How to choose an induction cooker
A modern kitchen is built primarily with space saving in mind. Few people would want to install a bulky gas stove with oven in a usually limited kitchen space, when there are much more compact and convenient analogues on the market. If not long ago electric stoves were popular, the operation of which does not require gas at all, but now induction stoves are most in demand.
The content of the article
What you should pay attention to when choosing an induction cooker
To start familiarize yourself with the operating principles this household appliance, if you were not interested in it before. Such stoves use a unique heating system - electromagnetic fields. All you need is electricity and suitable dishes, to which, for improved conductivity, magnets are attached, included in the kit upon purchase.
ON A NOTE!
Modern induction cookers have a pleasant minimalist design and are suitable for any interior, but such a purchase will look best in a kitchen in loft, high-tech and modern styles.
Hob dimensions
Everyone knows the standards of gas appliances - four burners of different sizes, dangerous levers that children can touch, as well as a lot of unused surface from which you have to wash off grease and food residues after almost every cooking. Electric stoves have moved away from this - it has become possible to move them, buy a device with fewer burners, etc.
Induction cooktops have come even further. Since the equipment is a compact panel, it does not require much space by definition, but manufacturers still develop models for the specific needs of different categories of people.
A person who lives alone can buy yourself an induction hob with one multifunctional burner. The size of such a device will be approximately equal to a landscape sheet - it is easy to use and hide after cooking. There are medium options with 2–3 burners or entire masterpieces of household appliances, which can accommodate up to six active heating points of different sizes.. Of course, such a slab will be much larger in area.
Number of temperature modes
With old stoves, it was possible to regulate the heat only manually and by eye - there were “large” and “medium” burners, as well as other tricks. New generation household appliances are equipped with several temperature modes, which you don’t need to monitor - the equipment will accurately maintain the desired temperature at any time.
IMPORTANT!
The induction cooker does not heat up. The surface itself remains cold during any manipulation; only the food and the dishes in which it is cooked are heated. This is a huge advantage of this technology - it is safe for children, animals and careless users.
When consulting with the seller or studying the characteristics of the stove when purchasing online, pay attention to the number of such modes. Expensive models may have a lot of them, while simpler options have only the most necessary ones. If you are not that good at cooking, you can read everything you need in the instructions.
Main functions
An induction cooker is not just a household appliance, it is a “smart” assistant that will make it easier for you to take care of your kitchen, eliminate food spoilage due to non-compliance with the cooking time frame, and also save you a lot of free time.
What are you getting In addition to heating food:
- Control function. Set up a timer and sound alerts - this way you will never miss boiling broth, ready-made cereal or steamed potatoes.
- Heat preservation. The stove can be put not only in cooking mode, but also set to constant slow heating - so the food will always look and taste like it was just cooked, even if the process was completed several hours ago.
- Pause. The stove will operate according to one of the programs recorded in it, but this does not mean that you cannot influence the process. If you need to leave, just pause - the food will not spoil.
Additional functions
You will most likely find the beneficial properties described above in any induction cooker, but, like any product, this type of equipment has a gradation in quality and price.
Optional additional features of induction cookers:
- the burners can expand and appear anywhere you place the dishes - this innovative technology saves space on the hob;
- increasing the power of one burner at the expense of another - in this case, there is no need to overpay for super-powerful modes;
- control of electricity consumption - if you save electricity and do not want to accumulate debt on bills, you can set a barrier beyond which the device does not use.
Which manufacturer to choose
Choose flagships on the household appliances market and you won’t go wrong – these are not entertainment devices, the value of which is subjective, but household appliances, the main quality of which is convenience and practicality.
IMPORTANT!
High cost may be equal to quality, but it is not a fact that you or your family have a need for an expensive stove with many modes. Think about what features you really need.
The main ones in this area are generally recognized Bosch (Germany) and Electrolux (Sweden), known to the buyer for high quality standards and prices that correspond to them. Induction cookers from these brands will serve you for a long time and reliably.
Tips for choosing a good induction hob for the kitchen
Think about your needs. For a single student and, for example, a family with two children, they will differ significantly.
- Find information and choose a model at home, not in a store - this way you can save money.
- Find the most convenient cooking surface in advance and measure it. The result obtained is the size you need.
- If you do not have special cookware for induction surfaces (anything except glass, aluminum and ceramic will do), buy a minimum set along with the stove, if possible - there are discounts on such purchases.
Look through all the models, paying attention to the criteria described in the article, and you will not make a mistake with your choice.
