Induction hobs work by using electromagnetism to directly heat your cookware. Instead of heating a burner that then heats the pan, the hob itself remains relatively cool.
The Process Explained
Here's a breakdown of how an induction hob functions:
- Alternating Current: An alternating electrical current flows through a coil of copper wire that's located underneath the hob's ceramic glass surface.
- Magnetic Field: This current generates a fluctuating magnetic field.
- Induction Heating: When a ferromagnetic (meaning it's attracted to magnets) pan is placed on the hob, the magnetic field penetrates the pan's base. This induces a circulating electrical current within the pan itself.
- Heat Generation: The electrical resistance of the pan material causes the induced current to generate heat directly within the pan. This is known as Joule heating or resistive heating.
- Cool Surface: Because the heat is generated within the pan, the hob surface itself doesn't get very hot (it might get slightly warm from the pan's residual heat). This makes induction hobs safer than traditional electric or gas hobs.
Key Requirements for Cookware
For an induction hob to work effectively, the cookware must be made of a ferromagnetic material. Common examples include:
- Cast iron
- Stainless steel (though not all stainless steel is magnetic)
- Enameled steel
You can test if your cookware is compatible by seeing if a magnet sticks to the bottom. If it does, it will work on an induction hob. Copper, aluminum, and glass cookware will not work unless they have a layer of ferromagnetic material bonded to the base.
Advantages of Induction Hobs
Induction hobs offer several advantages:
- Faster Heating: They heat cookware much faster than gas or traditional electric hobs.
- Energy Efficiency: They are more energy-efficient because almost all of the energy is transferred directly to the pan.
- Precise Temperature Control: They offer very precise temperature control, allowing for more accurate cooking.
- Safety: The hob surface stays relatively cool, reducing the risk of burns.
- Easy to Clean: The smooth glass surface is easy to wipe clean.
