Is a suitable electric surface not as easy to choose as it seems? They differ among themselves in appearance, case materials, cost and heating features. Each of the varieties has its pros and cons, which we will try to understand further. When choosing a product, you should pay attention not only to its characteristics and reviews, but also the recommendations of specialists.
general information
Next, we consider the features of electric surfaces, dividing them into induction, conventional and latest. Every moment must be taken into account, so as not to get into a mess and not regret your hasty choice.
Despite the fact that the induction panel also applies to electrical modifications, the principle of operation is fundamentally different from its traditional counterparts with cast-iron heating elements.
Induction electric surfaces
Even the most “sophisticated” and expensive panel of a conventional design works from a certain heating element, which is most heated by the supplied current. The induction system is fundamentally different.
Here, a magnetic coil is used, which passes alternating current through itself with the subsequent generation of a magnetic field. The surface remains cold until dishes are placed on it with a bottom that is magnetized. The further process is due to the laws of physics, as a result of which the current begins to "work" between these two planes, heating the material.
Such a system is as convenient and safe as possible, which is important if there are small children in the house. By pressing the buttons and touching the stove, it is almost impossible to get a burn. True, the cost of such products is quite high, although there is a tendency to its gradual decline. In addition, not everyone perceives the considered modifications, being afraid of harmful effects on the body.
Myths and Reality
There are two myths around cooking electric induction surfaces that often scare potential buyers. Firstly, users are afraid of the negative effects of the magnetic field, thinking that in such a plate it just rolls over. In reality, the harm from the “mobile phone” is much greater, and almost everyone uses it daily and for a long time. The induction mechanism produces a minimal harmless dose of magnetic radiation, especially when compared to microwave ovens. In this direction, the only contraindication is the presence of a pacemaker in a person that is sensitive to the slightest fluctuations.
Secondly, consumers do not want to spend money on special dishes, which are expensive. In fact, the electric field near the surface allows you to use almost any dishes, the bottom of which is magnetized. The main thing is that the bottom is as smooth as possible and fits at least on ¾ of the surface of the burner. Aluminum utensils are not suitable for use, but they are not advised because of harmful emissions during operation.
Doubtful and true advantages of “induction”
The electrical surfaces of the configuration in question have real advantages. Among them:
- High heating speed, as a result of which cooking takes much less time.
- Profitability, since energy consumption is almost 1.5 times lower than conventional analogues.
- Since the panel does not heat up, it is impossible to burn yourself.
Let's try to analyze these points in more detail, approaching them from a critical point of view. Indeed, the heating rate of induction panels is higher. But if a person is used to a certain cooking pace, it will be difficult for him to get used to the process. This is fraught with spoiled dishes and spent nerves. In addition, all the ingredients for the dish will have to be prepared in advance, and not in the process (in stages).
As for saving electricity, there is a nuance here. "Induction" does not provide uniform and constant heating. Having reached a certain temperature, it simply turns off. That is, the slow "stewing" that is necessary when cooking certain dishes should be forgotten.
As for the impossibility of a burn, this is true if there is a small child or a person with a mental disorder in the house. It is unlikely that an adequate adult individual will put his hands on the burners.
Features
According to reviews of electric hobs with an induction mechanism, such stoves also make noise during operation, making the sound of a functioning fan. In addition, such variations fail more often and require expensive repairs.
If money is not a problem and there is a desire to update the kitchen with modern appliances, experts advise you to purchase combined versions. This option is much more profitable and prudent, and at a price not much more expensive.
Standard versions with cast iron burners
It is worth noting that the only advantage of a conventional electric surface is low cost. If it is needed for rare use, the option is quite appropriate. In everyday use, any housewife will pay attention to a number of minuses, namely:
- prolonged heating of the work surface;
- significant energy consumption;
- difficulty in leaving;
- over time, the burners wear out and require replacement.
The case material of these modifications is made of stainless or enameled steel. The apparent savings on the purchase are fraught with subsequent significant costs of electricity. In addition, they are difficult to wash, and food is prepared an order of magnitude longer than on gas counterparts. The ingress of milk or other product on a hot burner guarantees burning. And the pancake itself cools down for several minutes. In general, there is not much pleasure in using such models.
