Induction hobs are becoming more and more popular in households and catering establishments. Demand is due to excellent opportunities in the preparation of various dishes. Currently, the best manufacturers of equipment offer a large number of models. To understand which panel is better to buy, a rating of quality products has been compiled and the main selection criteria have been collected.
Although the name of the hob is well-known, not everyone knows how this device works.The heating element is an electromagnet that interacts with the dishes and generates current. The electromagnetic field is created by induction coils. The more of them, the wider the surface. The panel coating is made of glass-ceramic, so the surface always remains cold.
From how quickly the stove cooks, it will be possible to determine the power. There are models equipped with auto-ventilation. They are convenient because there are no culinary smells left in the room. Modern models of well-known rulers automatically read the dishes. If the bottom of the pan does not cover the burner by 60-70%, then it will adjust the heating zone. In some devices, the burners can be extended or combined. These are suitable for those who use overall utensils.
Panel material is tempered glass or glass-ceramic. Most often, manufacturers use the second option because of the good thermal conductivity. The plate is standard and original configuration. Which one to choose depends on the available space and financial capabilities.
Panel reviews are different, but the device has certain advantages over electric and gas stoves:
The induction cooker also has its drawbacks. Firstly, it is more expensive in price, but not all models are expensive. Among the large assortment you can find budget options.
Secondly, you will have to replace kitchen utensils. Even before installing the hob, it is important to know which cookware is suitable.New household appliances will "collaborate" with pots and pans that are well magnetized. You'll have to experiment with old dishes to figure out what to keep and what to throw away. At the same time, the bottom should be at least 12 cm in diameter and more than 2 mm thick.
The third disadvantage is the noise that the built-in fan makes when the device is operating.
If you are going to purchase an induction hob, you should first find out the model, which company is better and how much it costs. New items are on sale every now and then, but with inflated prices. There are also inexpensive options of acceptable quality.
The best producers
The choice is made based on subjective opinions. It should be remembered that not always the cheapest model will meet expectations.
More advanced appliances are increasingly replacing electric and gas stoves. The popularity of the models is due to their interesting design, clear controls and practicality.Unlike classic cookers, cookware on an induction cooker heats up almost immediately.
The compact model, where there is only one burner, is produced in the size of 32.5 × 39 cm and is lightweight (1.7 kg). It is easy to operate, so even the oldest family members can handle the device. Management is electronic. There is one button for blocking.
The voltage instability in the network will not prevent the device from functioning correctly. Burner power -1.8 kW. The surface is non-slip, so the dishes can be safely left unattended, because they will not suddenly appear on the floor. Of the additional functions, the panel is equipped with a dish detector and auto-off when the water boils away.
Average price: 2,000 rubles.
The manufacturer has equipped the stove with classic and useful additional features. The main difference from competitive models is low power (1.4 and 1.8 kW for each pair). The PowerManagment option allows you to manually limit the strength of the fire. This makes the installation of appliances in houses with old wiring feasible. The restart option allows you to turn on the stove while saving the settings. The burners recognize the cookware. The timer is provided, even two types: automatic and with a sound effect.
Other useful features include PowerBoost, an emergency shutdown and, if accidentally pressed, a 30-second Cleaning pause.
Average price: 26,000 rubles.
The Italian manufacturer offers a device with an elegant design. The surface of the black shade is glass-ceramic and is lined with 4 burners with white lines. One burner has an internal octagonal contour, in which the image of the Turks is placed. It was made for brewing coffee.
The stove is equipped with two burners with the function of an instant increase in power. They can quickly boil water or heat food. The device recognizes different dishes, instantly stops working if even a drop falls on the surface.
Average price: 20,000 rubles.
In this model, the burners are placed in one row. Due to the elongated rectangular shape, there is a place for it even in a small kitchen. It is especially suitable for a narrow but long countertop. The diameter of the burners is 21 cm, and the power of each is 2.3 kW. The PowerBoost option allows them to accelerate to 3.2 kW.
