What does induction cooker mean?

An induction cooker is an electric kitchen household appliance for cooking food, which heats the dishes located on its working surface through induction currents arising in a high-frequency magnetic field.

Features of an induction cooker

The main difference between an induction hob and a classic electric stove is that it does not heat itself, but excites induction currents that cause heating directly inside the cookware installed on the burner. Thus, heating the contents of the pan and cooking begins almost instantly after turning on the device. The electric stove, in turn, first heats the burner, which then transfers its heat to the dishes standing on it and only then to its contents.

This leads to the main advantages of this technique:

• more economical compared to classic analogues;
• much faster in cooking - for example, you can boil water several times faster;
• the highest efficiency (from 80 to 90%);
• high level of safety: firstly, if there is no cookware on the burner, it simply will not work, secondly, even the working surface does not heat up to high temperatures - heating occurs due to contact with the hot cookware, and after contact is complete, the surface quickly cools down;
• this means there are no unpleasant odors formed when food inevitably gets onto the burners;
• high accuracy of maintaining the set temperature;
• the presence of a large number of additional functions;
• no dependence on mains voltage;
• The burners turn off automatically when dishes are removed from them;
• ease of care.

There is also the other side of the coin. This type of hob is more expensive than classic ones, and they require special utensils - ordinary ones will no longer work. Perhaps, when purchasing a new stove that operates on induction currents, you will also have to spend money on cookware.

ATTENTION! To check whether a pot or pan is suitable for cooking on an induction hob, place a magnet near the bottom. If it is attracted, you can safely cook on such dishes. Otherwise, you will have to stock up on new kitchen utensils.

In order to be able to use items such as a Turk, which occupy a small surface area of ​​the burner, you will also have to worry about purchasing a special adapter, otherwise the smart equipment will consider that it is worthless and will simply turn off. Induction cookers also make a little noise during operation - this is due to the internal coolers and cooling coils working.

But the main disadvantage of an induction cooker is that it can conflict with other kitchen appliances.

REFERENCE. Since the rate of temperature change on an induction cooker is much higher, this leaves a certain imprint on the cooking process. It is different from cooking using a classic technique, and you need to adapt to it.

Device

The composition of an induction cooker is very simple. It consists of a housing, a control unit, a temperature sensor, a power circuit including a rectifier and a pulse regulator.

On top is a surface made of glass ceramics or other composite materials with similar properties. The burners are located underneath. Each is a coil in which an alternating magnetic field is excited. There is a temperature sensor in the center of the coil. Nearby is a cooling fan and power management board.

Operating principle

When the device is turned on, a high-frequency current passes through the inductance coil, which generates an alternating magnetic field that extends beyond the hob. When the field encounters metal utensils with magnetic properties on its path, it causes the appearance of eddy induction currents, which, passing through the metal, experience its resistance and cause heating.

This process in physics is called electromagnetic induction, and it is the basis of the operating principle of induction cookers, hence their name.

Additional functions

As already mentioned, induction cookers have a number of additional functions. Below are examples of the most useful options.

1. Booster – this function allows you to quickly transfer some of the energy between the burners.
2. Quick start - you press just one button, and the stove itself determines where the dishes are and which coil should be turned on.
3. Heating - you leave the dish on the stove, and it is maintained at a comfortable level for eating.
4. A protective shutdown that is triggered when the surface comes into contact with water.
5. Pause – sometimes it happens that you cannot keep up with several dishes being prepared at the same time, and you need to pause one or more of them. Induction cookers have this possibility!

Conclusion

The induction cooker is in many ways superior to its technological competitors - gas and classic electric cookers. It is more economical, maneuverable, and most importantly, safe. Despite the fact that it costs a little more, this money will quickly pay for itself during operation due to savings on electricity, since the hob is used frequently and is one of the most powerful household consumers in the apartment.

IMPORTANT! When purchasing an induction cooker, be sure to make sure that its connection is carried out in full accordance with the requirements of the operating instructions and technical data sheet: the thickness of the wires and the rating of the machine is not less than required, the device is grounded, and the electrical line goes from the panel directly to the device without branches or extensions.

After several days of cooking, you will completely adapt to the new conditions, and additional functions will make the cooking process even more comfortable and faster.