Induction hob working principle use harm. What household appliances are really dangerous to health? The best induction hobs

An induction hob or stove will not leave indifferent any housewife who has ever tried to cook on such a device. Such panels are characterized by fast heating, easy power control and low inertia. In addition, the undoubted advantage of such stoves is that they are automatically turned off if the pan or pan is removed from them. Such household appliances significantly save energy and are not a source of gas and open fire. Recently, more and more often you can hear about the dangers of an induction hob for health, but you need to figure out if there is actually harm from it.

General description of induction cookers

Many housewives dream of an induction cooker. Such household appliances look modern and fit organically into the interior of any kitchen. Cooking with them is very easy and quick, which is explained by the unique properties of these devices.

The principle of operation of such surfaces lies in the heating of kitchen utensils with special vortex currents. Such induction flows are recreated by a powerful electromagnetic field of increased frequency, which in some cases reaches 100 kHz. The induction method has been used in the metallurgical industry for several decades. The work of stoves for household use is based on the same principle.

A feature of the work of induction surfaces is that you need to use special utensils for cooking. Only the bottom of such dishes is equipped with special elements that can absorb the magnetic field that is generated when the tiles are turned on. The cookware must have pronounced ferromagnetic qualities, only in this case the induction surface will work most efficiently.

The uniqueness of induction hobs is that they give up almost 90% of usable energy. If you compare such a household appliance with a gas or electric oven, you can find a significant difference. The efficiency of the electric stove reaches only 70%, and the gas one hardly reaches 50%.

Induction hobs help to save not only electricity, but also time spent on cooking.

What is the harm of induction

More than 20 years have passed since the invention of the first induction household stoves, but even now they can not be found in every home. This is due to the fact that many housewives do not want to equip the kitchen with such innovative appliances, fearing that the electromagnetic field is a health hazard.

Scientists conducted an in-depth study of the principles of operation of this type of stove and came to the conclusion that the harm from such devices is no more than from a classical gas stove. The arguments for the safety of induction hobs are as follows:

• Induction cookers produce a minimal electromagnetic field, which does not have any negative impact on the human body.
• Household stoves can absorb the energy they produce.
• The emitted magnetic field is directed locally and is limited only by the bottom of the cookware.

In the course of the research, control measurements of electromagnetic radiation were carried out at different distances from the switched on hob. So, it was revealed that only at a distance of only 30 cm from the stove, the magnetic field indicator was zero.

A huge disadvantage of these stoves is that when buying them, you should immediately buy all the kitchen utensils that are required for cooking. New utensils must be exclusively metal, have a ferromagnetic bottom, the diameter of which must fully match the diameter of the burners.

Caution should be exercised when using induction hotplates for people who have a pacemaker in their hearts. Electromagnetic radiation can severely impair the performance of these devices, which will lead to a deterioration in the health of a person who is dependent on the normal operation of medical devices.

Benefit

Induction hobs are economical, practical and highly durable cooking appliances with a range of intellectual abilities. When cooking food on such a stove, much less time is needed and there is absolutely no harm to health. The advantages of induction hobs can be summarized as follows:

• Electricity is significantly saved. Food begins to cook as soon as the stove is turned on, and the surface turns off automatically after the pot is removed from the hotplate.
• Safety. The induction hob detects metal pans. If you put porcelain or plastic dishes on the hotplate, the stove will not heat up. Burning your hands on such a stove is unrealistic. Only the bottom of the pan heats up. While the panel stays slightly warm.
• Comfort. Even with prolonged operation of the stove, the air temperature in the kitchen remains unchanged.
• Practicality. The induction surface is very easy to clean from dirt. This is due to the fact that food particles do not burn when they get on the burners. In many cases, it is enough to wipe the panel with a damp cloth and only if the dirt is strong, you can use a special gel.

In addition, induction surfaces have many interesting functions. This is the control of the degree of heating of the stove, the timer function and the booster mode, when power moves between two working zones.

A good induction hob does not come cheap, and must be installed by an experienced technician to keep everything working well.

How to choose the right stove

In order for buying a new hob to bring only joy, it is worth knowing certain rules for choosing:

• A good induction hob has several power settings. Ideally, there should be up to 20 of them.
• It is good if an intensive heating mode is provided in the oven.
• The stove must have a temperature control mode and the ability to move the power between two burners.
• The panel should cool down very quickly and not be hazardous to family members.
• The stove model is selected in accordance with the interior of the kitchen. There should be no sharp corners on it.
• It is worth immediately determining where the plate will stand and, in accordance with this, select its dimensions.

More recently, induction ovens with spherical burners have been invented. Such a surface acts as an analogue of live fire; a special cast-iron boiler is required for cooking.

Do not place the induction hob next to any metal objects.

