What is the difference between an induction hob and an electric hob, and which one is more economical?

Modern household appliances are so diverse that when buying customers can get lost among the many cooktops.

Mainly, electric appliances and induction hobs are common.

To decide which device to choose, it is worth knowing the features of each model, including their advantages and disadvantages.

What is the difference between an induction hob and an electric hob

It is worth considering the main differences between electric hobs and induction hobs, which are taken into account by the buyer before purchase.

The principle of action

In electric models, electricity flows through a resistor that releases thermal energy.

The energy is transferred to the heating device to the installed cookware, carrying out the heating.

Induction works differently - each burner has a high-frequency generator underneath, creating induction currents in the metal utensils.

The cookware acts as a conductor; when turned on, only the bottom of the cookware is heated but not the surface of the panel itself.

Heating rate

Induction hobs heat up almost instantly and cool down quickly too, protecting their owners from burns.

An electric cooktop, on the other hand, takes quite a long time to heat up, within five minutes, sometimes longer. Also, the surface of the electric stove can get hot, which creates the risk of burns.

Economy

A powerful electric hob implies a large expenditure of energy, and as a consequence, huge electricity bills.

Induction models are economical to run. Electric ones are 1.93 kW in 15 minutes, while induction ones are only 0.5 kW.

Care Features

Electric stoves require standard care with the help of special products. It is worth being careful with the enamel, as chipping or scratches can form.

Induction is cleaned more easily, it is enough to run a rag over the surface. But if you do not clean the panel often, you will have to use special chemicals.

Cost

The price of electric models is quite democratic, there is an elite series. But the cost is much lower than that of induction.

Panels with induction cost from 17 thousand and above.

Material of the working surface

If the electric panels have enamel, glass ceramic. The surfaces of induction panels, mainly made of glass ceramic or tempered glass. The latter has a high cost.

It is worth remembering that the glass ceramic surface is quite fragile, its repair will cost an impressive financial investment.

Suitable cookware

Cookware for induction hobs must be metal, otherwise the heating will not work.

For an electric stove, any standard cookware will do, but experts recommend choosing cookware more carefully, so that it will last a long time.

Ease of use

Electric hob requires patience. Heating is slow, the temperature for frying reaches seven minutes, to bring water to a boil - about 15 minutes.

Induction heats up instantly, and built-in powerful burners heat food very quickly.

Noise

Induction is noisy and crackling when in operation. Sometimes the fan is too loud, but many customers quickly get used to that hum.

The electric cooktop is quiet and doesn't make any suspicious noises.

Induction hobs

Induction came to the market quite recently. The heating element is an induction coil. This creates an electromagnetic field by activating the atoms in the crystal lattice.

The most basic disadvantage is the magnetic radiation, which is contraindicated in various diseases and can worsen the health of the owner. It is worth being careful.

Pros

Induction has a higher efficiency than electric panels, about 90%;
Induction is more economical than electricity;
The panel cools down quickly after use;
Fast heating and cooking speed;
If there is no cookware on the panel, there will be no heating;
Has many additional options;
The surface of the panel is always cold;
14 levels of power adjustment.

Cons

Only special cookware is suitable;
Has difficulties with connection;
High cost;
Repair also costs a lot of money.

Electric cooktops

Essentially, induction hobs also work through electricity consumption. But are more advanced design.

The main difference in the series of electric models are additional functions, the number of burners, glass ceramic surface and the color of the panel.

Depending on the type of heating, there are rapide, halogen devices.

Pros of

Stylish design of the panels;
The ability to choose from a variety of colors;
Easy care;
No cast-iron grids;
Smooth heating process;
There are inexpensive models and expensive;

Cons

No deflection, if you spill milk or water, the surface does not work;
Enameled panel requires careful cleaning;
If the glass ceramic gets damaged, its repair is very expensive.

What is better to choose?

Name	Induction hob	Electric
Consumption	heating coils	electricity
EFFICIENCY	90%	60-70%
Special Cookware	yes	no
Safety for daily use	yes	yes
Heating rate	fast	slow
Installation	independent	independent
Stove care	additional care is required	standard
Surface Material	vitrified ceramic, tempered glass	vitrified stoneware, enamel
Cost	high	there are available models
Child lock	yes	no
Controls	display, mechanical or pushbutton switches	electronic or mechanical turn signals

Top 6 best models

Place	Name	Price
Top 3 best induction hobs
1	Hotpoint-Ariston IKIA 640	17 000 ?
2	Bosch PIE631FB1E	30 000 ?
3	Hansa BHI68300	17 000 ?
Top 3 best electric cooktops
1	Electrolux EHF 96547 SW	21 000 ?
2	Hansa BHCI65123030	11 000 ?
3	Electrolux EHF 96547 XK	16 000 ?

Best Induction Cooktops

Hotpoint-Ariston IKIA 640

Four burner glass ceramic induction hob.

Can be installed independently in the kitchen worktop, has a compact size and many additional features, including childproofing, residual heat indicator and touch control panel.

Push-button switches.

Characteristics:

Device type - hob;
Number of burners - four;
installation - independent;
child protection - yes;
Cookware recognition - yes;
control - touch control;
indicator of residual heat - yes;
dimensions - 59*51cm;
burner timer - yes;
panel color - black;
service life - 10 years;
price - 18462 rubles.

Pros of

touch switches;
good quality of materials;
high-quality assembly;
fast heating of burners;
stylish design;
easy to clean;
reasonable cost;

Disadvantages

The timer is too quiet;
You need special dishes.

