Have you ever imagined that by touching an electric oven, avoid a burn? With smart induction hobs, this is also possible. But not only therefore, more and more preference is given to just such electric stoves both in domestic conditions and in professional activities. Why? Let's get it right.
The principle of operation of the induction hob
The principle of operation of the induction cooker is based on electromagnetic induction. An electric current arises in a confined space as a result of a change in the magnetic flux that passes through the circuit. Electromagnetic induction has been used since 1831 thanks to the English physicist M. Faraday. The built-in induction hob is similar in principle to transformers, which are currently used almost everywhere and everywhere. The surface of the plate is made of glass ceramics. Below it is an induction coil, under which a stream of electric current flows with a frequency of from 20 to 60 kHz. The induction type coil acts as the primary winding, and the dishes placed on the electric stove serve as the secondary winding. Initially , the pan and pan are heated , and the surface of glass ceramics is already heating up from it. The latter acts as a connecting link between kitchen utensils and a heating element.
Induction Cooker: Pros
The benefits include:
- Efficiency of heating. This is achieved due to the fact that the bottom of the dishes is heated, and not the entire cooking surface.
- Profitability. It is manifested in the reduction of costs associated with the payment of electricity due to lower energy consumption compared to traditional stoves.
- Security. Professional induction cookers are absolutely safe - the likelihood of a fire or burn is reduced to nothing. The equipment turns off immediately after the dishes are set aside, and the place where she was standing instantly becomes warm.
- Full automation. The presence of dishes on the stove is recognized automatically, in fact, as well as the diameter of its bottom.
- Multifunctionality. Achieved thanks to supported cooking programs.
- Easy to care. Did something fall or spill onto the hob? Do not worry, there will be no stink, no burnt residues. It is enough to take a lip and wipe the surface with a flick of the wrist.
Are there any downsides?
The disadvantages are as follows:
- Inability to use aluminum or glassware.
- Induction cookers for professional use are expensive, which narrows the circle of consumers. But, despite this, such equipment can increasingly be found not only in restaurants, but also in ordinary home cooking.
Induction cookers: which cookware to use
Cookware for induction cookers must have ferromagnetic properties. But you should not be afraid of this condition, since finding such dishes will not be difficult, and for human health it is absolutely not harmful. A logical question arises: "What kind of ferromagnetic cookware is this?" These are all the same enameled, cast-iron or “stainless” pots and pans that attract a magnet. It is strictly forbidden to use dishes made of aluminum, copper, ceramics, porcelain, glass for cooking on an induction stove.
The ferromagnetic features of kitchen utensils are usually identified by the manufacturer by applying special markings.
A sufficient contact area with the burner is achieved by using dishes, the diameter of the bottom of which is 12 cm or more. Moreover, the thickness of the bottom can vary between 2-6 mm.
Cookware for induction cookers may be identical to cookware used on traditional electric cookers. This issue becomes relevant when combined cooktops are preferred , which have both standard and induction hobs at the same time.
Features of choosing the chief assistant in the kitchen: manufacturers overview and reviews
In catering places, exclusively professional models of induction hobs are used, since it is precisely these stoves that are highly productive and provide a long and continuous process of preparing a large number of dishes at the same time.
The purchase of a stove is a serious matter. Before choosing an induction cooker, first of all, you should pay attention to the manufacturer. And then it will be decided on the design of the kitchen unit, its functionality, cost, etc. Many restaurateurs advise an experienced cook when choosing an induction cooker.
The Russian market cannot boast of a wide range of induction cookers. The most acceptable in terms of price and quality are professional induction cookers Bertos (Italy). The Bertos E7P2M / IND model is an autonomous electric stove with a width of 70 cm, the design of which consists of two main elements: a two-burner hob and an open base.
The case is made of high strength stainless steel. Maximum power - 7 kW. It is possible to determine the residual heating of the burners, the central part of which may heat up to 100 degrees during cooking and the edges up to 40 degrees.
Induction surfaces TM Hendi
The Dutch TM Hendi presented the world with professional induction cookers. These surfaces have a different design and may differ in the number of heating zones. The product range includes desktop induction cookers, the most common of which are Profi Line 3500 23971, Profi Line 3100 with a frying pan 239681, Hendi Kitchen Line 3500 239780.
Separately, I would like to mention the hob Hendi Kitchen Line 3500 239780. A tabletop unit based on a single induction cooker dial - one burner. Designed for cooking simple dishes and all kinds of sauces. The ability to automatically detect the presence of dishes and its size is supported. By the way, this smart device still knows how to regulate the supplied power depending on the dimensions of the dishes in order to reduce electricity costs. The case is made of stainless steel. Touch control, digital indication of heating, electronic power control has an induction cooker. The price of Hendi Kitchen Line 3500 239780 is about 15 thousand rubles.
Built-in cooker Bartscher
One of the most affordable models of “smart” hob TM Bartscher is the built-in IK 30S-EB 105936S panel. The design is based on two induction-type burners, which have individual control panels. The maximum possible power is 3.0 kW, so these professional induction cookers can be used in cafes and restaurants with “not the first freshness” wiring. The hob is made of Schott Ceran glass ceramics. The lock function is supported, which allows you to use the equipment for its intended purpose and not worry about "children's pranks." The model is equipped with an eight-level heating system and is able to determine the availability of dishes and its dimensions. Equipped with a built-in timer induction cooker. The price is about 18 thousand rubles. Users note such advantages as mobility, compactness, functionality, the ability to choose the temperature regime.
Electric stoves TM SARO
Professional induction cookers for restaurants of the German brand SARO are in the greatest demand in public catering places. The built-in model CB-70A SARO is based on two burners. It supports the ability to independently adjust the required degree of heating, which can vary from 1 to 9. Touch control panel. There is also a function to block the control panel, the function of automatic shutdown when overheating. The connection method is three-phase.
What if the induction cooker does not work?
The most common malfunction that a user of an induction hob may encounter is a dysfunction of the electric stove as a whole or a dysfunction of one of the burners with power. Induction cooker repair in this case, it comes down to the following step-by-step actions:
- Check the power source and make sure that the outlet is supplying the necessary voltage.
- Check cord and plug for mechanical damage. If any are found, the cord should be replaced with a whole one, and the repair of the induction cooker will be completed.
- Dismantle the built-in electrical panel from the countertop, disconnect all wires and unscrew the fasteners in the form of strips.
- Check thermal fuse and transformer. To do this, use a special device - a multimeter that measures resistance. That element of the circuit, which will have a resistance that is not nominal or does not have it at all, needs to be replaced.
- Verify that there are no abnormalities in the wired connections. The connection of wires on the control unit, thermostat, switches is checked, and the disk for the induction cooker (burner) is also checked. Initially, try to visually find the malfunction, and if you do not find it, use a multimeter and ring all sections of the circuit.