Which is better - an Induction or Electric Hob?
If you are in the market for a new stove, you may wonder whether it is a better idea to purchase an electric stove or an induction stove. While an induction hob and electric hob may look similar, there are many differences between them. Which is better? Here, we will look at the features of each type of stove so that you can make an educated decision about which is the right option for you.
What is an induction hob?
An induction hob might look similar to an electric ceramic hob. In fact, an electric cooker hob can be electric or induction. An induction hob cooks using an electromagnetic field, which heats only the base of the pan without heating the burner or the surface of the hob. This allows the surface of the stove to remain cool.
What are conventional electric hobs?
The big difference between a conventional electric hob and an electric induction hob is that electric hobs use conventional radiant heat, transmitted by conduction. When an electric stove is turned on, the heating elements heat the active ring and the surface surrounding it. That heat transfers to the pan and then to the food. An electric hob can be a solid plate or ceramic hob.
How does an induction hob work?
Rather than conduction, they use electrical induction. To accomplish this, copper coils fitted beneath the surface produce a magnetic field when the hob is switched on. This magnetic field only heats the base of the pan, not the hob ring or the surface. Here is another way to explain this process: the pain placed on the surface of hob completes a circuit with the magnetic field under that surface, and this circuit heats the base of the pan.
The pros and cons of induction hobs
One of the benefits of induction hobs is that they are more energy efficient than conventional electric hobs. While electric stovetops use about 70 percent of the heat they generate for cooking, induction hobs utilize about 90 percent. This allows them to cook more quickly than electric hobs, but it does not really decrease your costs very much. It works out to about £20 unless you are cooking an enormous amount of food. Because the hob surface of an induction stove remains cool to the touch, an induction hob is a safer option than electric hobs. Further, the temperature is easier to control, giving you more control of your cooking. On the down side, the upfront costs of induction hobs are much higher than electric. In addition to the stove itself being more expensive, you are likely to need new pans. Cookware used on an induction hob must be magnetic, so copper, glass, and aluminium will not work. Further, glass surfaces on induction hobs are prone to damage, and if you have been using an electric hob previously, you will need new wiring to install an induction hob, which means further expense.
The pros and cons of conventional hobs
The primary benefit of a conventional electric hob is that it is cost effective to purchase and install. You will not have to buy new cookware but can use whatever pots and pans you already have on hand. The drawbacks are that they are slower to heat up, adjust, and cool down than induction hobs, so it is more difficult to control the temperature when you are cooking. There is also more burn risk with a conventional electric hob. If you can afford it, you are generally better off going with an induction hob.
Top five energy saving tips for induction hobs
As we have established, induction hobs are significantly more energy efficient than electric hobs. Even though this is the case, it is wise to find ways to make them even more energy efficient, especially considering the expenses that come along with this kind of stove.
Be size wise
Use the right size pan for the dish you are cooking, because a pan that is too big will cook more slowly and use more energy. Match the size of your lid to the size of your pan, and choose glass lids when possible, so that you do not have to lift them to check the food while you are cooking. Use a pan that fits the hob size, too, rather than using a pan that is too large or too small for the heating element.
Keep the bottoms of your pans clean
If they are dirty, they will not have the same connection with the element, and this will disrupt the induction process.
Choose pans with flat bases
A curved bottom on a pan will use more energy because it will not make the right contact with the element.
Use the lowest possible power level when cooking
An induction hob will cook your food quickly, even at a low temperature, and turning the power level too high will waste energy.
Cook in bulk when you can
This reduces the amount of energy you are using and can also save you time.
Give Forge & Fig a visit!
Investing in an induction hob can make your kitchen more energy efficient and practical, and spending time thoughtfully choosing your cookware and tableware will pay off in the joy of having a kitchen that is beautiful and gracious. When you’re ready to invest in timeless quality and value that is nevertheless at the cutting edge of trend, trust Forge & Fig to deliver exceptional items to grace your home. Thoughtfully designed to be treasured by each generation, our carefully sourced luxury cookware and tableware collections are inspired by kitchen designers and innovators across the globe. Beautifully stylish, our products are also entirely practical and created with a focus on sustainability. Come, explore our collections for yourself by visiting us at Scorton Road, Brompton on Swale, Richmond DL10 7EQ or shopping through our website. You can also call us on (01748) 811030 or contact us online for more information.
