If you’re furnishing a new kitchen or want to upgrade your existing hob then maybe an induction hob might be the choice for you. We will be answering common questions we get asked about Induction hobs, so you can decide whether an induction hob is a choice for you.
WHAT IS AN INDUCTION HOB?
So let’s start with what precisely an induction hob is. It is basically similar to a ceramic hob however, the main difference is how they generate heat. Induction hobs have an electromagnetic field that is heated when you switch on the appliance and only warms the specific zone where a pan is positioned, as opposed to ceramic hobs, which have coiled metal parts that heat up the designated zones whether or not a pan is put on the surface.
How Does an Induction Hob Work?
Induction cooking works by directly heating the pan rather than the hob. When a pan comes into touch with the hob, an electrical current is created, producing heat. Induction hobs only utilise magnetic pans, so if you want to buy one, you'll also need to think about whether you'll need to buy new pans.
Furthermore, there is a fan placed in motion to cool the electronic components beneath the glass-ceramic, and it may automatically switch on during cooking. It operates until the device is sufficiently cooled before shutting down automatically.
INDUCTION VS CERAMIC SIMILARITIES
Though induction hobs might look similar to standard ceramic hobs, they actually have key differences. So what are the similarities between induction and ceramic hobs?
- Streamlined look - Both of these styles of hobs have a sleek appearance that would look fantastic in any modern kitchen.
- Easy to Clean - Both feature a glass top, which makes them extremely easy to clean.
- Ceramic Glass Surface - Because the top surface of both ceramic and induction hobs is constructed of ceramic glass, they appear almost similar. The term 'ceramic' refers to the material used for the top of a ceramic hob, whereas the term 'induction' refers to the cooking method utilised beneath the cooking surface.
- Child Friendly - Ceramic and induction hobs both include heat indications and safety features, making them ideal for use in homes with children.
- Requires Electric Supply - Both induction and ceramic hobs need a special power source that must be connected using the proper wires.
INDUCTION VS CERAMIC DIFFERENCES
- Ceramic Hobs Cost cheaper - This is the ideal hob for those on a low budget. They are often less expensive than induction cooktops.
- Induction Hobs are More Energy Efficient - Ceramic heaters are somewhat energy efficient, but not as much as induction hobs.
- Induction Hobs Heats Up Faster - Ceramic hobs do not heat up as quickly as gas or induction hobs. They are unquestionably quicker than an electric hotplate, but gas and induction typically win the speed contest.
- More Control with Induction - Many induction hobs have infinite flexibility overheat levels and heat up and cool down far faster than ceramic hobs.
There's plenty to like about induction hobs, and as you can see, they're quite different from ceramic hobs. They are more costly, but they are also more energy-efficient, more controlled, and better suited to a busy kitchen.
WHAT KIND OF PANS DO YOU NEED FOR AN INDUCTION HOB?
Because of the way induction cooking works, certain pots and pans are required. These feature flat bottoms composed of ferrous or "magnetic" metal, which is prevalent on high-quality cookware and will be labelled as acceptable for use on Glass Ceramic Induction Hobs.
If your pan has a coil sign on the bottom or a magnet that sticks securely to the pan's underside, it is appropriate for induction cooking. If you test a pan and the magnet just barely adheres to the base, you may discover that the pan does not heat as effectively.
Flat-bottomed pots and pans are ideal for induction cooking. Curved-bottomed pans, such as some woks, will not give satisfactory results. However, flat-bottomed versions of these pans are available that are suitable for induction cooking. A flat-bottomed cast iron wok, for example, should work nicely.
WHERE TO PURCHASE INDUCTION HOBS?
Now that you have more information about induction hobs, you might want to start looking where to buy one. Lucky for you, we have a wide range of induction hobs here at Kitchen Economy that will look perfect for your kitchen. You can purchase online or visit us in-store in Cardiff.
