Induction hobs have been on the market for more than thirty years, and for about twenty years they have been sold in America. But the peak of interest in induction is just now. And this is due to the fact that the appliances began to enter their golden age: we learned their benefits, learned to appreciate them, and manufacturers began to offer more and more interesting models that do not leave the buyer indifferent.
AFFORDABLE PLEASURE
âAverageâ induction has become more affordable, because until recently the cost of a panel in the medium price niche was noticeably higher than that of a conventional glass ceramic panel. Now the difference is not so tangible, depending on the complexity of it is 2-4 thousand. Dollars.
The cheapest 4-burner induction cooktop costs about 10 000 Dollars. â This is Zanussi ZIE 6004 F. A few years ago, in order to make induction more attractive, manufacturers focused on hybrids a combination of high-speed burners and induction , but now there is no need for this.
Letâs compare: Bosch PIA611T16E induction hob with a timer costs 15-17 thousand Dollars., The Bosch PKN 675 N14D with Hi-Light burners and timer will cost the same.
Another pair for 14,000 Dollars.Siemens EH 645QA 11E induction hob and Siemens ET 601 TN11 D Hi-Light, both with timer.
Another example: 13,000 Dollars., Induction Electrolux EHH 6340 FOK with timer and Stop&Go function and Electrolux EHS 60180 P model.
SPEED? NO â SUPER SPEED!
The most obvious advantage of induction is speed: induction hobs do heat up much faster.
Induction is also characterized by lightning-fast response to changing burner settings.
Last year we conducted a small competition which showed that the induction cooker was twice as fast as a good gas burner with equal power to heat water to boiling point.
Increasing or decreasing the heat immediately so that the hostess can precisely follow all the recipes and create the ideal cooking conditions.
This is especially notable when compared to the disadvantages of conventional cast-iron âpancakesâ and even the modern Hi-Light burners.
COST SAVINGS
Induction uses energy very efficiently without wasting energy. After all, the heat is not generated somewhere in the depths of the panel, but directly in the bottom of the pot, kettle or frying pan.
Another important reason: induction is at the leading edge, it is in this class of technology where the most unusual and interesting discoveries have taken place and continue to do so, making cooking an exciting and easy process.
MUSH ON THE TRANSFORMER
The technology of heating with induction is simple and witty, and those who have not yet forgotten the lessons of physics, probably remember the principle of the transformer, which is used here. Induction coils are installed under the ceramic glass panel one coil can serve two burners . The passage of current through the coils generates an electromagnetic field that passes easily through a glass ceramic panel.
However, the bottom of the cookware is affected by eddy currents â induction currents â causing the cookware to heat up. The heated base then conveys the heat to the food. Such a targeted use of heat is a major efficiency factor for induction hobs, resulting in the highest possible cooking efficiency.
- Induction hobs have an efficiency of 90-93%. For
- A cast iron pancake burner has a 53-56% efficiency compared to a gas pancake burner
- 49-52% burner efficiency.
COMFORT AND SAFETY
Because of the absence of a heating element, the temperature of the burner is lower than usual. The surface is heated from the bottom of the pot and if using Hi-Light burners the temperature can reach almost 500 ° C, in the case of induction it remains within a more comfortable range â about 80 ° C. This is why the residual heat indicators on induction hobs were not always.
Nowadays they are an obligatory part of the appliance, but it is not worth seriously focusing your attention on them when choosing a gadget. Indicators can be two-stage, the upper stage â for heating and keeping it hot, the lower one â only for safety.
Not least, the low heat of the plate makes it easier to use. Escaping liquids are less of a problem because they cannot burn at this temperature.
COOKWARE: SIMPLE OR COMPLEX?
The only limitation that induction imposes on the user is the set of dishes. Cookware must have a magnetizable bottom. Checking whether your favorite pot or kettle is suitable for induction is very easy: attaching a magnet to the base. Holds up â itâs fine, the dish is good.
