Power for the hob: explanations from experts

An induction hob is one of the most modern options for kitchen appliances. It is considered not only safe, but also beneficial to use. Although, despite its efficiency, the power of the stove is quite high.

Induction panels are more efficient than electric stoves, but help save energy. You can understand how this happens by considering not only the indicators of different types of equipment, but also the principles of their operation.

About the induction cooker

The main functions of the equipment, heating and maintaining heat, are performed by a magnetic field. This increases the speed of cooking, makes the process economical, and provides a number of other advantages.

The dishes turn out juicier and almost do not burn. Therefore, such slabs are worth buying, even taking into account their higher price. Moreover, their operation can be made even more profitable.

Principle of operation

To boil 2 liters of liquid on an electric stove, 10 minutes are enough.
The induction panel differs in the way it transfers heat to the cookware. On electric or gas stoves, the burner heats up first, then the frying pan or pan on top heats up from it.

The surface of induction technology remains cold, heating is provided by a magnetic field. Only the bottom of the cookware is heated, reducing heat loss and cooking time.

To boil 2 liters of liquid on an electric stove, 10 minutes are enough, on induction technology – only 6 minutes.

Testing the parameters of kitchen appliances showed that operation using magnetic field-induced currents increases the efficiency of the stove by up to 90%.

The same indicator for gas models is up to 65%, for electric models – no higher than 60%. In the increased power mode, the coefficient can be reduced to 80%, but the heating time is reduced.

Advantages and disadvantages

Food cooks faster on an induction cooker

The reasons for choosing induction cookers are:

• Safety. The low temperature of the panel protects against burns due to accidental touching and will not lead to fire. When the pan is removed from the stove, heating stops.
• Convenience. The edges of the burners do not become hot, allowing you to avoid burning drops of liquid or food particles that fall on the stove. When cooking, you can place a spoon on the surface.
• High speed. Dishes are prepared faster. When changing mode, the stove reacts instantly, unlike its electric counterparts.
• Economical. There is no heating of the burners - energy consumption is reduced. Depending on the frequency of use and the dishes being prepared, electricity consumption is 2-4 times less than that of an electric stove.
• Comfortable conditions in the kitchen. Energy is not wasted on heating the air. The room becomes less stuffy than with a gas or electric stove.

The list of features includes several disadvantages. When the panel operates, a low hum occurs that can cause discomfort.

The cookware should only be special, and the surface of the stove can be easily damaged or scratched. When planning to connect a hob with a power greater than 3.5 kW, you should focus on the quality of the wiring.

Hob color

For some users, one of the main criteria when selecting household appliances is color and its compatibility with other elements of the kitchen furnishings. Most electric hobs are available in black. They look impressive and go well with different countertops. However, such models are not very practical: any dirt will be visible on them, and cleaning will have to be done frequently. If you don't want to constantly wipe the panel, choose a less easily soiled white surface.

Induction cooker power

The power value of an induction hob is the main parameter. It affects food preparation and electricity bills. Although the high efficiency does not lead to too high costs even when using powerful models.

Burner power

Induction cooker with 5 heating zones

One induction hob usually contains from 2 to 5 heating zones. The average value is 4 burners, differing in performance and size.

Each provides its own cooking mode:

• a small burner, the power of which in kW does not exceed 1-1.5, is needed for slow cooking;
• the middle zone (1.5-2.5 kW) allows you to prepare side dishes or soups;
• powerful ones (from 3 kW) can heat large dishes.

There are models with double burners. Their performance can change automatically depending on the shape or size of the dishes placed on top.

Hob and oven power

Medium plate with four heating zones

The overall performance of the equipment depends not only on the parameters of the burners, but also on their number. The average stove, which has four heating zones, provides the following indicators:

• low-power model – up to 3.5 kW;
• average – 3.5-7 kW;
• powerful - 7-10 kW.

The productivity of an oven installed under the hob can reach 4 kW. The average is from 2 to 3 kW.

Electricity consumption depends on the size or energy efficiency class. Most ovens consume no more than 1 kW per hour.

Reviews

Here are a few reviews from those who preferred an induction cooker to traditional options.

Anna, Voronezh: “ We chose an induction oven because there is a small child in the house who sticks his hands everywhere. The surface of this stove does not get hot enough to cause burns. Boils water quickly (1 liter in 5 minutes). The most important advantage is the instantaneous change in heating power: I press “stop” and everything immediately turns off, like a gas stove.”

Tatyana, Minsk: “ In principle, it’s a good stove, it really saves energy and cooking time, but it’s not suitable for a country house. Due to power outages, one of the burners quickly failed. I bought a small portable model, but in an apartment, of course, it’s more convenient to build the surface into the countertop.”

Valeria, St. Petersburg: “I like that food is prepared quickly and the burner surface is easy to care for. However, the device makes a lot of noise, which is a big minus. I also have food burn in both pots and pans. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the dishes were chosen incorrectly.”

