With such a huge variety of slabs on the market, it is very easy to get confused and decide what exactly you need. Especially popular in recent years are induction and glass-ceramic stoves. But how to choose among them? To do this, you need to figure out how the induction cooker differs from the glass-ceramic stove, compare their characteristics, understand the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
Ceramic glass hob
Before 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 common on the net: “Is the glass-ceramic stove induction or not?” The answer is unequivocal - no!
99% of all induction hobs are made of glass ceramic, in rare cases there are models made fromof stainless steel. In addition, the group of glass-ceramic models includes varieties with different heating methods:
- Spiral.
- Infrared.
- Hi-Light.
Thus, we can draw a simple conclusion about the difference between induction and glass-ceramic stoves. The first option contains a wider range of varieties.
Pros and cons of glass-ceramic panels
The advantages of this type of hobs are as follows:
- Cute appearance.
- Relatively inexpensive cost.
- The heating area shrinks/increases automatically. This factor is affected by the size of the bottom of the dishes.
- Uniform heating of the burners.
- The hob area is not fully heated, the process is carried out only in the area where the dishes are.
- The stove has a residual heat indicator. The reddish dot will always remind you that you forgot to turn off the stove.
Disadvantages include:
- High electricity consumption (compared to induction model).
- Aluminum and copper utensils remain on the glass ceramic surface.
- High chance of chipping around the edges.
- The need for constant presence during cooking. Escaped soup or sweet syrup can completely ruin the surface.
- Glass ceramics can only be cleaned with specialized tools.
Induction Cooker
The main difference between an induction cooker and a glass-ceramic stove 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. Heating occurs through a magnetic field acting on the bottom of the dish. This field is formed through the current flowing into the integrated panels of the induction cooker. Thanks to this principle of operation, electricity is spent less, since it does not accumulate on the entire panel area, but only in one place.
Despite the obvious advantages of the induction cooker, it is not always profitable to use it. In addition, it should be noted that the magnetic field created during operation affects 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 power consumption.
- Modern induction models have a high efficiency (more than 90%).
- Quick heating and cooling of burners.
- Absolute safety of use. It is impossible to get burned when touching the induction hob.
- Independence from power surges.
- The ability to speed up the heating of one burner at the expense of another.
- The presence of the function of automatic switching on and off. When the cookware is placed on the surface, the hob will turn on,when removed, turn off.
- When the induction hob does not heat up the air, therefore, there is no need for ventilation.
- Ease of use.
- Attractive appearance.
- Harmonious combination with any interior style.
The disadvantages are:
- High price.
- The need to purchase special dishes, the cost of which is also rather big.
- Increased loads on electrical wiring.
- Impact on some items - bank cards, flash drives, etc.
- Difficulty in choosing a location for installation. Various technical considerations must be taken into account when positioning the hob.
Comparative parameters
When comparing induction and glass-ceramic hob, the following characteristics should be considered:
- Heating methods.
- Features of operation.
- The need to be present when cooking.
- Safety.
- Resistant 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 circuit is formed, warming up the contents until fully cooked.
The glass-ceramic stove has much more heating options (this was written above) andeveryone 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.
Features
What is the difference between an induction cooker and a glass-ceramic model in terms of functional parameters? In terms of power, the induction panel surpasses its competitor many times over. As noted earlier, its efficiency level 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 dishes, 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 of water, an induction cooker will take only two minutes. A glass ceramic hob will take twice as long.
Control over work
The induction type appliance has a function that prevents the appearance of soot and other contaminants that occur during the cooking process. Eddy currents heat the area under the dishes, leaving the free surface cold. This reduces the need for constant monitoring of the plate operation. At the beginning of using the induction hob, you will need to pay more attention to cooking, but over time it will comeunderstanding of the system and this need will disappear.
Don't know yet what is the difference between an induction cooker and a glass-ceramic cooker? Some models of glass-ceramic stoves have a function that allows you to reduce the heating when boiling and turn off the device according to the set timer. This makes cooking easier and keeps the cooking surface clean.
Safety
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, the harm from an induction device is no more than from a microwave oven or a mobile phone.
Strength and durability
Glass ceramic hobs are much more susceptible to external damage due to heat. It does not tolerate the effects of sugar or s alt, the crystals of these substances can scratch the surface of the panel. And also it can be damaged by a point strike. The appearance of glass ceramics is poorly reflected by repeated heating of an uncleaned surface. As a result, carbon deposits that are difficult to remove or not cleaned at all can form.
Induction panels with these indicators are much simpler.
Price
What is the difference between an induction cooker and a glass-ceramic cooker? The most significant disadvantage of induction hobs is the very high cost. Besidescooking on it requires special utensils, which also cost quite a lot. A glass-ceramic hob is much more affordable than induction models. But the lack of high cost is partly compensated by the following properties:
- Glass ceramics also require the purchase of special dishes. Another thing is that the requirements are somewhat lower.
- The induction device is much more economical in terms of power consumption.
Instead of output
Don't know how to tell the difference between an induction cooker and a glass ceramic cooker? Both hobs have an attractive appearance, are covered with high-quality impact-resistant glass, but they are completely different in how they work. The induction model is newer and safer, this is especially important in those homes where there are children. It consumes much less electricity and cooks food faster due to the fact that it does not take time to heat up. The induction model will never leave traces of dishes and burnt food on the glass surface. On a glass ceramic hob, these problems will occur intermittently.
The disadvantages of both types of hobs include the purchase of special dishes, the cost of which will not please many. This cookware should have a completely flat and thick bottom for better heat conduction. The ideal materials are cast iron and stainless steel. Ceramics can be used, but they do not conduct heat well. Food may burn in an enamel pot.
In the installation of hobs andThere is nothing complicated about both types, but without the help of a professional who is familiar with the features of the devices, it is unlikely that it will be possible to manage. The slabs are maintained using special solutions.
When developing the glass-ceramic hob, the emphasis was on greater functionality. The peculiarity of the induction model is high power and safety. So what to choose - induction or glass-ceramic stove? Each of them has pros and cons, so choosing an electric hob should be based on individual preferences and applications.
Only one piece of advice can be given with confidence - choose a device from a trusted brand with a good reputation!
