Which is the best induction or infrared stove. Choosing an infrared stove
The tabletop is a lightweight and compact device, it is an excellent assistant in small kitchens, dachas and other houses in the countryside.
Not so long ago, only electric stoves were the main assistant of housewives in areas not provided with gas. Today, infrared tabletop (IR) cookers are in great demand. Heating in it occurs with the help of heating elements, which generate infrared radiation, and heating is based on the fact that the water in the products absorbs this radiation. This produces large amounts of heat. This principle of work is a guarantee fast food food. And it turns out with excellent taste characteristics and does not lose useful qualities. Many modifications of IR cookers for household use are equipped with glass-ceramic surface... They are formed by: a body, a heating component, a hob and a control unit. The heating component heats up and then heats up the cookware. These actions provide an electric current. The glass-ceramic surface is resistant to pressure and temperature shocks. You can easily place massive dishes on it and set the maximum heating parameters. However, point impacts are dangerous for such a surface. Heavy objects are not allowed to fall on it. It can be seriously damaged, for example by a metal corkscrew or the edge of a saucepan lid. This surface has excellent thermal conductivity. Therefore, the plate heats up to high values very quickly. In the household versions, the temperature limit is usually 300 ° C. In professional ones, it is twice as much. Thanks to the glass-ceramic panel, you can: IR models allow you to prepare a variety of dishes, from soups to pancakes. Desktop and floor-standing versions are available for purchase. The second can be arranged ovens... Models are usually equipped with at least one hotplate, maximum four. Also today, infrared grills have become more preferred. There are modifications of small dimensions. They are often used on loggias, verandas and for summer cottages. There are professional variations that are commonly found in food service establishments. They significantly speed up and develop the quality of service. Its advantages are as follows: These disadvantages are rather arbitrary. And they in no way negatively affect the impression of the use of such tiles. Today, the question of the advantages of an induction or infrared cooker is very relevant. Better briefly: the first heats only the dishes placed on it. And the dishes here require a certain one. Such models work more economically. The second is everything that is placed on it. And if there is nothing on it, it can warm up the air. Therefore, if you need a good economical option and you are ready to deal with the availability of certain types of dishes, then you need an induction unit. If the dynamics of heating and cooking is important to you, purchase tabletop IR cookers. It is important to follow certain criteria when purchasing. The primary criterion is the selection based on the brand. Better to focus on a famous manufacturer. And choose one or another modification based on your needs. Other key criteria: The price indicators of IR tiles are due to the following factors: The most impressive price tags are observed for devices made of stainless steel. The cost of this technique can develop when it contains additional options, for example: The serious cost of infrared tiles pays off afterwards, since electrical resources are significantly saved. When operating an infrared tile, do not forget that this is still an electrical unit. And it is subject to certain safety rules. Before cleaning the hob, be sure to disconnect it from the electrical system. Use only a soft sponge or cloth for this procedure. A liquid dishwasher or a special cleaning agent should also be used here. of this material- glass ceramics. The use of abrasive methods is prohibited. They have a detrimental effect on the appearance and quality of the surface. Do not forget to periodically eliminate dust accumulating in the ventilation grilles of the device. You can act manually, or you can use a vacuum cleaner. Under no circumstances should the tile be cleaned by completely immersing it in water. When the IR model is used carefully and all recommendations for its use and care are followed, it will work for a very long time. Today in the range you can find many different infrared tabletop cookers. To make the right choice, you need to know which brands are leading and which models enjoy a good reputation among users. The following is a list of five popular modifications.Weaknesses and strengths of IR tiles
Dilemma: Induction or IR?
Criterias of choice
How to care for this technique
Examples of top models
- Protection against overheating of internal components (when the case heats up over 1000C, the device turns off)
- Panel overheating protection (triggered when the surface of the disks exceeds 5800C)
- Simple mechanical control
- The surface is easy to clean and clean
- Infrared hotplates provide fast heating
- Any utensil can be used (except plastic and paper)
- Original design
- If the device fails, it is difficult to find replacement parts.
The compact tabletop cooker consists of a metal body, infrared heating elements and a control board. The model is produced in two colors - black (RIC-3206) and silver (RIC-3206i). The control is very simple - two mechanical regulators of heating power, each for its own burner. The glass-ceramic surface is durable, withstands a lot of weight, however, it is afraid of pinpoint impacts. The diameters of the burners are 18 and 15 cm, respectively. The plate is completed with 4 support legs. The control panel has 2 operation indicators that light up when the corresponding hotplate is switched on.
- Thanks to the high power of 1200 W, the hotplate heats up quickly
- Economical energy consumption
- Several types of protection (against overheating of the internal structure and overheating of surfaces)
- Non-slip rubber feet increase the stability of the appliance
- Simple and straightforward mechanical control
- Glass ceramic surface is easy to clean and clean
- High price
An infrared stove in a stainless steel case is completed with one hotplate with a diameter of 18 cm. The manufacturer produces two types of models that differ in appearance. The RICCI RIC-3106i comes in silver, the control panel is black, the RICCI RIC-3106 is in black with a contrasting red insert and a shiny silver handle. The model is quite light, weighs 2 kg, it can be easily moved from place to place. The control panel consists of an indicator that lights up when the hotplate is turned on and a heating knob.
- The control panel displays error codes to help diagnose the problem
- Three types of protective shutdown
- Heating temperature is adjustable in the range of 60-2400C
- The control panel is locked
- Auto shut-off timer for 180 minutes
- Residual heat indicator tells you when the surface is cold
- Maximum power of the hotplate 2 kW
The infrared stove is a modern technological miracle that is used not only in public buildings, but also in ordinary kitchens. It is a thermal equipment that is heated by special heating elements with infrared radiation. The latter is transferred to the glass-ceramic work surface.
