Best induction hobs 2020

Choosing the right surface coating material

When choosing a hob, you should pay attention to the coating material, since the quality of the structure depends on it. There are four materials from which panels can be made.

Enamel

The most affordable are enamel coatings, which are used in the creation of many hobs. There is a huge variety of enamel coatings on the market, and therefore everyone can choose a color that fits perfectly into the interior of the kitchen. Among the advantages of such surfaces are:

• resistance to thermal and mechanical stress;
• cheapness;
• no fingerprints are left.

The main disadvantage of enameled coatings is considered fragility, since chips often appear on them due to impacts. Therefore, experts recommend using them more carefully.

Stainless steel

People who do not want to use devices with fragile enamel coatings can use stainless steel models. They are popular among housewives, even though they cost an order of magnitude more than aluminum or enamel panels.

Stainless steel copes without problems with loads of mechanical and thermal type. It is also durable, and therefore does not chip even with strong blows. The disadvantages of stainless steel include the fact that wet marks and prints are visible on it.

Strained glass

The most attractive are the panels, on the surface of which there are tempered glass inserts. Such devices look great and fit into almost any interior. On sale you can find models with different colors of glass. Hardware stores have surfaces with blue, light blue, yellow, and even green tempered glass. The advantage of the glass surface is that it is easy to care for and wipe off dirt.

Glass ceramics

The ceramic panel is considered the most expensive. The high cost of glass-ceramic coatings is due to their stylish appearance and heating rate. Also, the advantages of glass-ceramic products include ease of maintenance. Their surface is even, and therefore any dirt can be removed from it without problems. It is enough just to regularly wipe them with a regular sponge or scraper if the dirt is dry.

The main disadvantages of glass ceramics include fragility, due to which the material can crack due to being hit by a kitchen object. It is also contraindicated to pour sugar on such panels, since it is not easy to remove it after drying.

What are the grates made of?

The hob grates are made of cast iron and enamelled steel. Each of these materials has characteristics that you need to familiarize yourself with.

Enamelled steel

Budget models include those on which enamelled steel gratings are installed. They are cheaper than cast iron ones due to the fact that it is contraindicated to put too heavy dishes on them. The grilles do not withstand serious loads and begin to deform. This will cause the enamel coating to crack and gradually corrode the grille. Therefore, people who do not cook food on the stove very often need to choose devices with such grates.

Cast iron

Lattices, which are made of cast iron, are considered more practical. They are stronger than enameled products, as they do not bend under heavy loads. Also, the advantages of cast iron include its durability, due to which it does not lose its attractiveness even after many years of use. However, this material has a serious drawback - fragility. If you accidentally drop such a grill, small cracks form on its surface.

Types and features of electric burners

The hobs may differ in the set cooking zones. There are four types of hotplates that are most commonly used.

Regular

The classic option is the burners, which are made of cast iron. When creating them, a reliable heat-conducting cast iron alloy is used, inside which spirals are installed for heating.

These burners are not easy to use. In order for them to heat up faster, you will have to set the maximum heating power. Then it is gradually lowered so that the burner does not overheat. Because of these features of use, many call cast iron burners capricious and prefer to buy more modern models that use materials with improved heat-conducting properties.

Rapid

Rapid burners are installed in most budget models of hobs. When creating them, they use such a heat-conducting material as nichrome, thanks to which the spirals can warm up to the maximum temperature in just 10-15 seconds. Most of these burners are round in shape, but sometimes rectangular models are found. Nichrome burners are versatile, as they are suitable for cooking complex and simple dishes.

Halogen

The most efficient burners that are installed on hobs are halogen ones. Their main difference from other heating components is that they are equipped with additional halogen lamps, which start working after switching on the stove. Such a burner heats up within 5-6 seconds, this is three times faster than heating rapid products.

However, halogen burners have a serious drawback - they heat the entire surface of the hob. Also, the disadvantages include a short service life, because of which you will have to periodically change the burners to new ones.

Induction

The main difference between induction products and other hotplates is that they heat the cookware directly. A small induction unit is installed inside such devices. It gradually heats up the bottom of the cookware while keeping the hotplate cold. This is possible thanks to the use of special containers, in which the bottom is magnetized.

The disadvantage of panels that are equipped with induction heating elements is the high cost. Therefore, not every person has the opportunity to use such devices.

Hi-light

Models that use Hi-light burners are gaining popularity. They are made from heat-conducting tape, which is made from high-resistance alloys. The advantage of Hi-light products is the heating speed, which is 4-5 seconds. In addition, the advantages include an even distribution of heat over the surface. This hotplate consumes a lot of energy. For an hour of active use, it consumes two kilowatts.

Advantages and disadvantages of electric hobs

Modern electrical panels are much nicer and more functional than gas ones. An unusual and varied design allows them to be used in various kitchen interiors. And the heating methods themselves are different, which we will talk about a little later.

