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Modern housewives are increasingly preferring induction cookers to old gas ones. They not only look beautiful in the interior of the kitchen, but also allow you to significantly save time when cooking your favorite dishes. Ease of use often becomes a decisive factor when choosing a stove, so few people think about their possible harm to human health. Before buying, you need to carefully understand this issue, so as not to regret your choice in the end.
The device and operation of the induction cooker
The first step is to understand how induction cookers work. According to the principle of operation, they are similar to a transformer. Inside the stove is an induction coil. A current passes through it with a frequency of 20-60 kHz. The coil is the primary winding, and the pots and pans standing on the surface of the tile are the secondary. Eddy currents occur between the bottom of the dish and the coil, due to which heating occurs.
Principle of operation
Today on the shelves of household appliances stores you can find many different models of this device. Induction cookers can be:
- Portable or stationary;
- small or large sizes;
- The number of burners and the appearance of the panel may also differ.
Suitable cookware
A very important point is the choice of suitable utensils for cooking on such a stove. Since induction occurs between the hob and kitchen utensils, it is necessary that they have ferromagnetic properties. In other words, the cookware needs to be made of metal that can stick to magnetic surfaces.
Below are several types of such dishes:
- Enamelled utensils made of iron or steel;
- Utensils made of stainless steel with magnetic properties;
- Cast iron cookware.
In fact, induction does not occur with the entire surface of the pot or pan, but only with its bottom. Therefore, it is most important that the bottom has ferromagnetic properties. It can be entirely made of such a metal or have only a top layer of magnetic material.
Important! For proper operation, it is necessary that the bottom of the cookware is in close contact with the burner as closely as possible. This can be achieved by choosing kitchen utensils with a flat bottom.
Special cookware suitable for cooking on induction hobs is marked with a marking indicating compatibility with such appliances.
User manual
There is a simple algorithm, following which even a novice hostess can cope with cooking on an induction hob:
- It is necessary to put the dishes with food in the central part of the burner and press the on / off button of the panel.
- Next, you need to select the appropriate cooking mode.
- Usually, the user is then prompted to select the type of dish he is going to cook.
- If necessary, you can independently change the heating power during cooking;
- Also, modern models have a timer function that will signal the end of cooking. It can also be used to delay the start of the process for a while.
Advantages and disadvantages of induction hobs
Like every kitchen appliance, induction cookers have their pros and cons. In order not to make a mistake with the choice, before making a purchase, you need to study both sides of the coin.
Advantages
Induction hobs are often compared to gas and electric hobs. Users and specialists highlight the following advantages of buying the first option:
- The cooking process is faster;
- If you use cookware that is not suitable for induction cookers, nothing will break or burn. In this case, the burner simply will not turn on;
- Also, the burner will not turn on if dishes of the wrong diameter are used;
- Since induction occurs with the bottom of the cookware, when it is removed from the stove, the burner automatically stops working;
- The ability to set the most accurate temperature and maintain it throughout the process;
- The burners themselves do not heat up, so the maximum surface temperature of the panel is no more than 60 degrees;
- Thanks to the previous paragraph, the risk of getting burned on the panel is eliminated;
- Also, thanks to this, food that has fallen on the surface of the tile does not burn;
- Ease of maintenance of the surface of the device;
- The presence of a large set of modes and programs for cooking various types of dishes;
- The ability to transfer power from one burner to another to increase the intensity of heating.
In addition, the latest models are equipped with many additional features that greatly simplify cooking:
- Ensuring safety for children by means of blocking of regulators and buttons;
- The function of changing the intensity of heating of a particular burner;
- food warming mode;
- Timer function for delaying the start of the program or tracking the cooking time;
- Function of protection against an overheat of ware.
disadvantages
Despite all the advantages listed above, induction cookers also have a list of disadvantages that you also need to study before buying:
- The need to use special utensils;
- The need to connect to good wiring so that it can withstand the power of the tile;
- The negative impact of the induction field on other electrical appliances in the vicinity;
- The impossibility of installing a stove over other household appliances made of metal;
- Not the lowest prices.
Is an induction cooker harmful?
Induction hobs have been around for over 25 years. However, at that time they did not become popular among buyers. The reason for this was the fear of people about the possible harm to health. Therefore, scientists have come to grips with this issue.
They conducted many studies in which they tried to find out what effect an induction field that occurs between the coil and the dishes can have on a person. As a result, rumors that such a device could seriously harm a person were not confirmed.
