You’ve thought about that new induction hob for your kitchen, but is it right for you?
Image source: Russel Hobbs
Table of Contents
- What Is An Induction Hob
- Advantages And Disadvantages Of Induction Hobs
- Advantages Of Induction Hobs
- Disadvantages Of Induction Hobs
- How Does An Induction Hob Work?
- Other Things To Consider About Buying An Induction Hob
- How Safe Are Induction Hobs?
- Do Induction Hobs Need Special Pots and Pans?
- Do Induction Hobs Get Hot?
- Final Thoughts
You’ve picked your colour, chosen your design and just about got everything you need for your perfect new kitchen. But, there’s just one thing left on your list of things to buy, which you’re just a little bit unsure on – the hob.
You could go with the classic choice of the gas hob. Reliable, used by the top chefs and won’t let you down in a power cut – a really great choice.
Then you’ve got the induction hob which you may or may not have heard about. What is an induction hob? Is it right for your kitchen? Is it better than a gas hob? What are the advantages and disadvantages of an induction hob cooker?
Well, here we’ll take a look at all these questions and perhaps help you make a decision on whether it’s the best purchase for your kitchen – even if its something you’ve only just heard of.
Let’s get stuck in and learn a little bit more about the ins and outs of the induction hob.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of An Induction Hob?
What Is An Induction Hob?
An induction hob is a relatively new take on the humble cooker top. This type of cooktop is one that uses electromagnetism as opposed to gas or other electric heating element to heat up like you would expect from cookers of old.
Induction hobs have a fully flat surface, made from a heat resistant toughened ceramic glass, which is designed to withstand the intense levels of heat you require for cooking.
They come in many different shapes and sizes, but all have the same underlying features and feel to them. Of course, the elements will vary slightly depending on which make and model you are looking at, but overall the functions are very similar across the board.
The strengthened, heat resistant glass usually comes in black, however there are other options on the market which have other colours such as silver coloured glass.
The sleek looking glass hob is most commonly controlled with a touch-button screen interface, which allows the user to select which ring they want to use plus set different temperature levels as required.
Due to the electromagnetism of the hobs, they do require a set of pans and pots that are compatible otherwise the zones simply will not heat up.
Unlike more classic electric hobs which feature ceramic plates on the hob, the induction hob is very quick to heat up and cool down, making it way more efficient in energy and time.
Image source: Bosch
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Induction Hobs
So now we know what they are, let’s have a look at some of the key points for and against getting an induction hob, to help you decide if it would be a good choice for you and your kitchen.
Advantages Of Induction Hobs
- Energy efficient
- Easy to clean
- Modern and stylish
- Great for homes not on mains gas
- Quick change and off
- Plenty of other features
- Safe to touch
Energy efficient
Because they’re quicker to heat up and cool down compared to other electric hobs, it means they use less energy and are therefore more energy efficient – saving you power and money.
Easy to clean
It really doesn’t get much easier to clean than an induction hob. Due to it being a totally flat, smooth surface, simply let it cool down fully then give it a wipe over. No more having to dig out any small crumbs and dirt from down in the edges.
Modern and stylish
There’s no denying, they add a super clean finish to a kitchen and a great modern look. No clunky elements poking out, this is all about clean lines and sleek glass.
Great for homes not on mains gas
Quite a self explanatory one this. No need to get mains gas connected with an induction hob.
Quick change and off
With just the touch of a button, you’ll get hotter, cooler or no heat from your induction hob. It’s so quick to update when you make a change or want to turn it off.
Plenty of other features
Depending on the type and model you get, there’s also lots of great features you can have as part of your hob such as timers, safety locks and flexible zones.
Safe to touch
The beauty of an induction hob is it only heats up when it’s in contact with a compatible pan. This means it can’t get hot without the pan on the zone you wish to heat.
Plenty of reasons there for why your next hob should be an induction hob. From energy savings, to the sleek design it’s safe to say that you won’t be disappointed if you chose to have this as your next kitchen appliance.
However, like with most things – it can’t be 100% perfect for everyone. So here’s a look at a couple of the disadvantages you might experience with having an induction hob.
Disadvantages Of Induction Hobs
- More expensive
- No open flame
- Relies on power
- Louder than other hobs
- Magnetic pans
More expensive
Induction hobs tend to be a little more on the price scale compared to gas or ceramic electrical hobs. But what you spend extra, you’ll probably make back in energy savings over time.
No open flame
Like other electrical hobs, and unlike a gas hob, you’re not going to get the open flame that can be used in some instances for cooking or charing certain foods.
Relies on power
Compared to gas, if the power goes out so does your electric hob. It can be rather annoying if your power is rather trippy and keeps cutting out so is certainly something to bear in mind.
Louder than other hobs
Induction hobs tend to be a little more noisy than a gas hob. Usually they create a whirring noise when on, however it is barely noticeable especially when you’ve got an extractor fan.
Magnetic pans
As previously mentioned, induction hobs require a certain type of pan. These specific pans need to be magnetic to work with the electromagnetism element. Of course, if you haven’t already got these pans, which is likely the case when you’ve only ever had gas hobs, then you’ll need to purchase a whole new set of pans.
