Induction hob

[magnatom]

Hopefully, depending on how for the money goes... we will be getting a new fitted kitchen. It's a house we have just moved into and in need of repair.

Starting to look at appliance options etc I've stumbled across induction hobs. Up until now I have always had gas hobs, but the idea and theory (I am a physicist after all!) of induction hobs appeal to me. The appear much more efficient and and faster. Yes they cost more, however, the practical benefits might outweigh the initial costs. So does anyone have experience of induction hobs? How practical are they?

 

[Arch]

I've never used one, but I've always been dubious of something you need to check your pans are compatible with.

I have no idea, tbh, how they work or what the benefit is, so if anyone wants to explain in words of one syllable...

 

[marinyork]

They are great. Been in a house where one broke. Other than that, I really like them.

 

[magnatom]

I've never used one, but I've always been dubious of something you need to check your pans are compatible with.

I have no idea, tbh, how they work or what the benefit is, so if anyone wants to explain in words of one syllable...

It works by induction. That is, under the hob surface is a magnet. This magnet has a changing magnetic field. It 'induces' a changing magnetic field in any magnetic metal above it. The changing field creates an electrical current in the pot (due to the type of current, an Eddy current, it is perfectly safe). This current heats up the pot, not the hob surface. Therefore, no heat (little) is wasted as it is only created in the pot and not the hob as well. It is apparently very fast at heating (I've heard twice as fast as gas quoted) and very efficient (90% is quoted).

 

[longers]

I had one for a year or two. Really liked it. Very responsive, managed not to scratch it and it was also easy to keep clean.

If I couldn't have gas in a kitchen, I'd have another one.

 

[magnatom]

I had one for a year or two. Really liked it. Very responsive and managed not to scratch it and it was also easy to keep clean.

If I couldn't have gas in a kitchen, I'd have another one.

We could have gas though. Why would you prefer gas to induction. apparently gas is only 50% efficient. I'm also considering that gas prices are likely to rise in the future (although electricity probably will as well ).

 

[longers]

Why would you prefer gas to induction. apparently gas is only 50% efficient.

I don't now having read that. I'll get saving up for a new hob then.

 

[Arch]

It works by induction.

Well, thanks, that helps....

That is, under the hob surface is a magnet. This magnet has a changing magnetic field. It 'induces' a changing magnetic field in any magnetic metal above it. The changing field creates an electrical current in the pot (due to the type of current, an Eddy current, it is perfectly safe). This current heats up the pot, not the hob surface. Therefore, no heat (little) is wasted as it is only created in the pot and not the hob as well. It is apparently very fast at heating (I've heard twice as fast as gas quoted) and very efficient (90% is quoted).

Thank you. So that's why you have to have the right pans I guess....

I suppose it sounds good - gas would be my choice, given a choice between gas and electric, never having used induction...

 

[magnatom]

Well, thanks, that helps....

Thank you. So that's why you have to have the right pans I guess....

I suppose it sounds good - gas would be my choice, given a choice between gas and electric, never having used induction...

It uses technology very similar to what I work with (MRI scanners, where Eddy currents can be a problem) so I can certainly understand the theory, which is good, I just wonder what it is like to use practically.

I certainly like gas, it is flexible and better than most electric hobs, but it seems that environmentally possible from a practical viewpoint induction might be the way to go....

 

[Crackle]

Practically, very fast and very effecient. They pull a lot more power but a pan of boiling water takes less than a quarter of the time gas does. Your pans do have to be compatible though, if they ain't or more likely not completely, effeciency is lost. I have yet to find a decent induction wok becasue a wok needs heat on the side and induction won't do that. You can get special wok induction plates but out of my price range. Likewise you can get grills which go across multiple induction elements. Easy to clean, don't get hot (well they do but not as hot) and effecient to run plus they have timers and child locks normally. Overall, my favourite form of cooker but I wish I had a single gas ring for the wok.

If you get one, you'll probably need a new circuit back to your fuseboard.

 

[Arch]

"Eddys in the space time continuum!"
"Is he? Is that his sofa then?"

Points to anyone identifying the above....

 

[magnatom]

Practically, very fast and very effecient. They pull a lot more power but a pan of boiling water takes less than a quarter of the time gas does. Your pans do have to be compatible though, if they ain't or more likely not completely, effeciency is lost. I have yet to find a decent induction wok becasue a wok needs heat on the side and induction won't do that. You can get special wok induction plates but out of my price range. Likewise you can get grills which go across multiple induction elements. Easy to clean, don't get hot (well they do but not as hot) and effecient to run plus they have timers and child locks normally. Overall, my favourite form of cooker but I wish I had a single gas ring for the wok.

If you get one, you'll probably need a new circuit back to your fuseboard.

I've heard of the wok issue, but I've seen people suggest that it isn't a major issue. My wife does use a flat bottomed wok, and heat will conduct up the sides...is a big issue for you crackle?

Yes they do seem to pull a fair amount of current, especially if you use the power boost functions....

 

[magnatom]

"Eddys in the space time continuum!"
"Is he? Is that his sofa then?"

Points to anyone identifying the above....

Without googling is that from the Hitchhiker trilogy?

 

[Arch]

Without googling is that from the Hitchhiker trilogy?

Yup, Life, the Universe and Everything.

So, points to you.... And what do points mean?

 

[Crackle]

Big issue, no. I think I just need to find a wok which is better made and will conduct the heat better. In the meantime I'm just a bit more careful stuff doesn't stick. I think a true wok afficianodo would find it annoying though.

I forgot to say, they are a damn sight more controllable too.

I did get radio interference from the 1st one when I put my spoon in the pan to stir I've solved it now buy removing the radio!