Have you ever imagined that touching an electric oven would avoid getting burned? With "smart" induction hobs, this is also possible. But not only for this reason, preference is increasingly given to just such electric stoves both at home and in professional activities. Why? Let's figure it out.
The principle of operation of the induction hob
The principle of operation of the induction cooker is based on electromagnetic induction. An electric current occurs in a closed 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 induction type built-in hob is similar in principle to the transformers that are currently used almost everywhere and everywhere. The surface of the plate is made of glass-ceramic. Below it is an induction coil, under whichflow of electric current with a frequency of 20 to 60 kHz. The primary winding is an induction coil, and the secondary is the dishes that are placed on the electric stove. Initially, the pot, frying pan is heated, and the glass-ceramic surface is already heated from it. The latter acts as a link between the kitchen utensils and the heating element.
Induction Cooker Pros
Benefits include:
- Efficiency of heating. It is achieved due to the fact that the bottom of the cookware is heated, and not the entire hob.
- Economy. Manifested in the reduction of costs associated with paying for electricity due to lower energy consumption compared to traditional stoves.
- Safety. Professional induction cookers are absolutely safe - the likelihood of a fire or burns is reduced to nothing. The equipment turns off immediately after the dishes are put aside, and the place where they stood immediately becomes warm.
- Full automatic. The presence of dishes on the stove is automatically recognized, in fact, as well as the diameter of its bottom.
- Multifunctionality. Achieved with supported cooking programs.
- Easy care. Did something fall or spill on the hob? Don't worry, there won't be any stink or burnt residue. It is enough to take a lip and wipe the surface with a light movement of the hand.
Are there any cons?
The disadvantages are as follows:
- Cannot use aluminum or glassware.
- Professional induction cookers are expensive, which narrows the circle of consumers. But, despite this, such equipment can be increasingly found not only in restaurants, but also in ordinary home kitchens.
Induction cookers: what cookware to use
Cookware for induction cookers must have ferromagnetic properties. But do not be afraid of this condition, since it will not be difficult to find such dishes, and it is absolutely not harmful to human he alth. A completely 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 utensils made of aluminum, copper, ceramics, porcelain, glass for cooking on an induction hob.
Ferromagnetic features of kitchen utensils are usually identified by the manufacturer by applying special markings.
Sufficient area of contact with the burner is achieved when using cookware with a bottom diameter of 12 cm or more. At the same time, the bottom thickness can vary within 2-6 mm.
Cookware for induction cookers can be identical to cookware used on traditional electric stoves. This question becomes relevant when preference is given to combined brewingsurfaces that have both standard and induction hobs at the same time.
Features of choosing the main assistant in the kitchen: a review of manufacturers and reviews
Only professional models of induction hobs are used in public catering establishments, since such stoves are highly productive and provide a long and continuous process of cooking a large number of dishes at the same time.
Buying a stove is a serious matter. Before choosing an induction cooker, first of all, you should pay attention to the manufacturer. And then decide on the design of the kitchen unit, its functionality, cost, etc. Many restaurateurs advise seeking advice from an experienced cook when choosing an induction cooker.
The Russian market cannot boast of a wide range of induction cookers. Professional induction cookers Bertos (Italy) are considered the most acceptable in terms of price-quality ratio. The Bertos E7P2M/IND is a 70 cm wide stand-alone electric cooker that consists of two main elements: a two-burner hob and an open base.
The body is made of high strength stainless steel. Maximum power - 7 kW. It supports the ability to determine the residual heat of the burners, the central part of which can heat up to 100 degrees maximum during cooking, and the edges - up to 40 degrees.
Induction surfaces ТМ Hendi
Dutch TM Hendi gave the world 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.
I would like to separately note the Hendi Kitchen Line 3500 239780 hob. A desktop unit, the design of which is based on one disk for an induction cooker - one burner. Designed for cooking simple dishes and all kinds of sauces. The ability to auto-detect the presence of dishes and their sizes is supported. By the way, this smart device also knows how to adjust the power supplied depending on the dimensions of the dishes in order to reduce energy costs. The body 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 ТМ Bartscher
One of the most affordable models of "smart" hobs TM Bartscher is built-in panel IK 30S-EB 105936S. 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. hobMade from Schott Ceran glass ceramic. A lock function is supported, which allows you to use the equipment for its intended purpose and not worry about "childish pranks". The model is equipped with an eight-level heating system and is able to determine the presence of dishes and their dimensions. The induction cooker is equipped with the built-in timer. The price is about 18 thousand rubles. Users note such advantages as mobility, compactness, functionality, the ability to choose a temperature regime.
Electric stoves ТМ SARO
Professional induction cookers for restaurants of the German brand SARO are in the greatest demand in public catering establishments. The built-in model CB-70A SARO has two burners at the heart of the design. Supports the ability to self-configure the required degree of heating, which can vary from 1 to 9. Touch control panel. There is also a panel control blocking function, an automatic shutdown function in case of overheating. Three-phase connection method.
What should I do if the induction cooker does not work?
The most common malfunction that the user of an induction type hob may encounter is the non-functioning of the electric stove as a whole or the dysfunction of one of the burners with power. Repair of the induction cooker in this case comes down to the following step-by-step actions:
- Check the power supply and make sure that the outlet is supplying the necessaryvoltage.
- Check the 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, you should use a special device - a multimeter that measures resistance. The circuit element that will have resistance that is not nominal or not have it at all needs to be replaced.
- Check for wired connections. The wire connections on the control unit, thermostat, switches are checked, and the disk for the induction cooker (burner) is also checked. Initially, try to visually find the fault, and if you don’t find it, use a multimeter and ring all sections of the circuit.
