How to choose an induction hob and what to look for: a review of models with a description of the advantages and disadvantages
Not every apartment or house has the ability to connect a gas stove.
Many are forced to or because of personal preferences use electric stoves that consume a lot of electricity.
The best choice in this situation can be a hob, working by the principle of induction.
Such a device allows you to cook dishes quickly and saves electricity.
Content
How to choose and what to pay attention to?
Induction kitchen panels appeared relatively recently.
The peculiarity of such a device is that only the bottom of the dishes used and the products in it are heated, while the walls of the dishes and the stove itself do not heat up.
Number of burners
When choosing a hob with induction, it is important to determine how many burners you need.
Surfaces can be equipped with a different number of heating zones, this number varies from one to six.
This indicator will depend on the number of people in the family and how varied the food you are used to cooking.
For a married couple or one person, as well as a family that is used to eating outside the home, a compact version of the device equipped with one or a pair of burners will be enough. This will save space in the kitchen.
For a large family, it is recommended to give preference to a panel that will have at least four heating zones.
Such devices are one of the most popular among buyers, as they allow you to cook a full meal at the same time. But space for the placement of such equipment will need more.
In terms of configuration and location of burners, the standards for their placement have long no longer imply exclusively square or rhomboid shapes.
The heating zones can be arranged in a row, in the form of a triangle, oval, semicircle. When choosing this option, you should imagine how convenient it will be for you to have access to each of the burners, so that the dishes on the neighboring ones do not interfere with each other.
It is also worth considering the diameter of the heating zones, their shape.
Otherwise, the device simply will not turn on. In the most modern induction panels, a burner can automatically determine the size of the dishes and adjust to it.
Panel material
The most common coating material is glass ceramic.. The second most common is tempered glass.
The first option will cost less, but differs in resistance to mechanical stress.
Difficulties to maintain as sugar-containing liquids like compotes and preserves can leave indelible marks.
Panels covered with tempered glass are a little more expensive, but rather fragile and require careful handling. But such a material is more aesthetic and practical in care, not afraid of scratches and abrasives.
Induction hobs may have a metal profile or beveled edge.
Both options have their advantages.:
- framed - do not allow runaway liquid to dirty the countertop or drain onto the floor;
- beveled panels are easier to clean.
Panel color
When choosing an induction hob, it is worth considering various design options.
Most models are made in dark colors that fit perfectly into any interior style.
For rooms decorated in country or provence style, induction surfaces with a floral pattern are produced.
For modern interiors in high-tech style, models that do not have designations of heating zones and look like a single piece of glass are perfectly suitable.
Less commonly found on sale are devices that have silver or white color, which also look very profitable.
On a light surface, dust, greasy spots and stains from water are less noticeable, which makes them especially attractive. It is worth noting that cleaning both light and dark panels is not difficult.
You can remove dirt even during cooking, as the surface is not hot.
Some hobs are decorated with patterns, inscriptions and pictograms for easy operation.
Dimensions
It is important that the size of the hob fits perfectly into the interior of your kitchen.
The narrowest varieties are only 30 centimeters wide. They are equipped with one or two heating zones and are an excellent find for a small kitchen.
Panels wider than 60 centimeters usually accommodate five burners, and with a width of about 80 centimeters the heating zones may already be five or six.
The thickness of induction cookers may also vary. This range is usually from 4 to 10 centimeters.
Standard thickness - from 6 to 8 centimeters.
Dependent / Independent
Induction hobs can be independent devices that can be placed anywhere in the kitchen.
For such devices, it is only important to have a nearby power source and a flat surface for installation.
Another type of induction is kitchens built into the countertop. They, as a rule, are somewhat more expensive, but look integral with the kitchen set.
In terms of functionality, there are no special differences between them..
Additional functions
The presence of various additional options in the selected model can make cooking a very pleasant experience.
Below is a list of the most common features found in modern devices.:
- The unit control panel device. It is especially useful when there are small children in the family.
- Protective shutdown increases the level of safety of the use of equipment by turning it off when the liquid boils off on the stove, there are no dishes on it, or significant power surges.
- Timer. It is convenient in that you can set the time required to bring the dish to readiness and not stand by the stove, constantly monitoring the process. Advanced models are not only able to turn off the heat at a given time, but also with the help of an audio signal inform the hostess about the end of cooking.
- The residual temperature indicator will help you determine whether it is safe to touch the surface. The stove itself does not heat up, but can become hot from contact with the dishes in which the products are prepared.
- In modern inductions, there is a special mode of rapid heating (Turbo Boost), which allows you to quickly cook the desired dish, increasing the power of the selected burner at the expense of neighboring ones.
- Control of electricity consumption and temperature conditions.It is enough for the hostess to set the device to the consumption rate or temperature indicators, which will then be maintained in automatic mode. The device saves all readings in the internal memory.
- Functions for pausing cooking and heating (maintaining heat). It is convenient to use if households are used to eating each in its own mode.
