Differences between an induction cooker and an electric one, its operating principle, pros and cons

What is induction

The principle of electromagnetic induction is actively used in the production of household appliances. What is induction and how does it work? The electromagnetic field of the hob actively affects the metal surface of special cookware. The innovation of this technology lies in the fact that during the cooking process, the bottom of the frying pan or pan is heated, and the remaining elements of the kitchen utensils do not interact with the electromagnetic field.

In 1987, AEG introduced the world's first cooker operating on the principle of electromagnetic induction. Instead of traditional heating elements, a special coil was used, which ensured the creation of an electric field. It easily penetrates through the glass-ceramic surface, forming a current near the bottom of the dish.

There is a special disk at the bottom of frying pans and saucepans. This design guarantees circular movement of current. This is how food is thermally processed. To simplify, the main principle of this technology is heating not the burners, but the dishes. Electromagnetic induction was discovered by M. Faraday in the middle of the 19th century.

Nuances of the right choice

In order for you to be as satisfied as possible with your purchase and not regret it later, you need to understand the nuances of choosing slabs. We already wrote above that there are many varieties of them. Not all of them are suitable for home use. Moreover, if you want to feel the efficiency of such panels, you need to understand all their details.

When choosing an induction hob, be sure to check which burners are on it. The fact is that induction panels are a type of electric, but with their own special operating principle. Externally, all types of electrical panels - induction, rapid, spiral, strip, halogen - are similar, but each has its own technology. It's easy to confuse them.

On some models you can only cook one dish. They do not have the ability to cook several at once. Don't forget to clarify this nuance. If you are buying a stove for your home, do not choose one that is too expensive. They tend to have very different features that you won't need. Such panels are designed for use in restaurants and cafes. Induction hobs offer the widest variety on the market. In addition to different colors, you can also choose a shape: square, round, arched, hexagonal or triangular. And some studios create panels according to individual drawings. If you do not plan to change the dishes to ones specifically designed for this type of panel, then buy a special adapter disk.

There are already many different brands on the market that offer induction. But choose panels only from manufacturers you trust. Don't be fooled by the low price of an unknown company. It’s better to pay more money than to throw away the purchase a month later. A small family should take a closer look at small models with two heating zones. But if you have a lot to cook, then it is better to choose those that have many burners. Remember that some models have a function to increase the heating zone. Thanks to it, you can place large dishes on the stove.

Be sure to measure the parameters of the place where you plan to place the purchase. This is necessary so that there are no gaps between the panel and other surfaces. They are quite large, so they need quite a lot of space. If it is just a hob, then it cannot be placed above the oven.

See if the selected model has a residual heat indicator. It is convenient because you will know exactly how long to wait until the cookware is completely heated.

Check the quality of the panel. Tap it. It should be dense and durable. Study it carefully. If there are scratches on it even before purchasing, it is better to leave it in the store. Below we will introduce you to the pros and cons of an induction cooker.

Features of induction cookers

Contrary to popular rumors, hobs operating on this principle do not cause any harm to the human body or the food being prepared. The insignificant power of electromagnetic radiation is not capable of transforming the physical and chemical composition of food products.

However, experts still do not recommend touching the top of the equipment during active work. The influence of an active electromagnetic field on the human body requires additional study. An induction hob is like a flagship of innovation in the world of kitchen appliances.

Let us briefly list the main features of furnaces operating using electromagnetic induction technology:

• high level of manufacturability compared to analogues;
• complete absence of burning smell during cooking;
• 100% compliance with the specified temperature conditions;
• during cooking, the temperature in the kitchen remains the same, the room does not need to be ventilated;
• sensor control system for equipment;
• wide range of available functionality;
• sound notification about the readiness of a dish or a certain ingredient;
• emergency temperature sensors that prevent overheating of the stove;
• the hob does not heat up;
• ease of care and maintenance;
• minimum amount of energy consumed.

Investments in purchasing induction equipment will pay off very quickly. As all burners are used, the level of electricity consumed is automatically reduced. We are talking about a difference of 1 kilowatt. This feature allows you to significantly save on utility bills.

Pros and cons of induction models

Induction cookers are considered the most modern and safe, most suitable for cooking. The main advantages of induction devices are the following:

• Heats up in a very short time.
• High efficiency, minimal power consumption.
• It is possible to use cookware made from different heat-resistant materials.
• Modern systems ensuring safety have been installed.
• If the operating rules are followed, they can last for a long time.

