Induction or glass ceramic what to choose
and more appliance users are abandoning gas stoves. Fire hazards, problematic relocation of the stove in another place, difficulty in repair. these are the disadvantages that negatively influence this decision of buyers. To date, the greatest popularity and positive reviews remain for electric cooktops. Modern design, a variety of colors, mobility in installation and a variety of additional functions significantly attract the attention of users. Which is better. induction hob or glass ceramic hob?
What’s the difference?
What is the difference between an induction hob and a ceramic hob? Externally, these stoves are similar: mirrored surface with marking the boundaries of burners, stainless steel rim. The main difference between the devices in the principle of operation.
The device of a glass ceramic stove
A glass ceramic hob, unlike induction, heats the cookware using built-in heating elements in the form of spirals, tubes or corrugated strips.
The heating element is heated by the electric current flowing through it, it heats the glass ceramic top on which the cookware is heated. The same principle is applied to conventional electric stoves with cast-iron burners.
Induction hob design
The principle of operation of the induction stove is completely different. Instead of a heating element. an electromagnetic coil. Passing current, it creates an electromagnetic field. Vortexes are formed, thanks to which the bottom of dishes made of ferromagnetic material is heated. The cooking surface itself doesn’t get hot.
Performance comparison
If we consider the performance characteristics. the difference is significant. Let’s consider the main parameters of operation in more detail.
Cooking speed
Cookware heating speed is several times faster with induction than with glass ceramic heating elements. 2 to 4 times faster, depending on burner power and cookware size. Induction is the fastest way of cooking in the home kitchen.
Economy
There’s more to economical cooking. The faster the cooking process, the less electricity it uses. The induction hobs are the most economical in this respect (energy expenditure is only for heating the bottom of the pot). Conventional glass ceramic is inferior in this indicator.
But there’s another aspect. the cookware. Its choice for induction hobs is not an easy task. There is not much quality cookware made of ferromagnetic materials and its price is “biting”.
Important! Not all cookware is suitable for induction stoves. It must have ferromagnetic properties and have a flat bottom.
It may be that none of your pots and pans will fit on an induction stove. In this situation, you will have to buy a new set of kitchen utensils, and this is a significant amount of money, which will not pay off with the savings in energy costs for a long time to come.
There is an alternative to use a special stand-adapter for induction stove. it is a disk of ferromagnetic material with a handle (looks like a flat pan). However, this accessory has disadvantages:
- high price (1.5-3 thousand. );
- not very easy to use;
- Increases cooking time;
- Significantly reduces energy savings (heats an additional element. the adapter itself).
Safety
Since induction stoves do not heat up the burner surface, they are considered safer. When you remove the cookware, the heat emission stops right away and you can touch the burner with your hand without risk of burns. This is especially true if there are children in the house.
But there is another aspect. the effect of a powerful electromagnetic field. It has been observed that microphones and other devices do not work well in the vicinity of an induction stove.
Are electromagnetic waves safe for humans?? Measurements show that at a distance of up to 10 cm from the induction cooking surface, the intensity of electromagnetic radiation reaches 137 volts/m, at a distance of 50 cm it drops dramatically, to 15 volts/m.
Important! The effect of electromagnetic fields on human health is not fully studied, so it is better not to stand for a long time near an induction stove.
Obviously, you can’t bake pancakes or fry fish standing at a respectful distance from the cooking surface. So the housewife has to take a certain risk.
Maintaining the appliance
This is where induction hobs win. Because the cooking surface is not heated, escaped milk and splashes of fat do not stick. They are easier to remove with a wet sponge and do not have to wait for the cooking surface to cool.
Convenience and functionality
The heat flux can be controlled more easily on an induction stove. As in the case of gas, its power drops instantly and the dish does not boil. Glass ceramic with a heating element can not boast about it: the burner slowly cools down, and sometimes you have to urgently move the boiling pot.
However, many users of induction hobs complain about the following circumstances:
- It is impossible to make coffee in a carafe;
- Small saucepans and sauté pans do not always respond to induction;
- Some cookware has a “buzzing” sound during cooking.