Cookers of this type are suitable for preparing first and second courses. Baked goods cooked on an infrared oven are tastier. In view of this, it is worthwhile to talk in more detail about what such a kitchen technique is in general, what are its advantages and whether it has disadvantages.
How it works and benefits
So, the heating of the working surface is carried out by means of heating elements that generate infrared radiation, which is absorbed by the water contained in the products. This creates a significant amount of heat. This makes cooking faster. In addition, it turns out to be more tasty and does not lose its beneficial properties.
Most models of IR cookers have a glass-ceramic surface. The principle of operation of the device is quite simple. It is based on the fact that the heating element is heated first, and only then the heat is transferred to the dishes installed on the stove. In any case, electric current is responsible for ensuring these actions.
Main advantages
The glass-ceramic surface tolerates temperature drops and pressure surges well. Therefore, on a stove with such a surface, you can install bulky dishes and use the highest temperature limits for heating. However, pinpoint impacts are very dangerous for glass ceramics. Therefore, heavy objects should not be allowed to fall on it. For example, if a metal corkscrew falls on such a surface or the lid hits it with an edge, it could cause damage.
In this case, an infrared hob with a glass-ceramic surface heats up very quickly to high temperatures. It also has excellent thermal conductivity. Naturally, this became possible due to the use of glass ceramics. Therefore, even a very large pot of water will heat up in just a few minutes.
In addition, water is found in all foods that are commonly used for cooking. It absorbs large quantities of infrared radiation. Due to this, the taste of the dishes is simply excellent. This was already mentioned at the beginning of our article.
Of course, the most important advantage of an infrared stove is that the cooking speed is significantly increased. This is important not only because the hostess does not have to stand at the stove longer. From this it follows that the efficiency of the equipment increases, and the cost of electricity decreases. At the same time, sanitizing the plates will not be difficult.
On types of equipment, selection rules and cost
Infrared cookers can be used as stand alone equipment. They can also be part of the heating line in the kitchen. In any case, they are divided into two types according to the installation method:
- desktop;
- floor.
But according to the number of heating zones, or simply - burners - stoves are two or four-burner. Also, such a device may have an oven, or maybe without it.
How to choose
As for the features of choosing an infrared stove, they are as follows. First of all, one should take into account the size of the room and the power of the electrical networks to which the device will be connected. In addition, the purpose of use is also of great importance. Indeed, for use on a regular household kitchen one type of equipment is selected, but a household stove will not work for production purposes.
If the stove is chosen for a restaurant kitchen or for a dining room, then it is more appropriate to purchase a whole heating line here. If the infrared stove is installed in a small pancake, for example, then it will be enough to choose a tabletop hob with two burners. Such equipment is compact in size and has an acceptable cost. Naturally, when choosing such a plate for ordinary cuisine you should also take into account your nuances.
What affects the cost
You need to understand that an infrared stove is not a cheap pleasure at all. Its price directly depends on the quality of the heating elements, as well as on what material the stove body will be made of. The most expensive models are those with a case made of stainless steel.
Also at the cost of such kitchen equipment the number of additional functions affects. These are:
- electronic timer;
- residual heat indicator;
- class A power consumption programmers;
- self-cleaning system.
Of course, this list is far from complete. However, the fewer additional features there are, the lower the price will be. However, their presence makes the use of an infrared stove more convenient and safe. But it is worth noting that the high cost of such equipment pays off very quickly due to the high degree of savings in electrical energy consumption.
The use of an infrared cooker, like any electrical appliance with heating elements, implies caution. Therefore, the user must strictly follow the safety rules. At the same time, infrared radiation has not yet been fully studied. And some scientists still argue that it can negatively affect human health.
Therefore, in order to reduce possible harmful effects, you should try to fully load the working surface of the device. When the cooking process is complete, the stove must be turned off. In addition, do not spill liquid onto the work surface. This will prevent the possibility of burns.
It should be added that to extend the life of the infrared stove, you cannot use pots that are chrome-plated. The thing is that their bottom does not absorb thermal energy, but pushes it back - to the heating element. Therefore, ideally, it is better to use pans with a black bottom.
As for the repair of infrared plates, it usually involves replacing the glass-ceramic surface. After all, if it is damaged, then it will be impossible to restore its original appearance. Therefore, it is necessary to strictly follow all the rules for the operation of glass ceramics, which, although it is able to withstand significant temperatures and pressure, does not tolerate point impacts well.
If the problem lies in the malfunction of the heating elements, then they should be changed either at a service center or with the help of a qualified specialist. Under no circumstances should you repair the device yourself.
Video. Ricci infrared hob. I try in cooking
Material catalog
With all the variety of models electric stoves and embedded hobs that the market offers today, they only use two types of heating. One of them is based on the so-called Joule effect, which is the heating of a conductor by an electric current flowing through it. A striking (literally) example of such heating is the filament of an electric light bulb. Once in the stoves, tubular heating elements (heating elements) were used, then they were replaced by cast-iron "pancakes", but now models with such devices are rare. The burners of most modern electric stoves are a ceramic base, in the winding grooves of which a thin wire spiral or corrugated ribbon of metal with a high electrical resistance... The fact that this conductor "resists" the flowing current leads to its strong heating. But since the task of the stove is to heat, not to shine, the burner does not shine like a light bulb, but radiates in the thermal (infrared) range.
HotplateHi-Light with tape heating element
Burners with a tape heating element have a special name - Hi-Light (it was invented for its products by the German company EGO, which produces this equipment). The wire heats up in 6 - 10 seconds after turning on the hotplate, the tape faster - in just 3 - 5 seconds. In order for the burner to heat up even faster, in just one second, a halogen lamp is sometimes built into it: it works immediately after the burner is turned on, and then turns off.
