Immediately consider the advantages of this type of kitchen equipment:
- Fast heating;
- Convenient temperature adjustment;
- Exact power control
- Induction cookers do not heat or dry air;
- Many automated processes;
- Simple cleaning and washing of surfaces;
- Protection against injuries and burns.
However, due to the fact that such hobs provide for cooking, write exclusively from ferromagnetic materials, many people think about choosing between induction and electric stove. You can compare products by studying their advantages and disadvantages, or immediately focus on the features of induction hobs.
The principle of operation of the induction cooker
The peculiarity of this type of hob is the presence of special inductive coils that create electromagnetic radiation. With their help, special eddy currents are formed, the heat during the movement of which heats the dishes. That is, unlike electric and gas stoves, hot plates are not heated, but the dishes themselves. Therefore, the cooking process is faster, without the release of heat into space. But, if you do not know which induction hob to choose, keep in mind that some models may be inferior to peers in productivity and efficiency. In order not to make a mistake with the choice, you should consider:
- burner parameters;
- manufacturer reliability;
- panel material;
- the presence of a turbo mode;
- features of heat regulation;
- additional functions;
- type of management.
In addition, let's talk about the optimal price / quality ratio.
Important parameters
Having reviewed the best induction hobs, it became clear that not every buyer will simply decide on their own the functions and features of the current assortment of goods. The variety of techniques makes one doubt even the most experienced users to make the right choice of induction hob. In order to avoid unprofitable purchase and waste of savings, we offer to consider the most important characteristics and capabilities of this type of kitchen equipment.
Burner selection
First of all, you need to determine the number of burners. If you cook not too often, you can limit yourself to two heating zones so as not to overpay. Domino models are currently popular, which take up little space and satisfy the needs of small families.
If you do not know how much to choose the burners for an induction hob, note that there are panels:
- with the FlexInduction function, which provides the ability to reduce and increase the heating zone;
- combined models with conventional and induction hobs;
- with two, three, four rings. There are more, but more often they are used for commercial purposes.
However, hobs can be made of glass-ceramic or tempered glass. Judging by the customer reviews, there is no tangible difference, which cannot be said about the next parameter.
Type of control
Trying to figure out how to choose an induction hob, many users focus so much on price, features and brand that they forget about their own convenience. There are currently two options for controlling induction surfaces:
- Mechanical;
- Touch.
If the choice fell on the slider sensors, then you can carry out all operations by touching your fingers with the front pictograms of the equipment. This is very convenient: to increase / decrease the temperature, it is enough to slide your finger over the icon in the desired direction.
The mechanical type of control is preferred by connoisseurs of classics. If you decide to purchase such an induction hob, make sure that it has a rotary switch. Analogs are uncomfortable!
Additional "goodies"
When choosing an induction hob, one should take into account the number of modes for adjusting the heating of dishes. It is worth noting that manufacturers managed to realize the potential of the product, and regularly try to impress users with new solutions. Naturally, in the technology world, know-how does not always mean justifiable costs. This type of kitchen is no exception. Therefore, experts recommend focusing on 16-mode induction cookers. At the same time, it is desirable that the model supports turbo mode. This option allows you to speed up the heating process. The Booster function involves distributing power from adjacent surfaces to the burner in use.
In addition to operating modes, premium plates can be equipped with:
- a timer;
- recognition function of heated materials;
- function for determining the dimensions of the dishes;
- maintaining the required temperature;
- function of delayed "Start";
- a crane with the display of the included options and operating modes;
- autonomous shutdown in case of spillage of liquid.
As a rule, additional modes and functions are seriously reflected in the price. Try to decide in advance which options are needed and which ones to refuse.
How much does an induction hob cost?
Answering the question: how to choose an induction hob, you should resort to considering the optimal price / quality ratio for models from different manufacturers. Obviously, premium brand products are significantly more expensive than those of budget companies. At the same time, many European companies offer fairly reliable and high-quality products at a low price. What to do in this case - you decide!
We present the Top of the best manufacturers of induction cookers and average prices for their products:
- Whirlpool - from 20 000 rubles;
- Electrolux - from 25 000 rubles;
- Gorenje - from 25,000 rubles;
- Siemens - from 35 000 rubles;
- Bosch - from 40 000 rubles.
Do not forget to read reviews from independent buyers before buying a particular model. Good luck