Induction hobs have become a staple in modern-day cooking. Their increasing popularity has led to a significant shift away from traditional gas hobs as they combine the charm of classic cookery with advanced technology.
Induction hobs offer numerous benefits vs traditional gas hobs, thus revolutionizing the way we cook.
- Precise Heating from Slow Simmer to Power Boost: Contrary to common misconceptions, induction hobs are significantly quicker in heating up pots and pans than traditional gas hobs by up to 2x. They also provide precise control over heat, allowing you to adjust the temperature settings in fine increments from a slow but consistent simmer to high heat frying, to achieve optimal cooking conditions.
- Energy-Efficient: Contrary to common misconceptions, induction hobs are significantly more efficient in heating up pots and pans than traditional gas hobs. They can deliver heat up to twice as effectively to your cookware while using less energy, thereby offering cost savings. Heat is transferred directly onto the cookware, reducing residual heat and leading to a cooler, more comfortable cooking environment.
- Safety Features: Safety is a significant advantage of induction hobs. They employ intelligent features and innovative heating mechanisms to minimize potential risks, especially for children. The cooktop remains cool to touch due to the magnetic heat transfer. Additional safety mechanisms automatically turn off the hob when no cookware is present, preventing accidental burns. Features such as automatic timers further ensure safety and peace of mind by switching off the hob when cooking is complete, reducing the risk of overcooking.
- Aesthetics and Extra Countertop Space: Induction hobs have a modern and appealing design that seamlessly fits into contemporary kitchens. Their sleek and minimalist design frees up kitchen space that would typically be occupied by uneven stove tops like traditional gas hobs. These flat surfaces can double as extra countertop space when not in use, adding to the convenience.
- Ease of Cleaning: Induction hobs are layered with durable glass that can easily be polished after each cooking session. They have a smooth surface with no hidden nooks where food or grease can accumulate, making cleaning a breeze.
- Smart features: timer and automatic switch-off, WiFi connectivity for remote control via smartphone, compatibility with digital home assistants, integration with smart cooking sensors and utensils to automatic temperature control and cooking times.
While all induction hobs on Ideali Home offer many of the abovementioned benefits, let's explore how to choose the right induction hob that suits your needs. Here, we'll review three categories: entry-level, midrange, and premium, to provide a general overview of what to expect at each price point.
Entry-Level Induction Hobs:
These hobs offer all the fundamental features of modern induction cooktops. They typically have
- At least four induction zones, featuring magnetic heating elements that heat up your pots and pans efficiently
- Basic settings and control over power levels, allowing you to adjust to your desired heat output
- Basic safety features, such as Child Locks, preventing any unintentional changes to your cooking settings.
- Designs of these hobs are modern, sleek, and occupy minimal space on your kitchen countertop.
Midrange Induction Hobs:
Taking a step up, midrange induction hobs include more advanced features than their entry-level counterparts. They are equipped with more smart features such as
- 'Keep Warm' function and others that enhance your cooking experience.
- Innovative features that speed up cooking times, monitor temperatures continuously for perfect results, and program your induction workspace into distinct heating zones, allowing you to shift your cookware between them as you cook.
- Some models offer features that combine multiple induction zones for larger cookware, and full surface heating where the hob recognizes where you've placed your pan, activating only the corresponding induction area.
Premium Induction Hobs:
At the top of the line are premium induction hobs, which feature the most advanced functionalities. The standout feature in these high-end models is the air extraction mechanism. Built-in range hoods and exhaust vents reduce odors, dissipate heat, and extract smoke, keeping the kitchen pleasant to work in. These hobs combine a multitude of useful features into a small, low-profile package that exudes aesthetics, makes cooking enjoyable.