With the advancement of technology in household appliances, we have gained a lot in energy efficiency , leaving gas stoves behind and gradually replacing them with ceramic and induction hobs.
Glass-ceramic hobs and induction hobs are two types of systems that present technological development in the sector. Both types of hobs coexist on the market and both are successful and functional for people when working in the kitchen.
In today's article, we expose the differences between kitchens with induction hobs and kitchens with ceramic hobs.
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What is an induction cooker?
Induction cooktop is a type of electric cooking surface that uses electromagnetic fields to generate heat directly into the cooking vessels instead of heating the surface of the hob.
Operation of a kitchen with an induction hob
- Generation of the electromagnetic field: Below the surface of the plate, generally made of tempered glass or ceramic, there are copper coils. When the plate is turned on, an alternating electrical current passes through the coils, generating a changing magnetic field.
- Induction in the container: By placing a ferromagnetic container (made of iron or suitable stainless steel) on the plate, the magnetic field induces electrical currents called eddy currents in the base of the container. These currents circulate through the metal of the container, causing electrical resistance that generates heat.
- Direct heating of the container: Heat is generated directly at the base of the container, without the need to heat the surface of the plate. This allows energy to be concentrated where it is needed, improving efficiency and reducing heat losses. The surface of the plate barely heats up, except for the residual heat transmitted by the container after heating.
- Temperature and power control: The technology allows precise and fast temperature control, since by adjusting the electric current in the coils, the intensity of the magnetic field is modified and, therefore, the amount of heat generated.
Advantages of induction hobs
- Energy efficiency: They heat quickly and lose less energy by not heating the surrounding air.
- Safety: The surface does not get too hot, reducing the risk of burns.
- Precise temperature control: Allow quick and exact temperature adjustments.
- Easy to clean: The flat, cool surface prevents food from sticking and makes cleaning easier.
- Speed: They can boil water or cook food faster than other systems such as gas or ceramic hobs.
What is a kitchen with a ceramic hob?
A ceramic glass is a type of electric cooking surface that uses electrical resistances located under a ceramic glass surface to generate heat. This heat is transmitted from the plate to the containers and, therefore, to the food.
How a ceramic hob works
- Electrical resistances: Under the ceramic glass surface, there are electrical resistances or radiating elements. When the board is turned on, the resistors generate heat as the electric current passes through.
- Heat transmission: The heat generated by the resistances is transmitted upwards, heating the ceramic glass surface. From the hot surface, heat is transferred to the containers and subsequently to the food.
- Ceramic glass surface: Ceramic glass is a material resistant to heat and sudden changes in temperature. In addition, its surface is flat and easy to clean.
- Temperature control: Power and temperature are regulated through electronic controls, allowing you to cook with different heat levels. However, the response to temperature changes is slower compared to induction.
Advantages of glass ceramic
- Easy to clean: Its flat surface allows you to clean spills with ease.
- Can be used with any material: No special containers required.
- Modern aesthetics: It has an elegant and minimalist design.
What are the differences between a stove and induction and ceramic hobs?
Both hobs, induction and glass-ceramic , have in common a ceramic glass surface that provides an elegant appearance and makes cleaning easier. However, their operation , efficiency and characteristics present clear differences:
- How it works: Induction hobs use electromagnetic fields generated by copper coils located below the surface. These electromagnetic fields induce electrical currents in the base of the container, generating heat directly in the container, not on the plate. However, glass-ceramic plates work with electrical resistances or radiating elements beneath the ceramic glass surface. These resistances heat the surface of the plate, which in turn transmits the heat to the container placed on top.
- Speed and energy efficiency: The induction hob is faster when it comes to heating the containers, since the heat is generated directly at the base of the hob and has greater energy efficiency (approximately 85-90%) because there are hardly any losses. of heat to the environment. The glass-ceramic plate is slower because it needs to first heat the ceramic glass surface, and then transfer the heat to the container. Its energy efficiency is lower (around 60-70%) due to heat losses to the environment and the time it takes to heat and cool.
- Temperature control: Induction hobs offer much more precise temperature control, as they allow you to adjust the power practically instantaneously. However, on glass-ceramic plates the temperature control is slower, both when rising and falling, due to thermal inertia.
