What does an induction cooker mean: device, principle of operation, advantages

An induction cooker is an electric kitchen appliance for cooking that heats the dishes located on its working surface by means of induction currents arising in a high magnetic field frequency.

Features of induction cooker 

The main difference between an induction hob and a classic electric stove is that it does not it heats up itself, and excites induction currents that cause heating, directly inside the dishes installed on 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.

Hence the main advantages of this technique:

• more economical in comparison with classical analogues;
• much faster in cooking - for example, boil water can be several times faster;
• highest efficiency (from 80 to 90%);
instagram viewer
• high level of safety: firstly, if there are no dishes on the burner, it simply won’t work, and secondly, even the working surface doesn’t heats up to high temperatures - heating occurs due to contact with hot dishes, and after completion of contact the surface quickly cools down;
• this means that there are no unpleasant odors formed when food inevitably gets on the burners;
• high accuracy of maintaining the set temperature;
• the presence of a large number of additional functions;
• lack of dependence on mains voltage;
• the hob is switched off when dishes are removed from them automatically;
• simplicity in leaving.

There is a flip side to the coin. This type of hob is more expensive than classic, and they need special utensils - the usual one is no longer suitable. Perhaps buying a new stove that works on induction currents, you also have to spend money on dishes.

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

In order to be able to use items such as a turk, occupying a small surface area of ​​the burner, you have to also take care of buying a special adapter, otherwise the smart technology will consider that it costs nothing, and just will disconnect. Even induction cookers make a little noise during operation - internal coolers, cooling coils, work.

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

REFERENCE. Since the rate of temperature change at the induction cooker is much higher, this leaves a certain imprint on the cooking process. It differs from cooking on classical technology, and you need to adapt to it.

Device

The composition of the 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.

Above is a surface made of glass-ceramic or other composite materials with similar properties. There are burners under it. Each represents a coil in which an alternating magnetic field is excited. In the center of the coil is a temperature sensor. Nearby is a cooling fan and power management board.

Operating principle

When the device is turned on, a high-frequency current passes through the inductor, which generates an alternating magnetic field that extends beyond the cooking surface. When a field encounters in its way metal utensils with magnetic properties, it causes the appearance of eddy induction currents, which, passing through a metal, experience its resistance and cause heat.

This process in physics is called electromagnetic induction, and it laid the foundation for the principle of action of induction cookers, from where their name comes from.

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 part of the energy between the burners.
2. Fast start - you press only 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. Protective shutdownwhich is triggered by contact of the surface with water.
5. Pause - sometimes it happens that you do not have time for several simultaneously prepared dishes, and you need to pause one or more of them. In induction cookers there is such an opportunity!

Conclusion

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

IMPORTANT! When purchasing an induction cooker, be sure to connect it in full accordance with the requirements of the operating instructions and technical passports: the thickness of the wires and the rating of the machine is not less than required, the device is grounded, and the electric line goes from the shield directly to the device without branching and extensions.

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