Which is better, induction cooker or gas?

The range and variety of household appliances offered by various manufacturers poses a difficult choice problem for consumers. The choice of hobs and stoves is no exception. Agree that the presence of this equipment is important for those who move into new buildings, and for owners of private housing construction, and for those who are not satisfied with the existing devices. When choosing the best option, many nuances should be taken into account. As an example, it is proposed to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of already familiar gas stoves and induction stoves, which appeared relatively recently.

Comparison of characteristics of induction and gas stoves

The main purpose of any stove - gas or induction, is the generation and transfer of heat to the dishes and their contents, for heating or cooking. But when choosing the required model, the consumer is interested in only a few characteristics:

• cooking speed;
• ease of use of the installed equipment;
• safety during operation;
• efficiency (energy consumption);
• price.

Let's take a closer look. The principle of operation of gas devices is known to everyone. The temperature of the flame is transmitted to the surface of the cookware installed on the burner, and from it the contents of the cookware are heated.The high temperature of the flame allows this process to be carried out quickly.

The induction hob works on a different principle, based on physical laws. It is known that exposure to high-frequency magnetic fields leads to heating of an object placed in this field. The role of the heating element is played by induction coils, when current passes, through the turns of which eddy currents arise, interacting directly with the bottom of the cookware installed on the stove. This principle of heating gas stoves and induction stoves is somewhat similar. But there is also a difference. A gas stove maximally heats the bottom only at the point of contact with the flame, while an induction stove heats the entire area simultaneously.

Conclusion, heating on a gas stove takes a little longer.

REFERENCE! For example, one liter of water on a gas stove can be brought to a boil in about 5 minutes. An induction cooker will do the job in a maximum of 3 minutes. This is explained by the fact that on gas stoves heating is carried out gradually. The high-frequency field ensures almost instantaneous achievement of the temperature required for boiling water, and already in this mode it is heated.

The ease of use of one type or another also varies significantly. The ease of operation of gas units is known to everyone. Light the gas burner and the device performs its functions. However, you need to make sure that something doesn’t boil over or burn. It is impossible to control the flame temperature.

With induction panels everything is different. Installed additional equipment (control sensors, electronic control systems) allows you to set the required operating mode and temperature.The electronic control system makes it possible to recognize the presence of cookware on the burner. When you remove it at the end of cooking, the burner turns off automatically.

The safety of each of these types of hobs directly depends on the owner. But there are much more negative consequences from malfunctions of gas stoves and almost all of them pose a danger to life and health (poisoning from a gas leak, fire, explosion). An induction device is much safer in this regard. Of course, problems may arise with the electrical wiring if it was not designed to connect the device, which can also lead to a fire. But such cases are rare. The existing protection and connection of the induction panel by a specialist who understands the intricacies of electrics will allow you to avoid problems with its operation.

REFERENCE! In terms of efficiency, in terms of energy consumption, gas stoves are more economical than induction panels. But there are some nuances here too.

The only significant difference affecting the choice of one type of equipment or another is their cost. Induction cookers, a product of modern technology, are significantly more expensive than gas cookers.

Pros and cons of a gas stove

In addition to the above qualities of gas units, several more parameters can be noted that influence the choice. As already noted, the financial costs of operating gas stoves are lower. But this is only if there is a connection to centralized gas pipelines. Another advantage in favor of gas devices is the ability to use almost any metal utensils. Ease of operation also influences consumer choice.

The disadvantages include low efficiency, the constant presence of a gas smell in the absence of a hood, the formation of carbon deposits on the dishes and a rather unpleasant maintenance process (cleaning the grate, burners).

Pros and cons of an induction hob

The advantages of induction panels have been described above. You can also add a more modern control system here. All processes are monitored electronically, the indicators are displayed. The low temperature of the heating elements themselves protects against thermal burns. Another advantage is the ease of maintenance of the induction device - just a simple damp wipe of the panel is enough. In addition, we are pleased with the complete absence of carbon deposits on the utensils used.

The disadvantages are the still high cost and the need to purchase kitchenware specifically designed for induction panels. These are cookware with ferromagnetic properties.

IMPORTANT! Glass, ceramic and non-ferrous metal utensils are strictly prohibited for use on induction panels.

How to decide on the choice of slabs

In principle, it is difficult to clearly advise which stove is better to choose. If there is a centralized supply of natural gas and budgetary possibilities are somewhat limited, then the choice in favor of gas units is obvious. If financial capabilities allow, then induction panels will provide a more comfortable environment in the house or apartment. Many housewives have probably already appreciated this.