James Prescott Joule (1818 - 1889) - English physicist who made a significant contribution to the formation of thermodynamics. He substantiated the law of conservation of energy by experiments. Established a law that determines the thermal effect of an electric current.
Induction hob
The second type of electric cooker uses the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction discovered by Michael Faraday. The burners of these stoves are called induction. There is a copper coil under the glass surface of the slab, through which a high-frequency electric current (20 - 60 kHz) flows. In full accordance with Faraday's law, the magnetic field of this current, penetrating the bottom of the dish, induces electric currents in it. These eddy electric currents heat the bottom, and with it the food in the dishes. As for glass (more precisely, glass ceramics), if it heats up, then only from the bottom of the pan (which, for the burner to work effectively, must have ferromagnetic properties). Perhaps many readers are familiar with the spectacular experience when the demonstrator puts a sheet of paper between the glass and the dishes: the water in the pan boils, but the paper does not ignite.
Michael Faraday (1791 - 1867) - English experimental physicist. Opened electromagnetic induction underlying modern industrial electricity production and many of its applications.
So, Faraday or Joule? Induction or ... non-induction? We need to somehow define the terminology. The fact is that the compilers of catalogs (both paper and electronic) are rather tongue-tied in describing this alternative. Sometimes we read: "Induction and electric" - which is not true, because induction cookers are also electric. "Induction and glass-ceramic" - this is quite common, but no better, since in both cases glass-ceramic is used as a covering of the working table of the stove. When there were no induction hobs yet, electric stoves were really subdivided into "ordinary" (with an enameled tabletop) and "glass-ceramic", but in this case glass-ceramic is not a criterion of distinction. “Induction versus traditional electrical” is good, but a little cumbersome. “Induction and Hi-Light” is short and clear, but keep in mind that not all burners on traditional hobs are of the Hi-Light type. Perhaps the most correct way would be: "induction and infrared." Let's decide on that.
Electric stove. Drawing from Australian patent No. 4699/05, 1905.
Hotplates with resistive heating elements appeared earlier than induction ones. Back in September 1859, American George Simpson received a patent No. 255532 for a surface heated with a platinum wire spiral through which a current was passed from a storage battery.
Quite close in design to modern models was the stove, which was developed by Australian David Curl Smith (Australian patent No. 4699/05, 1905): on top of the oven there was an electric worktop hob, and between them - an electric grill. But there was no control thermostat in this stove yet - in order to achieve the desired degree of heating, it was necessary to turn on nine sections of the heating element one after the other. The Smith cooker was one of the first to go into mass production. Interestingly, in order to promote the new household appliance, the inventor's wife, Norah Curl Smith, published a book in 1907 entitled "Cooking with thermoelectricity is easy." This collection of 161 dishes became the world's first book culinary recipes for an electric stove.
Electric induction cooker (drawing from US patent, 1909). InductorS induces a field in the magnetic core M, and this field generates eddy currents in the bottom of the vessel A.
Curious that the idea induction hob was proposed in the same years (see drawing from US patent 1909). However, the practical application of this idea of affairs did not come quickly: it was not until the mid-1950s that the Frigidaire division of General Motors created the first demonstration model. It was during its demonstration during the travels of GM representatives across America that an effective trick with a newspaper placed under the pan was invented in order to demonstrate the complete safety of the new device.
In April 1961, the Soviet magazine Tekhnika Molodoi, in a small note entitled “Cooking on a cold stove,” said: “The factories of the Neff company have developed a new induction kitchen stove, in the center of which an ordinary frying pan with meat is placed on three legs. A few minutes after turning on the stove, the schnitzel is already ready. You can stick your hand between the frying pan and the stove without getting burned. The magnetic field created by the high-frequency current generator induces eddy currents in the metal dish, which quickly heat it up. Wood, plastic and organic matter at the same time do not heat up. The feet of the frying pan prevent heat from transferring to the stove. "
Induction hobWestinghouseElectricCT2 (1973)
However, the time has not yet come for the mass production of induction cookers. The design was "brought to mind" by Westinghouse Electric, demonstrating in 1971 a prototype with a burner, into the winding of which a current with a frequency of 25 kHz was applied. The first serial model, called CT2, was produced from 1973 to 1975 and was discontinued due to the sale of the manufacturer itself to White Consolidated Industries Inc. The century of the model was short-lived, but the main thing is that it already used Pyroceram glass from Corning Glass as a coating for the desktop. The stove did not have the usual power control knobs - instead, magnetic sliders were used. Therefore, there were no holes on the glass where liquid spilled from the dishes could get. In addition, the model could detect the presence of cookware on the hotplate using a magnetic detector. This was necessary in order not to damage the high-frequency generator, but the function turned out to be so convenient that it is still used in all induction cookers to this day.
It is curious that, demonstrating the work of the stove on the air of the BBC television channel, the popular showman Raymond Baxter placed not paper between the glass and dishes, but ... a piece of ice!
The undoubted advantages of induction burners are quick heating (according to this indicator, they are close to gas ones), high, about 90% efficiency (versus 60-70% for stoves with resistive heating elements and 30-60% for gas ones). The induction hotplates do not turn on until there is any cookware on top of them, and they turn off automatically as soon as you remove the cookware from the stove. The glass-ceramic surface of induction hobs only heats up slightly from the dishes, and after switching off it cools down quickly - as a result, nothing burns to it. At the same time, the temperature next to the burner remains practically unchanged, which is explained by the "directed thermal conductivity" of glass-ceramics: it conducts heat well vertically and poorly - along the surface.
What if induction has disadvantages? There are few of them: firstly, the special requirements for the dishes (the presence of ferromagnetic properties). And, secondly, the price. Our pivot table has seven induction and seven infrared models, as usual, ranked by price. If you mentally divide this table in half, then in the upper part there will be only two induction models, and in the lower, more "expensive" - on the contrary, only two infrared models.
