- What types of induction cooker are there?
- One or more hotplates
- Sensitive or touch screen
- Simple or enriched functions
- Power
- Security
- Functions & Controls
- What points to consider when choosing an induction hob?
- Alternatives to the induction hob
The hotplates, placed at the heart of cuisine, are an essential element, from which we expect a lot. Induction, more popular than ever, is a reliable solution, as long as you choose the right product. This is why our consumer portal has decided to draw up an article on induction cookers available on the market. Please take a look at our study and choose the best new-generation induction hobs made for you!
What is an induction hob?
An induction hob allows the cooking of liquids and food, exploiting electromagnetic induction. This is used to heat the container placed on the plate and the food it contains. The special feature of this device is that it heats only the surface of the dish, not the entire plate, thus providing better protection against burns.
Highly efficient, induction cooking allows a significant reactivity in the ignition and modulation of temperatures. An essential prerequisite, however, is the material used for frying pans, dishes and pots and pans: cast iron and steel are the only materials that allow induction hobs to function correctly.
How does an induction hob work?
An induction hob has a copper coil beneath its surface which creates a magnetic field. Thanks to the alternating electric current thus produced, this same field heats the bottom of the container placed on the plate. Therefore, the exchange is done only with the pan or saucepan used, not with the environment. For this, the container must be made of a suitable material, such as cast iron or steel.
Compared to other cooking modes, the power of this device makes it possible to develop several very precise setting levels and to obtain specific induction functions.
After lighting the plate, the contents of the pan heat up very quickly, but the plate cools down immediately when cooking is stopped, avoiding the risk of burns or the appearance of stubborn marks when contents overflow from the pan.
An induction cooker is usually switched on and adjusted via touch buttons or a touch screen. It is also possible to lock the plates to prevent accidental ignition and provide greater safety. The display on the hob shows which plates have just been used. Other functions are usually added to the most basic ones, for quick cooking and optimum user protection.
Advantages and fields of application
What are the advantages and the fields of application of induction hobs? Thanks to its better reactivity and its very safe aspect, the induction hob nowadays gathers unanimous opinions: It finds its place in all kitchens. Discreet and elegant, it fits into all types of existing cuisines.
The plates and tables generally contain 2 to 4 hotplates for occasional or complete use and are often equipped with tactile keys for an impeccable aesthetic. Also, the induction hob is easy to clean, which contributes to its popularity: the immediate drop in temperature when cooking is stopped helps prevent food or spilt liquid from leaving stubborn marks.
The range of products available on the market today is vast and allows you to equip oneself with induction hobs, even with a small budget.
Also, the speedy cooking time offered by these hobs reduces electricity costs: it is one of its best assets.
What types of induction cooker are there?
One or more hotplates
Induction hobs come in single, double, triple or quadruple formats, depending on the product. The number of hotplates on the table depends on the use that will be made of it. From one to two hotplates, it is most often a side table, compact and easy to insert in a small kitchen. It will be the best friend of people with limited space.
The cooktops with the juxtaposition of three or four hotplates are intended to equip all types of kitchens. Plates with three or four hotplates generally have more features, such as delayed start or program memorization, or adopt various formats that adapt to the containers used.
Sensitive or touch screen
Induction hobs rarely have standard keys: most models have sensitive keys for switching on, adjusting the cooking level or unlocking the hobs.
Due to their discretion, these keys, integrated into the plate, are designed for intuitive use with few operations. Also, the most high-end plates may offer a full touchscreen with colour LCD for a better overview of process.
This is often configurable and allows a better cooking experience and a good understanding of the manipulations to be carried out.
Simple or enriched functions
Induction hobs now have essential functions, such as the intelligent pan detector or locking. But among the vast offer available on the market today, there are very diverse types of enriched plates.
Timer, temperature display, or delayed cooking are just a few of the functions that the buyer can choose from. The manufacturers also offer, on some models, the adjustment of the cooking mode to obtain an optimal result: simmering, frying, browning is then done as easily as with a traditional plate.
Power
The power, expressed in kW/h is a crucial inspection criterion which determines the heating speed of each plate. For the best efficiency of the chosen product, the individual power of each appliance must be sufficient to cover all basic cooking needs.
In addition, more power will provide more levels of control.
Security
The safety of the hob is an essential part. Induction hobs are equipped with many suitable devices to avoid any incidents. For an optimal level of precaution, an induction hob must have a display indicating whether the hob is still hot, a locking system, and a detector of the absence of the container, which stops cooking when it this is removed from the plate.
Functions & Controls
Very often equipped with tactile keys, the induction hobs not only allow precise ignition and adjustment but must offer the most useful special modes for a better experience and good advice.
Ultra-fast mode (or booster) speeds up cooking (especially for heating water). Among the most popular criteria in the opinions, we also find the timer or the possibility of keeping the contents of the container warm, for better precision.
What points to consider when choosing an induction hob?
The induction hobs offer relatively similar functions. There are several points to pay attention to for a better experience. Make sure to consult the power of each hotplate: this should be between 2,000 and 3,000 W, at least, for an efficient result.
Another essential criterion: intuitive and straightforward use: the touch keys must be usable by everyone, without consulting heavy manuals for a better user experience. Check the safety devices available on the desired table, to avoid any incident, especially if young children are present in the home.
Finally, before purchasing, determine your usage with precision by making a comparative test: this will allow you to choose with greater accuracy the number of hotplates that your hob must have. For family use, choose 3 or 4 fireplaces.
Alternatives to the induction hob
Induction cooking is not always suitable for everyone. There are many alternative cooking methods: gas, electric or glass-ceramic hobs are options that are widely available on the market, and each one offers many advantages.
These include ease of cooking, more economical or better compatibility with all containers. The similarities are as numerous as the differences.
Cooking is a matter of habit, and, it is essential to choose a plate that meets your daily needs for greater satisfaction.
If you wish to buy induction hobs from Turkey, please do not hesitate to contact us by mail at [email protected] or to call us at +90 532 361 5149. We can help you to get in direct contact with producers or provide you with everything that you need.
