Induction cooker: power, electricity consumption and features

In connection with the energy saving trend observed throughout the world, more and more innovative technologies are appearing. So, the main energy-consuming elements are different types of heaters, without which it is impossible to do without modern man. The fact is that part of the energy, designed to do useful work, is wasted. Electric stoves, for example, warm up not only dishes with food, but also the surface of the stove. To reduce these losses, an induction cooker was developed , the power consumption of which is saved due to the peculiarities of its functioning.

Heating induction cooker

An induction cooking plate is a device with a completely different heating principle. It does not contain a heating spiral. Instead, it uses a high-frequency magnetic field that excites induction currents in the surface of the metal. The flow of these currents is already doing a useful job, heating up the dishes, and with it food. Therefore, the induction cooker spends its power on purpose.

Not all dishes are suitable for operation on induction-type plates. It must have a magnetic permeability and a certain value of the resistivity, otherwise the oven simply will not work. Steel is most suitable for these purposes.

The device and the principle of operation

At the heart of the heating plate are high frequency coils made of copper. They operate at frequencies within the range of 20.0-60.0 kHz - this is significantly higher than the frequency of the usual 50 Hz network. The alternating current in the conductor, according to the law of magnetic induction, creates an alternating magnetic flux in the surrounding space, and the latter in turn is emf in conductors entering this field. This is how a conventional transformer works, which is the induction cooker, transmitting power to the secondary winding, which serves dishes with food. The most important thing is that there is no loss in heating the glass-ceramic surface, which covers the coils, because ceramics does not have electrical conductivity. Consequently, the losses are minimal, and the heating occurs many times faster, which significantly increases the efficiency of such a burner.

All control over the process is carried out by the electronic unit. It turns on and off the coils, detects the material of the dishes and its presence on the plate, sets the modes of operation of the device. The unit is equipped with a power and cooling system. Therefore, when installing the induction board, be sure to follow the rules and leave the necessary clearance for ventilation.

Power consumption on induction plate

Different companies produce different induction cookers, but if you take the average, then basically one burner consumes up to 2 kW per hour. At first glance it seems a lot, considering that there are two- and four-plate cookers. And it turns out that the stoves with the tenas consume the same amount. Then the question arises, what is the economy?

However, the efficiency of induction cookers is 90%, and on the shades no more than 70% - why is it so? Everything is very simple. Efficiency increases due to the fact that the induction cooker heats the metal surface of the dishes, and the process takes place instantly. The tones first warm up their body, then, the air layer between the dishes and the heater and then the cooking capacity itself. All this is a waste of time, and hence of electricity.

As a result, it turns out that a powerful induction panel for 3.5 kW heats two liters of water to a boil in 6 minutes, and the same in terms of the power of the tan - for 30 minutes! The difference is impressive. And now calculate where the energy consumption is greater, and multiply it by the number of cooking operations per day. So it turns out that the induction cooker has a large power, and the energy consumption is insignificant.

Some features of induction cookers

World manufacturers of household electrical appliances did not fail to include in their product line models of induction cookers and endowed them with exclusive features:

• The Siemens plates of the German concern BSH are designed for large areas of kitchens. They are equipped with four burners and a system of infrared sensors controlling cooking. A separate sensor for cooking and frying, plus a multimedia display, do not allow the products to burn and ignite the working parts.
• CATA cookers are represented by a large selection of sizes and the presence of all the main functions, including the function of "booster" (power transfer to the neighboring burner). In addition, the touchscreen display has a lock-out protection against possible child turn-on attempts.
• Electrolux along with full functionality offers a reinforced ceramic surface, an unusual design and the absence of strictly established working areas - the surface can be heated at any point of installation of devices.
• WOK has developed an induction cooker whose power can vary over a wide range. Unusually realized working surface, in which there are special deepenings for the concentration of heat. The minimum heat output allows delicately to carry out such operations as melting chocolate, for example.
• Some manufacturers combine on the same plate conventional ceramic heating elements and induction burners.

The advantages and disadvantages of the device

• Convenient installation on any surface of the countertop.
• The fastest heating in comparison with gas burners and ceramic type heaters .
• Automation of the system for switching on and off the burner - the sensors detect the presence of dishes on the surface of the panel.
• Target heating only the working surface of the dishes, everything else: the burner, the air in the room, the objects nearby are cold.
• It is not necessary to speculate on the power of the induction cooker, since they are all powerful, but very economical due to electronics and the principle of operation.
• Serious functionality that allows you to apply a variety of cooking programs for every taste and lifestyle.
• Smooth surface is easy to clean.
• 100% safety: burns, fires and damage to property are excluded.

In addition to all of the above, induction panels have a modern design and are an ornament of any kitchen. The induction plate power adjustment is smooth and fully automated.

The drawbacks of induction-type panels include the fact that they do not work with surfaces such as aluminum or heat-resistant glass, although there are quite a few such utensils. In addition, the induction plate power in kW is not so small: from 1.5 to 3, and even higher.

Conclusion

Induction cookers of the new generation are designed for economy, high rhythm of life and providing maximum comfort for consumers. Of course, they will not replace cooking on a living fire, because such food turns out the most delicious. But they can save a lot of time, and then it will be possible to go with friends for the weekend and enjoy the conversation at the fire.