The absence of a negative effect of the induction cooker on the body can be explained by the following facts:
- The electromagnetic field that occurs at the time of induction is minimal, so it is not capable of harming a person;
- Such kitchen appliances have an absorbing function, which also reduces its effect on the body;
- An electromagnetic field occurs only in a radius equal to the radius of the bottom of the dishes that are placed on the burner.
In addition, scientists measured the magnitude of the electromagnetic field, being at different distances from the hob. When it was 30 cm, the measured value was zero.
It is important to know! Induction cookers may interfere with the operation of heart rate recording and resumption devices. People who use these devices should consult a cardiologist before purchasing and using such panels.
The harm from such devices is no more than from a classic gas stove.
After conducting all the research and experiments, the experts offered buyers a few rules for the safe use of induction cookers. Manufacturers also prescribe these recommendations in each instruction manual for their product:
- For cooking on such panels, it is necessary to use dishes, the bottom of which will correspond as much as possible to the size of the diameter of the burner;
- It is necessary to ensure that the pots and pans are exactly in the center of the burner;
- If the cookware has any damage or chips, it is necessary to stop using it for induction hob;
- Do not place kitchen utensils on the hob if its bottom is uneven;
- During the cooking process, a person must be at least 10 cm away from the burner;
- It is best to buy special dishes for such hobs, which are labeled indicating their suitability;
- Do not stir food in a pot or pan with spoons or other devices made of ferromagnetic material.
Watch the video: are induction cookers dangerous for health?
Induction hobs impress with their technology: they give easy power control, fast heating, save energy. But, this technique is very often criticized in view of its potential harm. Today we will figure out what is true and what is myth.
Objectively, an induction cooker is a powerful source of an electromagnetic field. It is open unlike the same microwave ovens, so users have questions about its impact on health. Meanwhile, any expert will confirm that induction heating is the most modern way of processing and cooking food that does not carry danger.
In domestic induction cookers, there are inductors under each heating zone. They carry an alternating current with a frequency of 20-100 kHz. The coils generate a magnetic field passing through the glass ceramic. This causes eddy currents at the bottom of the dish. This is the reason for the requirement for the use of special frying pans and pots. Only ferromagnetic materials convert vortex flows into heat, that is, there is intense heating (the bottom material is constantly magnetized and demagnetized).
In addition, we have a variable electromagnetic field near the plate. Please note that it is extinguished when the diameter of the heating zone and the cookware match. But, in practice, users themselves do not fulfill the requirements of operation. Sometimes the bottom of the pan does not cover the heating zone, sometimes the wrong material is used, sometimes the object is not in the center of the burner. In addition, leakage currents occur. The truth is that induction panels create some electromagnetic background, but in reality it is scanty.
However, in order to avoid even potential harm from an alternating electromagnetic field and leakage currents, the following must be observed:
- Cookware must always be placed in the center of the heating zone. Do not use pans and pots, the bottom of which does not completely cover the heating zone;
- do not use damaged dishes, with an uneven, convex bottom, even if it heats up well;
- during cooking, do not touch the surface of the stove with your body;
- the main thing is that the right dishes should work on induction. So the energy from the stove will go to the pan without loss. The suitability of the product for induction is indicated by the cookware manufacturer;
- people with a pacemaker should avoid using this technique.
What are the safest induction cookers?
As follows from the foregoing, the best plates will be those that will help you avoid errors in operation.
The following technologies work for this:
- protective shutdown– the burners will turn off automatically if the stove does not receive any commands;
- determining the diameter of dishes- a burner with several heating zones will turn on as many circuits as the dishes placed on it occupy;
- automatic dish recognition. If there is no pan on the burner or it is made of the wrong material, the hob will not turn on;
- a large number of heating zones. This makes it easier to find the right size pan for any occasion.
Models that can recognize the shape and diameter of dishes
Just not so long ago, the Americans presented a new series of induction hobs - these are appliances WhirlpoolWcollection. They can kill two birds with one stone. The hob is able to recognize the shape of dishes + determines the cooking zone. Moreover, the heating is only activated upon contact with a saucepan or pan.
Within the framework of the new series, 6th SENSE intelligent technology. Panels can cook automatically, - in some of them you will see up to 63 programs, the equipment is literally stuffed with smart sensors. The machine itself determines the time and temperature of cooking, and you only have to choose the type of product and the method of preparation (languishing, boiling, deep-frying, boiling, etc.). The display will broadcast additional recommendations for choosing a particular program.
We like the new Whirlpool SMO 658 C/BT/IXL. This is a real smart appliance with 4 burners, 2 oval heating zones, intelligent slider control.
