Thanks to modern technology, we can choose different types of electric cookers for our kitchen. The best known are induction and ceramic hobs. However, before making a choice, we need to consider the running costs.
What will be the running costs of IH electric cookers and ceramic hobs?
Induction hobs work by creating an electric field that heats the hob. This means that the pot or pan actually heats up, unlike other types of cookers. In this way, induction hobs save energy and cooking time.
Induction hobs, on the other hand, require special hobs with magnets on the bottom. In addition, the hob itself is usually more expensive. However, in the long term, induction hobs may not only prove to be more economical to use, but also more energy efficient.
Ceramic hobs work on the principle of a heating medium that is itself placed beneath the surface. The cooker is heated by the heat from the heating element. This process takes much longer than on an induction hob, and heat can build up on the hob itself.
Ceramic hobs are generally cheaper in terms of processing costs and the cost of the hob itself. However, because of the longer warm-up time and heat build-up, they are the least efficient and require more power in the long run.
So the choice between induction and ceramic hobs depends on your needs and preferences. If speed of cooking and long-term energy efficiency are important, an induction hob may be more favourable. If, however, you are evaluating affordability of costs and decide that greater cooking speed is not necessary, ceramic hobs are a better choice.
Electricity costs
To estimate electricity costs, consider the capacity and hours of use of the cooker. The current electricity cost can be calculated by multiplying the capacity of the cooker by the number of hours of use per day and then multiplying by the electricity price per first kilowatt hour.
The price per kilowatt hour of electricity depends on the region and the specific power company. Prices can also change depending on the time of year.
To calculate your electricity bill more accurately, it is recommended that you contact your energy company and request the relevant information about electricity prices in your area.
Energy consumption
Ceramic plates consume more energy because the entire plate heat sink is heated and the heat is transferred to the plate. This results in more energy loss as some of the heat escapes into the environment.
For a more accurate assessment of energy consumption, you should refer to the technical characteristics of the plates, where the power consumed in different modes of operation is indicated. It is best to choose a hob with power settings so that you can choose the minimum energy consumption depending on your cooking needs.
Remember that the way you use the hobs also affects the energy consumption. For example, using a flat-bottomed pan with a tight-fitting lid can save energy because the food heats up faster and more efficiently.
Type of cooker | Energy consumption
Induction hobs | lower energy consumption
Ceramic hobs | higher energy consumption
Energy saving
Induction hobs are generally considered to be more energy efficient than ceramic hobs. In practice, induction hobs act directly on the bottom of the hob, so the hob heats up much faster. In addition, the lack of overheating can save up to 50 per cent of cooking time.
Another important feature of induction hobs is the ability to automatically adjust the power depending on the size and material of the plate on the surface. This means that energy is only used in a specific area of the hob’s location, rather than heating empty space.
Ceramic cooking surfaces are still very economical, especially compared to classic electronic ovens. They actually heat up and cool down much more slowly, which helps to reduce energy consumption during blackout periods. In addition, some ceramic heaters have the ability to self-regulate temperature and eliminate after a certain time, which helps to avoid unnecessary costs.
For example, electric cookers such as induction cookers can significantly reduce energy costs. Moreover, they cook more economically compared to conventional cookers.
However, it is important to recall that the actual cost of electricity depends on many things, such as the use of the app, the image and efficiency of the cooker, and the cost of electricity in the area.
Suitable cookware for induction and ceramic hobs
When choosing cookware for induction hobs, you need to make sure that they have magnetic properties, as induction hobs rely on the creation of an electric field that heats the hob. This means that the cookware must have a magnetic ground. They are usually made of cast iron, stainless steel or alloys with magnetic additives. In addition, cookware that is defective or damaged should not be used. This can lead to improper effects on the plate. As for ceramic plates, then here you can use the most diverse cookware.
When choosing cookware for induction or ceramic plates, it is fundamentally important to pay attention to resistance and sustainability. The quality of the material from which the cooker is made plays a major role in stability.
One of the best known materials for cookware is stainless steel. It has the highest resistance to corrosion and mechanical damage, making it an ideal material for the best use. In addition, stainless steel has the highest thermal conductivity, allowing it to measure heat at any level of service.