BEKO HIC 64101 X
The glass-ceramic worktop of the BEKO HIC 64101 X hob is edged with a stainless steel frame. The mirror-smooth surface of the glass makes cleaning easy and is not easy to scratch.
The front left burner is double-circuit: the diameter of the heating zone here can increase from 120 mm to 180 mm, and the power - from 700 W to 1700 W. When the hotplate is switched on, the internal cooking zone is activated, and then the heating zone can be expanded by turning the power knob. By the way, this interesting feature this model: it uses classic rotary power controllers. As for the indication of the residual heat of the burners, today it is difficult to imagine a hob with infrared heating zones without this function.
Electronicsdeluxe 595204.01 evs
The Electronicsdeluxe 595204.01 eus hob is also equipped with a round expandable burner. But in this model, it is located on the rear right, and its power increases from 700 to 2100 watts. The hob is covered with Neoceram glass ceramics, which has high temperature resistance and exceptional mechanical strength... There is a timer off and a lock of the touch control panel - this safety system prevents children from turning on the hotplates.
Hotpoint-Ariston KIO 632 CP C
And here is the first induction model in our review - the Hotpoint-Ariston KIO 632 CP C hob of the LUCE series. A feature of this collection is the use of innovative technology Flexy Zone, which makes the work area of the hob "flexible". Added to the two regular round cooking zones is a rectangular area, on which, thanks to the absence of borders, you can place pots of any shape and size. Flexy Zone technology allows you to place two pans or pots on the same cooking zone at two different temperatures, or set the same power and temperature across the entire surface underneath the cookware large diameter- for example, a goose maker or a baking sheet. Flexy Zone "adjusts" itself to the dishes, automatically detecting the size and position of each individual pan and activating only the heating zone that is needed.
In this regard, there is a little confusion in the technical characteristics of this model - if you "google" it, then on some sites it will be indicated that the surface has three burners, and on others - that four. The fact is that the Flexipower heating zone can work as two separate cooking zones or as one large one. Most of all we liked the wording on the manufacturer's website - "Number of induction zones: yes". As the saying goes, "I have them."
It's time to get acquainted with such a function as fast heating (BOOSTER) - it will be found in almost every induction model included in our review. With the BOOSTER fast heating function, you can quickly, in just four minutes, heat up a hotplate to the maximum, temporarily "taking away" the power from the neighboring one.
And of course, you cannot ignore the convenient Touch Control, which is characteristic of most modern hobs, which provides precise and independent control of each cooking zone, allowing you to set the temperature and functions with a simple touch.
Gorenje ECS620BC
And again infrared burners, and all four are Hi-Light. We are talking about the Gorenje ECS620BC model with SliderTouch touch controls, which allow you to smoothly set the power of the heating zones. Two burners are expandable: the front left burner with circular heating zones (120 mm / 210 mm) and the rear right, where a circle with a diameter of 170 mm expands to an oval 265 mm long. Each of the hotplates has its own timer and residual heat indicator. In addition to automatic shutdown at a time set using the timer, there is also an automatic cooking system - it will come in handy for such dishes that first need to be heated on the very high level power, and then leave to cook for a long time, while not constantly monitoring the cooking process (for example, boiled meat). But for frying or stewing, when the dish needs to be turned over often, stirred or added to it with water, the "Automatic cooking" mode will not work.
Hansa BHC63503
The Hansa BHC63503 hob is also equipped with touch control, an individual timer for each Hi-Light burner and automatic boiling. The model has two round expandable heating zones - front left (120/210 mm) and right back (120/180 mm). It also contains elements such as a four-segment residual heat indicator, child lock and a keep warm function, which, in general, are often found in models of this price category. But the design of the model is completely unique: this model with Antique pattern belongs to an exclusive series, which also includes Hansa Vintage BHC63500, Hansa Wood BHC63501 and Hansa Orient BHC63502 hobs. It is not often that these kitchen appliances allow for a departure from the stereotypical black glass, and the Hansa models are just such a pleasant exception, pleasing to the eye.
Candy CIE 4630 B3
Buyers will be pleased to take a look at the Candy CIE 4630 B3 model, more precisely, at its price tag, since this is one of the few induction models in the budget category (we will see induction later in the second half of our review and summary table). And meanwhile, despite the democratic price, this hob has everything required attributes: touch control of power (nine heating steps), Booster function on all hotplates, off timer for cooking zones up to 99 minutes, control lock, residual heat indicators, automatic shutdown of hotplates with a sound signal (buzzer).
WhirlpoolAKT 8700 /IX
The Whirlpool AKT 8700 / IX model with four Hi-Light burners is the perfect solution for the kitchen. The manufacturer calls the system of expanding heating zones for the rear row Combi Cook: it includes a ring burner on the right and an oval one on the left. Heating control - touch (nine power levels), there is a timer with an acoustic signal (from 1 min to 99 min), child lock and residual heat indication. Special functions include Melting (a low temperature setting for melting butter, chocolate or cheese) and Pause, which allows you to immediately pause the current cooking to prevent it from burning or spilling liquids from pots as a result of prolonged or excessive boiling. When the "Pause" function is turned on, the temperature of all working heating zones is reduced and the burners simply keep warm, and after turning it off, the power levels set before this function was turned on are restored.
Körting HK6205RI
Körting has made a nice present for fans of noble classics by adding the HK 6205 R retro-style hob to its range of built-in appliances, making it a perfect match for the retro ovens. A model that is offered in two color options(classic "black" and "ivory"), is distinguished by an elegant bronze-colored metal frame, which not only protects the edge of the panel from chipping, but also serves as a spectacular decoration. Heating zones are equipped with modern Hi-Light heating elements, which are distinguished by high heating speed (5-7 seconds), energy efficiency and reliability.