Separately, it is worth noting the excellent design solutions and varied colors. You can always choose the right product to complement your kitchen interior. As a disadvantage of this technology, many users note the high price, significantly higher than conventional analogues. The downside is the complexity of installation, the use of special utensils, and the need for good care.

What types of induction cookers are there?

There are three types of induction hobs:

• desktop - they are also called portable. Compact models with 1 burner;
• built-in – surfaces of this type are mounted into the kitchen countertop;
• combined - a hybrid of electric and induction burners.

It cannot be said that one type is worse and the other is better. The final choice is determined in accordance with the specific operation of the equipment. For example, portable ones are ideal for furnishing a kitchen in the country. The combined type of heating is a combination of innovation and classics. Built-in surfaces allow you to make the most efficient use of the available kitchen space.

Comparison with other slabs

To compare with other types of equipment, you should know how an induction cooker differs from electric and gas. Gas surfaces are cheaper to purchase, are not afraid of falling heavy objects, and allow you to cook food in the usual way. They are inferior to induction cookers due to the risk of explosion, the need for a permit for installation and gasification of housing, complex maintenance and low efficiency (up to 50% instead of 90%), the appearance of soot and carbon deposits on the walls and ceiling.

When compared with electric models, it is worth noting the lower price of electric surfaces, as well as the ability to use almost any utensil. An induction cooker has lower energy consumption due to increased efficiency and reduced heating time. They are also safer to use and easier to clean. Therefore, when choosing between two options, you should give preference to induction models. Those who want to get the benefits of each type can find a compromise by purchasing a combination appliance with 2 burner options.

Variety of designs and functions

The specifics of the operation of the equipment largely depend on how it is designed. The modern market offers the consumer several interesting options:

full-size stove with oven and burners;

hob - a surface built into the countertop of a kitchen unit;

portable multi-burner stove;

combined stove with induction and electric burners.

Partially this topic has already been touched upon earlier. Choose an option based on the specifics of using the technology. The way an induction hob works is also affected by its functionality. Fans of preparing gourmet dishes need to choose a model with a large number of different options.

We bring to your attention a basic set of functions that a modern stove should have:

1. Booster – power adjustment between burners. To increase the speed of cooking, you can borrow power from an adjacent burner.
2. Quick Start – immediately after activation, the stove automatically identifies which burner contains the cookware.
3. Keep Warm – Activate this mode to keep food on the stove without getting cold.
4. Automatic Shutdown – Want to roast chicken but need to go to the store right away? Just activate the timer. The appliance will turn off automatically after cooking is complete.
5. Protection system - the burners are deactivated if liquid gets on the panel.
6. Setting power and temperature conditions - the user selects the optimal parameters for preparing a particular dish.
7. Pause - simply activate this function, if you need to step away for a while, you can continue cooking a little later.

When choosing equipment for yourself, consider which functionality you need and which you can refuse. This will allow you to choose the optimal model and also save a lot of money.

Tabletop and built-in stoves

• Tabletop.

In order not to complain that a huge stove eats up useful space in the kitchen, you can purchase a tabletop stove.

Household appliances that do not take up much space will allow you to prepare your favorite dishes with the same speed and efficiency. Compact induction cookers are ideal for a small kitchen or cottage.

Manufacturers suggest choosing tabletop tiles with one or two burners. Such a device will completely satisfy the household needs of the average person.

• Built-in.

These are often professional kitchen appliances for restaurants, cafes and other establishments where a lot of cooking is required. Has high performance. In most cases, it has four burners with a lot of temperature regulators, timers and other operational advantages.

You can install such a stove at home, if finances allow, because it costs more than a small tabletop induction stove.

Operating principle and capabilities of the device

Induction cookers are made of dielectric materials that are somewhat reminiscent of glass ceramics. Below the panel is a cylinder-shaped inductive coil to ensure proper electrical conductivity. When the equipment is turned on, electric current is supplied to the coil. An alternating electromagnetic field is formed.

The field extends beyond the stove, affecting the bottom of the cookware. The resistance to the movement of electric current ensures the heating of the frying pan or pan. The principle of operation is to heat the dishes, not the stove. The temperature of the hob remains at room temperature during active cooking. The heating process takes place under the pan. Heating is carried out through the interaction of an electromagnetic field and cookware, which is made of a special material.

Considering the principle of operation of the stove and its design, it should be noted that modern induction models mainly support a timer. The presence of this function allows you to fully control the power level, as well as experiment with cooking modes.

