Rating of the best induction hobs for quality and reliability in 2019

Induction hobs are one of the devices that use new and advanced technology to save time and energy while creating culinary delights. The principle of operation in these hobs not only reduces cooking time, but also provides advanced safety measures that prevent burns and other injuries.

Attention, which induction hobs are most in demand in 2020, you can read here.

How an induction hob works

Induction hobs provide faster and more efficient results because they distribute heat directly to the cookware. This is an important difference from gas and electric ovens, which first heat the burner and then the pot.

The heating element on an induction hob is an electromagnet, and when metal is placed on it, it creates an electric current, which leads to heating. There is no heating under the induction hob cooking field. The heater is equipped with a copper wire induction coil and creates a strong magnetic field directly under the glass ceramic plate.

The advantage is that this alternating magnetic field heats the dishes and the food they contain very well, but the glass plate remains cold. The panel only serves as a pot holder. The magnetic coil, made up of fine wires, forms the core of the induction field for cooking. The thin wires are designed to form a high frequency filament that generates high voltages due to the electromagnetic effect.

Capacitors and switching transistors create the eddy current required for induction. An inverter is part of an induction cooker that generates the required frequency from an AC voltage. The components are also temperature sensitive and equipped with a temperature sensor. If the temperature rises too much, the built-in fan turns on to prevent overheating.

In order for the hob to work properly, the manufacturer's instructions must be followed during installation and connection. This is especially important to avoid accidentally blocking the air inlets or outlets.

Do you need new dishes?

Induction hobs require special cookware. To use this advanced technology, it must be possible to generate an electron current for heating. Induction hobs only work with cookware made of magnetic materials such as stainless steel or cast iron.

A magnetic test can be performed to make the cookware work on the hob. If the magnet sticks to the base of the cooking pot, it will work well on an induction hob.If the magnet does not stick, you may need to purchase new cookware made from different materials to use on the hob.

Important! If you decide to use stainless steel cookware with an induction hob, remember that not all stainless steel cookware is created equal. It is important to use a magnet test before making any purchases to ensure that the cookware can heat up.

Are induction hobs safe?

Since heat is transferred directly to the cookware, the surface of the hob does not heat up on its own, as on gas or an electric stove. This reduces the risk of serious burns from touching a hot surface, which is important in families with small children. However, after using the burner for a long time, the hob may be warm, so be careful.

There are some concerns about induction cooktops interfering with pacemakers. But recent studies show that this happens if a person has a pacemaker that is unipolar and the person is very close to the surface of the hob.

Regular cooking on an induction hob assumes a distance of at least 30 cm from the stove, at this distance the level of magnetic radiation is zero. Therefore, people with heart pathologies should remember this.

How to choose?

There are a few things to consider when looking for the right hob, such as the size, how many burners are needed, and the design and finish of the product. Here are some additional characteristics to keep in mind when choosing the right induction hob for your home.

1. Power. An induction hob is as strong as any gas or electric stove. Most of these panels are rated at 1400W to 3700W. In addition, some manufacturers offer a power boost function. Thanks to this function, the heating element provides maximum heating power, whether it be boiling water or fried food. Products with this feature have more benefits than products without. However, on some induction hobs, the elements are connected together to share an induction generator. This means that two paired burners cannot use their maximum power. Cookers with four induction generators have a greater advantage in this area than those with only two.
2. Mounting. Most induction hobs are designed to be built into a worktop. Therefore, the size of the slab must correspond to the size of the cut-out for the correct installation of the product. The energy source of induction hobs is electricity, and if a new induction hob is installed, the guidance of a professional electrician may be required to ensure that the building's electrical circuit can operate with the product's capacity.
3. Design. The induction hobs are flat. They do not contain any spools or discs that need to be cleaned regularly. These devices have glass or ceramic surfaces, and many of them have touch-sensitive controls, so temperatures and settings can be easily and quickly adjusted. A flat surface is an advantage, making cleaning easier. In addition, since the hob itself is not heated, there is no need to waste time scraping off burnt food.
4. Ventilation. Ventilation is necessary when using an induction hob, even with little excess heat and hot air.However, odors, smoke and grease are still present in the kitchen when cooking on an induction hob, which necessitates a ventilation system. Any option - a fume hood, a ventilation hood or an exhaust fan will help rid the room of burning and odors. Some induction hobs do not provide a built-in ventilation system. Therefore, you will have to purchase a ventilation system separately.

Review of the best induction hobs 2020

The analysis of the best induction hobs for quality and reliability will be based on feedback from users who already use this product in their kitchens. There are 4 burner models to choose from, as they have shown the best results in terms of energy saving and cooking quality.

Weissgauff HIF 64 B

Price: from 12 990 rubles.

The electric hob is equipped with 4 burners and uses a nominal power of 6.4 kW. Black color. Equipped with touch control, which makes it possible to operate with a single touch of a button. Quite modest dimensions for embedding in a worktop are 56 by 49 cm. This size of the stove will suit even the smallest kitchen.

• Cooking zone timer. This function is aimed at maximizing energy savings;
• Blocking. Protect the product from accidental use or act as a child protection;
• Recognition of the presence of dishes. In case of finishing cooking and removing the pan from the stove, it will turn off automatically;
• Price.

• Country of origin China.

Kuppersberg FA6IF01

Price: from 28 990 rubles.