Induction cookers with different heating zones
The space for pots is provided by the most sophisticated appliances with additional heating circuits. These models work additional coils, which allows you to increase the heating zone. Among the available induction, pay attention to the Italian product - SmegSI3644D. Heating zones of 10, 16, 18, 21 cm work here, and the machine recognizes the diameter on its own. If you need a domino form factor, a great choice would be NeffN44D30N0. Two cooking zones of 21 and 14.5 cm are universal and suitable for most pans. We consider the device a good choice for a large family MieleKM 6317. It is equipped with an oval heating zone, which allows you to cook in a roaster or a cauldron, it can recognize the presence of dishes, their diameter.
A lot of heating zones is not all that manufacturers are ready to offer. The smartest solution available today - no contours. On such panels there is only a large rectangular field and crosses, in the center of which dishes are placed. The machine itself will determine which diameter needs heating. This focus is implemented in models HansaBHI68303,ElectroluxEHI 6732FOK.
If you are willing to pay big money, in the premium segment, manufacturers have gone even further. In expensive induction there is an option for tracking dishes. In fact, the saucepan can move arbitrarily across the panel, and the smart machine itself will determine where heating is needed. That's how it works Smeg SIM662DW.
Another thing is the "bridge". These are large heating zones that can work together. This is convenient if you want to cook in a saucepan, broiler, custom grill pan, etc. You will find this piece in models AEG IKK64545XB and Siemens EX679FEC1E.
Induction cookers - to be
I am sure that you should not be afraid of the induction method of cooking food. If you follow all the recommendations for use, the stove will be absolutely safe, economical and convenient. There are no problems with the choice of pots and pans either. In principle, it is difficult to call such dishes special. These are metal objects, to the bottom of which a magnet is attracted, but it is advisable to check the marking for suitability for induction panels. In general, induction brings more pluses than minuses in everyday life and it can take its rightful place in any kitchen.
In passing, we note that all of the above applies to induction cooking panels (surfaces).
Microwave oven: a source of danger. Might pinch your finger!
But among the opponents of microwave ovens, there are many who have heard something somewhere and prefer not to take risks, as well as those who believe in a worldwide conspiracy: "Everything is hidden from us, this is business." There is no hope to convince the latter, and for the former - briefly about why the myth about the dangers of microwaves is just a myth.
Dmitry Mamontov, physicist, scientific editor of the Polytechnic Museum in Moscow, explains:
« Microwave radiation is not ionizing radiation (that is, it does not knock electrons out of atoms, much less break the nuclei of elements), and the only effect that microwaves have on food is ordinary heating. It is no different from any other method of heating, be it charcoal frying, gas or electric oven, except for the fact that in a microwave oven, heating occurs simultaneously not only on the surface of the products, but also inside, throughout the entire volume. But food after cooking in the microwave is really "dead", as after any heat treatment. I would beware of eating live!". But physicists, by the way, also confirm some myths about microwave ovens: there is some truth in them.
Air conditioners
Air conditioners are accused of two things: firstly, they blow too much and get cold, and secondly, they cause the spread of harmful bacteria and fungi in the air. Let's say right away that the defendants are guilty, but they can only be condemned conditionally: both problems are solved by the competent use of the device, and if you leave the air conditioner to yourself, then it will certainly turn from a friend into an enemy.
With temperature control and the correct installation of the air conditioner (to avoid hypothermia), everything is more or less clear, but modern models are already equipped with “smart” systems, sensors that “follow” the user’s movement and direct the air flow to where there is no one or scatter it in such a way so that no one is harmed by targeted blowing.
Air conditioning: dangerous if not cleaned and changed filters
But the main danger of an air conditioner is the accumulation of bacteria and mold fungi in its filters and parts of the indoor unit (especially in air conditioners with built-in humidification systems). If the filters are changed less frequently than expected, or not changed at all, then the air conditioner will spread throughout the room not only coolness or heat, but also representatives of pathogenic microflora in dangerous concentrations.
Allergists also warn that a poorly hygienic air conditioner is a serious hazard for people who are allergic to mold.
Dishwashers
It would seem that what is dangerous in dishwashers is a complete benefit, both for physical health and for mental health. However, physicians in Europe and the United States have long been educating the public in this area, and international medical journals regularly publish the results of studies of “flushing” from walls and parts of dishwashers. These results are different: sometimes half of the studied devices are potentially dangerous, sometimes a little less, sometimes more - depends, among other things, on the general level of culture and compliance with hygiene rules in different countries.
Dr. House could find dangerous fungi of the Exophiala species in an unattended car, forming veritable colonies in a person's lungs and causing a series of severe fungal infections. On the side of Exophiala - high temperatures, humidity and alkaline environment, on guard of our health - washing filters, baskets and walls of the machine from food debris, timely unloading of dishes, airing and drying the working chamber of the dishwasher.
