What Is an Induction Hob? How Does it ACTUALLY Work?

When it comes to induction hobs, 31.8% of Brits prefer to use them. With the current ongoing gas crisis, the demand for induction cooktops is at its peak in the UK. Although kitchen equipment like an Induction cooktop is fancier to look at, the common question is asked about their functioning. 

Or, what is an induction hob? How do they work? Well, In this article, we will answer all your questions related to the functioning of induction cooking. We will also discuss why you should prefer to buy one by comparing its pros and cons.

What Is Induction Hob?

The Induction Hob transfers heat directly to the pan rather than heating the hob surface by inducing electric current using a magnetic field. 

Induction plates use less energy as they heat the pan directly. It is safe to operate as it remains cold until you place something in the cooking zone.

You won’t get any naked flame or preheat surfaces. You get a rapid heating effect once you place the pan in the cooking zone. 

Induction hobs are more than just an appliance to cook food on. Besides keeping things safe, it’s easy to use and clean. 

How Does an Induction Hob Work?

The magnetic coils beneath the surface induce an electric current. The vessel should be placed on the induction hob to be heated directly to make things work. 

You’ll find specially made plans with the induction hobs symbols on them. This kitchenware is made of stainless steel or cast iron, with flat surfaces to be placed on an induction cooking zone. 

Advantages Of Induction Hob

No doubt, induction hobs are sleek and easy to look at. There are also some other advantages of induction cooktops rather than quick cooking.

  1. Cooking In No Time

Induction hobs heat and cooks faster because the base of your pan is the heat source. 

Unlike gas hobs, heat is preserved between the bottom of the kitchenware and the surface of the cooking zone.

  1. Energy Efficient 

Induction hobs are so efficient that it takes half the time to boil water on a gas stove. It could be faster in boiling water than in a kettle too. Although it depends on the external temperature and material, you heat the pan.

  1. Saves You From Hefty Bill

With an induction hob, you can save a fortune on electricity bills.

The other hobs, like gas or electric, use direct heat sources to warm your pan. But in the case of induction cooking, your pan is the direct heat source. 

The energy transfer from the hob is up to 85 percent compared to the other hobs, which only reach 75 percent.

  1. Easy To Clean

The cleaning factor is a massive plus for Induction hobs over traditional gas stoves. 

Induction cooktops are like plain surfaces made of glass, making them easy to clean with soapy water and a damp cloth. So, you won’t have to worry about how to clean an induction hob quite often. 

You’ll also find an induction hob with an extractor to keep things clean and versatile in your kitchen. It’s an additional feature to make a little difference with venting gasses and fumes off the surface.

  1. Safety Is The First Priority

Induction hobs are very safe and easy-to-use kitchen appliances. Unlike gas hobs, they don’t emit any flames or physical heat on a surface that might hurt you. 

The induction cooking zone rapidly cools down once the cooking is done, unlike gas or ceramic hobs, which take a while to cool down after every use.

Disadvantages Of Induction Hob

When it comes to swift cooking and easy cleaning, Induction cooktops are second to none. But, there are also some cons of induction cooking that you know before buying it.

  1. Luxury With Hefty Price Tag

An induction plate stands above in features and efficiency factors than other hobs. But the downside is that it’s also on top regarding the price tag. They are relatively more expensive than other jobs or stoves on the market.

  1. Requires Expert To Install

To install an induction plate, you may need to hire a qualified electric technician. It’s tricky to install this appliance in your kitchen, which requires accuracy due to its delicacy.

  1. Requires Special Kitchenware

The major downside of the induction plate is that it only works with magnetic pots and pans. The good thing is you can use cast iron cookware sets on it.  

Induction Hob Vs. Electric Hob

An induction hob works in much the same way as an electric hob. However, loops underneath its surface initiate electrical flow to create heat. So, what makes it different from the regular electric cooking plate? 

Induction HobElectric Hob
Energy-efficient and saves powerConsume more energy
Directly heats the foodHeat the hob surface
Safe to touch, and child lockStays hot after cooking
It can’t be repaired if scratchedRepairable cooking zones
Expensive to buyPocket-friendly
Require special cookwareSuitable for regular pans and pots
Flexible cooking zonesFixed cooking zones

In terms of power consumption, the electric and induction hob comes in variants that consume 1500W to 3000W. But when it comes to power saving, induction cooking is better since it heats rapidly and works when you place magnetic kitchenware over it. 

In terms of power consumption, the electric and induction hob comes in variants that consume 1500W to 3000W.

What_Is_An_Indution_Hob

When it comes to power saving, induction cooking is better since it heats rapidly and works when you place magnetic kitchenware over it. 

Is a Ceramic Hob the Same as an Induction Hob?

No ceramic hob is not same as an induction hob. The main difference between both is creating heat and managing high temperatures. 

Ceramic HobsInduction Hobs
Take time to reach the desired temperatureHigh temperature in no time
Consume more energyEnergy efficient
Fixed cooking zonesFlexible cooking range
Easy to break and expensive to repairEasily breakable and can’t be repaired
Suitable for every metal pansWork with magnetic cookware only
Easy on pocket Expensive to buy
Don’t manage high heat wellWorks well with high heat

Both cooking plates are easy to clean. But the key difference is you can use a damp cloth to wipe any curry or sauce from the induction range as you’re done cooking, but you can’t do the same with ceramic or halogen hobs. 

So, it is safe to conclude that when it comes to a ceramic vs induction hob, induction cooktops are better and worth every penny you’ll spend.

Why Is an Induction Hob Better Than Other Types of Hobs?

Quick heating and excellent energy transfer rate are the main factors that make the Induction hob superior to the other different types of hob

An induction cooking plate transfers 85 percent energy and heats twice faster than an average gas hob.

How Do I Know If I Have an Induction Job?

If your hob only works with magnetic kitchenware, it means you have an induction hob. It differs from electric hobs in terms of working and performs way better when heating.

Wrapping It Up!

Induction hobs have various advantages over standard gas stoves and electric hobs. 

The energy-efficient factor is the demand of the new age. This factor gives a big plus to induction plates to become part of modern-day kitchens in the near future.

Jason
I like to research and write about modern kitchen designs and kitchen appliances; Whether you are looking to design a perfect kitchen or want the best cooking experience, my writing will surely help you out!