Induction Hobs

[Arthritic Toe]

We are currently looking at refitting the kitchen. A gas hob would be the prefered option, but due to the location, it would be expensive to run the gas to the cooker. We are considering an electric induction hob instead.

Anyone have one of these and could advise on whether they are any good?

Can you get a good fast boil etc?

Thanks all.

 

[hitony]

Let me google it for you......... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Induction_cooking

That said, we find it very good

 

[cirC]

Have one and very,very efficient.Goes from cold to hot almost in an instance.

 

[grubbyhands]

Let me google it for you......... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Induction_cooking

That said, we find it very good

Bought mine about 6 months ago.. absolutely the best kitchen appliance I've ever had. Very controllable and uses next to no power. Be prepared to buy all new pots and pans though unless you can get a magnet to stick to your existing ones. Then go out and buy one of these counter top halogen ovens. Turned a numpty into a willing chef.

 

[jackanada]

I got one for the same reason. Its bloody marvellous - like cooking with witchcraft. Had to buy a new stovetop espresso maker.
Totally flat surface so v easy to clean as well.

some models can draw a lot of power (not that you'll probably ever have all 4 zones on max) so you may have more work for a sparky than you are currently thinking if you do everything to code.

 

[clapham_gull]

Got gas at the moment but wish I had my old ceramic one.

Get a good one and don't listen to the bare flame snobs.

Much easier to clean and good ones heat up in seconds.

Only problem ? If you use something heavy like a proper griddle need to careful not to scratch it. You also have to be careful if you are into that tossing the pans about nonsense for the same reason.

I probably marked mine using a cast iron griddle. But that doesn't bother me. A cooker is a tool not an ornament.

My preference is actually for cooker with hob rather than built in. I liked wheeling the thing out cleaning behind etc. When I finally get my kitchen done I'm going to put the oven in an old fire place. I just prefer keeping the things that make all the mess away from everything else.

Same with the sink. Always thought it's madness having a cupboard UNDER a kitchen sink especially if the carcus is made from chipboard or even solid wood. They don't like getting wet so keep them away from a tap !

 

[Brighton TID]

Have you tried the Womens Institute advice line?

 

[Diego Napier]

I always preferred the control of gas hobs but liked the clean lines of electric. We've now had an induction hob (de Dietrich - came with a 5 year manufacturers guarantee) for over 4 years and think it's great, combining the best of gas and electric cooking by magnetic magic! Instant heat (pan of water with lid on boost boils quicker than kettle) focused only on the cooking area so no wasted heat. The only downside is that you need iron/steel cookware (although that was my excuse to get a stainless steel set!). Go for it!

 

[Brighton TID]

I always preferred the control of gas hobs but liked the clean lines of electric. We've now had an induction hob (de Dietrich - came with a 5 year manufacturers guarantee) for over 4 years and think it's great, combining the best of gas and electric cooking by magnetic magic! Instant heat (pan of water with lid on boost boils quicker than kettle) focused only on the cooking area so no wasted heat. The only downside is that you need iron/steel cookware (although that was my excuse to get a stainless steel set!). Go for it!

No way. A FIVE year warranty?!? That is just cool.

 

[Uter]

We recently got an induction hob. When we first got it we had no pans that were induction compatable so we bought a cheap supposedly induction friendly pan from Robert Dyas. Couldn't get it to get anything to boil with it. Thought we had wasted our money on the hob, but I invested in some more expensive pans and they worked a treat. No regrets now. It's fantastic (but invest in some decent cookware).

 

[Muhammad - I’m hard - Bruce Lee]

if you get one, make sure you extend the warranty.
apart from the wiring, there are only really 2 main components. an induction coil, and a PCB. (per plate)
both are extremely expensive to replace should they go wrong

 

[16bha]

We've just had a refit and gone from gas to induction. Great move, much more efficient and really fast. Only issue is that you have to watch you don't scratch h surface, but no regrets!

 

[Arthritic Toe]

Thanks people - induction it is then!

 

[Arthritic Toe]

Have you tried the Womens Institute advice line?

- I did try, but all they talk about is bloody football.

 

[Boroseagull]

Have two of them, both from IKEA at about 250 euros each. Absolutely fabulous to use & you can purchase converters for existing saucepans. Go back to gas, never!

 

[Commander]

I have one and it is AMAZING. Would never go for anything else now. You can boil a big pan full of cold water in almost the same time that the kettle does. They don't give off much heat either, which is good if you have a small kitchen.