Which Is The Best Induction Or Glass Ceramic Hob For The Kitchen

2023 Author: Philip Bishop | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 07:54

• Design differences
• Practical difference
• Glass ceramics and induction: strengths
• Requirements for cookware
• The best stove - what is it?

Among the variety of kitchen stoves, the leading positions are occupied by two types of household appliances: induction hobs and glass-ceramic hobs with heating elements. At first glance, modern devices are quite similar, they are united by an invariably stylish external, intuitive interface. A natural question arises which is better: an induction hob or a glass-ceramic hob for cooking food in the kitchen.

Design differences

The technical differences can be boiled down to three key points: the type of heating element, the method of heat transfer, and how it works.

Induction glass-ceramic surfaces are equipped with a coil as a heater, which induces a magnetic field. Glass-ceramic surfaces are equipped with conventional heating elements: tape, halogen or spiral. The shadows are hidden under the surface of the burner (in contrast to the outdated shadow cookers, where the heater is brought out to the outside and serves as a burner).

The principle of operation of " shadow " stoves implies intensive heating of the burner, which transfers heat to the dishes. And the magnetic field of the induction hob transfers heat to the bottom of the cookware, which provides a faster heating rate, economical electricity consumption and safety of use.

The technical features of "induction" are the presence of a fan for cooling and the creation of a small electromagnetic field. And hobs with conventional heating elements work silently, do not affect people or nearby devices. There are modern models of hobs that combine two types of heating, induction and ten.

Practical difference

The difference in technical aspects is also expressed in the practice of using certain types of electric stoves. These are, perhaps, the most significant factors, because convenience plays an important role for users, and not the difference in the conversion of electrical energy into heat.

Below is a summary table, which clearly shows how the induction hob differs from the shady glass-ceramic hob from a practical point of view.

Induction cookers
Boiling time for one liter of cold water	Up to three minutes	Up to seven minutes
Surface temperature	Not more than 55 - 60 ° С	The burners reach high temperatures, the approximate average value varies between 180 - 280 ° С, the limit value can reach 400 - 450 ° С
Safety	Risk of burns or oil fire is virtually impossible	The device requires careful use to avoid injury.
Features of operation	For an induction hob, only certain cookware with a magnetic bottom, free from defects and chips, is suitable. Fan noise during operation.	The requirements for the cookware are simple: an even and clean bottom surface. Ceramic burners are not resistant to mechanical shock and abrasive detergents.

Glass ceramics and induction: strengths

The difference between an induction hob and a glass ceramic hob is undoubtedly present. For any user, there are priorities and requirements for household appliances, the best option is the optimal combination of advantages and minor disadvantages.

The advantages of induction hobs are due to their operating principle. They heat the dishes (water in the dishes) faster, but are much safer. The energy consumption is relatively low. It is easier to care for such devices, due to low temperatures, food residues do not burn to the surface.

Interesting fact! During frying, many users cover the surface of the stove with ordinary napkins that absorb drops of fat. This unusual cooking method keeps it clean and does not contradict the rules of operation.

In terms of functionality, such devices are more than modern:

• precise temperature control;
• the burners react quickly to changes in temperature, they do not need cooling time;
• all models are equipped with a switch-off timer that can control all heating zones or each separately;
• availability of cooking modes: basic time / temperature settings, it will be easier for inexperienced users to figure out which parameters are more convenient for cooking soup or melting chocolate;
• you can choose a model with automatic detection of the size of the dishes (FlexInduction function);
• the presence of more than one circuit of the burner;
• automatic shutdown is triggered in the absence of dishes, boiling liquid, but these options are not included in the "basic";
• standard functions: childproof panel unit, panel unit at preset mode, residual heat indicators.

Read the article on choosing an induction hob for your home.

The advantages of glass-ceramic hobs with shades are in less stringent requirements for cookware and relatively quick heating of the burners. Compared to an induction cooker, the shades of glass-ceramic cookers heat up food more slowly, but judging objectively, the difference of 4 - 5 minutes is not critical.

Using this type of household appliances is quite simple, the process will not cause any difficulties. Touch controls sometimes combine mechanical switches.

The competitive advantage of this technique is its cost, which is significantly lower than that of competitors. If we add to this the savings on new dishes (partial), then the difference is more than tangible.

The functionality does not differ significantly compared to induction devices:

• the presence of more than one circuit of the burner;
• end of cooking timer;
• residual heat indicator;
• lock to protect against accidental starting (child lock);
• block of the set cooking mode;
• power indication;
• protective shutdown;
• smooth or step power control;
• shutdown in the absence of dishes;
• increase the power of the Power Booster cooking zones.

Requirements for cookware

Another important difference between an induction cooker and any glass-ceramic hob with shades is a different type of cookware. The basic requirements for cookware are simple: an even, flat and thick bottom, free from defects and dirt. The difference is that to use an induction hob, the bottom of the pot or pan must be magnetic, i.e. the composition of the metal should include steel, cast iron. On shade stoves, you can cook in pans of any material that can withstand high temperatures: stainless steel, ceramics, glass or aluminum. The latter type is not the best option, aluminum dishes can leave marks on the surface.

Some users are interested in whether induction cookware with a magnetic bottom is suitable for glass ceramic hobs. For example, when buying combined models, the question is really relevant. Specialized kitchen utensils for induction-type panels are suitable for any other stove: gas, electric (rapid, halogen, hi-light). This is undoubtedly an advantage. As a rule, such dishes are of high quality and durable, but this is due to the high price.

The best stove - what is it?

Each user asks himself a similar question before buying. Evaluating the pros and cons, possibilities and convenience, it is necessary to conclude how a glass-ceramic hob differs from an induction hob.

Glass ceramic panel with shades. Summary. If the family budget is limited, this is the right choice. The devices have various protective functions, but they must not be left unattended for long periods. Users will need to be vigilant to avoid injury and be careful to maintain cleanliness.

Induction panel. Summary. Modern and technological not only externally, but also internally. If a small fan noise does not interfere with comfortable cooking, and financial capabilities allow you to change part of the kitchen utensils, then induction is the best choice. They are safe, functional and easy to clean. As the owners of such devices say, "If you cooked once on an induction cooker, then you won't agree to another."

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