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

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

Attention, you can read about which induction hobs are most in demand in 2022 here.

The principle of operation of the induction hob

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

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

The advantage is that this magnetic alternating field heats the pan and the food it contains very well, but the glass plate remains cold. The panel serves only as a stand for pans. A magnetic coil composed of thin wires forms the core of the induction field for cooking. The thin wires are designed to form a high-frequency filament that generates a high voltage in an electromagnetic effect.

Capacitors and switching transistors create the eddy current required for induction. The inverter is part of an induction cooker that generates the required frequency from an alternating voltage. The components are also temperature sensitive and are equipped with a temperature sensor. If the temperature rises too high, 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 accidental obstruction of the air inlets or outlets.

Do you need new cookware?

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

To make cookware work on the hob, a magnetic test can be performed. If the magnet sticks to the base of the cooking pot, then it will work well on an induction cooktop. If the magnet does not stick, it may be necessary to purchase new cookware in different materials to use on the hob.

Important! If you decide to use stainless steel cookware with an induction hob, it's worth remembering that not all stainless steel cookware is created equal. Before any purchase, it is important to use a magnet test to ensure that the cookware will be able to heat up.

Are induction hobs safe?

Because the heat is transferred directly to the cookware, the hob itself does not heat up as it does on a gas or electric stove. This reduces the risk of serious burns from touching a hot surface, which is important in families with small children. However, after prolonged use of the burner, the hob may be warm, so care must be taken.

There are some concerns about induction hobs causing interference 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.

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

How to choose?

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

1. Power. An induction hob is just as powerful as any gas or electric stove. Most of these panels have power from 1400 watts to 3700 watts. In addition, some manufacturers offer a power boost function. Thanks to this function, the heating element provides maximum power for heating, whether it is boiling water or fried food. Products with this function have more advantages than without it. However, on some induction hobs, the elements are connected together to share an induction generator. This means that two twin burners cannot use the 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 the worktop. Therefore, the size of the plate must correspond to the size of the cutout for the correct installation of the product. The power source of induction hobs is electricity, and if a new induction hob is being installed, the guidance of a professional electrician may be required to ensure that the building's electrical circuit can handle the power of the product.
3. Design. Induction hobs are flat. They do not contain any coils or discs that need to be cleaned regularly. These units feature glass or ceramic surfaces and many have touch controls so temperature and settings can be adjusted quickly and easily. The flat surface is an advantage, it makes cleaning easier. Also, since the hob itself has no heat, there is no need to waste time scraping burnt food.
4. Ventilation. When using an induction hob, ventilation is essential, even with slight excess heat and hot air. However, odors, smoke and grease in the kitchen are still present when cooking on an induction hob, resulting in the need for a ventilation system. Any option - a fume hood, ventilation hood or exhaust fan will help rid the room of burning and odors. Some induction hobs do not provide a ventilation system built into the appliance. Therefore, you will have to purchase a ventilation system separately.

Review of the best induction hobs 2022

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

Weissgauff HIF 64 B

Price: from 12,990 rubles.

The electric hob is equipped with 4 burners, uses a rated power of 6.4 kW. Black color. It is equipped with touch control, which makes it possible to operate with a single push of a button. Pretty modest dimensions for embedding in the countertop are 56 by 49 cm. This plate size is suitable even for the smallest kitchen.

• Burner timer. This function is aimed at maximizing energy savings;
• Blocking. Will protect the product from accidental use or work as a child safety lock;
• Recognition of the presence of dishes. When cooking is finished and the pan is removed from the stove, it will turn off automatically;
• Price.

• Country of origin China.

Kuppersberg FA6IF01

Price: from 28,990 rubles.

A novelty in the market of induction panels. Modern design nested in modest dimensions of 57 by 50 cm. The panel features an upper burner pattern. It is marked with squares. This does not mean that you need to look for square dishes, this is rather a whim of the designer. But it is worth considering the availability of cookware for use on an induction hob. This can be done with a magnet.

• Economical option with a full range of functions;
• The presence of a clear touch control;
• Price.

• No particular deficiencies were identified.

Video review of the model - in the video:

Smeg PI764PO

Price: from 68,990 rubles.

The model is a standard configuration for induction furnaces. There are 4 burners operating at a nominal power of 7.2 kW. The panel material is glass-ceramic. The control modes are rotary, which significantly increases the life of the product.

• Combined flower design. The black panel has a beige frame 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.
Truly a royal plate model. Non-standard dimensions 111 by 41 cm, suitable for kitchens with a linear arrangement of furniture. The rated power of the model is 7.4 kW. 13 power programs can be used for any dish being prepared. Touch control and many different settings.

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

• Price;
• It is possible to purchase new dishes.

Bosch PIF672FB1E

Price: from 40,260 rubles.

Electric hob with induction hobs, one of which has an oval heating zone. Coating - 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.

Control touch button type, located in front. It is possible to program the burner timer and the panel lock function.

• Safety of operation thanks to functions of blocking, protective shutdown;
• The presence of the recognition function of installation on the burner of dishes;
• Short pause mode;
• Timer;
• Stylish cruciform design of burners;
• Turbo heating mode.

• There is a slight buzz 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-ceramic, all 4 induction burners are round in shape, differing in diameter. Black color.

The control panel is placed in front, touch-sensitive push-button switches.

• Residual heat indicator;
• Function of protective shutdown and blocking of the panel;
• Ability to start a short pause;
• The device recognizes the presence of dishes;
• Express heating.

• There is no oval burner.

Gorenje IT 65 KRB

Cost: from 34,900 rubles.

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

The hob assumes independent installation, the required space size: 56x49 cm, the surface itself has a width of 60 cm and a depth of 51 cm. Rated power is 7.1 kW.

Touch switches are placed in front, there is protection against children.

• Instant heating;
• Attractive design;
• Clear functional management;
• 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. You can build in the equipment independently, the required size of the place: 56 x 49 cm, with its dimensions: 59 x 52 cm. Rated power - 7.35 kW.

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

• Fast heating;
• The presence of an oval burner;
• Child protection;
• Residual heat determinant;
• Timer with sound signal;
• Ability to set a short pause.

• No significant ones were found.

Modern hobs with induction technology can not only provide efficient cooking at a minimum of costs. 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.

Fans of the classics should pay attention to models with a traditional round frame of heating zones. Among these: 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 - Smeg PI764PO.

Manufacturers also thought about different dimensions for embedding. The main mass of 4-burner panels has almost the same dimensions and almost square shape. However, there are models that can be built in where the depth will be much less than generally accepted. Example: Asko HI1194G.

Advantages of induction cooking

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 gas stoves and 55% more than electric stoves. Due to the instant cooking method, the cooking time is greatly reduced.

Induction panels generate practically no heat, which is a plus in the absence of ventilation devices. The same factor allows you to keep the panel in perfect cleanliness.

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