Pros and cons of induction plates: the principle of operation and the selection criteria.

For any hostess it is very important to make the daily process of cooking the most comfortable and fast. Thanks to modern technology, the market appeared induction hobs for cooking. In recent years, they have gained a lot of popularity due to their specific properties, distinguishes them from other types of similar appliances.

What is induction cooker

This device heats the dishes of a special alloy because of the function of induced eddy currents generated high-frequency electromagnetic field having a frequency of 20-100 kHz.

Principle of operation

Externally hob of the type has much in common with plates having a smooth surface of the glass-ceramic. But instead of providing this in the tape heating element is an electromagnetic coil. It passes current, thereby forming a field under the influence of which appear in the bowl's own currents, the induced. To perform the function of heating, they should be high-frequency (quickly change the direction of motion). Guidance current occurs by means of the force lines, penetrating through the bottom of the dish.

The heating is done precisely due to this current. This is considered the main distinguishing feature of such plates, since due to its characteristics hob operation is not heated during the cooking process.

REFERENCE! Heating occurs quickly enough and it is a huge plus, as it ensures minimum power consumption.

Device

The design of such a device quite simple:

• housing;
• electromagnetic coil;
• inverter;
• control board to the microcontroller;
• ceramic panel;
• fan.

Advantages of induction plates

Efficiency

Due to the peculiarities of the functioning of this type of plate, its efficiency during heating is 90%, which significantly higher compared with gas (60%) of glass-ceramic (less than 50%) and electrical (30%) counterparts. Besides, advanced models have a wide variety of operating modes, and a wide power band. In most cases, 16 modes is quite enough. This allows you to quickly without difficulty to choose the most suitable conditions for the preparation of a particular dish. The temperature on the device of this type can be put down to the degree and its change happens instantly.

Energy savings

Energy consumption while using induction cookers almost 1.5 times smaller when compared to such models, for example, to electric hobs. However, they have a higher heating speed. Due to the absence of the heating step, burners, heat is transferred directly to the bottom of the heated dishes. For example, to boil a pan of water on the induction stove get to 3 times faster than in an ordinary gas.

instant heat

Content dishes begins to heat directly at the moment when the induction hob. In this process, there is no warm-up time required for the heating element, and directly by the dishes, which is very convenient.

easy care

Caring for a device of this type is very simple - it takes a minimum of time. After removing the dishes with hot plates, it can be wiped with a damp cloth almost immediately. Due to the smoothness of the hob on it almost does not accumulate dirt. After contact with the hotplate food does not form fumes and burnt food residue, since it is not heated. Brushing such slab can using a special spray and a soft sponge.

Automatic activation and deactivation

Inclusion of an induction hob occurs only when it is placed on dishes having magnetic properties. Once such dishes will be removed from the heat, there will automatically turn off the stove.

induction hob Cons

In the most popular to date, the hob has its drawbacks.

High price

While the cost of this kind of devices is significantly higher cost conventional hobs. But the situation is gradually beginning to change for the better. Manufacturers of modern household appliances in recent years increasingly beginning to offer the attention of buyers more budget options induction cookers.

The harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation

No special hazard for humans in this case. The eddy currents generated during operation of the induction hob, locally limited body of the instrument. However, care must be taken so that the body parts were not in continuous contact with a similar plate in the cooking process. The optimum safety distance of 0.5 meters is considered admissible - 30 cm.

Increased demands on the dish

Since this type of plates used magnetic coupling method, they need special treatment and a certain type of dish. For cooking on induction cooker can only use pans with ferromagnetic properties.

REFERENCE! To check whether the necessary utensils for subsequent use on an induction hob properties can hold a so-called magnetic test. To do this, take a magnet to check whether the surface to attract the chosen dishes. If the magnet is well kept in it, this cookware is ideal for this purpose.

When cooking on an induction stove is not allowed to use aluminum or copper utensils. Glass, porcelain and pottery is also not suitable for these purposes. You can use the enameled utensils, pans made of cast iron and its products, "stainless steel":

1. The bottom of the cookware must have a diameter of at least 12 cm. This will provide the desired area of ​​contact with the hob, because if the saucepan or frying pan will occupy less than 70% of the surface burners, induction cooker will not perform heating. The thickness of the bottom product in this case should be between 2 to 6 mm.
2. When choosing cookware for induction hob is recommended to pay attention to the markings. Manufacturers in most cases try to inform consumers about the properties of ferromagnetic cookware with special characters.

If used tableware will have the bottom is not flat, but with an elevation in the center region in the process of cooking apparatus in such a rattling noise may occur.

Criteria for induction selection panel

Selection of the household appliance of this type - a process quite difficult. On how efficiently it was done, it will directly depend on the quality of the cooked food it subsequently. To make the right choice, it is recommended to focus on the following characteristics.

1. type of management. This may be a slider, the sensor and the magnetic switch. Maximally advantageous price-quality ratio will provide the touch panel. In this case, the cooktop will not be rotary knobs, buttons and switches. The slider is also quite easy to use, but its cost is slightly higher. Magnetic switches lately are becoming increasingly rare.
2. The size and number of burners. You must first determine the number and size necessary for preparing food areas. For example, for a country house it would be sufficient with two induction plates, and for an apartment is better to buy a model with four burners. The larger the family, the greater the number of burners should have an induction cooker. The size of the heating zones is also important.
3. Energy efficiency class. To ensure minimal power consumption during operation, it is recommended to choose the model related to the energy efficiency class "A" or "A +".
4. Versatility. You can purchase the hob combined type. Half of the burners in a stove - gas, and the rest - induction. this option is often the best for many people.
5. heating zone. A certain part of the induction cooktops equipped with heating zones possessing expansion properties. This feature allows you to use in the process of cooking the dishes more impressive dimensions.
6. Timer. Its presence makes it possible to set the required cooking time, after which the device will give a certain sound. In addition, using a timer can easily be programmed not only during the cessation of operation of the hob and the duration of the sound signal, but also the order off the heating zones.
7. intensive heating function. She also called "booster" and sometimes it's very useful if you need to, for example, very quickly boil water. Using this function allows you to instantly transfer the power of one heating zone to another.
8. heat maintaining function for a certain period of time. Very handy when there is a need to save cooked food warm for family members returning home at different times.
9. Protection of children. If a family has young children, to prevent the danger of burns is better to give them preference for innovative models, with an increased level of security, equipped with a lockable buttons.

Induction cooker, presented on the market today that combines the advantages of gas and electric models. They are economical, safe and healthy. Despite the fact that the price of such devices above normal, the financial costs will pay off quickly enough, and Induction cooktop greatly simplify and make more comfortable the cooking process favorite dishes.