The burners are equipped with individual timers, which makes it easy to cook different dishes at the same time. The smart stove knows where and what diameter the owner has put the dishes, after which it adjusts the width of the heating zone. Of the special protective functions, automatic shutdown is provided in case of liquid ingress and overheating.
Average price: 93,000 rubles.
The combined panel is divided into induction and gas zones. The first one contains burners with a capacity of 2.1 kW. They can be strengthened or combined into one oval burner. It is convenient to put a roaster or bulky dishes on this one. You can cook two different dishes. Each burner is controlled by a separate timer.
Gas burners accentuate cast iron grates. Their power is 3.1 and 1.1 kW. Their advantage is gas control and automatic ignition. The package includes a special scraper that can be used to clean the glass-ceramic surface. The gas side is economical, so it is suitable for daily cooking. It will help out with voltage drops in the network.
Average price: 114,500 rubles.
The induction hob stands out with an interesting design. Its design will appeal to lovers of everything snow-white. The model is made of high quality glass ceramics. It perfectly adapts to different-sized dishes, recognizing their shape.
The technique is among the built-in. Due to the non-standard configuration (2 burners with an oval heating area), it is an economical option. Touch control covers all burners. The block is placed in the center in front of the panel, which achieves better flame regulation.The surface, though easily soiled, is easy to clean.
Average price: 32,000 rubles.
Combined model, in which 2 burners are induction (diameters 14.5 and 21.5), and the other two are Hi Light. Burners without induction are not the most economical, but they are not demanding on dishes. It is ideal when you want to acquire modern appliances, but do not retire old dishes.
The manufacturer has provided protection from children, an indicator of residual heat and power. The panel independently reads the diameter of the dishes and immediately stops working if the food “escaped” a little from the pan.
Average price: 28,000 rubles.
The model with 3 burners is suitable for an average family. It is characterized by fast heating, economical consumption of energy and heat. Management - touch. The unit is located on the front panel, so the operation is convenient. During cooking, you do not need to guard near the stove. The timer will let you know when it's ready. Child lock, thanks to which a small child will not change the settings and turn on the panel, is included in the basic settings.
Average price: 16,000 rubles
The hob, the material of manufacture of which is black glass-ceramic, is suitable for those who have poor eyesight. The bright white circles clearly identify the burners. The icons on the control unit are painted in white, which makes them quite noticeable. When cleaning, you can set the lock function. Then it will not be possible to inadvertently turn on the stove and burn yourself. There is a PowerBoost function, thanks to which the power of two burners is increased by 50%. The burners automatically recognize the diameter of the cookware, which results in uniform heating.
Average price: 16,000 rubles.
The hob from the German brand belongs to the premium class appliances. The surface is made of black glass-ceramic, the front is beveled and the side profile is made of stainless steel. The performance is at a high level, so the equipment justifies the price.
There are only two burners, but with oval inductors, so the interaction with various dishes is precise and uniform. You can use half of the burner, as the zones are divided into parts. PowerBoost mode is provided. Thanks to the Flex Induction mode, one large heating zone is formed on the surface. Built-in timer with direct or reverse countdown.
Average price: 39,990 rubles.
Popular models come in different designs, with a sensor or with control knobs, size and functionality. All these parameters affect the price of the device.
For a small family, a 4-burner hob is suitable. If the panel is bought for a house where children live, then you should choose the safest one. To avoid mistakes when choosing, you should first consider:
What you should pay attention to when you are interested in an embedded model is the main characteristics. When the kitchen set is already in place, and the recess is prepared, you will have to take into account the width. It is important to pay attention to the complexity of the installation and the type of connection. If the device will be constantly used, then the dependent model will do. It is installed only together with the oven. As a temporary option, a model with an independent installation will help out. But, it will cost more.
Before you buy an induction hob, you should read a single review and description of models.