Bosch PIE631FB1E.

Four-burner Serie 6 series cooktop, includes glass-ceramic coating.

Equipped with a cookware recognition function, a childproof lock and a residual heat indicator to keep food warm for several minutes.

Touch sensitive switches combined with push button controls.

Parameters:

type of device - induction hob;
burners - four;
installation - independent;
power - 7.4 kW;
surface material - glass-ceramic;
control - push-button;
switches - touch;
timer - yes, sound;
pause - yes;
child protection - yes;
the sizes - 56*49 sm;
panel locking - yes;
color - black;
cost - 37827 rubles.

Advantages

Adjusting the power and temperature of heating;
The presence of a timer and lock for 30 seconds;
Boost mode is activated - water boils instantly;
convenient operation;
pleasant appearance;
not too noisy.

Cons

high price;
not all dishes are suitable;

Hansa BHI68300

Nice and easy to use induction cooktop. Includes Four glass-ceramic burners.

Heats in seconds. It has a nice design and compact size.

Push-button control, combined with a sensor.

Equipped with the necessary functions for comfortable operation.

Fast heating is ensured due to induction, but it is worth remembering about electromagnetic radiation.

Characteristics:

Type of device - hob;
heating type - induction;
installation - independent;
power - 7 kW;
dimensions - 60*50 cm
surface material - glass-ceramic;
switches - touch;
control - button;
timer - yes;
child protection - yes;
lock - there is;
color - black;
price - 19142 rubles.

Pros of

convenient location of burners;
stylish design
reasonable cost;
rapid heating;
temperature control;
the surface is easy to clean.

Disadvantages

With a large number of dishes, the power is redistributed, and heating is slower;
The timer turns off all burners at once

Best electric cooktop

Electrolux EHF 96547 SW

Stylish electric hob in white with slider control for four burners.

Touch-sensitive switches, suitable for all pots and pans. Equipped with child-proof function.

Heats food quickly, which is a plus for the electric type of heating.

You can adjust the power and put it on a timer. For some, the slider may be inconvenient to use, but this is a matter of habit.

Integrates independently into a small countertop.

Blends in with any kitchen interior.

Parameters:

The device type - electric panel;
installation - independently from the oven;
Number of burners - four;
the dimensions - 59*52 cm;
control panel - front;
switches - touch;
control type - sliders;
three-circuit burner - yes, one;
panel lock - yes;
child lock - yes; protection from children - yes;
indicator of the residual heat - yes;
pause - yes;
surface - glass-ceramic;
color - white;
cost - 24990 rubles.

Pros of

stylish design
ease of use;
touch switches;
locking;
stop and go function;
fast heating;
Any kind of cookware can be used;
easy to clean;
no stains.

Disadvantages

more expensive than other electric models;
regular cleaning is required;
power less than 10 heats weakly.

Hansa BHCI65123030

Four burner electric hob with rotary switches and glass ceramic top ceramic panel.

The appliance is suitable for classic or high-tech kitchens. It has useful functions such as a residual heat indicator.

It has a built-in frame that protects the material from damage and chips, but dust can get stuck inside.

Any kitchen utensil will do, heating is fast enough. Easy to clean if you don't run the panel.

Characteristics:

The device type is electric;
Installation - independently from the oven;
the dimensions - 57,6 * 50 cm
the dimensions for installation - 56*49 cm;
number of burners - four;
hob placement - on the right side;
control - rotary switches;
residual heat indicator - yes;
panel color - black;
the color of the frame - silver;
price - 14037 rubles.

Pros of

pleasant price
quality materials;
good assembly;
easy to clean;
handles can be removed and washed separately;
fast heating;
high power;
cools down quickly.

Cons

No power cord included;
Requires regular cleaning after each cooking.

Electrolux EHF 96547 XK

Unusually styled four burner hob. The surface is made of Ceramic glass cooktop with electrical heating.

Equipped with a quick cooktop.

Also an oval burner for warming in the ovens. Slider control with touch sensitive switches.

Has a residual heat indicator..

Heats well and cools quickly. Has built-in childproofing.

Inbuilt timer and automatic boiling function.

Fully adapted for daily use for a large family.

Features:

device format - electric hob;
the number of burners - four;
burner oval shape - one;
installation - independently from the oven;
dimensions - 57,6*51,6 sm;
Built-in dimensions - 56*49 cm;
power - 7,1 kW;
three-circuit burners;
hob - glass-ceramic;
sensor - front location;
switches - sensor;
control type - slider;
timer - available, sound with automatic shutdown;
button of blocking for some seconds - yes
automatic function - boiling;
left-over heat indicator - yes
protection switch-off of the panel - yes
pause and playback operation - yes
color - black;
cost - 21990 rubles.

Pros of

Affordable price and great functionality;
easy to clean with a simple cloth;
quickly heats food;
there is an oval shape burner;
the sensor is sensitive to wet hands;
easy operation;
If milk escapes or water spills, the panel turns off;
pleasant design;
very powerful;
there is temperature control, you can choose to heat each dish individually;
availability of a switch-off timer and a child lock;
if you order with a frame, the stainless steel will prevent food from getting outside the panel;

Cons

rather marky, fingerprints remain;
The connection cord is very short;
One burner is too close to the touch panel;
High electric bills;
10 power level is very weak.

Useful video

From the video you will learn the difference between an induction stove and an electric stove: