More and more outdoor kitchens are equipped with an induction hob: it is comfortable, elegant and easy to clean. But these are just some of its features, in this article we will see the advantages and disadvantages of induction panels with an eye to the outdoor kitchen.
As always, our aim is to guide you towards a conscious and peaceful purchase.
Content summary
- What the induction hob is and how it works
- Advantages
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- Display for temperature management
- Ecological and efficient
- Quickness
- Easy to clean
- Uniformity of heat
- Use
- Security
- Heat dispersion
- Elegant design
- Disadvantages
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- Delicacy
- Price
- Consumption
- Specific pots
- Electric power
What is the induction hob for outdoor kitchens and how does it work?
It is an appliance that, unlike the traditional gas stove, allows you to cook without the use of a flame, using electricity as a power source which, by definition, is considered a renewable source.
How does it work?
When a “fire” of the induction plate is activated, electricity passes through the coils generating a magnetic field that heats the pans and pots placed on the plate and, obviously, their contents. Let’s now see a list of the advantages of this appliance.
What should you expect from an induction hob for outdoor kitchens?
Before reviewing the pros and cons of this appliance, it is fair to ask what differentiates an induction hob integrated in an outdoor kitchen from a classic hob.
In reality, the differences are few in terms of construction, we turn more to the materials and the method of construction of the kitchen itself, which should protect itself from external factors.
A well-packaged Outdoor Kitchen is provided with a custom-made protective cloth and magnetic gaskets for all the door and drawer front elements. If an indoor kitchen requires maintenance and care, the outdoor kitchen is even more exposed to wear and deterioration and therefore requires a structure specially designed to resist dust, water and bad weather.
Advantages
Display for temperature / color management
The induction plates are equipped with a convenient display to adjust the cooking levels, this allows you to decide, gradually, at what temperature to cook the dishes, generating savings and ensuring more precise cooking.
Ecological and efficient
Cooking in this way will reduce CO2 production, with related benefits for the environment. Not only that, according to many studies, the plate has shown a clear reduction in waste: its energy efficiency, in fact, even reaches 90% against 40-50% of gas stoves.
Quick cooking
In terms of cooking speed, the induction plate is unbeatable: cooking times are estimated to be 50% shorter, so if the pasta water boils in 5-6 minutes, it will take 3 on a plate.
Easy to clean
The flat and smooth surface allows you to easily wipe it with a damp cloth, easily removing grains and dust. For more stubborn dirt, just use a little dish detergent. In both cases it will take less time than a traditional kitchen.
Uniformity of heat
Often when cooking it happens that the food sticks to the bottom, or worse, that it burns. Induction distributes heat evenly and prevents food from sticking together.
Technology take me away
When you think about induction cooking, you might be frightened by the idea of manipulating between displays, numbers, LEDs and various lights … none of this. Press the power button, put the pot down and you’re done. The plate will only heat the area you are cooking on. And this connects us to the next point.
Safe
In the area surrounding the pot, the top remains cold, thus avoiding burns. LED lights alert you to hot areas and any gas or flame leaks (rare but not impossible) of traditional gas stoves will not occur.
As if that weren’t enough, by law, plates must comply with minimum values recommended by the International Commission for Non-ionized Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) for the magnetic field generated at a distance of 30 centimeters.
Dispersion in the environment
In gas stoves, part of the heat is dispersed into the environment, this does not happen with induction. There is no heat loss and this favors both savings and, as already mentioned, cooking speed.
Aesthetics and design
Last but not least, the plate is beautiful to look at. The glass ceramic is elegant, minimal and easily integrates with various types of Designs, especially with the naval-inspired materials of our Quid.
Having reviewed all the advantages, we just have to see the “cons” of this appliance.
Disadvantages
Delicacy
As it is easy to guess, the glass ceramic hob can easily be damaged, especially if inappropriate dishes are used.
Price
The induction hob has a higher cost than its gas counterpart. A hob can easily reach over € 2,000.00
Consumption
If on the one hand you save on gas, on the other, the high power of the plate will lead to an increase in your electricity bill even if, being electricity, it can be exploited by any renewable source present on site (eg photovoltaic panels).
This is why it is important to choose the plate carefully, although there are technologies capable of optimizing energy and therefore consumption.
Dedicated cookware
If you switch from gas to induction, you may find yourself having to renew the cookware set. And if on the one hand a restyling can be stimulating and fun, on the other it could annoy the wallet.
In fact, induction requires specific materials which are:
- Steel
- Stainless steel
- Enamelled steeel
- Cast iron
Electric power
Finally, it is important to take into account the fact that this type of hob easily reaches the engaged power of 3 kW. It may be necessary to ask your operator for an increase in power, but do not worry: this could even reduce hourly rates in terms of hourly energy costs. In any case, the increase in power to your meter does not necessarily imply an increase in the cost of electricity. The surplus of energy will only be used when using the induction hob.
And we have come to the end of this study on the induction hob. Do you have a bit clearer ideas?
Design your next outdoor kitchen to be Unique, Durable and made by Italian Artisans.
All of our Outdoor Kitchens can be equipped with induction hobs and built with resistant materials such as stainless steel, nanotechnology and equipped with the most modern kitchen protection technologies. But don’t worry! Among our countless choices we also have several stainless steel gas hobs, suitable for outdoor use.
In conclusion, snow, ice, rain, salt and sun will not be a problem thanks to the magnetized seals. You will have the maximum protection of the appliances, including the induction hob.
Request a free quote and become part of the Vidali family.
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