Modern surfaces support the “boiling mode”. The bottom line is that after preparing a dish, it undergoes additional heat treatment, after which the equipment turns off automatically.

The panels are equipped with a touch screen that displays the most important indicators:

• time;
• power consumption level;
• temperature;
• error code in case a failure occurs.

The set of functionality of the device will vary depending on which model we are talking about. This directly affects the advantages and disadvantages of the equipment.

What are the advantages?

The induction cooker has a number of advantages that distinguish it from its competitors.

Of the main ones:

• Maximum efficiency due to the start of heating the dishes immediately after switching on, and this saves electricity;
• Reliable protection against “wrong” dishes. The burner will not turn on if there is a frying pan or pan with a non-magnetic bottom on the stove;
• Automatic shutdown when removing dishes;
• Maintaining the set temperature at a certain level. This is due to the fact that the monitoring sensor is not affected by the high temperature of metal products;
• Stable power that does not depend on the voltage of the household network;
• A wide selection of programs, which allows you to prepare dishes of varying complexity;
• The induction surface is heated only by the cookware, so the likelihood of getting burns is extremely low;
• No unpleasant odors;
• Ease of maintenance. Most modern models have a glass surface, the processing of which is not difficult. The outside of the dishes does not burn due to the absence of open fire and hot surfaces.

Among the disadvantages, it is worth highlighting the high power, which creates an additional load on the wiring, the presence of electromagnetic radiation and the possibility of using only special utensils.

In addition, if you turn on all the burners at the same time, they will not produce full power.

Recommendations for use

If you have finally decided on a purchase, then you should consider some important points:

• It is strictly forbidden to use damaged frying pans, pots and dishes with a convex bottom;
• kitchen utensils should completely cover the burner with their bottom, place it exactly in the center;
• Do not touch the induction hob while cooking;
• when purchasing cookware, pay attention to the markings indicating their intended use on induction cookers;
• mix the ingredients in a frying pan or saucepan using non-metal spoons or spatulas.

Carefully study the connection diagram of the induction cooker to avoid mistakes.

How to use?

There are no special rules for induction devices: their controls are simple, but the instructions for your specific model will help you understand it in more detail.

However, there is also general information that everyone should know. For example, differences in the requirements for dishes:

• Not all metal utensils are suitable for cooking. For example, the stove will not work with budget aluminum saucepans and cauldrons.
• Suitable utensils include cast iron, steel, enameled, copper.
• You can make sure that the cookware will fit exactly by carefully examining the packaging: look for the spiral icon or the inscription Induction.
• An equally important parameter is a flat bottom! For a number of reasons there should be no protrusions or indentations - as flat as possible is best.
• The bottom of small containers should not be less than 12-14 cm. The Turks are too small, the stove ladles simply do not heat up.
• The distance between the edges of the burners and the bottom of the pan should be approximately the same. In this case, it is better to take dishes smaller than a larger mug, and place them in the center.

Advice! A convenient way to check dishes is with a refrigerator magnet. If it sticks to the bottom, then the pan is suitable.

Helpful Tips:

1. In various sources you can find information that the stove burners do not heat up - on the one hand, this is true, heating occurs immediately on the cookware. On the other hand, heat from the bottom is transferred to the surface, so you should not touch the stove after turning it off.
2. Most induction cookers are equipped with a protection system: they automatically turn off after 180 minutes of continuous operation, and the power is blocked if various liquids enter. Please consider this before purchasing.
3. Additional functions, such as Booster (transferring energy to an adjacent burner) or maintaining heat, greatly simplify life.

Cookware recommended for use

As mentioned earlier, in order to use an induction electric stove or oven, you need to buy special cookware. This requirement is determined by the basic principles of induction. If you know physics well, then you understand that the primary winding is a coil, and the secondary winding is the bottom of a pot or pan.

You can cook various dishes on an induction panel only in dishes with a ferromagnetic bottom.

Special dishes are marked by manufacturers accordingly - an image in the form of a spiral. Today, a set of kitchen utensils for cooking on an induction hob can be purchased in almost any store. How to check if a kitchen utensil is suitable for your panel? Place a magnet on the bottom, if it sticks, then everything is in order, you can use it.

The diameter of the cookware must correspond to the size of the burner. If you place a frying pan or pan on the burner that is not suitable for these purposes, the stove simply will not turn on. When choosing dishes, carefully examine the bottom. It should be smooth without any deformation. The smaller the bottom, the lower the power level.

