Induction hob - pros and cons

An induction hob is a relatively new solution in kitchen appliance technology that went on sale several years ago. The operating principle itself is associated with the property of high-frequency heating; it is achieved by heating metal utensils with induced eddy currents created by a high-frequency magnetic field using a coil. In 1980, it was the German AEG team that developed a new proposal, but it failed to conquer the market with these products.

According to world sales statistics, it is interesting that today in European countries buyers more often choose induction. In Russia, this figure is still much lower and gas and electric ovens remain the sales leaders.

pros

As we have already said, the high-frequency model looks stylish and modern, like other built-in glass-ceramic stoves. Their advantage is their smooth surface and the absence of heating elements. It contains built-in electromagnetic coils that create an electromagnetic field. This ensures the induction of currents, which leads to heating of the bottom of the pan. And if there is nothing on the panel that is turned on, then there is no heating.

The absence of heating of the surface of the device itself is a very important quality, since it is, first of all, safe.

Splashes, drips, runaway porridge and anything else that gets on the surface will not burn, since it is enough to remove the pan and wipe the dirt with a cloth and the surface of your oven will become clean again.

Small objects on the surface do not heat up, so calmly place a knife or spoon on the stove while cooking and do not be afraid of getting burned.

It is very significant that compared to the electric version (due to the influence of a magnetic field on the bottom of the pan, rather than heating the surface itself), significant savings in energy consumption are obtained.

Since the panel itself does not heat up, there is almost no stuffiness in the kitchen, which turns out to be a very important point when choosing an electrical appliance of this type.

The possibilities for customizing the control program are almost limitless; you can set the temperature down to a degree, which is very important for preparing some dishes.

Heating up is much faster than other types of hobs. What can be considered a unique advantage is saving time and energy. You will spend less time at the stove and spend more time with your family.

Considering the operating technology of the device, it is made portable, which is convenient for mobile use. It is quite possible to take such a stove to a dacha or a country house.

Minuses

Despite the large number of advantages, there are also disadvantages.

The peculiarity of the operation of the magnetic field is expressed in the fact that when cooking food a specific noise appears. For some, this is not a particular irritant, but not everyone gets used to it, since all other stoves have no noise.

Heating does not occur if the radius of the dish is less than 6 centimeters, which also creates a problem when cooking (for example, natural Turkish coffee).

I would like to note that no one has canceled the increased fragility of glass ceramics when exposed to heavy and sharp objects.

The electric induction cooking principle requires the use of special materials when choosing pans, recommended only for such stoves, which can also incur additional costs. For example, the pan must be made of a special magnetizable metal.

Separately, it is necessary to consider these requirements when installing inductive equipment in the kitchen. Since the coils get very hot during operation, it becomes necessary to constantly blow them with fans, and they need air heat exchange. For good air heat exchange, a space under the panel of about 6–10 centimeters is required.

It is also not recommended to store metal objects under panels. The introduction of induction fields has a negative effect on electronics and pacemakers.

They are not recommended to be installed close to refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, etc. This brings significant inconvenience when distributing equipment in the kitchen, and in some cases makes it completely impossible.

There is also one significant disadvantage - they are quite expensive.

Is such a stove harmful to health?

Discussions about the dangers of high-frequency equipment are still ongoing. Based on the manufacturers' statements (which are indicated in the product passport, as well as supporting certificates attached to such stoves), there is no harm to human health from the radiation of the induction field created during operation of the stove! And certainly there is no more harm from such induction radiation than from a modern cell phone.

Although some restrictions exist, for example, people with pacemakers are not recommended to use or stay no closer than half a meter from a working device.

It has not been confirmed that cooking food has a negative effect on it. It is rather human caution based on a misunderstanding of principles. Although manufacturers have improved the latest models, and now the magnetic field extends no more than 30 centimeters. This is much less than in earlier models.

Conclusion

To summarize the above, we can safely say that:

• An induction hob, like all others, has both positive and negative sides.
• But in general, such a stove can be considered convenient and safe for everyday use.
• Despite the increased cost of such kitchen equipment, the more you use it, the more it saves you.
• The absence of harmful effects on the human body has been proven. But you must remember that there are restrictions specified in the device passport! This applies to people who have pacemakers in their bodies. Sellers of this equipment should definitely tell you about this.

Disadvantages: increased noise during cooking, high cost, fragility of the surface itself, the specifics of cooking, the use of special utensils, etc., is not so significant as to refuse such a purchase.

An induction hob, given its high functionality and speed of cooking, will always find its buyer. And creating your favorite dishes will only bring you great pleasure!