How to choose an induction cooker? An overview of important characteristics, the principle of operation, as well as the pros and cons

Induction cooker – the optimal solution for safe cooking in the kitchen and saving energy.

Her choice often raises a number of questions that should be sorted out before going to the store.

The table contains the models that received the highest reviews on the Yandex.Market service.

The principle of operation of the induction cooker

An induction type coil is located under the glass-ceramic surface, a current with a frequency of 20 to 100 kHz flows through it.

The induction coil plays the role of the primary winding, and the dishes, which is placed on the surface - secondary.

When pots and pans are placed on the work surface, induction currents appear that heat them up. The glass-ceramic surface of the tile also heats up, but from the dishes, and not from the working area.

Burner power is adjustable two methods - impulsive or continuous.

In the first case, the operation of the device will stop periodically. The frequency of operation depends on the installed power.

Areas that are not directly involved in the heating of dishes are made in such a way that they always remain cold, so the possibility of earning a burn is significantly reduced.

The heating elements of the working area are divided into several types:

• Spiral. They look like a twisted spiral and heat up for 15 seconds.
• Tape. They look like a ribbon twisted like springs. They heat up in 8 seconds.
• Induction. They create a high-frequency field that warms up the bottom of the dishes.
• Halogen. They are made in the form of a tube that is filled with halogen gas.
  The current passes through the heater located inside. Maximum heating is reached almost instantly, in a maximum of 3 seconds.

pros

• Automatic shutdownwhen the cookware is removed from the cooking zone.
• Does not cause unpleasant odors.
• Ease of maintenance.
  Models have a glass surface that is easy to clean.Cooking utensils also do not burn.
• Low risk of burns, since the non-working surface remains cold and can only heat up from the dishes used.
• Protection against dishes that are not suitable for cooking.
  The stove will not work if the pot or pan does not have a magnetic bottom.
• Maintaining the desired temperature at the same level.
• stable powerindependent of mains voltage.
• Large selection of programs for cooking.
• Saving electricity, since the maximum heating occurs in a matter of seconds.

Minuses

• Wiring loadbecause the cooker puts out more power.
• for cooking use only specialized utensils.
• Full power will not be achieved if all burners are used at once.
• Electromagnetic radiation.

Is there any harm to health?

The use of an electromagnetic field in the product may confuse the untrained user.

However, you don't need to worry about this.

Scientists have conducted many studies on the effect of a working induction cooker on the health of a person who is in close proximity to the appliance at the time of cooking.

Here are the conclusions made:

• The electromagnetic field acts only on the bottom of the cookware, which is located directly on the burner.
• The field itself is minimal, it will not harm a person, other things being equal.
• Induction cookers are equipped with an absorbing function. It will not have a negative effect on the user.

Features of cooking on the stove

• Do not cook on a dish with a round bottom, and also if it has obvious damage.
• Do not touch the glass-ceramic surface while cooking.to avoid possible burns.
• Place the cookware exactly in the middle of the burner.
• Stir food with non-metal kitchen utensils.
• Cook on dishes that completely cover the heating surface.
• When buying cookware, pay attention to the mark that indicates the possibility of using the product on an induction stove.

Parameters to pay attention to when choosing

Let's look at the main parameters that you need to pay attention to before buying an induction cooker.

Dimensions and type of construction

1. Freestanding.
   These are relatively large products that combine a hob and an oven. As a rule, 4 burners are located on it.
   In a small kitchen, such stoves take up a lot of space and require special powerful wiring.
2. Embedded.
   The hob is equipped with a control unit and is built into the kitchen set.
   There is no oven, if desired, it can be built separately.
   The size and appearance of the plate can be anything, not necessarily square.
3. Compact.
   These are portable small surfaces that have 1—2 burners.
   As a rule, no more is required for cooking, so they are widely popular.
   Despite the small size, they have all the same functionality as large models.

Number of temperature modes

Number of temperature modes on advanced models can reach 20 options, in conventional models there are about 10-12.

Number of burners

Traditionally, stoves are equipped with 4 burners., but most families never use that many surfaces.

For cooking for a family consisting of 1-2 people, 2 burners will be enough. Even for a large family, no more than 3 pieces are usually used.

It is useful to have burners of different diameters so that both small and large dishes warm up well.