Do you like to treat yourself to hot drinks in the morning? Be sure to buy a special adapter. Visually, it resembles an ordinary metal disk covering the surface of the burner. With this adapter you can cook in the most ordinary dishes. Of course, using an adapter is associated with some discomfort. Therefore, using it on an ongoing basis is not the best solution.

There are a few other restrictions you need to be aware of. Firstly, adapter manufacturers strictly prohibit setting the maximum surface power level when using metal disks. Secondly, you won’t be able to use all the burners to cook multiple dishes. Therefore, adapters are mainly used for brewing coffee, heating water, and brewing tea.

Electric hob: all the pros and cons

The advantages of this variety include the following indicators:

• slab models are made in a variety of colors, which allows you to create a harmonious interior design;
• heating occurs relatively quickly and smoothly;
• the air temperature in the room is maintained due to the residual thermal effect;
• no pan racks required;
• Convenient and easy cleaning of the stove.

Negative sides:

• has no surface deflection; due to its absence, spilled liquids spread everywhere;
• limited load weight;
• does not tolerate the ingress of substances that contain sugar;
• requires the use of cookware with a suitable bottom diameter and material of manufacture.

What are the differences from other plates

Panels operating on the induction principle compare favorably with their analogues. Let's highlight only the main points:

• efficiency is 90%. For gas stoves this figure varies in the range of 30-60%, and for electric stoves - 70%;
• prompt heating is ensured; equipment with gas systems and heating elements cannot boast of this;
• practicality. Work area, i.e. burners, turns off automatically. In the case of gas and electric stoves, there is an overexpenditure of resources, which increases the payment of utility bills;
• the most precise temperature control. This allows you to prepare the dish according to the recipe;
• high level of security. Even if you mistakenly place regular dishes on the burner, the surface simply will not turn on;
• unusually extensive functionality that gas or electric stoves cannot boast of.

The frequency of choice in favor of induction cookers is growing noticeably. It is not surprising, because equipment of this type is noticeably superior to all available analogues.

Specifications

The main parameters of induction cookers can be presented in the form of the following list:

• Equipment efficiency - up to 90%;
• surface temperature - no more than 60° (heating from hot dishes);
• frequency of current in the coils - from 30 to 60 kHz, for the most powerful models up to 100 kHz;
• power - from 0.05 to 3.5 kW for a burner, more than 10 kW for the entire stove;
• number of burners - from 1 for portable models such as Galaxy GL3053 to 5-7 for commercial equipment such as Smeg CPF9IPWH;
• control - touch or mechanical, combined into one unit with a working panel;
• surface - glass ceramics or, in rare cases, tempered glass.

Among the functions of the equipment, it is worth highlighting the combination of heating zones. There are stoves with a Booster operating mode, which switches all the power to one burner, and versions with child protection. You can find portable models (for 1-2 burners), devices built into the kitchen work surface and installed separately, equipped with electric ovens.

Problems

Cookers operating on the induction heating principle have not been in demand for a long period of time. There are two reasons - the high cost, as well as rumors that they negatively affect the human body.

Harm to the human body

There is an opinion that electromagnetic heating technology has a negative impact on human health. Many fear that built-in or tabletop stoves create a field that has a detrimental effect on the condition of internal organs. To bust these myths, a study was conducted. Induction surfaces have been compared to conventional hair dryers.

The results of the study shocked the public. The electromagnetic field of a conventional hair dryer is 2000 microtesla, and that of a hob is 22. A hundredfold difference. Such a weak field does not affect the human body in any way.

Turning on the stove from any metal object

Users who have not properly studied how an induction cooker looks and works believe that it turns on even if there is an ordinary pot or frying pan on the burner. This is a common misconception. The stove starts working if there is an appropriate cookware on the burner. Its bottom has the necessary attraction, unlike ordinary kitchen utensils.

There are special sensors inside the plate that are adjusted to the minimum diameter. If the diameter of the bottom of the dish is less than 8 centimeters, then the pan or pan will not heat up.

Heating metal objects under the stove

Another common myth that scares potential buyers. Theoretically, the stove can help heat the metal products located underneath it. However, modern models of household appliances are equipped with a magnetic heat sink, which is located at the bottom. This device blocks the penetration of the electromagnetic field through the lower part of the equipment body.

Today, stores offer a wide range of combined surfaces with cabinets that are built into furniture above dishwashers and other appliances.