Repairs
The more complicated a device is, the more likely it is to break down and the more expensive it is to repair. That’s why it’s cheaper to maintain a conventional glass-ceramic cooker.
Fiberglass stove covers a wide range, allowing you to find exactly your option. On the other hand, there is a choice of shade, design, size:
- the depth varies from 55 to 70 cm;
- Width. from 50 to 65 cm;
- The color scheme is represented by variations from black to blue or beige shades.
The paint won’t fade or wash off over time.
In terms of placement, two alternatives are possible:
Built-in causes a number of difficulties with installation. And also with the choice of size. The dimensions of the purchase should fit the scale of the niche. Pluses: automatic cooling system and more space for the hostess.
For a freestanding stove you can find a suitable area anywhere. For me it was also important that the hob looks harmonious, both separately and in combination with other kitchen appliances, which can also be attributed to the solo.
When it comes to electrical pots, the number of burners plays an important role: 2 or 4. For a family like mine, with two children, I chose the four-burner.
Burners come in several variations:
Induction stoves are a kind of know-how of the 21st century. Despite the fact that they appeared at the end of the last century, they became popular relatively recently. That was a revelation for me, too.
Dimensions are not much different from a glass-ceramic cooktop:
The color palette is not so rich. Mostly white and black shades.
Number of burners from 1 to 4. At the same time, they adjust to the size and shape of pans.
Induction stove makers have made it possible to locate the cooktop in a variety of ways:
- Tabletop. a fairly mobile device with one or two burners, convenient for small kitchens or summer cottages.
- Built-in. an appliance for connoisseurs. Has 4 cooking places and an oven, which makes it more productive. Dimensions are larger than the standard, so it does not suit everyone. Preferred for private homes and spacious kitchens.
- Combination. a mix of table-top and built-in. Hybrid stoves have 4 burners. Half of them are powered by electricity and the other half by induction.
Ignition method
The first two varieties refer to the glass ceramic hob.
Fast heating. the most common and cheap.
By flowing through corrugated metal bands, the current raises the temperature in minutes. If you get pieces of food. will burn, and cleaning the consequences of negligence is not easy.
Another feature of the function is to turn on at short intervals. The lower the temperature for cooking, the shorter the operating time.
Halogen heated stoves are becoming rarer because the material used to make them is becoming scarce. Halogen lamps heat up and cool down quickly. But they don’t last long.
Induction. heating is done by an electromagnetic field. Ideal for every housewife.
Only the dishes are heated by the physical process, the hob itself remains cold. So if bits of food get on the surface, the contamination can be removed immediately. Offers high precision temperature control.
Power
Electric headsets. the main current eater in the house, so even an expensive stove does not guarantee protection against additional waste.
The more heating components and other options, the higher the energy consumption
Significant role is played by the dynamics of their heating.
For comparison: to boil water, an induction stove will take 2-3 minutes, and a glass-ceramic 5-7. It turns out that the induction stove needs less time and therefore less electricity.
Convenience of operation
When choosing a manual control, it is worth giving preference to buttons built into the panel. This is where much of the grease accumulates, which becomes increasingly difficult to clean over time.
Smooth mirror surface requires constant maintenance. Not every product is suitable. Avoid small loose substances, such as sugar, on the hob. This is a kind of Achilles heel of glass ceramic.
For all its disadvantages, it is durable:
Avoid any accidental jolts, as the material can be damaged by any awkward movement.
Induction hob switches on automatically and is controlled by a touch pad, allowing you to set the temperature and time more precisely. Audible ready signal lets you go about your business in peace.
Due to its electromagnetic properties, close proximity to other appliances can have a detrimental effect on them.
When cooking, as I mentioned earlier, only the surface is heated, the rest of the panel is not affected, which makes it easy to clean up food and liquid spills immediately.
Safety
Glass ceramic hob can not guarantee full reliability and protection against burns.
Induction hob is equipped with the option of locking access to the control. Which allows you not to worry about children and pets.
The work of this gadget is based on electromagnetic waves. Their effect on the body is negligible. Radiation from such a stove is not greater than that of a household hair dryer. So you should not deny yourself this kind of pleasure.
