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Approximately two decades ago, the cooking world was introduced to induction hobs. However, they’ve only started to become more popular in home kitchens in the last few years. What are induction hobs? Do you want something like this in your kitchen? Keep reading if you’d like to learn more.
What Are Induction Hobs?
Most kitchens use electric, gas, or halogen hobs for cooking. However, induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular and have a very positive reputation. What are these hobs? How do they work? While they are similar in appearance to electric hobs, the way they function is very different. They create magnetic fields via electromagnetism. The field is formed between the pan you’re cooking with and a copper coil magnet, which is located below a glass top. Electromagnetic energy is created as electricity passes between the coil and the pan. This produces heat. Because of this, the hob doesn’t get hot at all. Only the pan does.
You’ll want to take numerous things into consideration before you opt for an induction hob. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of these hobs?
Price
You’ll find that an induction hob is a lot more expensive than other kinds of hobs, such as halogen, gas, or electric. With that said, advances in technology have been made, and there is more competition than ever. This has lead to a decrease in prices. Today, induction hobs are around 50% cheaper than they would have been half a decade ago. Of course, the hob will need to be installed by an expert electrician similar to this Électricien à Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu here. Since induction hobs are energy efficient, they can help you save money over time via lowered utility bills. You may pay more upfront, but you’ll also save money over time.
Efficiency
One of the biggest advantages of induction hobs is how efficient they are. They use low voltage electricity to heat food, which means they are an energy-efficient solution. Since the hob just heats up the pan, no energy is wasted. Electric hobs can take a long time to heat up, but induction hobs can heat up in an instant. This is another way these hobs save energy. The argument has also been made that an induction hob is able to heat boiling water faster than a kettle can. If you’re looking for a hob that heats quickly but cools down quickly as well, you may find that an induction hob is the perfect solution for your needs.
Safety Concerns
Induction hobs are one of the safest ways to heat food, which makes them a great alternative to more traditional solutions, like electric or gas hobs. Since the hob never gets hot, it’s far less likely that someone will be burned because they accidentally touched the hob. Households with small children may prefer to use a hob like this. It can be an excellent way to address safety concerns. There’s also less fire risk since there is no open flame. If a pan boils dry, the hob will cut out, which can prevent problems.
The Cleaning Process
Since induction hobs are flat, keeping them clean is simple. It’s also unlikely that your pan will boil over, which means you won’t have to worry about cleaning up spills all that often. When spills do occur, it’s less likely that they’ll stick to your hob since it won’t get hot.
Cooking Equipment
You won’t be able to use your current pots and pans with your induction hob unless they have the proper base, which can be a problem. Your pans need to be iron-based in order for your induction hob to function. Otherwise, magnetic energy won’t be able to flow into the metal, which means your pans won’t heat up. This means you might have to invest in brand-new pots and pans. With that said, if you would prefer to keep using your current pans, it’s possible to purchase an induction disc that will allow you to use your old cookware with your new hob. You can also purchase appropriate pans at an affordable price.
Sound
One of the main downsides of induction hobs is that they tend to make more noise than other types of hobs do. If your kitchen tends to be active and noisy, this might not be an issue for you. If this is a concern, you should keep in mind that induction hobs will probably quiet down as technology advances.
Selecting An Induction Hob
Have you decided that you’re ready to get rid of the old hob you’re using? If so, you’ll want to make sure you pick out the perfect induction hobs. Many well-known and respected brands offer induction hobs now, which means you’ll have no shortage of options. Take a look to find the best induction hobs.
To start, you’ll want to settle on a budget. The costs of a hob begin in the mid-hundreds, but high-end models could cost thousands. You should consider the size of your household and how frequently you cook. You should also look at the size of your kitchen. Is there enough space to install an induction hob? Will it complement the rest of your kitchen? Hobs can do a lot to improve a kitchen and make it look more modern. If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen, they can be an excellent option.
Naturally, you’ll want to make sure you’re aware of the various models on the market. It’s best to visit a kitchen showroom and talk to someone that works there. Find out if it’s possible to have installation included in the price. It’s also wise to read online reviews in advance.
Features can vary from one induction hob to the next. If you’re interested in features like flexible cooking zones, child safety features, and timers, you’ll want to find a model that offers these things. You can find models that are able to keep track of a pan’s temperature and change its heat as needed. There are also models that will beep when water starts to boil. If you’re looking for a truly energy-efficient solution, these kinds of features are an excellent option.