Harm to health

Today there is a lot of discussion regarding the harm of induction cookers, because the principle of their operation is based on electromagnetic fields, the negative effects of which are well known. Many experiments have been carried out on this matter.

Scientists have proven that at a distance of one centimeter from the source, electromagnetic radiation is always higher than the permissible ICNIRP standard.

If the pan is displaced relative to the center of the working surface or in a situation where its diameter is smaller than the diameter of the burner, the indicated indicator will be greater than the norm at a distance of up to 12 cm.

This parameter is typical for cases when special utensils are used for cooking. If there is an enameled object on the work surface, the danger zone is larger - up to 20 cm.

Why is this dangerous for health?

The electromagnetic field that occurs near the human body can lead to the appearance of induced currents in the body and a negative effect on the central nervous system. To protect health, ICNIRP has established requirements for upper current limits.

To verify whether induction cookers meet these standards, a study was conducted with a group of volunteers of different ages and genders.

People were located in close proximity to the hob (at a distance of five centimeters). Scientists at this moment studied the currents that flowed in the body and the central nervous system of the body.

It has been proven that the current indicators in the case of using built-in models are minimal.

As for portable models, their current indicators are higher, but they also did not exceed the established norm.

It is worth noting that the limit established by ICNIRP is 50 times less than the minimum threshold at which stimulation of the human central nervous system occurs.

What is the outcome of the study?

Experts published the results of the experiments, but admitted that there is not yet enough information about the dangers of electromagnetic fields. It is important to understand that the nature of such radiation may vary depending on the nature of its occurrence.

There is another study, the results of which can be found on the WHO website.

People and animals took part in the experiment, but it was not possible to prove the negative effect of electromagnetic radiation on the central nervous system or the cardiovascular system.

Safety

Carefully familiarize yourself with the operating principles of induction hobs. For example, people with pacemakers should additionally consult a qualified physician. However, practice confirms that there is nothing to be afraid of. Modern models are equipped with all levels of protection. For example, overheating of equipment is excluded; the electromagnetic field is directed exclusively to the bottom of the dish.

Many people want to know how to test an induction cooker, namely its effect on food. No checks are needed. The field affects only kitchen utensils, and not the ingredients you use to prepare dishes.

Various studies confirm that induction panels have the same effect on the human body as other household appliances. Therefore, there is really nothing to be afraid of. However, it is necessary to follow safety precautions in any case. Be sure to entrust the installation of equipment to experienced specialists. While cooking, do not touch the work surface; you can clean it immediately after turning off the equipment.

Absolutely all equipment undergoes certification; of course, hobs are no exception. If technology really had a negative impact on people’s health, it would be banned in all states. Therefore, all rumors about the unsafety of the induction principle are nothing more than speculation.

Which is better, induction or electric hob: complete analysis

Many new residents choose modern models of induction or electric stoves instead of the old gas stove. This type of hob is often installed after a major overhaul or failure of an old kitchen stove. They are more than superior to conventional gas stove models, as they are much more efficient and easier to use. Also, new buildings do not always have a central gas supply, so people decide to acquire an autonomously operating stove.

At the time of purchase, a logical question arises: what is better to choose? To dot all the i's, you need to thoroughly understand the operating principle of an induction and electric panel and the difference between them.

Additional benefits of Haier panels

• Automatic recognition of dishes. If the burner is empty, there is inappropriate (non-magnetic) cookware on it, or you have left some small object (fork, spoon, knife) on the panel, there will be no heating and the device will go into standby mode. There is an automatic shutdown after a couple of minutes if you removed the dishes from the burner but forgot to turn off the panel (the heating stops instantly).
• 9 power settings for each burner (from light simmering to deep frying) and a Boost mode that instantly increases the heat for one burner to maximum for 5 minutes. Convenient when you need to quickly boil water (for example, for cooking dumplings).
• In some models, two burners can be combined into one wide zone; you can cook in large cookware: a duck pot or a casserole dish, and also use a Haier grill panel with a non-stick coating.
• Timer from 1 to 99 minutes. It allows you to not have to remember the cooking time; you can program the burner and it will turn off automatically after the set time has elapsed.
• The ability to pause heating to instantly stop the operation of the hob, as well as a keep warm mode (in this case, heating also stops, the panel can use the residual heat to complete cooking or to ensure that the dish does not get cold while you are waiting for guests).

Control lock function (protection against accidental start, children).