Buzz
Induction and infrared cookers each come with their own advantages and disadvantages, making it a challenge for homemakers to choose a product. Today, let Mytour analyze the pros, cons, and features of each type to see which cooker is truly essential for you.
1. Introduction to Infrared and Induction Cookers
Regarding the structure and operating principles, there are similarities and differences between induction and infrared cookers.
1.1 Structure and Operating Principles of Induction Cookers
Induction cooktops, also known as electromagnetic cooktops, harness the power of electricity to cook your meals to perfection.
1.1.1 Structure:
Depending on the brand and manufacturing location, each induction cooktop model may vary in its product components. However, in general, they consist of the following parts:
- Heating coil: There are two common types of coils - copper coils and EGO coils. This is a crucial component that influences the performance and durability of the product.
- Cooling fan: It serves the purpose of cooling, reducing the heat of the circuit board and components in the cooktop, helping to balance the temperature and prevent overheating damage. Induction cooktops have two types of cooling fans: the turbine fan and the coaxial fan.
- Circuit board: The circuit boards are interconnected and determine the operation of the induction cooktop.
- Glass surface: All types of induction cooktops use toughened glass that is resistant to pressure and heat.
- Depending on the brand, origin, and product cost, the cooktop will be equipped with different high-quality glass types such as Schott Ceran, EuroKera, Ceramic, toughened glass, etc.
1.1.2 Operating principle
Induction cooktops heat up using a magnetic field. When placing pots or pans with magnetic properties on the cooktop, the alternating current will flow through the coil underneath the cooktop surface, creating a magnetic field that increases the temperature of the heating coil, making the cooktop hot.
Induction cooktops can cook faster than traditional gas or electric stoves. Additionally, they are safer as they have no open flames and do not transfer heat to the surface of the cooktop.
1.2.3 Pros and Cons of Induction Cooktops
Advantages:
- Rapid heating
- Safe for users
- Compact, attractive design
- Easy to clean glass surface
- Multiple functions: child lock, timer, quick heat, automatic shut-off
- No heat radiation to the cook
Disadvantages:
- Requires specific pots/pans
- More expensive than traditional gas stoves
- Cannot be used during power outages
1.2 Structure and Operating Principle of Infrared Cooktops
Unlike induction cooktops, infrared cooktops cook food based on the principle of heat radiation, heating the electric core inside to generate heat transmitted to the cooktop surface.
1.1.1 Structure:
Being electric cooktops, both induction and infrared cooktops share some similarities in their product structure.
- Heating coil: Typically uses a coil of mica and halogen lamps to generate heat for cooking.
- Cooling fan: Functions to cool the circuits and components in the cooktop, extending the operational lifespan of the product.
- Circuit board: The circuit boards are interconnected and serve as sensors, receiving signals and adjusting power based on user input.
- Heat sensor: Measures and compares the actual heat of the cooktop, providing feedback to the control circuit.
- Glass surface: Plays a role in protecting internal parts and components. Some common types of glass used include tempered glass, heat-resistant glass, ceramic glass, etc.
1.1.2 Operating principle
Unlike induction cooktops that use a magnetic field to cook food, infrared cooktops utilize the heat radiation from infrared rays to heat up the food.
Electric current passes through mica coils and halogen lamps, generating heat. Subsequently, this heat energy is transmitted to the heating coil to heat the pot or pan.
1.2.3 Pros and Cons of Infrared Cooktops
Advantages:
- Compatible with various types of cookware
- Easy-to-clean glass surface
- Quick cooking and time-efficient
- Multiple safety features: timer, overheating warning, automatic shut-off, etc.
Disadvantages:
- Higher cost compared to gas stoves
- Uses a burning mechanism for heating, emitting heat that can make the cook uncomfortable
- Shorter lifespan than induction cooktops due to the burning heating mechanism
- Energy wastage, not maximizing electricity savings.
- Potential for burns
2. Comparison between Infrared and Induction Cooktops
In addition to information about the structure and operating principles of induction and infrared cooktops, Mytour will provide you with a comparison between the two products, offering a more visual and detailed understanding of their similarities and differences:
| Bếp từ | Bếp hồng ngoại | |
| Tuổi thọ trung bình | 7-10 năm | 5-7 năm |
| Khả năng tiết kiệm điện | Có | Có ( nhưng thất thoát do tỏa nhiệt) |
| Thời gian nấu | Đun sôi 1 lít nước chỉ 4 phút | Đun sôi 1 lít nước tốn 7 phút |
| Nguy cơ bỏng | Không. Vì nhiệt chỉ truyền khi tiếp xúc với nồi/ chảo inox. | Có thể bị bỏng nếu chạm tay vào bề mặt nóng. |
| Loại nồi sử dụng | Kén nồi (Chỉ sử dụng nồi inox, đáy nhiễm từ) | Không kén nồi |
| Công suất | 1800- 2200W | 1800- 2200W |
| Tự ngắt khi quá nhiệt | Có | Có |
| Tính năng nấu | – Hẹn giờ nấu – Khóa trẻ em – Tự động ngắt – Chống tràn – Booster | – Hẹn giờ nấu – Khóa trẻ em – Tự động ngắt – Chống tràn |
| Giá | – Dao động trong khoảng từ 490 nghìn trở lên. – Có thể mất thêm chi phí mua nồi inox, nồi nhiễm từ. | – Dao động trong khoảng từ 490 nghìn trở lên. – Sử dụng được các loại nồi nhôm đã có sẵn. |
3. Choosing between Induction and Infrared Cooktops
Each type of cooktop has its own advantages and disadvantages, and depending on your needs, you can choose the product that suits you best.
If you're still unsure about which type to choose, below, Mytour will provide suggestions to make your decision easier:
* Induction cooktop is the choice for you when:
- Want to save time with quick and safe cooking.
- Dislike the heat generated during cooking.
- Already own many stainless steel pots and pans suitable for induction cooktops.
* Infrared cooktop is the choice for you when:
- Enjoy preparing various dishes
- Want to save on the cost of buying new cookware
- Not concerned about heat radiating during cooking
- Prefer cooking stews in clay pots
Here are some suggestions we have provided to assist you. Additionally, there are now products on the market that combine both induction and infrared cooktops at affordable prices. You can consider using these cooktops to experience both features in one product.
For example: Sunhouse SHB9103MT induction-infrared cooktop, Kangaroo KG443I induction-infrared cooktop, Chef’s EH-MIX333 induction-infrared cooktop, etc.
