Modern, sleek electric stoves are stylish, easy to clean and usually cheaper to install than gas. They also use less energy to heat up and transfer heat to your pans than gas hobs.
Often with a built in timer so you can’t leave your hob on for too long (wasting energy and potentially burning your food). They are perfect for quick cooking like stir frying.
Energy saving standby mode
Often, even when you have switched your appliances off they are still draining energy. This is known as ‘Phantom Load’ and accounts for around a third of an average household energy bill. This wasted energy can be caused by a range of appliances and devices including gaming consoles, microwaves, printers and wireless routers.
It is a good idea to unplug these items when not in use but the easiest way to reduce standby energy consumption is to invest in a power saver that automatically shuts down electronic equipment at night. You could also buy a smart plug which recognises when appliances are in standby and automatically cuts the power to them.
Many older appliances draw huge amounts of energy in standby mode – up to ten watts or more. However, this is beginning to change as newer models are introduced which are more efficient. Whenever you are shopping for a new appliance, look for one that is designed to use less energy in standby mode and check the energy star rating.
Sleek and modern appearance
Induction hobs are a good choice for the energy-conscious, as they use less energy than gas or electric plates. Unlike traditional plate hobs, they don’t wastefully pump heat out into the surrounding area, only heating your pans directly (and so saving you money).
Beneath the glass surface of induction hobs lie coils that an alternating current runs through. When you place an induction-compatible pan on the cooking zone, this creates a magnetic field that converts the electrical energy into heat to cook your food or water. This makes induction hobs far more efficient than gas and electric models, with around 85% of the electricity used being transferred to the cooking pan.
Some induction hobs, such as this stylish Neff model, even come with smart features. The pause function allows you to temporarily lower the temperature while you cook, and the Home Connect app lets you control your hob remotely, setting timers bep tu munchen or checking that it is switched off. It also includes a sensor that prevents your pots from boiling over by regulating the temperature during frying and sauteing. Its sleek and modern appearance will complement any kitchen style, with its smooth surfaces that wipe clean easily. You can choose between touch-based controls and physical knobs to suit your preferences.
Temperature limit hob
Using an induction hob allows you to heat up food or water much more quickly than traditional electric and gas hobs. This is because it doesn’t waste energy heating the space around the pan – like a gas hob – it only uses electricity to heat your pan and your food.
Induction cooking works by generating an electromagnetic field that generates a current in the magnetic pans you use (most standard saucepans will work, check your pans are magnetic before investing in a new set). The power of this magnetic field can then be controlled and varied to heat your food or water at different speeds and precise temperatures. The hob also cools down instantly when a pan is removed, which makes it more safer than gas or electric hobs that can cause burns and fires if left unattended.
However, the electricity used to produce the heat on an induction hob isn’t as efficient as gas – up to 30% of the energy is lost in converting it from primary energy to heat. And if you don’t keep the heating rings as clean as possible and use the right size pans then you can waste even more electricity. It is therefore essential to only cook when you need to and that you switch off your hob a couple of minutes before your timer goes off.