In general, choosing an electrical panel will be relatively easy, but we will still talk about the pros and cons of using this type of panel.

pros

1. There is no open fire, which means the electric panel is much safer.
2. Nice design.
3. Convenience when cooking and cleaning.
4. Wide range of panel customization options for almost any cooking program.
5. Several protections that can be triggered automatically in the event of any accidents.
6. The panel can be used without a hood.

Minuses

1. Such panels are expensive to operate due to their high energy consumption.
2. It is necessary to supply a separate power line for three phases.
3. You need to constantly clean the stove.
4. Cook on flat-bottomed dishes due to the peculiarities of using this type of stove.

It is necessary to take into account all the pros and cons that an average hob may have.

The best induction hobs with a burner combining function

An induction bridge, or combining cooking zones, is an option that allows you to combine adjacent heating zones. It is relevant for those who like to cook in large or simply non-standard dishes.

Gorenje IT635ORAB - Full Boost

4.9

★★★★★
editorial estimate

89%
buyers recommend this product

The laconic hob is equipped with 4 burners: 1.4 kW, 2 kW and two 1.2 kW each. The latter are combined into a single heating zone according to the principle of a bridge, if you are going to cook in an oval or rectangular dish.

Particularly noteworthy is the AllBoost system - an improved version of the usual boost. Here, the increase in power is carried out not on 1-2 burners due to a decrease in the performance of others, but on all four at once.

The stove is covered with a glass-ceramic panel, which can be easily cleaned from any dirt. The induction unit itself is easy to operate, has all the necessary blocking and automatic shutdown systems.

Advantages:

• Boost on all 4 cooking zones at the same time;
• The presence of a timer;
• Residual heat markers;
• Easy cleansing;
• High level of security.

Disadvantages:

• There is no automatic boiling;
• There is no pause and restart.

Gorenje will appeal to those who often gather guests, cook in large dishes and are not ready to spend too much time on it.

Candy CFID36 WIFI - control panel via smartphone

4.8

★★★★★
editorial estimate

88%
buyers recommend this product

See overview

The main feature of this model is the ability to connect to Wi-Fi, which will allow the owners to control the equipment from another room. You can set and change operating modes through the mobile application.

But the stove can take care of itself: smart automation protects it from overheating, reduces power when boiling and turns it off if liquid is spilled from the pan.

Candy has four induction hobs: a pair of 2 and 1.5 kW. The latter are combined into a 3.6 kW Flexy zone. In total, the panel has 15 heating steps and it is possible to set a timer up to 99 minutes.

Advantages:

• Wi-Fi connection;
• Full set of protections;
• Smart automatic boiling with a decrease in heating power;
• Shutdown timer;
• PowerBoost mode;
• Protection from children.

Disadvantages:

The control panel icons will have to be learned.

Candy is equipped with almost all the functions available on induction hobs and can be considered one of the most practical and safe hobs.

Hansa BHI68677 - smart technology that does everything by itself

4.7

★★★★★
editorial estimate

87%
buyers recommend this product

The Hansa BHI hob has four induction cooking zones: three with a diameter of 16 cm and one with a diameter of 22 cm.

Each is equipped with a pan recognition sensor, which automatically determines the optimal heating zone. A pair of identical burners on the left can be joined together to place a rooster or a very large frying pan.

Hansa received a well-thought-out automatic boiling system: it quickly brings the water up to 100 degrees, after which it reduces the power. There is also a proprietary Stop & Go option, when activated, all burners go into the keep warm mode, and after canceling, they continue to work in the previously selected mode.

Advantages:

• Automatic recognition of the heating zone;
• Child lock and emergency shutdown;
• Induction bridge;
• Keep warm mode;
• Boil control.

Disadvantages:

Pulse heating at low power.

The novelty from Hansa has an extremely simple control panel, but the lack of functions on the sensor is compensated by smart automation that independently controls the cooking process.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of electric hobs are such indicators as:

• multifunctionality - simplifying the cooking process and expanding the possibilities;
• a variety of geometric shapes and design styles allows you to choose a model that matches the design concept and at the same time is easy to use;
• heating zones, their shape and number are also varied, which expands the choice.

Among the shortcomings, it should be noted:

• for some types of panels, there are certain requirements for the utensils used (flat or magnetic bottom, heat-resistant material, etc.);
• susceptibility to destruction under external mechanical influences and temperature drops - for models with glass-ceramic coating;
• compared to gas counterparts - increased consumption of electrical energy;
• the need to lay a separate electrical line from the switchboard for connecting to a 220/380 volt network.

Advantages and disadvantages of different types of food

There are various types of hobs, which differ in the type of food. They have a number of advantages and disadvantages that you should be familiar with.

Gas

Most often, gas-type devices are installed in the kitchen, which differ from other panels in their low cost, ease of operation, and also the heating rate. However, the built-in gas surface will be cheaper only if there is a main gas pipeline. If you have to use gas cylinders, then it is better to abandon gas models and use devices with a different type of power supply.

> Among the disadvantages of surfaces that are connected to the gas pipeline is a high probability of fire due to improper operation.