From the list at once it is worth excluding cookware made of aluminum, copper, glass. Thin-walled steel cookware is also not suitable. And dishes made of layered materials provoke not quite pleasant sounds: crackling or whistling of the appliance.
Every induction hob has a pan detection function. The point is to determine whether the cookware is suitable or not, and, in general, whether the object that happened to be on the burner, cookware a spoon or spatula, a coin may lie on the panel and whether it is worth turning on for it.
The function informs the user by means of a display. As you have already understood from the description, it is impossible to spoil the panel with improper cookware: the appliance simply will not work if you put something wrong.
MANDATORY BOOSTER
Booster Booster, PowerBoost, Power is the third essential feature of induction cooktops. Its essence is that for a short time 8-10 minutes , the power on the element can be significantly increased â up to 2,5-3,5 kW, for example, 2,0 kW in Ardo PI 58 F, 3,2 kW in Beko HII 64400 T, 3,3 kW in Electrolux EGD 6576 NOK. This is achieved by drawing power from the doubled burner. The function can not be activated on both elements at the same time, and sometimes it is only on one of them.
It should be noted that in recent years, the value of increased power has increased markedly. Let us say, a number of hobs Electrolux EHH 6340 FOK, Zanussi ZEN 6641 XBA, AEG HK 634200 XB, Kuppersbusch EKI 6741, Kuppersbusch EKI 6741, AEG HK 634200 XB have a cooker hood.0 M is previously unthinkable â 3.7 kW, but with the Thermador Freedom and Smeg SI M91B on the Multizone itâs 4.6 kW.
Power can be derived not from one, but from two zones, for example, in a three-burner hob Miele KM 6380 technology is used Twin Booster, it gives two steps increase in power on one zone: from 2.6 kW can increase to 3.0 or 3.7 kW.
SPACE FOR POTS AND PANS
The induction cooking zone is limited by the size of the coil. Practically a standard solution. It has become more complicated lately. There are induction zones with additional circuits, when the inclusion of another coil increases the diameter of the zone Neff N 44D 30N0, Hotpoint-Ariston KIS 644 DDZ, Smeg SI 3644 D or turns into an oval zone for cooking in the ovens Neff T 44T80N1, Miele KM 6317 .
Panels are getting smarter, in some models it is no longer possible to aim the cookware along the contour, but simply overlap it with a cross in the center of the burner, the heat will only go where itâs needed â along the area of the bottom.
The function is called autofocus Electrolux EHI 6732 FOK, Hansa BHI68303, DeDietrich DTI 1105 XE . Thatâs why some of the zones of the appliances are quite randomly marked â with a large rectangular field, highlighted in color or with a print.
MOST
These large zones can have one special feature, they can work together by combining into one, with common settings. This allows you to cook not only in standard âtable-topâ pots, but also in large grill pans, fryers and sautĂŠ pans.
This feature is called Bridge.
HIGH-TECH SURVEILLANCE
But the evolution of burners did not stop there, on the contrary, a huge breakthrough was made, because engineers figured out how to do without limited cooking zones at all. For this purpose they began to increase the number of induction coils, which are connected to each other, but can operate independently. The De Dietrich Le Piano has 36 of them, the Gaggenau Free Induction CX 480 has 48.
The result â pans can be placed anywhere, and even moved around the surface at will, without fear of having to re-set the operation settings. As a result, thereâs a new term: the âdish trackingâ function. But so far only the premium induction segment can boast of such developments, where the device costs about the same as a budget car.
STORAGE MOMENT
The approach to hob functionality has changed somewhat. The timer function became so popular that it is found in 80% of induction hobs. Again, in retrospect, not long ago, the timer was a rarity and was found only in expensive appliances.
Timers vary in sophistication. The simplest option is an alarm clock that monitors the cooking time and then sounds a signal to remind the housewife that itâs time to come to the stove.
