Which stove is better, induction or electric? Let's try to figure this out by finding out all the advantages and disadvantages of both options. It is worth noting that the induction is also powered from the network, but it works according to a different principle, radically different from the action of traditional furnaces with heating elements or a glass-ceramic coating.
How do the units function?
To understand which is better - an induction or electric stove, you should find out their principle of operation. The operation of the electric furnace is based on a multi-stage process, during which the heating element glows under the influence of current, transferring heat to the burner or glass ceramic. From them, the dishes and its contents are heated.
The induction option works easier because it does not have a heating part. It is replaced by a special coil that creates a magnetic field. It acts directly on the dishes, without losing energy on heating the stove. Such a design has objective advantages and certain disadvantages.
Pros and cons
Which stove is better, electric or induction? To understand this, consider the advantages of the latter. Let's start with care and maintenance. One of the main advantages of such surfaces is that the food does not burn on them. That is, the working area does not have to be washed with special means, a clean, damp rag is enough. The peculiarity lies in the fact that the special coating practically does not heat up, so the escaped milk or other food simply cannot physically burn.
The second significant factor is energy savings. To create a magnetic field in an induction coil requires 30 percent less energy than heating elements of an electric stove. In addition, heat is consumed only on that part of the dishes that are placed on the surface. In an electric furnace, energy is given to the entire rounded area in the form of a pancake or to a spiral, regardless of the diameter of the pan.
Heat
Which electric stoves are better - ceramic or induction? One of the main selection criteria is the degree and speed of heating. For comparison, we can cite the results of one small experiment. Three containers of the same material with 0.5 liters of water in each simultaneously began to heat on a gas burner, electric and induction furnace. After 90 seconds, the liquid began to boil on the last model, after another 45 - on the gas, and four minutes after the start of the test, the reaction appeared on the electric stove.
In addition, almost all magnetic coil versions are equipped with booster mode, which is responsible for the fastest and most powerful heating. When the specified program is activated, all the energy for the selected burner is transformed from all neighboring nodes, increasing the heating performance several times.
Security
Which stove is better, electric or induction? Characteristics indicate that in terms of security, the second version wins significantly. It is worth noting the following features:
- The surface receives heat from dishes no higher than 60 degrees only at the point of contact. Therefore, getting a burn is almost impossible.
- Even in the on state, the stove remains cold until there are no suitable elements covering at least 70% of the hob. In order to start the heating process, the diameter of pots and other utensils must be at least 120 mm. After the installation of the dishes, cooking begins, when it breaks a few millimeters from the surface, it stops.
- Children's toys, napkins and other small but combustible objects will not start to burn or smolder due to the small size or mismatch of the material of manufacture.
Features
Which stove is better to choose - induction or electric, will partially help to understand the following information. For example, coffee lovers who are used to making a drink in Turk will need to additionally purchase a special adapter, which is fraught with unnecessary expenses.
Rumor has it that induction samples propagate a strong and harmful magnetic field. I would like to note that this is a myth. A series of experiments showed that the magnetic coil of the furnace emits tens of times less radiation than a household working hair dryer. Almost all modifications of induction panels are equipped with child protection, preventing accidental switching on. In addition, they give up to 90% of the energy released for cooking, without exposing the surrounding air to heat, which is especially true in the summer. Classic electric stoves for this purpose transport only 30%, glass-ceramic models - up to 50%. Another feature of the electromagnetic surface is automatic shutdown after three hours of cooking. This is both a minus (when cooking dishes with long languishing) and a big plus, eliminating damage to dishes and possible fire.
disadvantages
Let's continue to find out which stove is better, electric or induction? To do this, consider the disadvantages of electromagnetic panels. The main one is the need for the cost of purchasing special dishes. For proper use, you will need utensils with a ferromagnetic bottom that responds to a regular magnet. Household utensils should be checked separately, since aluminum pans can be equipped with a reinforced metal bottom, which will make it possible to operate them on induction.
Special elements are equipped with a protective layer that reduces the transformation of heat to the surface without heating it. In addition, they have a special marking (Induction), and the bottom in thickness reaches 10 mm.
If the containers do not magnetize, do not rush to throw them away. On sale there is a special adapter, which is a kind of sandwich. Despite the costs of several thousand rubles for this part, you can take advantage of all the benefits, including energy savings.
Noisiness and cost
Which stove is better, electric or induction? The description will continue with some more features of the representatives of the second category. This concerns the volume of work. Noise arises in two cases: when the internal fan is used to cool the coil, or when the induction elements interact with cookware at high power. The noise level in modern versions is minimized, however, when using unsuitable cookware, high volume can not be avoided.