Electric

The second most popular built-in cooking surface is electric. Experts say that it is these models that are devoid of most of the shortcomings:

• there is no fire during operation of the stove, and therefore the kitchen in which it is installed is protected from fire;
• electrical panels are equipped with special regulators that allow a person to manually control the heating temperature;
• the devices are equipped with timers, thanks to which the cooking zones will automatically turn off.

Also, such devices have most of the advantages of conventional electric stoves:

• slow cooling of preheated burners;
• rapid heating of the surface.

Combined

Sometimes the integration of combined models is carried out, which combined the features of gas and electric burners. Such a hybrid surface is considered specific. However, it is suitable for people who cannot make a choice between gas or electric devices.

Popular models rating

Considering the most important selection criteria and based on user feedback, we can tell which hob to choose.

First of all, you should pay attention to the model of the German company Bosch PKC675N14D. It has four cooking zones and is equipped with Hi-Light heating elements.

For a rather high cost, the hostess will receive a full set of useful functions.

The next device - Zanussi ZEV 6646 XBA

If the budget is limited, then it is better to pay attention to this particular model. Compared to the leaders of the rating, the panel from the Italian company has less functionality, but the functions available to it are quite enough for many housewives

The only drawback can be considered a slight delay in the response of the touch buttons.

Buying a hob is not worth saving. Products of well-known brands have a long service life. Since such equipment is not bought for 1-2 years, it is worth buying only high-quality devices so as not to regret the choice made.

The best budget hobs

Choosing a model of a glass-ceramic microwave kitchen oven from inexpensive ones does not mean that a potential buyer is oriented toward a primitive device, poor quality, low reliability, and lack of built-in equipment. Manufacturers of well-known brands, taking into account the needs of all market segments, produce models of induction hobs for buyers with a limited budget.

Hansa induction hob BHI68300

Properties:

• small-sized 4-burner (60 × 50 cm);
• LCD indicator of the hotplate temperature;
• touch control panel;
• built-in timer.

Bosch induction hob PUE611FB1E

Properties:

• 4-burner induction hob;
• protection against current entering the human body;
• hotplate surface temperature indicator.

Induction hob Electrolux EHH 96340 IW

Properties:

• 4-burner reinforced induction hob;
• burner surface temperature indicators;
• the buster function, due to the redistribution of heat, heats food on the burner in a very short time (40-90 seconds);
• built-in automation switches off an empty burner after cooking, prevents overheating of the glass-ceramic hob and saves hands from being burned if accidentally touching a running burner.

How to choose kitchen appliances

Modern outlets offer goods not only from popular brands, but also from little-known brands, therefore, when choosing products, you need to pay attention to the following aspects:

1. Type of material. The hob can be of three types: enamelled, steel and glass-ceramic. The first type is quite cheap, but has several drawbacks, which are associated with the sensitivity of the surface to the action of other, denser materials on it. The second variety is more resistant to physical damage, but special detergents will need to be used to care for it. The third option is the most progressive, but also more expensive. The surface of the stove has increased strength, however, dishes made of copper and cast iron must not be placed on it.
2. Heating device type. Electric panels can be equipped with the following types of heating components: cast iron, halogen, induction and Hi-Lite. The first type is based on discs with electric spirals. It has high reliability and low cost. The second type works by heating the spirals with halogen lamps. It features a high heating rate and rapid wear of the heating elements. The third category of devices functions by generating an electromagnetic field. Only cookware with a magnetisable bottom can be used here. The fourth type consists of tape heating elements located in an asbestos housing. Such plates have an increased heating rate and can set the temperature regime with high accuracy.
3. Functionality. A good hob should have the following modes: auto focus, auto power off and child lock. The first function allows you to recognize the size of the dishes and maintain the required heat level. The second mode will save energy and come in handy for forgetful cooks. For some time, when the stove is idle, it will turn off. The third function locks the hob control system so that children do not accidentally turn on the hob.

The hob: how it works

You have now installed the hob in your kitchen worktop. Now they are an extension of each other, but in fact, various heaters and electronics can be found under the countertop.

As a rule, instead of burners, electric panels still have heating elements, the heating of which is justified by the high resistance they have. When voltage is applied, these elements heat up, and from them heat goes already to the surface of the panel.

The hob has a very interesting system of work.

The only thing that remains on top is the control panel, which is often touch-sensitive in electrical panels. Due to this panel, you can safely turn on and off the heating, as well as determine its intensity.

Advanced models boast a processor that will determine what and how to do when it operates according to the program in the panel.

Advice

There are some useful tips to help you choose your hob:

• When determining the size of the device and its power, it is necessary to take into account what dishes will be prepared and the number of people in the family. If there are many people in the family, it is better to choose large hobs with 3-4 burners.
• It is recommended to buy frameless devices as they are easier to care for.
• It is necessary to choose slabs with an efficiency class of at least level A.
• When choosing a panel design, you should take into account the specifics of the interior inside the kitchen. The color of the surface must match the color of the rest of the kitchen unit.