A more serious option is the timer with the cut-off function, which stops heating by itself when the time set by the user expires Zanussi ZEN 6641 XBA for 12,5 thou. rub., AEG HK 634200 XB and Hotpoint-Ariston KEC 647 X for 14 thousand. rub. . The timer can be set to one zone, but more often it has been integrated into all elements of the appliance.
Electrolux has introduced a new kind of timer that should help save energy â hence the name Eso. The timer stops heating a little earlier to make use of the residual heat AEG HK 884400 FG to finish cooking.
COOKING â TAKE A PAUSE
The Stop&Go function has also migrated from the category of âcuriositiesâ to the household, although in terms of popularity, it is far from timers. The meaning of this function is that the user can pause cooking operating burners switch to minimum power for a certain period of time, when it is necessary to distract from the stove. By pressing the Stop&Go button again we simply reset all the settings that were previously valid Bosch PIF 651 T14 E, Electrolux EGD 6576 NOK, Miele KM 6380 .
Another function, the Cleaning pause, hasnât become widespread yet and is used only rarely and only in expensive models Neff and Gaggenau . Provides 30 sec locking of the control panel buttons., so the user can wipe off moisture or pick up liquids.
DO NOT BOIL!
Automatic boil functionâ on induction hobs is not often used, but certainly makes the cooking process much easier. The hostess, by activating it, selects the mode in which the food is to be cooked â for example, the 3rd power level. The burner turns on to maximum heat, brings water to the boil, and as soon as it begins to boil, it switches to the exact mode you selected earlier.
The most affordable panel with this function costs about 14-15 thousand. rub. Electrolux EHD 60100 P, Hansa BHIW 68303 . Note that the function is almost always adjacent to a timer to turn off.
Another type of automation used by Bosch, Siemens, Gaggenau â automatic frying, designed for precise compliance with the cooking mode to prevent overheating of products. It works only if the pans sold by the manufacturer Gaggenau are used, or by means of special strips, they are attached to ordinary cookware. When selecting a function, either the power level or the operating temperature 60 to 180°C is set.
In addition, there are automatic programs to maintain the optimum temperature soup, eggs, fish, vegetables, etc. . .
HOW WARM IT IS!
Function of keeping warm is not common yet, but many housewives will appreciate the simplicity of the process, because keep track of the cooked dish so it does not dry out or not burn, no need, the temperature will be kept around 60-70 ° C Miele KM 6380, Kuppersbusch EKIW 9850.0 F, Samsung CTN 464 NC01, V-ZUG GK 56 TIMS .
INTUITIVE
Touch controls are constantly being updated â all with the aim of making entering settings as simple and intuitive as possible. For this purpose, a few years ago, were used touch-sensitive sliders, which can select the mode of operation by literally feeling, with a finger on the scale Electrolux EHH 6540 FOK, AEG HK 654200 XB, Zigmund & Shtain CIS 179 .60 BX . Circular sliders are now in fashion, as on the Electrolux EHI 6732 FOK, for example. The use of these elements simulates the work of rotary knobs, so it will be close and understandable to many.
Another solution would be to have separate push buttons for each power level, meaning that the settings are made in one or two movements. This year such controls will occur more and more often. For example, the Direct Selection Plus control system Miele KM 6352 or Direct Select control system of new Bosch PIB 651 N14E.
There are also unusual solutions: the panel Hansa Inari BHI 69307 in place of the touch buttons made neat grooves for your fingers. And the control system of Neff panels includes a magnetic switch TwistPad in the form of a coil, it is not fixed on the panel and if necessary it can be simply put on a shelf or in a pocket.
MY ILLUSTRATIVE YOU
Updated control units allow for a new way of presenting information about the operation of the appliance. Electrolux have Infi SightÂŽ displays. They show the burners as circles, and the numbers on them give the settings. A glance on the hob is enough to assess the situation: which zone is enabled, what power level, and what timer readings.
Smeg hobs with Touch Control have a circular display for each cooking zone, containing all the settings and buttons.
