Induction Hobs - Less is more?

pimento

I might be getting an induction hob (it depends if my electricity system is up to it) and I've been looking online at prices.

The cheapest I have found is around £300 (Indesit) but the prices go way up into the stratosphere (around £1500).

My question is, what is the difference between a £300 one and a £1000 one apart from the price?

pimento

Shamelessly bumping this...

premkit

the expensive ones have good timers that will stop cooking when the timer runs out. i can have 4 rings on with different times on all, also anti boil over. super quick boil. and some come with a 5 year guarantee.
the cheaper end will be a basic induction.

amtrakuk

Build Quality? Warranty? I got a single ring one from ebay for about £30 a couple of years ago to try it. Love it, never looked back!

pimento

Thanks for that. There's no way I can spend £500 or up on a hub, but I can justify £300.

If my power is up to it, I'm sorely tempted. I've read that because they cook so fast, they are on a par with gas cost wise (power bill). Is that right?

katie1234

i got one off the internet two months ago (samsung) and i love it. it was around 300 and apart from a few fancy bells and whistles i doubt its worth spending double the amount! heats really quickly and has good temperature control. quick pointer, check your existing pans are suitable before using. i had a bad frying pan that caused a bit of a scratch!

pimento

Thanks Katy. I've been testing my pans with a fridge magnet (yes, I know). Some of them are OK and some aren't. Some of the IKEA pans are suitable for induction and aren't too expensive. I might have to start off with just one pan and a frying pan and add to them one or two at a time.

Can you use a wok?

I've never cooked with electric before so it'll be quite exciting...

swagman

pimento wrote: »

Can you use a wok?

I've never cooked with electric before so it'll be quite exciting...

Woks are not very successful on ceramic / induction hobs because relatively little of the base is in contact with the hob so you don't get heat up the sides. You need this for the swirling motion cooking as you swish the ingredients around.

Solid, flat bottomed pans are what you need for these hobs.

katie1234

yes u can use a wok. i bought one specially actually. i find it cooks very well but ive never had gas so cant really compare.

pimento

Thanks for all your opinions. It's now in the hands of the sparky. I'll keep you posted.

madget_2

I'm having an induction hob in my new kitchen and have bought a "chef's pan" to use as a wok. It has similarly curved sides to a wok, but with a flat bottom and lid. Not tried it yet as the kitchen is only halfway done at the moment, though! It does look as if it will do the job well.