Vitro-ceramiques cooker hobs

[Hereford]

Hello

We are looking to buy a new electric oven and hob.  We have looked around several shops, Conforama etc and have decided we want a "plaque vitro-ceramiques".  Howver even these come in two types: radiant and induction.  The sales assistant in Conforama explained that the induction is much quicker and safer (for small people!).

Has anyone any views on the merits of radiant versus induction please?  This is a long time purchase so we want to get it right.

many thanks

Mrs H

PS We are using gas (bottled) at present which drives us mad so definitely want to go "electric".

[RogerW]

I would go for induction every time. The heat is actually generated in the base of the pan so it's more efficient, more controllable (like gas), and cleaner (less likely for spillages to get baked onto the glass). They are also safer as they cool down quickly as soon as the pan is removed. The only disadvantages are the initial cost and the fact that you can only use compatible pans (carry a small magnet with you when buying new pans - if the magnet sticks to the base, the pan is probably OK).

At the other end of the scale, I've heard halogen hobs described as being like trying to cook on a lightbulb!

Hope this helps,

Roger.

[Hereford]

Thanks for that reply Roger.  I use Le Creuset pans - very heavy, but not sure about magnet!!  Will try a magnet if I can find one.

Mrs H

 

[BJSLIV]

Le Creuset are ideal for induction hobs, especially the newer types with a glazed bottom, rather than the rougher original ones. The older one are more likely to scratch the glass which can look become unattractive.

That apart they are really good, as controllable and as economic as town gas. And you can do the party trick of boiling water in a saucepan with a newspaper between the pan and the hob!

induction friendly pans are far easier to find (Labelled as such!) and   cheaper than in the UK. Good ones start at around £400 if you shop around.

 

 

 

[RayB]

[quote]Hello We are looking to buy a new electric oven and hob. We have looked around several shops, Conforama etc and have decided we want a "plaque vitro-ceramiques". Howver even these come in two types...[/quote]

**We are looking to buy a new electric oven and hob.**

We have an almost new Neff one we aren't using. Contact us with a private message or send an e-mail for details and your/our phone number.

[Jo53]

MAJOR disadvantage with induction hobs: you can't listen to the radio while you are cooking as it interferes with the signal and makes a horrible noise. Except on heat setting number 10 in the case of my hob - so if there's something particularly interesting on radio 4 I often overheat things ...

Also having to buy new saucepans is a pain (or in my case not buying them and making do with only 3 pans, the ones I had which work).

Advantages: very powerful and quick on max setting. Safety.

Jo

[Hereford]

Many thanks for helpful hints.

We probably will go for induction: I have Le creuset pans which (see above) are aparently OK and I like the safety aspect.

Radio 4 might be the occasional problem - will have to make sure soup/whatever heated before 1pm!

Mrs H