A new phenomenon that is still available only to premium appliances are touch screen TFT-displays belonging to the liquid crystal display LCD . For example, the Touch & Play Touch Screen of the LePiano DTIM 100C DeDietrich was the first to be seen by our customers. The display shows the mode of operation of the entire device and zone settings, and the symbols and inscriptions are unusually large and clear. On the panel of Gaggenau CX 480 the display shows the location and shape of the dishes, as well as the selected settings.
MaxiSightÂŽ displays on AEG TFT hobs are in color. The cooking zones are marked with circles. When the burner is off, the circle stays small and gray, when it is on, the circle expands and lights up in bright color. Indication of the residual heat is also very clear: The circle is lit, but decreases as the heat dissipates.
But the Gorenje company offered a completely different kind of novelty, where the heating is controlled by high-sensitive sensors IQ Sensors. They stand on the panel and lid of the pot and automatically regulate the operation of the burner.
YOU ARE WITH ME?
In passing, we have already mentioned combi panels. The most common combinations are induction and Hi-Light burners in one appliance Teka IR 622, Gorenje ICT 621 AC, Electrolux EHG 6341 FOK . We have already established that, in terms of cost, this is not always the most economical option. And Hi-Light is not only the usual heating zones, but also Wok-type burners Kuppersbusch EKIW 9850 .0 F .
Another type of combination, gas + induction, we found in one model Electrolux EGD 6576 NOK. The lack of demand for this solution is, in general, understandable: there are few families with gas in their apartments who are prepared to pay extra for the consumption of electricity. This model has all the functions of an âadvanced gasâ â gas control and electrical ignition.
WOK â FOR THOSE WHO UNDERSTAND
Induction Wok burners represent hemispheres, like the bottom of a Wok cookware. Heating takes place over its entire area. As you understand, this solution is not as simple as usual, and not many people are interested in such things, so the induction Wok is a rarity. Here are some examples: AEG HC 451500 EB, DeDietrichâs DTi 1032 X, Boretti BIKW 75.
INDUCTION HOB
Title | Dimensions, mm | Burners/ Induction | Connection, kW | Control | Features | Color/Edge | Price, Dollars. |
Electrolux EHH 3920 BOK | 290h520 | 2/2 | 3,2 | Controls, 9 power steps | Domino | Black/ easy | 8 600 |
Nardi PVF 3EHT 22 | 290x510x63 | 2/2 | 3,0 | Touch controls, 9 steps, button lock | Domino | Black/ easy | 9 000 |
Zanussi ZEN 6641 XBA | 576h506 | 4/2 | 6,6 | Touch sensitive, alarm clock, timer with shut off, automatic boiling, button lock |
| Black stainless steel frame | 12 500 |
Electrolux EHH 6340 FOK | 590h520 | 4/4 | 7,4 | Sensor, timer, Stop&Go function, keypad lock | Booster 3.7 kW on one zone | Black/bevelled front edge | 13 000 |
Siemens EH645QA11E | 575h505 | 4/4 | 6,4 | Touch sensitive, 9 power levels, timer with shutdown, button lock | Error indication | Black/stainless steel frame | 14 000 |
Hotpoint-Ariston KEC 647 B | 590x520x53 | 4/2 | 6,8 | Touch, timer and button lock | Induction zones set on right-hand side | Black/perimeter facet | 14 000 |
AEG HK 634200 XB | 576h516 | 4/4 | 7,4 | Touch screen, timer 99 min., Stop&Go function, keypad lock | Mounting system for easy installation, frame makes it easy to install, ProBox⢠accessory to mount the panel above the drawer | Black/Frame Promise XL stainless steel | 14 000 |
