Are you in the market for a new hob? If so, you may be wondering if an induction hob is the right choice for you. In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of induction hobs and help you decide if this type of hob is right for your kitchen.
What is an induction hob?
An induction hob is a type of cooking surface that uses induction to heat food. Induction hobs are typically made from ceramic or glass and have an induction coil beneath the surface. When induction is turned on, the coil creates a magnetic field that generates heat in the cookware placed on top of it.
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular in home kitchens as they offer many advantages over other types of hobs, such as gas and electric.
What are the advantages of an induction hob?
Safety
Obviously, the naked flame that comes from a gas hob is far more dangerous than the surface of an induction hob, but other forms of electric hob also present the same danger: as electricity passes through a coil of wire it then heats a metal (or ceramic) platter, which will burn anything that touches it.
By contrast, an induction hob will not generate heat without the presence of a magnetic metal. Provided you haven’t placed a metallic pan on top of it recently, you can even place your hand on an induction hob without feeling the slightest change in temperature (if you have, then the heat from the pan will have radiated back onto the hob, so don’t try this immediately after removing the pan).
Many might balk at the idea of activating such a magnetic field – but the fact is that radiation of this sort is commonplace in many household items, and governed by a number of internationally- recognised standards and limits. Such regulations help to ensure that magnetic devices in your home – including speakers, headphones, hairdryers, and washing machines – are safe to use. That said, there are circumstances in which an induction hob might be a concern. If you have a pacemaker, then you’ll want to consult your doctor before investing in one.
Most induction hobs come equipped with safety features that detect the presence of a pan, and disengage the circuit in order to prevent electromagnetic energy from radiating outward – even when the hob is mistakenly left on.
Efficiency
Other types of hob leak energy in every direction. The result is that we need to generate more energy than we actually need.
An induction hob solves this problem. The heat is generated directly within the pan, rather than on the hob beneath – which means that we don’t lose any of it as its being transferred from the latter to the former.
As we’ve noted, the vibrations produced by an induction hob are far too high-frequency to be heard by the human ear, which can only hear a maximum of around twenty kilohertz (and far less as we get older). That said, you might still notice some unusual sounds being emitted by your hob. The chances are that these are the result of the cooling systems built into the hob, which are returning the coils to the correct temperature and thereby extending its lifespan.
Effectiveness
A second key advantage of an induction hob is one that they share with a gas hob - any adjustments you might make to the temperature of the hob will produce instant results. This means you won’t need to wait around for the pan to get to the temperature you need. Pans of water can be brought to the boil within about 90 seconds – meaning you’ll always be in control of the energy you’re using.
Some induction hobs come equipped with so-called flexi-zones. These hobs don’t come with a quartet of magnetic coils, but with many smaller ones which detect the presence of a metal pan and activate according to where it’s placed. These hobs are ideal for cooking with larger pans or trays – or with many smaller ones! Induction hobs also tend to come equipped with features that will make life in the kitchen easier – such as lower settings for keeping pans warm, touch controls and timers.
Maintenance
While induction hobs might be very sophisticated devices, on the surface they’re remarkably simple, consisting of little more than a large, smooth sheet of glass, marked with circles where the hobs are. This means that any spillages will be easily swept up with a wet sponge. Moreover, since the surface itself doesn’t get hot, those spillages will be far less likely to become cooked-on.
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When were induction hobs invented?
The induction hob was first invented in the 1930s, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that they began to be used commercially. The first induction hobs were far too expensive for most households, but as production costs have fallen, their popularity has increased exponentially.
How do induction hobs work?
An induction hob uses electromagnetic energy to heat up a pan or pot. This is done by using an alternating current to create a magnetic field. When this magnetic field comes into contact with a metal pan, it causes eddy currents to flow through the metal. It is these eddy currents that cause resistance and generate heat. The heat is then transferred from the pan to whatever is being cooked inside of it.
Why are induction hobs so popular?
There are several reasons for induction hobs’ popularity. Firstly, they are much more energy-efficient than other types of hob. Secondly, they are very easy to clean and maintain. Finally, they offer a level of precision and control that is unmatched by any other type of hob.
What are the disadvantages of induction hobs?