Panel material

Hobs made of two materials - glass-ceramic and tempered glass.

Outwardly, they are almost the same, but they have a different quality. Tempered glass is less demanding to care for and is more difficult to damage.

If, nevertheless, the surface breaks, it will not shatter into small pieces, but will be covered with cracks. For such material you will need to pay more than for glass ceramics.

Energy consumption

Despite the fact that induction cookers have more power, unlike electrical and gas appliances they consume the least electricity.

The more powerful the induction cooker, the less electricity it will spend.

Electric and gas stoves need time to heat up their work surfaces, then the air between the stove and the cookware, and then the cookware itself.

Additional features to look out for

An important point to which you should pay attention when choosing a device, it's a security system.

Emergency shutdown, child protection, work only with dishes on the panel, shutdown in case of liquid ingress – all the necessary detailswhich are best provided for further safe operation.

It is also worth exploring the capabilities and functions of the device.

Convenience in cooking will provide a time indicator, a keep warm function, a sound notification of ongoing processes and the ability to quickly heat up.

Top brands of desktop induction cookers

We will understand the leading manufacturers in the market of kitchen appliances.

kitfort

Company produces the best 1 and 2 burner surfaces on the market.

They are made of high-quality glass ceramics, which almost does not heat up during cooking.

All products have an affordable price, clear control, stylish appearance and good functionality.

Most popular models:

• KT-101,
• KT-104,
• KT-105,
• KT-107.

Gemlux

Manufacturer specializes in single burner appliances.

All of them have a compact size, safe operation and economy.

They are used both for home and summer cottages, and for professional kitchens.

The best products manufacturer:

• GL-IP20A,
• GL-IP20ULTRA,
• GL-IP212,
• GL-IC220HP.

Endever

Reliable and stylish devices at reasonable prices.

Models are equipped with clear controls, are usually made of tempered glass, protected from power surges and overheating.

Top Models:

• • IP-32,
  • IP42,
  • IP-28,

• IP-36.

Frequently asked Questions

How to turn on the induction cooker?

Should find the start/stop button on the panel and press it, after which the device will work.

Before you start cooking on the appliance, its surface should be cleaned of various substances and traces, which remained after production and delivery.

If in the first minutes of work the smell of rubber is felt, then there is nothing to worry about.

Connection Features

To connect the device to the network you will need a screwdriver and a certain amount of three-core power cable.

Typically, a cable with a cross section of 4 to 6 square meters is used. mm. It must be long enough to connect the panel.

A 4-wire cable is usually included in the scope of delivery. 2 wires, black and brown are phases, blue wire is "0", and yellow-green is ground.

Wire ends must be stripped. On the back of the device there is a comb into which stripped wires are installed. The free end must be connected to the electrical network.

What is the best way to clean and how to care for the stove?

• Start cleaning only when the work surface has completely cooled down.otherwise it will leave marks.
• For the cleaning use only soft cloths and sponges. Hard sponges and iron scrapers will ruin the surface.
• Whole soot and greasy traces must be removed before you start cooking againotherwise they will only penetrate deeper into the material.
• If sugar, jam or a piece of polyethylene gets on the surface during cooking, then it should be immediately turned off and the plane cleaned.

How much electricity does the stove use

The power of the device depends on its manufacturer. On average, this figure is 2 kW per hour. Powerful models can reach 10 kW per hour.

In total, there are three divisions of the power of the burners:

• Small ones, with a power of 1 kW, are used for slow cooking of food, such as meat or cereals.
• Medium, 1.5-2 kW, for side dishes and soups.
• Large, with a power of up to 3 kW, they cook in large-volume dishes.

What is a non-pulse induction cooker?

Induction cookers, as a rule, cannot provide continuous heating of the burner at a power of less than 1 kW, so the heating is applied in pulses.

There was a plate that solves this issue.

It has a continuous heating function, starting from a power of 0.4 kW.

Conclusion

Based on the foregoing, the following conclusions can be drawn:

• Induction hobs - the most advanced option in the stove market.
• A high-quality hob can be bought for a small price, while retaining all the necessary functions.
• Small products not inferior to the classic options with an oven.
• Such devices safer and use less electricity.

Useful video

From this video you will learn about the pros and cons of the induction surface: