Stupid quick Q about induction hobs.

ThisIsWeird

Without having to check the full specs of each, I notice that some 4-plate induction hobs come with a cable and 13A plug, and others - as expected - require hard-wiring as they are typically around 7kW.

How do the plug-in types 'work'? Are all the plates of limited power, or can only a couple be used at a time? Or, do they 'juggle' the available power, so that when one is on 'simmer' - pulsing slowly - a higher-set plate can receive more power?

Cheers.

kimwp

I think even the hard-wired ones can't have all the hobs at full power (though I have no sources to quote for this)

ThisIsWeird

Thanks Kim.

I assume that hard-wired, on a 32A circuit, can power all four plates fully if needed. But curious as to how 13A plug-in types manage.

FreeBear

kimwp said:

I think even the hard-wired ones can't have all the hobs at full power (though I have no sources to quote for this)

My induction hob is hard wired on a dedicated "cooker" circuit. No problems running all four zones at full power.

A four zone hob on a 13A plug would either dial back power on other zones if you wanted to run one at full power - Depending on the ratings, you might be able to run two at full blast. At the end of the day, you'd be much better off hard wiring the hob in and being able to use all zones as you see fit.

Risteard

ThisIsWeird said:

Without having to check the full specs of each, I notice that some 4-plate induction hobs come with a cable and 13A plug, and others - as expected - require hard-wiring as they are typically around 7kW.

How do the plug-in types 'work'? Are all the plates of limited power, or can only a couple be used at a time? Or, do they 'juggle' the available power, so that when one is on 'simmer' - pulsing slowly - a higher-set plate can receive more power?

Cheers.

They will load balance it, so that if you increase the power on one it will automatically reduce the power on another if it is approaching the limit. Personally I would go for a proper one like I have - don't see the attraction of a plugin one personally unless you've no other option.

jonnydeppiwish!

As Freebear and Risteard have said, you’ll be limited.

Im having a nightmare with a newly installed Samsung induction hob. 3 attempts at repair, only 2 of the 4 zones working. Hopefully getting a refund soon but I’m not holding my breath. Letter before action ready to go!

ThisIsWeird

Thanks, all.

It'll be a 32A jobbie, so will be full power to all 4 plates.

How does the 13A version manage? How does it juggle?! If you turn up one plate, it would be disconcerting to have another drop in power - that could seriously affect your cooking. Does the display show this happening? Or do they cleverly juggle the pulses between them?! I'm sure it's a clever design, tho' obviously compromised.

Just curious

moneysaver1978

FreeBear said:

kimwp said:

I think even the hard-wired ones can't have all the hobs at full power (though I have no sources to quote for this)

My induction hob is hard wired on a dedicated "cooker" circuit. No problems running all four zones at full power.

Same for me.

shiraz99

Any 13A induction hob will limit the power output when using more than one cooking zone at a time. This will become very frustrating after a while, particularly when trying to do a large bit of cooking with multiple pans on the go. If you can I'd definitely recommend getting a dedicated cooker circuit set up for a full power induction hob.

Chickereeeee

It's not often you want several zones at full power aat the same time, really, particularly with the fast heating induction hobbs. Usually there will be several on simmer etc.