Another well-known material for service is ceramic. Ceramic cookware resists thermal and mechanical stresses the best, so they can be used for longer periods of time without damage. They also have the highest thermal conductivity and are perceptibly hotter.
When choosing cookware for use with induction or ceramic hobs, it is advisable to favour the material with the greatest resistance and durability. This way, you are sure to keep your hob in good condition for many years to come and save money in the future.
Are induction hobs more convenient to use than ceramic hobs?
- Firstly, induction hobs heat up more evenly, which reduces cooking time. As a result, induction hobs actually save energy, as they stop supplying electricity as soon as the food is removed from the level
- Secondly, thanks to a special system, an induction hob is very efficient at letting heat only flow around itself. This reduces the risk of unsafe burns and saves electricity, as the heating system cools down immediately after the dish is removed from it
- Thirdly, induction hobs are easy to clean due to their smooth level with no delamination or transparency
Therefore, induction cookers are cheaper to use as they save energy and provide fast cooking
Which wastes more energy – induction or ceramic?
When choosing cookers, energy efficiency is a recurring theme. In addition, electricity is becoming more and more expensive nowadays, which means that it is necessary to reduce the cost of electricity.
Induction surfaces outperform energy-efficient surfaces in terms of performance. They use infrared radiation to heat a dish without back heating from the hob itself. Standard heating and clean temperature control reduce energy costs. Compared to ceramic hobs, induction hobs use about 30 per cent less energy.
Ceramic hobs are still highly energy efficient but are inferior to induction hobs. Ceramic cookers use a heating agent made of a measured alloy to heat all levels of the cooker. However, this alloy does not respond as quickly to temperature changes as an induction component. This can lead to unnecessary energy consumption, especially when used intensively.
Therefore, induction heaters are considered the best option for saving electricity. They provide silent heating, clear temperature control and efficient energy consumption. Despite some disadvantages such as higher price and the need for special cooking utensils, induction hobs definitely reduce energy costs and help make cooking even more comfortable and faster.
What does an induction hob lack?
Despite the fact that induction hobs have their advantages, they still have many disadvantages. Let’s look at the most significant disadvantages of cooktops in the parable of the plates.
- It is necessary to use special cookware. An induction hob requires cookware with a magnetic bottom. In practice, this means that there is a possibility of buying new kitchen utensils, which is associated with additional costs
- High price. Induction cooktops tend to be more expensive than other types of cooktops. This can be a deterrent when choosing a kitchen appliance
- Effect on humidity. Induction cookers can be sensitive to moisture. If moisture gets on the cooker, it can cause malfunctions and errors
- Special integration is required. Induction hobs generally need special integration into a higher wattage mains supply. This is difficult for some houses and flats
- Noise during operation. Induction cooktops can make noises related to magnetic fields during operation. For some users, this can be an annoyance
Despite these disadvantages, induction cooktops have an equal reputation for their performance and superiority over other types of cooktops.
Do ceramic hobs consume a lot of electricity?
Ceramic hobs are very efficient and economical, although they do consume a little more energy than induction hobs, for example. This is due to the way ceramic hobs work and the way they are manufactured.
Ceramic hobs are equipped with heating elements made of special ceramic materials with excellent thermal conductivity. These heating elements are electrically heated and transfer heat from the cookware. During the heating process, the ceramic plates retain the heat and distribute it evenly over the entire surface of the cooker.
Due to their special design and properties, ceramic plates heat up quickly and efficiently, saving time and energy. In addition, the ability of ceramic plates to maintain a constant temperature saves even more energy.
As a result, ceramic plates consume more electricity and are a cheaper cooking option compared to induction cookers.
Conclusions and recommendations
Having examined the operating costs of induction and ceramic cooktops, the following conclusions can be drawn
- Induction cooktops have significant energy efficiency advantages. They use less electricity, heat up faster and offer significant savings on electricity bills
- Ceramic cookers are more affordable and cost less
- In the long run, induction hobs are a more economical option as they save on energy consumption and more than offset the purchase cost
- It is also important to consider the specifics of using induction hobs. Special utensils with magnetic bottoms are required, which can lead to additional costs if the user does not have one
- Carefully study the characteristics and reviews of the selected model to avoid unpleasant surprises in future purchases during operation.
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