The main disadvantage of induction hobs is their cost. They are still relatively expensive compared to other types of hob, such as gas or electric. Additionally, induction hobs require special cookware – which can also be quite expensive. Finally, induction hobs can produce some strange sounds as they cool down – although this is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about!
As induction hobs have become more popular, their price has come down significantly. However, they are still relatively expensive compared to other types of hob. Additionally, induction hobs require special cookware – which can also be quite expensive. Finally, induction hobs can produce some strange sounds as they cool down – although this is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about!
What features does an induction hob have?
Most induction hobs come with a number of features that make them easier to use, such as lower settings for keeping pans warm, touch controls and timers. Some induction hobs also come equipped with so-called flexi-zones. These hobs don’t come with a quartet of magnetic coils, but with many smaller ones which detect the presence of a metal pan and activate according to where it’s placed. These hobs are ideal for cooking with larger pans or trays – or with many smaller ones!
How do you clean an induction hob?
Cleaning an induction hob is very easy – all you need is a wet sponge. The surface of an induction hob is smooth and non-porous , so spills will not be absorbed and will be very easy to wipe up. Moreover, since the surface of an induction hob doesn’t get hot, any spillages will be far less likely to become cooked-on.
Are induction hobs better than gas?
There is no simple answer to this question. Both induction hobs and gas hobs have their own advantages and disadvantages. Induction hobs are more energy-efficient, easier to clean and offer a greater degree of precision. Gas hobs, on the other hand, are cheaper and tend to heat up food more evenly. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which type of hob is better for your needs!
However, and it's a big however, gas appliances have now been given a shelf life in the UK, from 2025 early indications suggest production of gas hobs for UK supply will be phased out.
Are induction hobs better than ceramic hobs?
Again, there is no simple answer to this question. Both induction hobs and ceramic hobs have their own advantages and disadvantages. Induction hobs are more energy-efficient, easier to clean and offer a greater degree of precision. Ceramic hobs, on the other hand, are cheaper and tend to be more durable. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which type of hob is better for your needs!
So, what’s the verdict?
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular due to their many advantages. They are more energy-efficient, easier to clean and offer a greater degree of precision than other types of hob. However, they are still relatively expensive compared to other types of hob – and they require special cookware.
If you’re looking for a new hob and you’re willing to invest in induction cookware, an induction hob is a great choice. Otherwise, you may want to consider other options, such as gas or ceramic hobs. Thank you for reading! We hope this article has been helpful.
Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular due to their many advantages. They are more energy-efficient, easier to clean and offer a greater degree of precision than other types of hob. However, they are still relatively expensive compared to other types of hob – and they require special cookware.
If you’re looking for a new hob and you’re willing to invest in induction cook ware, an induction hob is a great choice. Otherwise, you may want to consider other options, such as gas or ceramic hobs. Thank you for reading! We hope this article has been helpful. induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular due to their many advantages. They are more energy-efficient, easier to clean and offer a greater degree of precision than other types of hob. However, they are still relatively expensive compared to other types of hob – and they require special cookware.
How are induction hobs fitted?
Most induction hobs are designed to be fitted into a worktop, much like other types of hob. However, some models can be installed as standalone units, which means they can be placed anywhere in the kitchen.
When fitting an induction hob, it’s important to make sure that the electrical supply is adequate. Induction hobs require a lot of power and may not work properly if the electrical supply is insufficient.
If you’re not sure whether your electrical supply is adequate, it’s best to consult a qualified electrician. They will be able to assess your needs and advise you on the best course of action.
Can induction hobs be plugged in?
Yes, some induction hobs can be plugged in with a 13amp UK plug. However, most must be connected to an electrical supply that is adequate for the hob. Induction hobs require a lot of power and may not work properly if the electrical supply is insufficient.
If you’re not sure whether your electrical supply is adequate, it’s best to consult a qualified electrician. They will be able to assess your needs and advise you on the best course of action.
If you’re looking for an induction hob, Ship It Appliances is the place to go. We stock a wide range of induction hobs from all the leading brands, and we offer free & fast delivery when you buy online today! So what are you waiting for? Buy your induction hob today!
Browse our full range of induction hobs here. We also have wide selections of Ceramic, Electric and Gas Hobs to choose from too.
Looking for advice? Try our handy guides on all things hob related:
