There are many types of induction cookers on the market with different prices. How do we choose a good induction cooker? We list a few standard features for the induction cooker, so the following are the selection criteria for your reference.
The cooking performance
Cooking performance is an essential criterion when choosing an induction hob. These can vary significantly from one model to another. The most critical part of an induction hob is the temperature rise, cooking at low power, and cooking homogeneity.
Power consumption
To avoid excessively high electricity bills, choosing an induction hob with a reasonable consumption is preferable.
Built-in dimensions
Most induction hobs have standard built-in dimensions, 56 cm wide and 49 cm deep. These measurements correspond to the cutout dimensions in the worktop and not to the external dimensions of the plate. The size of the glass may therefore vary from one model to another. The width of the glass should be considered if you wish to place your table against a wall or a piece of furniture, for example.
Narrower, the dominoes are hobs made up of only 1 to 2 zones. Their built-in width is limited to 27 cm for always 49 cm deep.
More and more induction hobs are being offered in extra-large versions. These models have specific recessed dimensions. Before investing in such models, remember that the day the induction hob breaks down, you will have to buy a model of the same size.
Touch-sensitive
Unlike glass-ceramic hobs with radiant or halogen hearths, induction hobs essentially benefit from control panels with touch-sensitive keys. They allow use without force and are activated more or less quickly, depending on their factory-set sensitivity. And the touch screens also affect sensitivity.
Maximum power
Usually, the power of the induction hobs is between 4,600 W and 7,600 W for a model with 3 to 4 zones. This is the maximum advertised power or electrical connection power. The power of each individual zone is lower and varies between 1400 W for a small household and 5000 W for a large zone with the booster. It is also common to have zones of different powers on the same model, depending on their size. Some stoves will be faster, for example, to boil water.
Power levels
In addition to the rapid heating, induction hobs are appreciated for their responsiveness and flexibility. The many power levels make it possible to raise the container temperature gradually. Melting chocolate or butter is easy thanks to the lowest powers, only a few hundred watts.
Boost function
If you are not used to induction, you may be surprised by its rapid heating but also by the principle of the booster. The booster allows a cooking zone to be used at very high power, beyond its maximum power. To operate, it borrows power from complementary zones. But the booster cannot be used simultaneously on two stoves. In rare cases, a table's inductors can even be coupled together. The booster assigned to a zone will then limit the power of all associated zones.
On the 3-zone induction hob, the largest of the zones is generally independent of the other two. The two smaller ones, therefore, operate in a coupled manner. The same is true for the 2 zones making up an expandable zone. Using the booster function simultaneously on the two coupled zones will not be possible. If one of these two zones uses the booster, the power of the second zone will be limited (approximately to the power level corresponding to "simmering").
Timers
Timers are handy. Generally easy to use, they make it possible to limit the duration of cooking at a given power and warn you with an audible signal, more or less audible and recurring. Any danger of letting your food burn is thus avoided.
Please note that not all induction hobs have a timer. If there is a timer, it can be reserved for one or other of the cooking zones. This is mainly the case with entry-level devices, which are more stingy on the features offered as standard.
Timers should be simple to program. And a display, preferably independent, should allow you to view the remaining cooking time. Points that we do not fail to check during our tests.
The noise
Induction hobs are generally relatively quiet. However, their sound level may increase depending on the power used or when using the booster.
If your hob ventilates too long after use, there may be an installation problem (insufficient ventilation under the hob, for example). On the other hand, nothing abnormal for your hob to make a few soft noises. Clicking is, for example, completely normal: it is the electronic card's noise to regulate the temperature. If in doubt, do not hesitate to call a professional.
The color
Most induction hobs are black. However, it is possible to find them in slightly lighter tones (grey, dark grey, anthracite, etc.), even beige or white. These colours can be messier and less durable than black.