- The most modern stoves are equipped with new technology - induction without borders, which allows you to do without the usual marking of burners. It is enough to put the dishes with products in any place, and smart technology will provide the necessary heating zone.
Rating TOP 5 best models
| A place | Name | Price |
|---|---|---|
| TOP 5 best induction hobs | ||
| 1 | Electrolux IPE 6453 KF | 27 000 ₽ |
| 2 | Bosch PUE612FF1J | 27 000 ₽ |
| 3 | Bosch PIF645FB1E | 34 000 ₽ |
| 4 | Beko HII 64400 ATX | 14 000 ₽ |
| 5 | Weissgauff HI 641 BS | 14 000 ₽ |
The best induction hobs
Electrolux IPE 6453 KF
Induction cooking surface Electrolux IPE 6453 KF with automatic adjustment 
heating zones depending on the size and shape of the dishes used.
There is an option for quick heating, blocking from accidental switching on, a built-in timer, a shutdown function when overheating.
Control is carried out by touch buttons on the panel.
14 options for adjusting the heating power.
Specifications:
- number of burners - 4;
- black color;
- independent;
- coating - glass ceramics;
- power - 7.35 kW;
- frameless;
- dimensions - 56 * 49 * 4.4cm.
pros
- elegant design;
- slim body;
- simple and precise control;
- heating rate;
- low noise level during the work.
Minuses
- not.
Bosch PUE612FF1J
The hob Bosch PUE612FF1J works by the principle of induction. Each burner 
equipped with the possibility of cooking in PowerBoost mode, which implies accelerated heating to reduce cooking time.
The device is equipped with a DirectSelect control system, which allows you to easily select the heating power and activate additional options.
In addition, there is a shutdown timer, the function of blocking the panel, restart, a sensor for the presence of dishes on the stove.
The white color of the coating will refresh any kitchen interior.
Specifications:
- number of burners - 4;
- White color;
- independent;
- coating - glass ceramics;
- power - 3 kW;
- frameless;
- Dimensions - 56 * 49 * 5.1cm.
pros
- heats up very quickly;
- easy to care for;
- nice design;
- many additional options.
Minuses
- cost.
Bosch PIF645FB1E
The Bosh PIF645FB1E induction hob features an economical level 
energy efficient, reliable and allows you to cook a meal quickly.
The stove is located independently and is equipped with four convenient hobs, working by the principle of induction. the device supports 17 levels of heating power adjustment, which greatly expands its practical possibilities of use.
The heating zone is determined automatically.
Extremely simple operation of the hob thanks to the touch system.
In addition, the stove is equipped with a burner shutdown timer, protective shutdown options when overheating or when there is no cookware, it has the possibility of accelerated heating.
The surface can be locked.
Specifications:
- number of burners - 4;
- black color;
- independent;
- coating - glass ceramics;
- power - 7.4 kW;
- with protective frame;
- Dimensions - 56 * 49 * 5.5cm.
pros
- easy management;
- precise power control and heating rate;
- sensitive sensor;
- additional options;
- It works almost silently.
Minuses
- no backlight on the control panel;
- stains from dishes may remain.
Beko HII 64400 ATX
The hob Beko HII 64400 ATX is induction and requires application 
special cooking utensils.
The diameter of the burners varies, in order to fit pans and pans of different sizes.
The control of the device is carried out using the touch panel, heating power adjustment is possible in 9 levels.
There is a built-in timer and a shutdown function if the stove is not used for a long period of time.
The equipment is reliably protected from children by means of a special blocking system.
Specifications:
- number of burners - 4;
- black color;
- independent;
- coating - glass ceramics;
- power - 7.4 kW;
- with protective frame;
- Dimensions - 56 * 49 * 5.5cm.
pros
- simple operation;
- ease of care;
- attractive design;
- convenient management;
- a separate timer on each of the burners.
Minuses
- noise level at work.
Weissgauff HI 641 BS
The hob thanks to its modest dimensions will save free space on your 
the kitchen.
It has a stylish glass-ceramic coating, attractive modern design.
Practical to use, reliable and has all the functionality necessary for a modern housewife.
Equipment management can be done with one click. There is a built-in timer that allows you to control the cooking process.
Nine levels of heating power, a sensor for the presence of dishes and an oval heating zone.
Specifications:
- number of burners - 4;
- black color;
- independent;
- coating - glass ceramics;
- power - 7.4 kW;
- with protective frame;
- dimensions - 56 * 49 * 6.2cm.
pros
- build quality;
- cost;
- easy installation;
- controllability.
Minuses
- no key lock indication.
Useful video
From the video you will learn how to choose an induction hob:
For those who live in a house without a gas connection, I think that the induction hob is the most economical choice, energy consumption is significantly reduced. I have been using the hob for the fourth year. I advise you to pay attention to the timer function when you buy the panel, and the auto power off mode water to the panel.