The only disadvantage that can not be left unnoticed. it is dangerous to use for people with pacemakers.
Going to the website of the first hardware store, I came across a wide range of. The search began with the cost, since the other characteristics at the time were fully studied.
The price depends on the technical indicators:
This also includes the degree of brand promotion, which is not always a good adviser.
In the case of glass-ceramic gadgets, the price range was from 2,990 to 25,990
Induction hobs are a solid purchase that makes life a lot easier. Therefore, in the cost (20-35 ths. ) Not only the technical features are taken into account, but also the comfort zone.
When choosing, it is important to remember that quality is not just a word. This is a key point. Before saying yes to one of the variations, I cross-checked all of the indicators and on various shopping platforms. What I advise everyone to do.
Dishes
When choosing a stove, it is important to understand that not every cooker will be suitable for this or that hob. If you are not careful, it can cause irreversible damage.
Induction requires a special approach. The more densely the bottom of the pot is in contact with the cooking surface, the faster it heats up.
Heat comes from the element to the bottom of the pan. Cauldrons, woks, and other utensils with round bottoms are undesirable in an induction cooker. Not only does it harm the coating, but it also reduces the contents of your wallet. If the cookware does not make contact with the stove, there is an air and the pot heats up for longer than usual.
In choosing a new electric friend, I had to scrap all the kitchen utensils previously used on the gas stove. Otherwise, getting rid of the consequences would be a whole ordeal.
There went dishes with a rough and damaged bottom, pots and pans made of aluminum, copper, ceramics. Glass containers have found use elsewhere.
When choosing a pan, it is important to make sure that the diameter of the pan corresponds to the size of the burner. This will help to avoid overheating the surface.
Cast-iron cauldrons will not harm the surface of the stove, but will require more time to heat up.
Ideally, the bottom should be at least 3 mm. Otherwise kitchen utensils will either become deformed or will take a long time to heat up.
The only negative feature can be considered the presence of nickel in the composition. This material is allergic.
Ceramic cookware is notable for its positive characteristics:
- Cooking without oil is permitted;
- non-stick coating;
- long service life;
- The material is environmentally friendly and safe;
- it is easy to take care of;
- Cooked food stays warm for a long time.
Cast iron is used less often, because the material is quite fragile and heavy. Of the advantages:
Cookware used for induction stoves should be cleaned with non-abrasive detergents, and only after they have cooled down completely. It is desirable to exclude the use of a metal spatula.
Additional features
If you choose a decent option and pay a hefty sum for it, it should be the most versatile version. Therefore, in my Focus of attention was the so-called multifunctional kitchen appliances.
Glass ceramic can include additional functionality
- “Changing the heating zone”. allows you to add an auxiliary cooking area to one burner.
- “Autofocus”. characteristic of burners that independently detect the size of the utensils. Activates additional heating area if necessary.
- “Stand-by mode”. in case the device is switched on, but the dishes haven’t been installed yet.
- “Warming up”. This function does not require any Комментарии и мнения владельцев.
- “Small burner”. for coffee lovers from a carafe.
- “Automatic boiling”. provides a quick bring to a boil and maintain this effect until the end of cooking.
- “Automatic shutoff”. in case you have to do something unexpected and have no time for cooking.
- “Burner timer”. Provides two possible plans of action: switching off by itself after a specified time and an audible signal when ready.
Induction cooktop models are as good as glass ceramic cooktops:
- “Booster”. the transition of power from the main burner to an auxiliary burner, and vice versa.
- “Automatic recognition”. Smart-gadget independently “reads” the material of the cookware and shape, selecting the appropriate heating area.
- “Heat preservation indication”. An option that ensures careful use of electricity.
- “Reminder timer” allows you to go about your business.
- “Stop Go”. the function of switching between different modes, quickly and conveniently.
- “ReStart”. in case of technical failures, the gadget saves all settings and starts where it left off.
When choosing a stove is difficult, but it is necessary to choose those options that are really useful.
