Which stove to choose - electric or induction?

The modern choice of household appliances is so diverse that when the time comes to update existing appliances or just need to buy new ones, then almost every consumer comes to a standstill. Today we’ll talk about which stove to choose electric or induction. The above comparative analysis will help you determine the appropriate option.

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Induction Cooker - Features

Induction hob is a device that exploits eddy induction currents. Currents induces an electromagnetic field with a frequency range of 20-100 kHz.

Depending on the design features, these types of plates are distinguished:

• Tabletop or portable are compact appliances equipped with a single burner.
• Recessed.
• Combined models. In this case, part of the burners is ordinary electric, part - works from the induced current.

Before deciding which panel is better - induction or electric, consider the principle of operation of induction cookers.

Important! Induction cookers are very finicky, so it is very important to use special dishes for cooking. Check out one of our articles on which is better to purchase. cookware for induction cookers.

How does an induction panel function?

Before buying a device, you need to know in general terms how it works and what is induction in a hob. The general structure of the stove is as follows:

• Glass ceramic surface.
• Coil that induces eddy currents.
• Insulation.
• Control unit.
• Frequency converter

Induction coil is located under the surface of the device. Electric current flows through it. The principle of operation of the device resembles a transformer. The primary winding is a coil, the secondary is a pan or pan placed on the stove. For this reason, the burner itself does not heat up. Only the dishes, respectively, of the products placed in it, are heated. At the same time, it is necessary that kitchen utensils meet certain requirements.

Important! In comparison with other types of cooking appliances, induction electric stove has the maximum speed of cooking. For example, if it takes 10 minutes to boil a liter of water on an electric stove, then only 2 minutes on an induction one.

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Advantages and disadvantages

Compare the main characteristics of the induction hob with other popular varieties. First, let's try to find out what is more profitable - induction or electric hob?

The functioning of these devices varies significantly:

• The products are heated in the induction cooker without heat transfer from the burner to the pot or pan. This happens due to the magnetic field, which appears from the interaction of the high-frequency current and the coil.
• Now let's try to find out which hobs are better - electric or induction. In the electric panel, the burner itself is first heated, then the bottom of the dishes, and only then - food, due to which the cooking time increases.

Let's compare the advantages and disadvantages for different types of plates.

Important! When purchasing a hob, do not forget to prepare and install the outlet.You will find out which outlet is best to choose and how to install it by reading our next article “Hob socket ».

Advantages of induction cooker:

• The surface heats up no more than 60 degrees.
• Dishes do not heat up much.
• Cooling time - 5-6 minutes.
• The stove works, while the air practically does not heat up.
• Great variability of heating power (50 W - 3.5 kW).
• A burner does not work if it is closed by less than 70% of the dishes.
• Does not work if the pan is not full.
• Economical power consumption.
• The ability to quickly change the temperature.
• Blocking the panel in case of mistakenly selected mode.
• Efficiency 90%.

Disadvantages:

• Increased fragility, which requires caution during installation.
• The need to install away from household appliances (refrigerators, dishwashers).
• The impact of electromagnetic radiation on various objects (removable drives, plastic cards).
• Special requirements for the selection of dishes (magnetic bottom).
• Noise in the process.
• High price.

Advantages of glass ceramics:

• The ability of the hob to withstand high temperatures.
• Profitability.
• The ability to quickly change the temperature.
• The ability to control the heating zone, from the dimensions of the dishes.
• The switches are locked.
• Efficiency 50%.

Disadvantages:

• The surface is easy to damage.
• Copper and aluminum cookware leaves traces.
• The stove is very hot during operation, there is a risk of burns.
• The need for continuous monitoring of cooking.
• Sophisticated care, the need to use.

Advantages of the electric stove:

• Low cost.
• A wide range of models.
• Silent work.
• Easy to connect and operate.
• Most modern models can work in energy-saving mode.
• Safety of use (the main thing is to correctly calculate the wiring).

Important! If you still decide to purchase an electric stove, study the ratingthe best models of electric stoves.

Disadvantages:

• Low efficiency (30%).
• Electricity consumption is 1.5 times more than that of induction technology.

Important! Choosing which stove is better - induction or electric, we can say that the latter loses in terms of efficiency and safety parameters. Yes, and take care of her troublesome. The same goes for glass ceramics.

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Induction hob - harmful or beneficial

The main constraint for buyers considering the choice of a hob - induction or electric - is, in addition to the high price of the inductive device, a lack of understanding of the principle of its action. It is widely believed that an induction device can harm health. However, manufacturers assure that the magnetic field with low frequencies is completely safe. At the same time, people with pacemakers should not approach the devices at a distance of less than 0.5 m.

Important! The Swiss Federal Health Center has conducted a study on the degree of safety of induction cookers. In the experiment, 3 plates of this type were used: 2 stationary and 1 portable. As a result of the study, it was found that when using the plates no negative changes in the body are observed.

At the end of the experiment, experts published recommendations on the safe use of the device for those who decided to buy an induction hob:

1. Place cooking utensils in the center of the cooking zone.
2. Use only kitchen utensils whose bottom completely covers the heating area.
3. Only use cookware with a flat and even bottom. Items with a curved bottom cannot be used.
4. When purchasing cookware, pay attention to the presence of markings confirming the validity of use with induction surfaces.
5. During cooking, do not use spoons made of ferromagnetic materials to stir.

Important! Another common myth that has nothing to do with reality is that food cooked on an induction burner is radioactive. In fact, the cooking process cannot change the molecular composition of the products, so there is no question of any radioactivity.

Based on the above information, the choice of the hob must be approached with all responsibility. We suggest you browse the best models in hob rating.

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findings

So, which hob is better - induction or electric? Summing up from everything said, we can say the following about the induction cooker:

• The device is safe, economical and efficient. If you use it exactly according to the instructions.
• Keeping your kitchen clean will take less time because there are no combustion products.
• Minimum disadvantages.

Important! The most important thing is that you reduce cooking time, and the efficiency from using the cooker is the largest of the three options and is 90%!

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Stock footage

In this article, we examined in detail all the features of the use of different types of hobs, relying on which you can now clarify the situation for yourself and make the right choice of such an indispensable kitchen equipment. Good luck