repairs can be noted.

Zanussi ZEN 6641 XBA

Multifunctional induction model with multiple heating modes. For fans to cook a variety of dishes - it's just a paradise! The Hi Light burners heat up very quickly.

Benefits:

• Hi Light burners with adjustable operating mode.
• Simple care.
• Timer.
• Residual heat indicator.
• Along the edge of the tile is a side made of stainless steel.
• Panel Lock.
• Automated protective shutdown.

Disadvantages:

• Expensive repairs.

LEX EVI 320 BL

Inexpensive induction panel with all the basic features. In addition, this model has a nice design. Build quality is also pleasing. The stove is equipped with only 2 rings, has a compact size, so it is ideal for a studio apartment.

Benefits:

• Low cost.
• Indicator of residual heating of burners.
• Security lock control panel.
• Auto power off.
• Timer.

Disadvantages:

• There is no protective edge around the edge.
• A not very long cord without a plug.

Kitfort CT-104

Cooker for 2 burners. Ideal for 1-2 people or for a country house. And, if the family has a multicooker, then this is a good option for an ordinary family of 3 people. At the same time, the cost of such a “baby” is significantly lower than that of a full-sized plate.

Benefits:

• Mobility.
• Good power.
• Quality coating.
• Beautiful strict design.
• Simple management.
• Simple care.
• Fast heating.
• There is a protective shutdown function.

Disadvantages:

• The control panel does not lock.

Kitfort CT-101

Compact mobile induction hob with 1 burner.

Important! As a rule, it is purchased to help the main stove (gas or electric), but they are operated at least at least.

Benefits:

• Low cost.
• Attractive design.
• Numerous customizable modes.
• Fast heating.
• Protective shutdown.
• Simple operation and maintenance.

The disadvantage is the same as the previous model - it is impossible to block the control panel.

Hansa fciw53800

Full-size cooker with electric oven and induction hob.

Benefits:

• Reasonable cost.
• Uniform and fast heating.
• Residual heating indicator.
• Two timers: for hob and oven.
• Timer (up to 10 hours), delayed start function.
• Automated protective shutdown.
• The oven is equipped with a grill and convector.

Disadvantages:

• The highest temperature for the oven is 270 degrees. This is not enough to cook some dishes.
• The instruction is very poorly written.
• There is no control panel lock.

Important! At first, when using the oven there is not a very pleasant smell.

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Stock footage

Of course, for cooking culinary masterpieces, you can use both electric and gas stove. But the induction device helps to save time and money, and significantly. And the design of these products is beautiful. Therefore, if you have not decided whether to buy an induction cooker, then choosing it will become a good financial investment for you. You will be convinced of it very quickly!