Ceramic Electric Cooktops vs Gas vs Induction. Things you need to know before you buy one
There comes a time when you have to replace the old gas panels with newer and improved. They are not as difficult to use as we think. The main thing is to learn how to use them properly, get acquainted with their features. And the result is not long in coming.
Modern electric models are divided into:
Both will be able to function once plugged into a socket. But the first one heats directly the bottom of metal cookware using an electromagnetic field. The second, by means of a tubular electric heater, raises the glass temperature which in turn affects the boiling process.
Heating speed
The cooking surface of an induction cooktop will turn up the heat in a fraction of a second. In this case, the bottom of the pan or kettle becomes hot, while the walls of the container and the stove itself remain cold.
The heat coming from the glass ceramic cooking surface is distributed vertically. First the burner is heated and only then the base of the cookware is heated. Naturally, it will take considerably more time to cook the dinner than with the first type.
Economical
It doesn’t take much electricity to heat up an induction cooktop since it doesn’t heat up on its own. But as soon as you turn off the heat, the cooking process will stop immediately. You will also need to buy cookware with a special bottom.
A ceramic glass furnace needs time to cool down. So you can leave an undercooked dish to stew. An undoubted advantage is the ability to use any dish in the house.
Safety
One of the positive aspects of the induction hob is that it is simply impossible to get burnt by it. It turns off immediately after removing the dishes. It is considered to be fire safe. But its electromagnetic effect can negatively affect human health. How strong, is not yet proven, but people with pacemakers should better abandon such an acquisition.
With glass ceramic cooktop, the cooking surface is only heated where the cookware is placed. After using it the red indicator light will light up, indicating that the burner is still hot. There is a burn rate, but it is minimal.
Care of the appliance
Washing the cooking surface of the induction does not take much time, because on it escaped milk will never burn. After all, the panel does not heat. Simply wipe with a sponge and you’re back to square one.
And for the surface of glass ceramic hob is worth buying special cleaners and detergents that will help to easily and without damage remove different types of dirt.
Convenience and functionality
You can turn down the heat flux in the induction so that nothing boils over or burns. But the dishes with a shallow bottom this surface does not heat. In addition, there is noise during cooking.
In a glass ceramic cooktop, because of the slow cooling of the burner, dishes with boiling contents will need to be moved. Otherwise it will burn.
Repair
The process of troubleshooting household appliances will cost a pretty penny. After all, it consists of complex, expensive components. To fix the induction in case of breakage is expensive for the family budget.
Cost
, And the second. not less than 40 thousand.
Induction hobs are relatively new on the market, and consumers do not always understand their features. This is especially important for making the right choice. Consider the advantages and disadvantages.
- Requires appropriate cookware made of magnetically soft materials. In other words. of stainless steel and its alloys, cast iron cookware is as good as enamelled. the main requirement is an even and thick bottom without chips and dents. Therefore, most of the old cookware will remain in service. To check whether the dish is suitable. simply hold a magnet to its bottom, if it is magnetic. it is suitable. However, there are special adapters. metal pancakes, with or without a handle, on which any dish can be placed.
- The cost of this type is higher than that of stoves with heaters.
- Magnetic fields negatively affect the surrounding appliances and humans. However, manufacturers of induction hobs claim that in their products this factor is minimized.
- The device has a built-in fan for cooling. In cheap models, it is quite noisy and this can be annoying during operation. In premium models, manufacturers choose technical solutions with minimal noise level. During operation the noise will increase, this can be solved by repairing or replacing the fan.
Rules of operation
To ensure that the glass ceramic coating will last for many years, you must know the following rules. It requires cookware with a smooth and flat bottom, the diameter of which should not be less than the burner. This ensures the best heat transfer. If the burner is left open, it can overheat, which significantly reduces the life of the stove.
Make sure that the hob is kept away from food particles (sand, salt, abrasive detergents). These can damage the glazed surface.
The glass surface of the stove must always remain dry, you can not put pots with a wet bottom on it. Make sure that the hob is not splashed with acidic or salt water.
Glass ceramic panels are perfectly flat. Такие поверхности не имеют преграды, поэтому сбежавшее молоко или мясной бульон могут стечь на пол.