The model has two expanding heating zones - a round one at the front on the left and an oval one at the back on the right. The maximum ease of operation is provided by the Touch Control system: one touch is enough to activate the panel, select the power level or heating zone. The "Child Protection" function will lock the entire panel and make sure that the little fidget cannot turn on the stove on his own. The automatic shutdown function will also help to avoid unwanted accidents: it deactivates the hotplates or the entire hob after a certain time, if no other commands come from your side.
AEG HK563402XB
It seems that the AEG HK563402XB hob has concentrated all the "bells and whistles" that a model with Hi-Light burners can have. Electronic touch controls provide quick and accurate response, giving you full control over all heat zones - including two circular dual zones (near left 120/210 mm and far right 120/180 mm). An adjustable timer for 99 minutes with an acoustic signal reminds you of the cooking time, and can also be used as a regular timer when the hob is not in use.
The Automax function helps you make better use of your time: it quickly heats up the hob so you can start cooking right away. The Child Lock function ensures that the hob is not switched on, be it by accident or someone's mischief. Another function - Stop & Go - provides even more control over cooking. When activated, all hotplates switch to keep warm until you are ready to continue cooking.
Finally, the versatile XL OptiFit Frame ™ allows the hob to fit into a variety of built-in niches, with OptiFix ™ technology just one swipe. The special accessory ProBox ™ allows the hob to be installed directly above the drawer in kitchen furniture.
Electrolux EHL96740FK
Parting (but not forever) with infrared heating burners, we move on to induction models of the upper price segment. An example of such appliances is Electrolux Platinum induction hobs, in which purity and laconic design are complemented by wide functionality... First of all, it is instant and precise heating control. In Infinite models, this is done with one touch: each cooking zone is controlled by an individual circular slider, heating levels are clearly marked around the control - everything is clear at a glance, and the adjustment is simple and convenient. Professional chefs often use the instant heat function, which is essential for making sauces and gravies. The Infinite hob booster function gives you an extra power boost that instantly heats up to a high temperature.
But perhaps the main advantage of this induction surface lies in the fact that it allows you to arbitrarily choose a place for preparing a dish. You just need to put the dishes on the cross of any of the burners: the surface automatically adapts to the shape of pans and pots and heats up quickly without wasting energy on heating empty areas. You can also combine two cooking zones into one large zone using the Bridge function to use any shape of pans. For example, an elongated fish dish will fit perfectly on two cooking zones at once.
It happens that you need to leave the kitchen while cooking. The Stop + Go function allows you to pause cooking at the touch of a button and resume later with the same settings.
Like all other appliances in the new Electrolux Platinum range, the Infinite hob has an attractive classic design that meets modern trends. Available in black or white, it blends harmoniously with the interior of any kitchen. The cooking zones and controls remain invisible until you decide to use them.
Gorenje IQ641AC
The Gorenje IQ641AC induction hob is interesting not only for its smooth SliderTouch touch control, Stop & Go and PowerBoost functions on each burner, BoilControl automatic cooking and SmartSense anti-boil protection. In addition, there is a function for thawing frozen products SoftMelt: it maintains a constant temperature of 42 ° C, and thanks to the even distribution of heat, it is suitable for melting honey, butter and chocolate, as well as for thawing small quantities of frozen vegetables.
The most interesting thing about this model is the innovative IQcook system developed by Gorenje. Smart sensors IQ Sensors automatically adjust the hob, eliminating the need to manually control cooking. The IQcook system offers several automatic programs (cooking with plenty of water, steaming, slow cooking, deep frying, grilling), while still allowing you to cook the traditional way... In this case, you do not need any special dishes: hob It is compatible with any induction cookware, and the special IQ cook sensors that are included in the kit are easily attached to any cookware lid.
SMEG SI644DO
The SMEG SI644DO Newson series attracts attention with its design: golden seriography, straight glass edge, Touch control. However, the functionality here is at its best: all four induction burners - with 15 power levels, the Booster function, and at the same time all are expandable! Each hotplate has its own independent timer with automatic shutdown and an acoustic signal of the end of cooking.
The ECO-logic function uses an electronic device to limit the energy consumption to 3 kW, which allows you to safely use several devices in the house at the same time. Safety features also include automatic device shutdown, overheating protection, child safety lock, and a cooling fan.
SiemensEH975SZ17E
In the new Siemens flexInduction models, the width of the heating zones has been increased to 24 cm, which allows you to freely choose the size of the dishes for cooking. The zones are expanded by shifting the oval inductors by 2 cm to the left and to the right, so the heating is uniform even when cooking on a baking sheet. Cookware sensors selectively activate the required inductors, ensuring that both a miniature coffee turk and a spacious teppanyaki roaster are equally efficient and fast. The frying sensor selects the optimal heating intensity and completely controls the cooking process in automatic mode, ensuring uniform frying and a rich taste of dishes. The heating power of each zone is set using Touchslider touch controls with 17 possible power levels. In combination with the high thermal efficiency and fast response of the inductors, this makes it possible to regulate the temperature as precisely as possible and easily cope with the preparation of the most difficult dishes.
For example, the Siemens EH975SZ17E hob with a width of 90 cm consists of five independent hotplates: four induction zones combined into two flexinduction zones 24 x 40 cm, and a circular hotplate in the center with a diameter of 32 cm.
Siemens flexInduction hobs have whole line safety and comfort features such as off timer, short-term lock for surface cleaning, child safety lock, main switch and residual heat indicators. The PowerBoost function boosts individual zone power to 3.7 kW, while the new Quick Start and Restart functions let you start cooking instantly.