Dishwasher: can be harmful to health if not cared for
Ultrasonic Humidifiers
Like other ultrasonic devices, such humidifiers are accused of being harmful, although everyone goes to ultrasound and is not afraid, and they also get cats, which, like many animals, communicate with their own kind using sound at high frequencies inaudible to humans. .
But there is another interesting “accusation” that constantly occurs in the discussion of these devices: supposedly white plaque, which is formed due to hardness salts during prolonged use of an ultrasonic humidifier with untreated hard water, “settles in the bronchi and lungs” and is harmful to allergy sufferers.
We asked Natalia Garskova, the leading allergist at the MEDSI on Belorusskaya CDC, about this: “ If you open a window or just go outside, something more harmful can get into your bronchi and lungs. Rather, it is something contrived. Any humidifier is useful for allergy sufferers, you just need to monitor its hygienic condition and do not over-moisten the air so that mold does not appear", says the doctor. And we will add: the instruction for any air humidifier specifically stipulates that distilled or purified softened water should be used in this device.
Ultrasonic humidifier: safe, but needs to be kept clean in the tank
induction cookers
Such stoves heat the bottom of a metal dish with induced eddy currents generated by a high-frequency magnetic field. An induction cooker is always energy saving, high efficiency, fast heating, thermal safety, precise power control, independence from mains voltage fluctuations and various other advantages.
With the development of technological progress, the problems of home life are gradually fading into the background. We do not need to waste time on breeding and maintaining the hearth, hand washing or washing dishes, because a significant part of the household work is taken over by appliances: washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, microwave ovens, multicookers etc.
But the further the progress goes, the more functions the technology has, the more it makes life easier for us, the more demands we make on it. I would like it to be more compact, better quality, more economical, more powerful and ... safer.
For example, any housewife dreams of a good stove, because the quality of ready-made dishes depends on this technique, and most importantly, the speed of their preparation. The less time we spend at the stove, the more free time we have for ourselves and our families.
Some of the best cookers are induction cookers, but lately there has been a lot of talk about their negative impact on human health. Let's see if this is so and what are the advantages and disadvantages of induction cookers.
What is an induction cooker and how does it work?
Is an induction cooker harmful?
The induction cooker differs from other stoves in that it has a hob - it is completely flat, without elevations or pot stands. Heating of pans is based on the principles of electromagnetic induction (hence the name of the stove), and occurs due to the magnetic field induced by the coil on the dishes. That is, instead of a heater, inductors are located under the glass-ceramic surface.
Such stoves have a number of advantages over electric or gas:
- the dishes heat up very quickly, cooking starts almost instantly;
- an induction hob consumes less energy than an electric one;
- without dishes, the stove does not work, when it is removed from the burner, it turns off, and after work the hob is not hot, but warm (only the pan heats up);
- the power of one burner can be increased at the expense of another (intensive heating function Booster);
- the design of the burner is such that it heats objects with a diameter of at least 12 cm, that is, a spoon that has fallen on the burner will not heat up;
- The stove is easy to clean and can be done just a few minutes after cooking, and liquids or pieces of food that accidentally get on the hob do not burn.
In other words, induction cookers are not only more convenient to use, but also much safer.
Is an induction cooker harmful to health?
Despite the obvious advantages, this miracle technique for a very long time enjoyed distrust among buyers due to the high price and the new principle of operation.
The first induction type hob appeared about 25 years ago, but so far you can not find such stoves in every home. There is an opinion that the magnetic field has a negative impact on human health. Is it so?
According to the manufacturers, induction cookers are absolutely safe, because the electromagnetic field that arises during operation is low-frequency and does not affect even those who wear pacemakers.
Cooked on an induction hob products do not change their properties and do not absorb any harmful "radiation".
However, despite manufacturers' warranties, several important rules must be observed:
- the size of the bottom of the pan must correspond to the indicated diameter of the burner;
- place the dishes strictly in the center of the burner;
- do not use dishes whose bottom is deformed;
- do not lean too close to the stove during its operation, the optimal distance is 10 cm from the edge of the burner.
Disadvantages of an induction cooker
But what are the disadvantages of induction cookers? There are indeed drawbacks, but they are few.
Is an induction cooker harmful?
First, if you bought an induction cooker, then, you may have to change the dishes too. Pots for such a stove will only go for those whose bottom can be magnetized. You can check this with a permanent magnet - if it sticks to the bottom, then the dishes can be used. Sometimes such a magnet is attached to the stove.