The next sub-item is interaction with other household appliances. The induction panel can not be placed closer than 0.5 m from the oven, refrigerator, other powerful electrical appliances. Mixing a magnetic field and high temperature will negatively affect the functioning of the entire equipment. On some installations, manufacturers introduce special insulation.
Even the best electric furnace is cheaper than the induction counterpart. The difference is gradually decreasing, but still remains significant. Given the further savings and other benefits, this item will not become critical.
Which stove is better, electric or induction?
The rating of models given below is based on practicality, characteristics of units and their popularity among consumers.
Electric stoves took the following places:
- Darina 1B EC-341.
- Gorenje EC-5121.
- Beko FSM-67320 GWS.
Induction options were distributed as follows:
- Zanussi ZEI 5680FB.
- Hansa BHI-69307.
- Bosch PIF-645 FB1E.
Model Darina 1B EC-341
Which stove is better, induction or electric? Customer reviews indicate that both classes have worthy representatives. Among the standard electrical modifications, consider the top three. We begin the review with the Darina brand. Version 1B of the EU-341 is the best option for those who prefer a glass-ceramic coating. It is easy to manage, fits perfectly into any interior. The oven is equipped with a volumetric oven with a pair of heating elements. The design also includes a spacious cupboard for dishes.
Specifications:
- number of burners - four;
- oven volume - 50 l;
- the presence of a timer - no;
- type of control - mechanical;
- power parameter - 6.1 kW;
- automatic protection - no;
- weight - 30 kg;
- Estimated price - from 19 thousand rubles.
The advantages of consumers include ease of installation, versatility, reliability. Among the shortcomings - the control panel remains active for 30 minutes between turning on and off, the lack of a timer.
Gorenje EC-5121
In the review, which stove is better - induction or electric, we consider the parameters of the model, which is popular among domestic consumers. Below are its main characteristics:
- the number of working panels is four;
- oven volume - 70 l;
- a department for storing dishes - there is;
- timer - available;
- surface type - glass ceramics;
- management - mechanical, rotary type;
- weight - 70 kg;
- approximate cost - from 23 thousand rubles.
The glass-ceramic panel is equipped with a residual heat sensor, which saves energy. Any size dishes are placed in the volume oven. Among the advantages, the owners distinguish six modes of operation, a spacious oven, an interesting design. Cons - the lack of a display and a control panel lock mechanism.
Beko FSM-67320 GWS
We continue to evaluate which stove is better - induction or electric? The photo below shows one of the most popular electric stoves “Beco”. The hob of the unit is made of enameled steel, which facilitates the care of it. The model is equipped with rotary handles and a spacious oven for 65 liters.
Parameters:
- the number of burners is four;
- power indicator - 9.9 kW;
- compartment for dishes, a timer - are available;
- type of control - mechanical regulators;
- weight - 41 kg;
- price - from 27 thousand rubles.
Pros - the presence of a protective shutdown and an informative display, a three-layer glass on the oven door, convection and grill options. Cons - the lack of an oven blocker, a protective cover and a residual heat sensor.
Zanussi ZEI 5680FB
The next instance in the review, which stove is better - electric or induction, will be a modification from the Zanussi company. The Sample ZEI 5680FB Series features a wide variety of features that make it easy to service and prepare meals.
Main parameters:
- power indicator - 6.6 kW;
- dish recognition sensor - missing;
- operating modes - 9 pieces;
- surface material - ceramic glass;
- management - touch type;
- built-in overall dimensions - 560/60/490 mm;
- price benchmark - 19.5 thousand rubles.
Consumers consider the advantages of having a child lock and automatic shutdown. Cons - the option of automatic boiling is not provided.
Bosch PIF-645 FB1E
This modification has a low level of electricity consumption, has a stylish design, quickly cooks food. The unit can be configured to prepare a specific dish thanks to the many power modes.
Specifications:
- the number of working levels - 17;
- type of control - sensor;
- overall dimensions of embedding - 560/55/490 mm;
- dish recognition function - available;
- power parameter - 7.1 kW;
- cost - from 42 thousand rubles.
Among the advantages note the presence of protective shutdown, multifunctionality, auto-tuning for the diameter of the dishes. Disadvantages - lack of three-circuit burners, high price.
Hansa bhi-69307
This modification completes the comparison of which stove is better - induction or electric? Reviews testify in favor of the first option, if we focus on profitability and safety. A sample from the manufacturer "Hansa" has the following characteristics:
- panel material - glass ceramics;
- type of control - sensor;
- embedding dimensions - 600/38/500 mm;
- power - 7.4 kW;
- dish recognition sensor - available.
The design of the unit under consideration provides great functionality that provides convenient and safe operation. The child protection option protects against accidental intrusion. Users point to such advantages: automatic shutdown, surface blocker, residual heat sensor. Among the minuses - the lack of automatic selection of the heating area.