A few disadvantages there as you can see, however in my opinion the advantages of an induction hob far outweighs the disadvantages. With so many great hobs out there to choose from you will certainly find one that finds the bill and if you’re happy to take gas out of the equation, an induction is a brilliant, stylish option for your kitchen.
Now we know a few of the reasons why (or why not) to buy an induction hob, let’s learn a little more about how they actually work.
How Does An Induction Hob Work?
Induction hobs use electromagnetism to help heat up and power glass plate top. Under each of the rings or zones, sits a tightly wound copper coil, which when switched on will allow electricity to flow through it, creating a high frequency alternating magnetic field.
This electromagnetic field then flows through into the pan and generates a current inside, which in turn heats up whatever is inside the pan – allowing you to cook your food or heat your water.
The varying levels on the power settings either sends a greater or lower level of electrical current through and into the pan, thus letting you control the temperature with ease. A totally quick and simple method of heating and maintaining a temperature you wish.
With the power settings there on top at the push of a button, this lets you stay on top of your cooking and ensure that you’ve got the right heat for every type of dish. Set a heat for whichever and however many zones, add boiling boosts for certain times of more intense heat and turn them off in an instance.
Whatever you’re cooking, an induction hob is a super convenient and stylish method of cooking for your kitchen and home.
Here’s a great video showing just how clever an induction hob is, check it out:
Other Things To Consider About Buying An Induction Hob
How Safe Are Induction Hobs?
The beauty of an induction hob is that if no pan is on a zone or nothing with a magnetic base, then that area of the hob won’t heat up even if it has been turned on. No heat is created because there is nothing for the electromagnetism to transfer the heat to.
This therefore is a brilliant safety feature because even if it is accidentally turned on, no heat will be produced on the zone and no risk of leaning on it accidentally and getting burnt.
Of course, if it has be turned on correctly and used to cook with a magnetic pan, then the glass will indeed be hot to touch immediately after taking the pan off. There’s just no avoiding this.
However, an important point to mention is the fact that the glass plate is never what is being heated, it is always the copper coils transferring heat to the magnetic pan, rather than the pan heating up on a plate. The glass will only be hot on the zone which you’ve used, and will only be a residual heat coming off from the pan. This therefore means it will cool down a lot quicker than an old ceramic electric hob.
Like with most things that are dangerous in the kitchen, it’s about being sensible and using your common sense. But one things for sure, when it comes to an induction hob, it does tend to be one of the safer options for your kitchen with its clever technology.
Do Induction Hobs Need Special Pots and Pans?
The simple answer is yes. As mentioned earlier in the article, pans need to be magnetic so as to generate the electromagnetic reaction which heats up the pan and in turn coos your food. Most of these pans will be made from from or have elements of ferrous metals with the mona ones being cast iron or magnetic stainless steel.
Of course if you haven’t got any of these pans already because you’ve been using gas or electric ceramic hobs previously, then you’ll need to invest in a whole new set of pans. This is no cheap task and the more you spend, the long lasting, better quality pans you’ll be able to get.
A good feature to look for when buying these pans is a set with completely flat bottoms. The flatter the bottom surface of the pan is, the better cooking experience you will achieve. This is because it will ensure an even distribution across the pan and cook the food more evenly.
If you’ve already got your pans and either don’t want a new set or are unsure whether you need a new set, the best way to check is by using a simple fridge magnet. Pop it on the bottom of a pan and see if it sticks. If it does you’re good to go, and if not then unfortunately you will need a few new pans for the cupboard.
See below for how to check your pans with just a simple fridge magnet (all the way from Rome):
Do Induction Hobs Get Hot?
Yes they do, but not to the extreme like you would expect from a ceramic electric hob. The induction hob gets hot from residual heat of the pan, rather than it actually being heated up as explained earlier in the article.
This heat is like if you were to put a hot pan onto the worktop. The work surface would still heat up and hold onto some of that heat from the pan if it were then taken off.
However, this also means they cool down a lot faster than other types of hob which is ideal for cleaning afterwards.
A standard induction will have a few symbols which help you determine what is happening on the surface. A H symbol usually is there to show if a particular zone is hot from cooking, which helps make sure you don’t touch it.
Image source: Bosch
Final Thoughts
So that’s a look at the advantages and disadvantages of having an induction hob for your kitchen. As you can see there’s plenty of reasons for and against having one in your home , and personally ever since I introduced one into kitchen setup – I’ve never looked back.
They’re just so simple and sleek, plus incredibly efficient for getting your cooking done. If it gets dirty, just give it a quick wipe and you’re sorted. Need a quick meal done? It’ll be heated to your required temp and ready for action in no time at all. And i think that’s the real beauty of it – time and convenience. I’m not expert chef, however I do find being able to set a temperature which I know is precise is ideal for making those more delicate of meals. No more over cooking or burning the pan.
Finally, the fact that it only heats the zone which has a pan on, even if it has been turned on is a great feature for safety and means kids (or anyone) are not in danger of burning themselves.
Induction hobs get my recommendation and I really believe they are the best hobs you can add to your kitchen!