We are all used to the fact that in everyday life we are surrounded by many ultra-modern household appliances that have greatly facilitated our existence. Despite the variety of technology, manufacturers claim that all of it is absolutely harmless.
One of the modern technologies is the induction oven, which has already fallen in love with many housewives. What is this miracle device? Is an induction cooker harmful to health or is it all fiction of malicious competitors?
What are induction cookers?
Induction cooker is a device used for cooking that heats metal utensils by magnetic induction rather than by conduction from a flame or an electrical heating element. Since the electromagnetic field heats the dishes directly, this makes it possible to reach a high temperature very quickly with minimal energy loss (if you use the right dishes).
This miracle device appeared on the free market for a long time - about a quarter of a century ago. Since that moment, many consumers have managed to purchase and positively evaluate the kitchen invention. Still: this stove is the dream of any housewife and goes well with any interior, very convenient and comfortable to use, greatly facilitates the process of cooking.
The induction method of incandescence has long been used in the metallurgical industry. This principle of connection between magnetic flux and electric current entered the basis of the modern invention.
One of the main conditions for the good operation of the induction cooker is the use of special metal utensils, which, when the hob is turned on, can absorb the energy of the magnetic field.
Thanks to the ferromagnetic substance, the maximum coefficient of performance (COP) is achieved. Therefore, the main advantage of the induction cooker is that it is able to give the maximum amount of energy during operation. The efficiency is about 90%, while for an electric furnace it is 70%, and for a gas furnace it is even an order of magnitude less - an average of about 40%.
The following question arises: if this modern type of stoves has so many advantages, then why have not all housewives dared to get to know the miracle oven better?
Harm to the induction cooker
In fact, the kitchen heating system is not the main killer of the century. There has not yet been a proven case of damage to health due to the negative effects of a modern induction hob during normal use.
Induction hobs produce extremely low frequency radiation, similar to radio frequency. According to TheInductionSite.com, this type of radiation decreases to zero at distances from a few to 30 cm from the source. Under normal use, no one would hold a body part at that distance. And in order to really get harm from induction watering, you need to practically touch it during operation.
Electromagnetic field: what lies behind it?
Many buyers are sure that induction cookers are unhealthy, because they generate a magnetic field that adversely affects the human body. Indeed, kitchen appliances produce a certain electromagnetic field, but it is so meager that it is even inferior to a mobile phone. If we draw an analogy with a microwave oven, then we can say that here, too, the induction hob shows its best side, because its degree of radiation is much lower.
If you look inside the kitchen appliances, you can see that each burner has an induction coil, which, under the influence of electricity, creates a magnetic field. The resulting alternating currents, penetrating through the hob, are transmitted to the dishes. That is why the bottom of kitchen utensils that are placed on the stove should preferably be made of special alloys - this contributes to the process of magnetization reversal for further heat generation.
Symbol indicating the compatibility of cookware with an induction hob The conclusion follows from this: the electromagnetic field is aimed at heating the bottom of the dish, but its frequency is so small that there is nothing to fear from it! To reduce these indicators, you should follow simple rules:
- in the process of cooking, put only special dishes on the stove (some housewives choose them together with a magnet) or use discs that allow you to heat any;
- the bottom of the dishes should cover the burner as much as possible;
- the dishes should be even and as tightly as possible on the hob.
If you follow these rules, you can minimize the electromagnetic impact.
Modern stoves will not let you put inappropriate dishes with a magnetic bottom, which could harm the device and human health, caused by the formation of a strong RF field.
Emission and radiation
There is an opinion that from the food that was cooked on an induction stove, a stream of energy emanates in the form of radio waves, or in other words, it is radioactive. In fact, this is all untrue. The electromagnetic field is not able to change the molecular structure, so the cooked food will be absolutely safe. The same applies to general radioactive radiation: if the furnace was installed by a specialist, observing all the necessary rules (grounding, general precautionary standards), then the effect of electromagnetic exposure at a distance of 0.5 meters is reduced to zero. Moreover, all the energy during cooking is absorbed by the dishes, regardless of its thickness.
People with a pacemaker
Sometimes it happens that a person has problems with the work of the heart and he needs medical intervention. A pacemaker is a modern medical device that is sewn into the chest for its direct effect on the heart rhythm. This technique reacts violently to various electromagnetic radiation, so such patients are contraindicated not only to use, but also to be near the induction furnace!
Before buying a modern stove, carefully read its instructions so that you do not regret your purchase later.
Remember! Induction kitchen appliances are no more dangerous than other household appliances that have stubbornly entered and merged into our lives. In some respects, it is even safer, since it cannot cause an explosion, does not emit excess heat, and does not burn oxygen.
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