What is better and more economical: gas stove or induction
Despite the large amount of information, and a huge selection of models, consumers are often asked questions, what is better to buy, gas stove or induction? To date, the most popular use is still considered to be gas models. Actually, cooking on such kitchen appliances is more economical, because gas is a cheap type of fuel and does not involve paying large bills. Using an electric stove will cost the family much more. But this also applies to the induction device? It is worth understanding, that to choose the best option, which plate is better, it is necessary to pay attention to all the advantages and disadvantages of the models, and not just consider the cost of maintenance.
Features of induction hobs
If everything is clear about gas models, then many people have questions about the principle of operation of induction equipment. Why such a plate requires special utensils, how long to cook on it and how it differs from the usual electric hob? Essentially, it is an electric stove with a glass-ceramic surface. But, unlike a conventional electric stove with the same surface, instead of the usual cast iron heating elements in the form of a spiral or corrugated tape, it uses powerful inductors.
The main difference is the method of heat generation. In conventional models of electric stoves, the temperature of the heating element rises first, then the surface is heated (the burner itself), then the dishes, and from the dishes already its contents. In induction, the current occurs at a high-frequency magnetic field (20-100 kHz): all work is started by copper induction coils. Here the stage of heating of a ring passes - interaction occurs with disks of a bottom of ware. As a result, they heat up to a user-set temperature much faster, while the burner itself does not become hot.
The surface of such a plate is no longer heated 50 degrees (from the dishes themselves), and cools completely in less than 10 minutes, when it takes about half an hour to cool the gas burners.
Of course, the cost of this option will be higher, which is quite logical. They need high power, which occurs due to the use of electricity. Summing up, the following advantages of induction equipment can be distinguished:
- heating dishes, and, accordingly, its content is faster, than when consuming gas;
- on the dishes, furniture and adjacent equipment does not form soot and soot;
- care of such panel is very simple;
- during cooking the burner itself is not heated, which eliminates the possibility of burns;
- allows accurate setting of the heating mode.
Disadvantages of induction hobs:
- high cost of such equipment;
- for such handed panel special ware with the thickened bottom is necessary, which is magnetized;
- the glass-ceramic surface itself is afraid of point blows.
Pros and cons of gas appliances
We will not describe the principle of operation of the gas stove: he is known to everyone. It is only necessary to consider, that the possibility of using such devices is limited by the presence of a gas main in the house. Let's emphasize the main points, why these plates have become widespread.
- They are much cheaper. Even the latest model of gas stove will be much cheaper, than the new-fangled induction variant.
- Saving the family budget during operation is the main advantage of gas appliances. As mentioned earlier, gas is consumed much more slowly, than electricity, and is cheaper. So, when it's time to pay the bill, this plus will be obvious.
- Suitable for any utensils. There is no need to change it when buying a new stove.
Speaking of the visible benefits of a gas stove, the list is not so long. If we talk about the cons, then their number exceeds the pros.
- Explosive. Failure to observe safety precautions or damage the equipment may result in leakage.
- In the case of redevelopment, it will have to be legalized in the relevant bodies.
- Caring for her is more difficult.
- If you compare the efficiency, then the gas stove with 50%, inferior to induction, in which this figure is aimed at 95%.
- In the absence of a hood, on the next equipment and subjects the plaque of soot and a deposit is formed.
additional functionality
Considering additional features of the plates, we can immediately say about it, that induction becomes the undoubted winner in the considered criterion. So, example, burners new-fashioned options are equipped with special sensors, who recognize, whether there is water on the stove - if necessary, they automatically turn off. In that case, if the pan was removed from the stove, but the man forgot to turn off the burner, it will also turn itself off, which increases the level of security.
Induction hobs are designed exclusively for heating the bottom of the dish and in the appropriate diameter, therefore, electricity is not wasted. Most models have an auto-off timer. The user can place a task in front of the hob, example, cook the soup for some time. As soon as the timer runs out - the burner will turn off.
Speaking of the use of gas stoves, then they do not have such an arsenal of fashionable features. But still modern models have some useful features, such as electric ignition and gas control. Electric ignition gives a spark, which allows you to turn on the burner without the use of matches or electric lighters.
It is worth noting, that it works from a regular outlet 220 V. Therefore, to use this function, a free socket must be located near the hob.
And gas control will block the gas supply, in case, if it went out due to drafts or ran out of a pot or kettle of water.
Electric ignition of the burner
Which option is safer
Undoubtedly, the induction panel is also a winner in terms of safety. Although in some models of gas stoves there is gas control, in certain situations such protection is insufficient. If a person puts a kettle to warm up, and forget about him, water will not always boil - then this feature will be simply useless. The dishes will melt, which may cause a fire. When using induction technology, this option is simply excluded. It always provides control over use, and even if the owner forgets to turn off the burner, the panel will do it itself.
Unfortunately, when cooking some dishes, such a function is inappropriate, but such a nuance can always be tolerated, if you compare it to your own safety.
Gas control
Which plate to prefer
To date, in homes, to which gas is supplied, most families use gas options, as such equipment significantly saves the family budget. But owners of modern induction models have more options. Summarizing all the technical characteristics of induction and gas stoves, the following conclusions can be drawn.
- In terms of cost of maintenance, induction hobs occupy an intermediate place between gas and electric models. The first option is the most economical, because it runs on gas, and the electric model of the stove is the most expensive, so every day ??continues to lose its popularity. Although given, what, due to the special principle of operation, copper coils heat dishes and their contents much faster, than gas, one can argue, which is more economical in terms of operation - induction hob or gas panel.
- In terms of functionality, there are more features in the models, operating on the principle of induced eddy current, although modern gas stoves are equipped with protection against leaks (gas control) and a built-in power button, which prevents the possibility of burns when the burner is turned on.
Comparing all the advantages and disadvantages, it is possible to tell with confidence about it, that induction is superior to gas equipment. Though, that the second option is more economical, yet security, as well as new features will eventually take their pedestal and be used in most homes.