For additional control and protection of the home electrical network from overloads new induction hobs are equipped with a power consumption display to help optimize energy consumption, and a PowerManagement function that limits the total power consumption of the panel, if necessary.
MieleKM 6347
The Miele KM 6347 induction hob with LightPrint decor has four separate induction cooking zones with variable diameters and a PowerFlex zone consisting of two combined PowerFlex cooking zones. All hotplates have a Booster function, automatic boil-up and cookware and size recognition, and some also have a TwinBooster and keep warm function. If the Booster function increases the power of the cooking zone by 50%, the TwinBooster doubles it briefly.
The touch control panel with digital indication of the power of the hotplates allows you to enter individual settings (for example, sound confirmation of key presses). There are four simultaneously used timers for 99 minutes for setting the cooking time with automatic shutdown and a separate button for the Stop & Go function. Quality Made in Germany speaks for itself: the service life of the device is at least 4000 hours.
BoschPIC645F17E
So, we got to know the most interesting models hobs with infrared heating and induction hobs. And our review ends with a model in which two burners of both types are installed: this is an electric cooktop Bosch surface PIC645F17E. And, of course, there is also a touch control panel with the ability to lock, and a timer, and a protective shutdown.
As the readers have already understood, infrared and induction hobs do not conflict with each other at all. However, there were no conflicts in the relationship between Joule and Faraday. Joule's work on heat, electricity, and mechanical work did not give of great importance until 1847, when it was enthusiastically approved by Michael Faraday. This opened the door for Joule to the Royal Scientific Society, where in 1849, at the initiative of Faraday, he read his work "On the Mechanical Equivalent of Heat."
So we should consider with equal attention both types of hobs for our kitchen.
Glass ceramic surface care
Clean the glass-ceramic surface every time after using it (wait until it cools down!), Otherwise even the slightest dirt will stick to the heated surface the next time you use it. Each time before use, wipe off dust and dirt from the glass ceramics and the bottom of the dishes, which can scratch the surface.
Light dirt can be removed with a soft, damp cloth. Then wipe the clean surface dry. Stubborn dirt is removed with special means for the maintenance of glass-ceramic surfaces.
Make sure that there are no traces of cleaning agent on the glass-ceramic surface, as when heated it can acquire aggressive properties and lead to changes in the structure of the glass-ceramic surface.
After any cleaning wipe the glass ceramic surface dry with a soft cloth. Do not use metal sponges or abrasive cleaning agents to clean the hob, as they can scratch the glass-ceramic surface. The decorative pattern on the hob can be erased by the use of harsh and harsh cleaning agents, or dishes with a damaged or rough bottom.
Water stains can be removed with a mild vinegar solution. Do not use this solution to wipe the frame of the device (in some models), as it will lose its shine.
Budget model with infrared heating
On the pages of the "Comfortable home" section, we have repeatedly looked at various tiles - both traditional, with a heating element in the form of a spiral, and modern - with induction heating. The hero of our today's review - Ricci RIC-3106 - uses an infrared method of heating dishes. The main questions that we face remain the same: will this heating method turn out to be faster and more efficient? Is it convenient to control the temperature while preparing various dishes? And in general - how comfortable will it be to use tiles in everyday use?
Specifications
| Manufacturer | |
| Model | |
| Type of | tabletop infrared single-burner cooker |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Guarantee | 1 year |
| Declared power | 1200 watts |
| Body materials | metal, glass ceramics |
| Control | mechanical |
| Burner diameter | 180 mm |
| Hotplate cover | strained glass |
| Indicators | switching on (heating) |
| overheat protection | there is |
| Packing dimensions | 27.5 x 30 x 10.5 cm |
| The weight | 2 Kg |
| Cord length | 1m |
| average price | T-12518135 |
| Retail offers | L-12518135-10 |
Equipment
The tiles are supplied in cardboard box, decorated in a contrasting, somewhat clumsy style: the designer clearly does not disdain the standard filters built into Photoshop, due to which the design looks somewhat "collective farm". However, what else can you expect from a device with such a price? In addition to the photograph of the tile itself, on the box you can find the main technical information about the device: power, diameter of the heating element, the presence of a power-on indicator and protection against overheating.
Opening the box, inside you can find the tile itself (protected from impacts with foam inserts) and instructions.
At first sight
Visually, the tiles make a positive impression. Despite the use of obviously inexpensive materials, the manufacturer clearly thought about the design of the device. The “control panel”, consisting of a rheostat knob and a heating sensor, is painted in bright red and thus stands out against the background of the black matte paint of the metal body, and you can even look like a mirror into the tempered glass burner.
From the underside of the case you can see ventilation holes and feet with anti-slip rubber pads. On top, in addition to the hotplate, control knob and heating indicator, there is the Ricci logo (with a link to the website), as well as a warning that the surface may be hot.
Despite such minimalism, we would say that the tile looks more expensive than it actually costs. At least this is true for a new out-of-the-box fixture.
The build quality, at first glance, does not give rise to any complaints. The tiles are assembled simply (with the help of bolts and nuts, which the manufacturer does not consider necessary to hide), but reliably.
Instructions
The tile manual is a 9-page A5 brochure printed on quality glossy paper. The manufacturer did not even save on color printing, which is a rarity for products from this price category.
The content of the instructions is quite standard - safety instructions, the device of the tile and features of use, the principle of operation protection against overheating, operation, care and storage, warranty obligations.
Interesting and really useful information there is not much, but there is: we were curious to know that the tile is equipped with two types of protection and will turn off either when the panel temperature reaches 580 degrees, or when heated inside the case to 100 degrees.
Control
Tile control is pretty straightforward. It is carried out with the help of a single knob that regulates the power of the device (and therefore the power of heating). When turning from the minimum position, the rheostat knob clicks softly - most likely, it is aligned with the switch.