New in the induction hob market. Modern design, embedded in the modest dimensions of 57 x 50 cm. The hob is distinguished by the top pattern of the burners. It is indicated by squares. This does not mean that you need to look for square dishes, but rather a designer's whim. But it is worth considering having cookware for use on an induction hob. This can be done with a magnet.

• An economical option with a full set of functions;
• The presence of clear touch control;
• Price.

• No particular drawbacks have been identified.

Video review of the model - in the video:

Smeg PI764PO

Price: from 68,990 rubles.

The model is the standard configuration for induction ovens. There are 4 burners with a rated power of 7.2 kW. The panel is made of glass-ceramic. The control modes are rotary, which significantly increases the life of the product.

• Combined color design. The black panel has a beige bezel and switches;
• 2 double-circuit burners;
• Independent installation.

• Many will mistake the lack of touch control as a disadvantage, but as time shows, this element can save a lot of money on repairs.

Asko HI1194G

Price: 106 900 rubles.
A truly royal slab model. Non-standard dimensions 111 by 41 cm, suitable for kitchens with linear furniture arrangement. The rated power of the model is 7.4 kW. 13 power programs can be used for any cooking meal. Touch control and many different settings.

• The "Stop & Go" function allows you to pay attention to the stove without additional shutdown. The key lock works for about 30 seconds, which is quite enough to wipe the surface;
• Unusual design.

• Price;
• Purchase of new dishes is possible.

Bosch PIF672FB1E

Price: from 40 260 rubles.

Electric hob with induction cooking zones, one of which has an oval heating zone. Covering - glass ceramics. The color scheme is white. Panel dimensions 60.6 x 52.7 cm, for embedding it is necessary to provide a place 56 cm wide and 49 cm deep. Installation type - independent.

Touch control, push-button type, located in front.There is a possibility of programming the cooking zone timer and a panel lock function.

• Operational safety thanks to the functions of blocking, protective shutdown;
• The presence of the function of recognizing the installation of dishes on the burner;
• Short pause mode;
• Timer;
• Stylish cross-shaped design of the burners;
• Turbo heating mode.

• There is a slight hum at maximum heating.

Electrolux IPE 644 RBC

Cost: from 22 600 rubles.

This hob can be installed independently. ITS dimensions: 59 x 52 cm, and the required space for embedding: 56x49 cm. Rated power indicator: 7.4 kW.

The panel is made of glass ceramics, all 4 induction burners are round in shape, differing in diameter. Black color.

The control panel is located at the front, the switches are touch-sensitive push-type switches.

• Residual heat indicator;
• Safety shutdown and panel lock function;
• The ability to start a short pause;
• The device recognizes the presence of dishes;
• Express heating.

• No oval cooking zone.

Gorenje IT 65 KRB

Cost: from 34,900 rubles.

4-burner glass-ceramic hob with 4 induction heating zones for cookware with round bottom. The surface is made in black, but the design of the burners itself is not typical, it is applied in the form of a pattern.

The hob assumes an independent installation, the required space is 56x49 cm, the surface itself is 60 cm wide and 51 cm deep. The rated power is 7.1 kW.

Front touch switches and childproof protection.

• Instant heating;
• Attractive design;
• Clear functional control;
• There is a residual heat indicator;
• Panel lock button.

• There is dissatisfaction with the presence of a metal edging.

Electrolux IPE6453WF

Cost: from 35,000 rubles.

Another interesting design panel, made in white, while the burners are not framed in a standard circle, but have a schematic outline.

Of the four induction heating zones of this glass-ceramic model, one is designed for oval cookware. Appliances can be installed independently, the required space is 56 x 49 cm, with its dimensions: 59 x 52 cm. The nominal power is 7.35 kW.

The control panel is located in the front, the switches are touch-sensitive, they function as a slider. The panel can be locked with a special button.

• Fast heating;
• The presence of an oval burner;
• Protection from children;
• Residual heat detector;
• Timer with sound signal;
• Possibility of setting a short pause.

• No significant ones were identified.

Modern induction hobs are not only able to provide efficient cooking at a minimum cost. They will make the kitchen interior unique.

According to the presented review, we can conclude that all induction panels have almost the same functionality with some deviations in the set of additional effects.

Lovers of classics should pay attention to the models with traditional round framing of heating zones. Among them: Weissgauff HIF 64 B or Electrolux IPE 644 RBC. If you have ducklings or other dishes with an oval bottom in your arsenal, then you should choose a model with a similar burner shape, for example, Bosch PIF672FB1E.

Adherents of modernity or high-tech style can choose surfaces where the burners are marked schematically or in waves - Electrolux IPE6453WF, Gorenje IT 65 KRB, Kuppersberg FA6IF01.

For connoisseurs of luxury, there are options with unconventional, sophisticated levers - the Smeg PI764PO.

Manufacturers also thought about different dimensions for embedding. Most of the 4-burner hobs have almost the same dimensions and almost square shape. However, there are models that can be embedded where the depth will be significantly less than generally accepted. Example: Asko HI1194G.

The benefits of an induction kitchen

Despite the high cost, the future belongs to induction cookers. They are more economical in terms of energy consumption. The useful effect of induction is 60% higher than that of gas stoves and 55% higher than that of electric ovens. Due to the instant cooking method, cooking times are greatly reduced.

Induction panels generate almost no heat, which is a plus in the absence of ventilation devices. The same factor allows keeping the panel perfectly clean.

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