How energy efficient is an induction hob?
Induction cooking works using electromagnetic energy. An induction hob is made from a coil that is located below a tough glass panel. The coil generates a magnetic field which triggers an electrical current in magnetic pans, causing them to heat up.
Induction cooking offers great temperature control, it can cook things at different speeds and allows you to simmer at a precise temperature. This makes it a good alternative to electric hobs and gas hobs, which both have slow temperature changes, or little control in the upper ranges. When you turn off an induction hob, the pan starts to cool immediately.
Induction hobs are very efficient since there is no wasted heat. You do not have to heat up an element and then transfer that heat to the pan. This means you can boil water almost twice as fast using an induction hob compared to an electric hob, and significantly quicker than you could using gas.
Induction hobs are not Energy Star certified, yet, but it is estimated that they offer 84% energy transfer, which is a huge improvement over a smooth top electric unit, which usually offers only 74% efficiency of transfer.
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What Makes Induction Hobs more Efficient?
Induction hobs are very efficient because there is no wasted heat. You don’t have to heat up an element and then transfer that heat to the pan. This means you can boil water almost twice as fast using an induction hob compared to an electric hob, and significantly quicker than you could using gas.
How much Energy Does an Induction Hob Save?
I is estimated that they offer 84% energy transfer, which is a huge improvement over a smooth top electric unit, which usually offers only 74% efficiency of transfer. This means the power use is also more efficient.
Is An Induction Hob Cheaper To Run?
Until recently, induction hobs were the clear and obvious choice, as they are more efficient than standard electrical hobs and cheaper to run than gas. In recent months, gas prices have fallen again, making gas hobs an appealing option.
Gas hobs are generally cheaper to buy than induction. Induction hobs are better for the environment. They are also safer, because they cool instantly when a pan is removed from the hob, so they do not have the same fire risks associated with gas.
The running costs are very low, and they offer more control and faster cooking. They are a cleaner and greener alternative.
One thing that many people wonder is if there are hidden costs associated with induction hobs, such as the need to buy all new cookware. This will depend on the kind of pans you own. Many standard pans can be used with induction hobs. If your pans are magnetic then you won’t need to replace them. It is the aluminium, copper and non-magnetic stainless steel pans that are going to need to be replaced. It’s easy to check your pans with a magnet to see whether they will need to be replaced.
Factors that Influence the Cost of Induction Hobs
There are plenty of factors that influence the cost of an induction hob. A few to consider are:
Electricity Wastage
Induction hobs are highly efficient when it comes to energy wastage. Because there is no flame, and because the head is triggered by placing the pan on the hob, there is little-to-no electricity wastage. Most of the electricity used goes straight to the cooktop, heating the pan immediately and cooking your food.
In the case of gas hobs, not only does the pan need time the heat up, but the energy from the flames can be lost to the atmosphere. This makes gas hobs much less efficient, and more likely to use more energy to heat the pan, and eventually cook your food.
Temperature control
Induction hobs have a superior heating method to gas stove tops. With precise temperature control, it is easier to heat food on a simmer without burning or over-boiling. Not only this, but the temperature change is instant. Wheras gas stovetop will take a while to heat up, wasting energy and time.
Induction Hob Features
Induction hobs typically come with an auto-off feature and in-built timers. Making it almost impossible to leave your stove top on for too long (leaving you with wasted energy and burnt food!). Once the preset timer goes off the induction hob turns off, saves power, and prevents any accidents from happening.
Speed of cooking
Induction hobs will heat your pots and pans within seconds. Making it extremely energy efficient.
This kind of heating is impossible to match with a gas cooktop.
Not only will you save energy, but it allows you to use your time more efficiently at home.
Tips to Make Cooking More Energy Efficient
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Keep the bottom of your pots clean. Blackened surfaces can get in the way of the induction process.
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Cook in large batches and eat the leftovers for your next meal. This will save you from having to use the stove top more than once.
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Defrost food naturally rather than using the microwave
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If your cooking with a liddeed pot or pan, switch off the power just a couple minutes before your timer goes off. This allows the foot to cook in it's own steam for the last few minutes.
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Match the size of the pan with the size of the hob.
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Choose faster cooking methods like stir frying or boiling vegetables.
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Use pots and pans that are compatible with your induction hob.
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Keep the same size pots as the heating element to increase energy efficiency.
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