During operation, the indicator light periodically turns off. This means that the thermostat has worked and the hotplate temporarily stops heating. When operation is resumed, the indicator will light up again.
Usage
Preparation
Before the first use, the user does not need to perform any special actions: it is enough to unpack the tile, connect it to the socket and turn the control knob from position 0 to the “Min” position. The indicator comes on and heating starts.
As stated in the instructions, when you turn it on for the first time, smoke may appear - this burns out the protective grease applied at the factory. In case you are afraid that this may affect the smell of the dish, it is better to let the stove work for 10 minutes, and only then proceed to cooking.
Ergonomics
After the end of the work, the cooker remains hot for some time, therefore, before removing it from the table, you need to let the appliance cool down.
Any dish is suitable for working with tiles. The only condition is that the bottom of the pan or pot should be flat and not exceed 20 centimeters in diameter.
Care
Tile maintenance is also easy: it is enough to remove dirt on the glass-ceramic panel in a timely manner and clean the case with a soft cloth without the use of abrasive agents. To care for the tiles, a dishwashing detergent or special glass-ceramic cleaning agents should be suitable.
Testing
Objective tests
During testing, we cooked several dishes on the hotplate, measured the energy consumption and evaluated the convenience when working with the device. We started with the simplest thing - measuring the level of electricity consumption. To do this, we have sequentially switched on the tiles at different power levels. The wattmeter showed that the tile is constantly heating at a power of 1120-1140 W. There is no possibility to reduce this value (the tile either heats up or is temporarily turned off).
Boiling 1 liter of water at maximum power
We took an ordinary metal saucepan with a lid (bottom diameter 15 cm), poured a liter of water into it with a temperature of 20 ° C and set the maximum heating power.
The water boiled after 10 minutes and 6 seconds.
The power consumption of the tile, according to the wattmeter readings, was 1100 W, and the power consumption was 0.187 kWh.
Quite a lot of time was taken by "preliminary" heating: at first the temperature increased slowly: from 20 to 50 degrees 1 liter of water heated up in 5 minutes. Later, when the tile warmed up, the process went faster.
What do these results tell us? Is it a lot or a little, fast or slow? Let's compare the efficiency of infrared tiles with tiles using other heating methods.
For example, the previously tested conventional Home Element HE-HP702 electric cooker with an open spiral and an operating power of 915 watts coped with boiling a liter of water in 10 minutes and 30 seconds, spending 0.17 kWh on it. Thus, obviously, one cannot talk about the absolute advantage of infrared tiles over "traditional" ones. Our experimental sample (even taking into account the fact that the power of the device is 1100 watts) coped with boiling water in about the same time, and spent a little more electricity.
What about induction hotplates? The Kitfort KT-106 tile, operating at a power of 1680 W, boiled the same volume of water in 4 minutes and 40 seconds, spending only 0.1 kWh on it - almost half as much as the Ricci RIC-3106! So also in terms of heating rate, our infrared cooker performed averagely.
Result: average .
Fried eggs
The first dish we decided to cook on our stove was, of course, scrambled eggs. We took a small thin-walled skillet (to minimize the time it takes to heat the dishes), turned on the hotplate to maximum power and broke two eggs.
The fried eggs were cooked within five minutes after switching on the hotplate. Electricity consumption during this time was 0.1 kWh.
Scrambled eggs allow you to fairly accurately control the uniformity of heating (it's no secret that some plates heat one half of the pan more than the other). Ricci RIC-3106 had no problems with this: the eggs were fried evenly.
Result: excellent .
Syrniki
The second standard test is cottage cheese pancakes. For their preparation, we took 500 g of cottage cheese, 3 tbsp. l. sugar, 3 tbsp. l. flour, 2 eggs, and flour for breading and vegetable oil for frying. We fried cheesecakes in a large thick-walled frying pan, which took about 5 minutes to heat up.
The power of the tiles turned out to be quite enough to maintain the required temperature. The cheesecakes were prepared without any problems.
Result: excellent .
Chicken liver "pie" with sour cream
In this test, we pre-fried the onion, then added grated carrots to it, after which we added a kilogram of chopped chicken liver and cooked everything together until tender. Then we chopped all the products with a blender and fried "pancakes", which became the basis of our "puff pie".
How long did all these procedures take us? A total of 32 minutes. It took 10 minutes and 0.18 kWh to fry the onions, another 4 minutes and 0.065 kWh to fry the carrots. Chicken liver was fried for 6 minutes, and another 12 was spent on making "pancakes". The total power consumption was 0.375 kWh.
Result: excellent .
Roasted Chicken Hearts (Rapid Heat and Heat Maintenance Test)
All the previous tasks did not require an increased load on the tiles. We decided to test how our subject handles cooking foods that require high temperatures. To do this, we took a wok pan, heated it to a high temperature and put about 500-600 grams of chicken hearts in it.
The tile coped with this task poorly: the power of the device was not enough to evaporate the liquid that began to evolve during the roasting process in a reasonable time. As a result, instead of “roasting”, we got “stewing”. The products, of course, were not spoiled, but we came to the conclusion that for the preparation of dishes that require fast processing of products with high temperatures, Ricci RIC-3106 does not fit.
Result: bad .
Chicken cutlets
After an unsuccessful quick fry test, we decided to test what happens when we fry small amounts of food. To do this, we made small cutlets from minced chicken and fried them in a small skillet four at a time.
This time we were pleased with the result: no complaints about the tile performance were found.
Result: good .
conclusions
Our impressions of using Ricci RIC-3106 tiles in general were predictable: the tiles withstood all tests with dignity, in which an even and not too much heating was required. But for cases when you need to quickly heat food to a high temperature (for example, fry in a wok), this device will not work: the speed of temperature rise turned out to be too low, and “frying” turned into “stewing”. However, taking into account the declared power of 1200 W, this result is not surprising.
pros
- adequate price
- nice design
- the glass-ceramic panel is easier to care for
Even a schoolchild can easily name three essential elements, without which it is impossible to imagine a modern kitchen - a refrigerator, a sink and a stove or a hob. Let's talk about the latter. Various options hobs are presented today in stores in the widest range. Firstly, they are joint - with ovens and independent - without an oven. They can be standard - for 4 burners and compact or mobile - for two or even a single-burner variation. According to the heating method, all surfaces are divided into gas (with a burner), electric (a tabletop model is possible) and combined.
If a gas pipe is installed in the house - most often a gas or combination panel is installed, it is understandable - gas comes out much cheaper than electricity, and the surface itself will cost you less. A standard combined surface usually includes 3 gas points and one electrical. In all fairness, gas hotspots have a number of disadvantages.
- Fire hazard - open fire can lead to the most dire consequences;
- The problem with rearranging the stove to another place will require coordination with the gas services;
- The complexity of the repair - to repair gas stoves only specialized gas services of the city have the right.
In view of this, electric hobs are gaining more and more popularity and good reviews. They have great functionality and ease of use on the list of advantages. If you opted for them, you should decide on the surface material: enamel coating, aluminum, stainless steel or glass ceramics.
The first three coverage options are - inexpensive materials, having as advantages mainly cheapness and a number of disadvantages. However, they can still be found in the kitchens of many homes.
Glass ceramics are gaining more and more popularity due to their beauty and versatile style. It is easy enough to clean, but at the same time, you will have to be always on the alert with it. Do not use abrasive substances or use the hard side of the sponge to avoid scratches. Glass ceramics is the most expensive type of material for the hob, however, the sales of such a panel exceed the implementation of all other options. There are 2 main types of glass-ceramic stoves: electric and induction.
The difference between an induction hob and an electric hob: comparison
Basically, both induction and electric hobs are electric. An induction hob is a more advanced model of a basic electric hob that has a number of features. So, induction cookers, in contrast to electric ones, have the following important differences.
Positive:
- The surface of the stove does not heat up, which is very important if there are children in the house, they will not be able to burn themselves;
- Safety - if there is no special dishes on the stove - the stove will not turn on, it heats only the dishes placed on it, without heating itself;
- Accordingly, less electricity is consumed, saving on the face;
- Very fast heating of food, many times faster than on a conventional electric stove - water boils within 2-3 minutes.
Negative differences between an induction cooker and an electric cooker: during operation, a small noise of a fan located inside the panel is heard, a high price. Cannot be used with ordinary dishes - you need to purchase dishes (pots, frying pan) with a special magnetic coating on the bottom.
Which is better: an induction or electric hob
We have considered what are the important distinctive features two panels. The principle of operation of the electric stove is clear to everyone - the electric current interacts with the heating elements under the glass-ceramic coating and heats up the correspondingly standing dishes. Heating elements in this case use spirals made of a special metal. Control can be carried out both mechanically and using a sensor.
What is the secret of an induction hob? Its principle of operation is completely different from the operation of basic electric stoves. There are no heating elements in the form of metal plates; in such panels, electromagnetic coils are used, which, when electricity is supplied, create a magnetic field around themselves.
If dishes with a special magnetic bottom stand on the surface, they will heat up very quickly.
Such a heating system will not even pay attention to ordinary dishes. At the same time, during the rapid heating of the dishes, the surface of the stove will not heat up. In view of the fact that the stove begins to consume electricity only when the cookware is standing and only for the size of the bottom of the cookware - and not for the entire area of the cooking zone - the energy savings are quite significant - the consumption is 1.5 times lower than that of a conventional electric stove. At the same time, it should be noted that the price of an induction surface is significantly higher than the bar that the electric stove holds. Therefore, if you do not plan to cook a lot, the savings from reducing electricity consumption are questionable. Choosing which is better - induction or electric hobs, is worth each owner independently, based on what exactly he needs.
Induction or electric hob: the difference between them
Regardless of which of the above surface models you choose, it is worth knowing that both of them most often have a glass-ceramic coating. Such a coating looks very stylish and beautiful, it does not spoil the interior even in the kitchen-studio. But it is important to properly operate such a surface.
It cannot be cleaned with powder detergents - glass ceramics can be scratched.
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You need to be careful during operation - do not throw the devices, do not knock on it. With an electric stove, it is necessary to try to avoid burning food on the surface - since the washing process is a rather laborious task. In this case, there are no such problems with induction cookers, since the surface is always cold and any food or liquid spills on it can be easily wiped off with a damp sponge.
Both stoves have a large number of programs: child protection (button locking), heating regulation, changing the size of the heating area in the case of an electric stove. The noise level of an induction hob is higher than that of a conventional electric hob. Rather, the electric hob has no noise at all. The induction is equipped with a fan that cools the stove and the sound of its operation is slightly audible.
Unique infrared hob
Perhaps the third common type of electric stove is an infrared stove. Such plates are also equipped with a glass-ceramic surface. Heating takes place by means of an electric current that heats the heating elements, which in turn create infrared radiation.
Water, which is a part of all products, absorbs this radiation and thereby releases heat, from which the stove heats up.
Due to its good thermal conductivity, such a plate quickly heats up to the desired temperature. You can cook absolutely any food on such surfaces - from cheesecakes to borscht. For this stove, it is possible to use any utensil - with the exception of paper or plastic.
Criteria: what is the difference between an induction hob and an electric one (video)
In this article, we examined the main options for hobs, helped to compare and choose. However, it is always up to the buyer which model to prefer. Each of the models has a set of both advantages and disadvantages.