Ardo PI 58 F | 600h510 | 4/4 | 5,4 | Touch controls, keypad lock | 2 types of burners, set crosswise | Black/ easy | 14 000 |
Whirlpool ACM 802 NE | 580x510x56 | 4/4 | 7,2 | Touch controls, timer, keypad lock | 3 types of burners | Black/ easy | 14 500 |
Beko HII 64400 T | 580h510h55 | 4/4 | 7,2 | Touch screen, 9 power levels, alarm timer, button lock | Booster 3,2 kW on one zone | Black/ easy | 16 000 |
Hansa BHI64383030 | 600x510x50 | 4/4 | 4,5 | Touch, timer with switch-off, keypad lock | All low power elements | Black/ easy | 16 200 |
Electrolux EGD 6576 NOK | 590h520 | 4/2 | 3,7 | Touch controls for induction, timer, Stop&Go function, keypad lock electric rotary knobs for burners, gas control | 2 gas burners | Black/ easy | |
| 590x520x57 | 4/4 | 4,6 | TouchControl, 17 power levels, off timer, keypad lock | Two types of burners, mounted crosswise, two-stage residual heat indicator | Black/ easy | 17 000 |
Hansa BHIW67303 | 600h500 | 4/4 | 5,8 | Sensor, timer, keypad lock | 2 types of burners, positioned crosswise | White/plain | 17 000 |
| 592x522x59 | 4/2 | 6,8 | TouchControl, 17 power levels, stopwatch timer, Stop&Go function, keypad lock | Front induction zones, hilight zone with extension, two-position indicator for residual heat | Black/Facet | 17 000 |
Siemens EH645TE11E | 575h505 | 4/4 | 7,2 | Touch, 17 power levels, timer with shut-off, control lock | Two-position residual heat indicator | Black/stainless steel frame | 18 000 |
AEG HK 884400 FG | 750h490 | 4/4 | 7,4 |
| OptiHeat 3-position residual heat indicators, mounting system for easy installation, frame for easy installation, ProBox⢠accessory for panel installation above drawer | Grey/ faceted | 26 000 |
Neff T44T97N0 | 918x546x56 | 5/5 | 10,8 | Removable magnetic rotary switch TwistPad, timer, automatic boiling, automatic frying on right burners , pause, control lock |
| Black/backsplash | 56 000 |
Smeg SIM91B | 930h520 | 5/5 | 11,8 | Touchcontrol, 12 power levels, timer with shut-off | Multizone â one or two heat zones | Black/backsplash | 79 000 |
Kuppersbusch EKI 6741.0 M | 589h519 | 4/4 | 7,4 | Touch-sensitive slider, 9 power levels, timer with shutoff, automatic boiling, lock control | The zone with an oval extension, | Black/plain, either framed or beveled | 80 500 |
Miele KM 6380 | 916h416 | 3/3 | 7,4 | Touch-sensitive, timer, Stop&Go function, auto-boiling, programmable control, keep warm function, control lock, error control | Connecting to Miele@home | Black/Facet | 99 000 |
Gaggenau CI 262-112 | 590h520h58 | 3/3 | 5,4 | Removable magnetic rotary switch, timer, automatic boiling, automatic frying on right burners , control lock | Two- and three-circuit burners | Black/Frame Stainless Steel | 120 000 |
Kuppersbusch EKIW 9850.0 F | 900h520 | 5/5 | 10,4 | Touchscreen, LCD display, timer with switch-off, Stop&Go function, automatic anti-boiling, programmable operation, keep warm function, operating lock, error control | Central Wok zone, suitable for built-in 60 cm cabinet, 560Ă490 recess | Black/ simple | 204 795 |
DeDietrich DTIM 1000 C | 930h520 | 5/5 | 10,8 |
| Expert mode up to 5 randomly positioned cooking zones/modes Piano mode 3 cooking zones with preset parameters Solo mode â one setting for the entire panel | Black easy | 275 500 |
How does the lightning quick response of induction hobs to the Heat command compare to other types of cooking surfaces?
How do induction hobs respond so quickly to the heat command? Is it due to a specialized technology or a specific mechanism?