With such a huge variety of choices on the market, it is very easy to get confused and decide what exactly you need. In recent years, induction and glass-ceramic stoves have been especially popular. But how to choose among them? To do this, you need to understand how the induction cooker differs from glass ceramic, compare their characteristics, understand the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
Vitroceramic Cooktop
Before you stop choosing one of the presented types of plates, you should learn as much as possible about each of them. Let's start with glass ceramics.
The question is quite often encountered on the net: “Is a glass-ceramic stove induction or not?” The answer is unequivocal - no!
99% of all induction cookers are made of glass ceramics, in rare cases there are models made of stainless steel. In addition, the group of glass-ceramic models includes varieties with different heating methods:
- Spiral-shaped.
- Infrared
- Hi-light.
Thus, we can draw a simple conclusion about what is the difference between induction and glass-ceramic stoves. The first option is a wider range of varieties.
Pros and cons of glass ceramic panels
The advantages of this type of hobs are as follows:
- Nice appearance.
- Relatively inexpensive cost.
- The heating section shrinks / increases automatically. This factor is affected by the size of the bottom of the dishes.
- Uniform heating of burners.
- The area of the hob does not completely heat up, the process is carried out only in the area where the dishes are.
- A residual heat indicator is installed on the stove. A reddish dot will always remind you that you forgot to turn off the stove.
The disadvantages include:
- High consumption of electricity (in comparison with the induction model).
- On the glass ceramic surface there are fingerprints from dishes made of aluminum and copper.
- High probability of chips on the edges.
- The need for constant presence during cooking. Runaway soup or sweet syrup can permanently ruin the surface.
- Glass ceramics can only be cleaned with specialized tools.
Induction cooker
The main difference between the induction cooker and the glass ceramic is that in the first case, the stove does not heat up. For this type of hob, special cookware with a magnetized bottom is used. Warming up occurs through a magnetic field acting on the bottom of the dishes. This field is formed through the current flowing into the integrated panels of the induction cooker. Due to this principle of operation, electricity is spent less, since it does not accumulate on the entire area of the panel, but only in one place.
Despite the obvious advantages of an induction cooker, using it is not always beneficial. In addition, it should be noted that the magnetic field created in the process has an effect on the microclimate of the room, the functioning of other household appliances and the well-being of others.
Advantages and disadvantages of induction cooker
The advantages of this option are:
- High performance with low electricity consumption.
- Modern induction models have a high efficiency (more than 90%).
- Fast heating and cooling rings.
- Absolute safety of use. In contact with the induction hob, it is impossible to burn yourself.
- Independence from voltage drops.
- An opportunity to accelerate heating of one ring at the expense of another.
- Existence of function of automatic inclusion and shutdown. When the dishes are placed on the surface, the stove will turn on, when removed, turn off.
- During operation of the induction hob there is no heating of the air, respectively, there is no need for ventilation.
- Ease of use.
- Attractive appearance.
- Harmonious combination with any style of interior.
The disadvantages are:
- High price.
- The need to purchase special dishes, the cost of which is also rather big.
- Increased load on the wiring.
- Impact on some items - bank cards, flash drives and more.
- The difficulty of choosing a place to install. When placing the hob, it is necessary to take into account various technical nuances.
Comparative Parameters
When comparing induction and glass-ceramic stoves, it is necessary to consider the following characteristics:
- Ways of heating.
- Features of functioning.
- The need for presence during cooking.
- Security.
- Resistance to external factors.
- Price.
Heating technology
The induction cooker does not have a heating element. Heating is carried out due to high-frequency radiation, which interacts with the dishes placed on the hob. Thus, a closed loop is formed, heating the contents to full readiness.
In the glass-ceramic plate, heating options are much more diverse (this was described above) and everyone will be able to choose for themselves what will be more convenient. Each heating technology has its own characteristics, so the choice should be made based on operating parameters.
Functional Features
What is the difference between an induction cooker and a glass-ceramic model in terms of functional parameters? The power of the induction panel exceeds the competitor by many times. As noted earlier, her level of efficiency starts at 90%. For alternative models, this figure may be 1.5-3 times less.
Why is an induction cooker better than a glass-ceramic model? When cooking on these devices, the surface of the stove does not completely warm up, the process occurs only on the area under the cookware, then the walls and contents are heated. This has a beneficial effect on the heating rate. For example, in order to warm a liter pot with water, an induction cooker takes only two minutes. A glass-ceramic hob will need twice as much time.
Work control
The induction type device has a function that prevents the formation of soot and other contaminants that occur during cooking. Eddy currents warm the area under the dishes, leaving the free surface cold. This reduces the need for constant control over the operation of the stove. At the beginning of using an induction hob, more attention will be required for cooking, but over time, understanding of the system will come and this need will disappear.
You still do not know how the induction cooker differs from the glass ceramic? Some models of glass-ceramic plates have a function that allows you to reduce heat during boiling and turn off the device according to the set timer. This makes the cooking process easier and keeps the hob clean.
Security
Many users, after reading reviews on the Internet that are not supported by facts, are critical of the induction cooker. The reason for the claims are the assumptions about the negative impact of microwave radiation on others and food. In fact, there is no more harm from an induction device than from a microwave or mobile phone.
Degree of Strength and Durability
Glass ceramic hobs are much more sensitive to external damage due to heating. It does not tolerate the effects of sugar or salt, the crystals of these substances can scratch the surface of the panel. It can also be damaged by a point impact. The appearance of glass ceramics is poorly reflected by repeated heating of the untreated surface. As a result, hard-to-remove or non-cleanable soot may form.
Induction panels with these indicators are much simpler.
Price
What is the difference between an induction cooker and glass ceramic? The most significant disadvantage of induction hobs is the very high cost. In addition, for cooking it requires special dishes, which also costs quite a lot. Glass-ceramic stove in comparison with induction models is much more affordable. But the lack of high cost is partially offset by the following properties:
- Glass ceramics also require the purchase of special dishes. Another thing is that the requirements are somewhat lower.
- Induction device is much more economical in terms of energy consumption.
Instead of output
You do not know how to distinguish an induction cooker from a ceramic glass? Both hobs have an attractive appearance, covered with high-quality impact-resistant glass, but completely differ in principle of operation. The induction model is newer and safer, it is especially important in those houses where there are children. It consumes much less electricity and says food faster due to the fact that no time is spent on heating. The induction model on the glass surface will never leave traces of dishes and burnt food. On a glass-ceramic plate, these problems will occur periodically.
The disadvantages of both types of hobs are the purchase of special dishes, the cost of which will please not many. This cookware should have a completely flat and thick bottom for better heat conductivity. Ideal materials are cast iron and stainless steel. You can use ceramics, but it does not conduct heat well. In an enamel pan, food can burn.
There is nothing complicated in installing hobs of either type, but it is unlikely that you can do without the help of a professional who is familiar with the features of the devices. Care of the plates is carried out using special solutions.
When developing a glass-ceramic panel, the emphasis was on great functionality. A feature of the induction model is its high power and safety. So what to choose - an induction or glass-ceramic stove? Each of them has pros and cons , so you should choose an electric hob taking into account individual preferences and scope.
With confidence, you can give only one piece of advice - choose a proven brand device with a good reputation!