Comparison of power of different types of stoves

The power ratings of a gas stove are higher than those of other options. Its burners produce from 1 to 3-4 kilowatts. However, this does not provide gas with serious advantages. When converted from kW to rubles, the operating costs of induction equipment are similar.

The performance of a conventional electrical appliance reaches 5.5 kW. Induction models consume about 7 kW. The Power Boost function can increase the parameter up to 10 kW.

However, an electric stove will take 2-4 times longer to heat up. Therefore, with equal or even lower productivity, energy consumption is higher.

This becomes especially noticeable when comparing monthly consumption, which reaches 300-500 kW for electrical devices.

By comparing the performance of different models, conclusions can be drawn. Gas technology remains the most profitable and powerful.

But the savings are small. Moreover, induction models benefit in terms of safety, speed, and ease of use. Electric stoves with lower productivity are considered the most inefficient.

Why users prefer touch controls

The traditional option for adjusting cooking parameters is mechanical rotary knobs. But they do not always look aesthetically pleasing; dirt and grease can accumulate on the relief elements. Touch control does not have these shortcomings. It allows you to turn on the burner or change the heating level with one touch. In addition, in this case, nothing interferes with thorough and effective cleaning. The manufacturer Körting invites its customers to find the most convenient solutions for themselves. For greater variability, 2 touch control options have been developed:

• Touch Control
  . Turning on heating, selecting a zone or heating power level is done with one click. The thoughtful arrangement of touch buttons and the presence of light indication make it easier to select the desired parameter and almost completely eliminate the possibility of error;
• Slider Touch Control
  . It functions as a “slider”. To select the desired temperature, simply slide your finger along the display scale or immediately click on the appropriate mode. You will be able to adjust the heating more smoothly and accurately. Even a child can handle this control.

Electricity consumption

When determining how much electricity will be consumed by the hob, various factors are taken into account. The first is power consumption in kW. The second is the number of hours during the day or month that the stove is on.

Uneven usage makes it difficult to accurately measure this value. But there are average indicators for determining monthly consumption.

How much electricity is consumed per month

Energy classes

Among the parameters by which a hob is selected, energy consumption is one of the main ones. When determining it, it is not the performance of individual burners that is taken into account, but the total electricity consumption per month. According to this indicator, an induction cooker is superior to other types of kitchen appliances.

Average standards for a model with a total productivity of 3.5 kW are 1.3 kW per hour. Turning on the equipment daily for 2 hours leads to a consumption of 2.6 kW per day. Consumption during the month is about 80 kW. For powerful 7-megawatt equipment, up to 160 kW is spent per month.

Consumption depends on three factors. The first is the performance of the burners. The second is frequency of use.

The third is the equipment energy consumption class. It is designated by Latin letters - from A to G. The best options are with class A+, A++ or A+++. Savings when using such cookers will increase by another 20-40%.

Shape and dimensions of burners

Traditionally, electric hobs are equipped with round heating elements. Moreover, in most Körting models they have different sizes. This allows you to use dishes of different diameters on one surface. Burners with several heating options (with expansion zones) are characterized by greater functionality. The latter can be round or oval. The user independently selects the optimal inclusion area. So, on one burner it will be convenient to cook a large pot of soup and Turkish coffee. Oval expansion zones are suitable when using non-standard dishes: a long duckling pan, a container for cooking whole fish, etc.

Wide functionality from Körting

Timer

. A precise electronic device will strictly control the cooking time without human intervention. You can set the required time period (the maximum allowed duration is 99 minutes) and calmly go about your business and communicate with loved ones. The hob will turn itself off at the right time. This ensures that the dish does not overcook or burn.

Acoustic signal

. The timer can be supplemented with a sound notification about the end of the specified time. It is supplied even if the hob is turned off. The user does not need to remember to turn the meat over to the other side or set the pan aside. An acoustic signal will remind you of this.

Residual heat indicator

. Each brand electrical panel is equipped with a special light indicator. It will burn as long as the corresponding heating field cools to a certain temperature. This period of time can be used to heat food without additional expenditure of electrical energy. You should also be guided by the light indication if it is necessary to clean the surface of accumulated contaminants.

Automatic shutdown

. A useful feature so that you don’t have to worry about the burner being turned off. The smart device is ready to do this on its own after a certain period of inactivity. The switch-off time depends on the pre-selected heating step.

Child protection function.

cares not only about comfort, but also about safety. The presence of a control panel lock is a good opportunity to protect little fidgets from accidental burns. If an inquisitive child lives in the house, then this function will be in demand. It will not allow the child to accidentally turn on the hob or change the settings set by the parent.

Brief overview of popular electrical panel models

We told you how to choose a suitable built-in hob and shared information about the most interesting offers from the catalog. View all suitable items, decide on the best option for yourself and contact our online store or official dealers.