Ceramic Electric Surfaces
The panels of this design are much more practical, they can be turned off and not be afraid of residual heating for a long time.
By type of heating, “cermet” is divided into several categories:
- The rapid version is standard spirals, the heating time is no more than 12 seconds.
- Halogen options. Despite the fact that with the help of special lamps, work takes a couple of seconds, such elements quickly fail.
- Tape heaters Hi-Lite. They have an asbestos base, warm up in 6-7 seconds.
Experts recommend rapid variations, since their replacement is rarely required, while the cost is lower than that of analogues. Another advantage of this option is a wide assortment, presented everywhere in the markets and in specialized retail outlets. All well-known manufacturers produce such consumables. Some users are afraid to purchase electric stoves with a ceramic surface, so as not to break them accidentally during operation. However, you should not panic here, they are quite durable. The only caveat is the fear of pinpoint impacts, but such cases are extremely rare and all the advantages overlap with such fears with interest.
What else to look for when choosing?
When buying a stove, do not forget about the main and additional functionality. In addition, often the cost is overstated, since the modification is “crammed” with various innovative implementations, which many housewives do not use. Attention is paid to the following points:
- Control block. It is either touch or with rotary handles. The first panel is easier to care for, so it's best to choose it.
- The presence of a brake light or standby timer. Its functionality is to briefly turn off the burner if you need to leave for a short time. A very dubious option, as you can simply rearrange the dish, remove it or turn off the stove.
- Food ready indicator. This is a pretty useful thing, without which you should not take the stove. The convenience is that you can set the time and the signal will remind you of boiling soup.
- Touch Panel Lock A similar option is relevant if there are small children in the house.
- Sensor for detecting dishes on the surface of an electric stove. On glass-ceramic models, this option is simply necessary, because they do not like to work "in vain" and quickly deteriorate. A notification of a “naked” burner on or the presence of an empty pan is made using a special signal.
- One of the important points is the warranty period. The better the products, the longer the warranty. If this figure is several months, you should not buy a stove, no matter how cheap it is.
- Remembering recipes. Not useful function. Even if the same dish is often cooked, the products in the composition are different. For example, one day cooked borscht from beef, the other - from pork. If you take into account the “useful” tip of the stove, you can get an undercooked or overcooked product at the output.
General recommendations for care and maintenance
The electric field of the charged surfaces of the glass-ceramic type (induction and conventional) has a feature which consists in the fact that for correct operation, utensils exclusively with a flat bottom are required. Otherwise, the containers will heat up more slowly, and the dishes will begin to make crackling sounds.
Glass ceramic panels are washed with special compositions that do not contain abrasive inclusions. The remains of burnt products are cleaned with a special metal scraper, which is usually supplied. After processing, a special polish is applied to the surface, which allows the panel to shine, and also protects it from pollution.
As already stated, for a plate with an induction mechanism, containers made of copper and aluminum are not suitable. But their operation is not recommended for glass ceramics. Such pans, including enameled and painted dishes, leave marks on the surface. Removing them is very problematic, sometimes almost impossible. In order to avoid damage to glass ceramics, it is not recommended to place heavy things or interior objects on such a panel that could fall and damage the material.
What do the users themselves say?
Electric hob, reviews about which are very different, users perceive differently. Some consumers note the cheapness and relative effectiveness of standard cooking surfaces, causing it to be that “all” used these models before. The second group of users strives to meet the spirit of the time, choosing induction options that have a lot of advantages, including modern design and wide functionality. Based on the realities and recommendations of experts, the best option would be a combined modification that combines all the best features of both designs.
In conclusion
Another fact says that the various types of hobs are in demand. Almost all well-known manufacturers produce all these types of furnaces. Moreover, many of them focus on the possibility of cheaper innovative models without losing quality parameters. From this we can conclude that with the advent of some ultramodern material, the versions that seem fantastic today will become obsolete.