Based on all the data on induction cookers, it can be concluded that they do not pose a danger to human health at all. These devices should only be used with caution by people with a pacemaker. It must be remembered that the safe distance from a person to the stove must be at least 30 cm. It is imperative to use special dishes.

Every housewife dreams that the cooking process is enjoyable, and the appearance of the kitchen is pleasing to the eye. Often, when buying equipment for cooking, the choice falls on an induction cooker, the principle of which is based on the laws discovered by the famous physicist Faraday. But is it as safe as it is modern?

Let's figure out if an induction cooker is harmful to health, and find out how it works and works.

The device and principle of operation of the induction cooker

An induction hob is not only a useful, but also a stylish item in the kitchen interior that fits into any design. It is distinguished by its ergonomics and laconic design. Let's figure out how the induction heating cookers work.

An inductor is hidden under each hotplate of the induction hob, which provides the movement of alternating electric current with a frequency of 20 to 60 kHz. As a result of this process, a magnetic field is generated, which passes through the hob and heats the bottom of the cookware with eddy currents.

Attention! It is recommended to cook on an induction-type stove in special dishes made of ferromagnetic alloys, which ensure efficient and quick heating of the container. The optimum diameter for the bottom of the pan is 12 cm.

On such equipment, only pots and pans are heated, and the temperature of the burner practically does not change. The heating rate of the cookware is much faster than that of other types of stoves.

The design of the units consists of the following components:

1. A hob made of glass ceramics. It can be of any size and different shades. You can purchase appliances that fit any kitchen set.
2. Insulation layer.
3. An induction coil that generates vortex induction fluxes.
4. Frequency converter.
5. Control panel for turning on and controlling the stove.

Induction hobs can be built-in or free-standing.

The advantages of such plates have been confirmed by many consumers. They are due to the following factors:

• it is almost impossible to get burned on the induction hob, which is why an electric stove is dangerous;
• ease of care, perfectly cleaned with ordinary soapy water;
• the ability to maintain a given temperature;
• energy saving;
• when removing the dishes, the device automatically turns off;
• a large selection of programs;
• no carbon remains on pots and pans;
• does not require preheating, starts working at full power immediately after switching on;
• does not generate heat, which makes it easier to cook in hot weather;
• lack of open fire and gas;
• If you put a cookware with a damaged bottom on the hotplate, the stove will automatically lock.

The disadvantages include the high cost of both the device itself and the special to him. In addition, if you use all the hotplates at the same time, the heating power is reduced.

How harmful to health: the facts for and against

This type has appeared on the market relatively recently, this is the newest generation of cooking appliances. Many housewives before purchasing such equipment are worried about its safety. Let's find out how harmful induction-type hobs are.

Opponents of this kind of technology justify the harm of an induction cooker to human health with the following facts:

1. Products cooked on it lose their beneficial properties. So, for example, about 25% of vitamins remain in fruits, and thiamine completely disappears from meat.
2. The equipment can be used at a distance of at least 30 cm from the cooking zones, otherwise, the radiation will negatively affect the human body. The risk group includes pregnant women, people of short stature and adolescents.
3. If the cookware does not completely cover the hotplate, currents penetrate the body and can adversely affect the nervous system. The consequence of their influence will be headaches, insomnia, increased fatigue.

Proponents argue:

1. The frequency of the magnetic flux, due to which the bottom of the cookware heats up, is minimal and is not capable of harming human health.
2. Such plates are equipped with an energy absorption function.
3. The theory that foods cooked on an induction hob lose nutrients is not supported by scientific research.
4. If the bottom of the pan does not completely cover the hotplate, the induced current rate increases slightly.
5. When using ordinary dishes, a distance of 20 cm should be maintained. At this distance, the current does not have an adverse effect on health.
6. The electromagnetic field of technology is not able to change the molecular structure of products, therefore, food cooked on such equipment is not radioactive.

Important! Induction hobs should be used with caution by people with pacemakers and defibrillators. Electromagnetic radiation can interfere with the operation of these devices, resulting in a deterioration in human well-being.

How to reduce harm

If you nevertheless become the owner of such a unit and fear for your health or the well-being of family members, follow a number of simple rules:

• use only special utensils for cooking;
• do not use containers with a damaged bottom;
• place pots and pans in the middle of the hotplate or choose the correct size;
• use metal cutlery to stir food;
• when you are in the immediate vicinity of the stove, reduce its power;
• try not to approach the surface at a distance of less than 10 cm;
• Before use, carefully study the instructions for the technique and do not disregard the recommendations in it.

Conclusion

The induction cooker is a new and safe equipment compared to other types of cooking appliances. The food is not inferior in taste to those cooked on an electric or gas stove. When choosing such devices, ask the seller for a quality certificate and follow the rules for using this device.

Whether induction cookers are harmful to health is the main question that should be asked if you want to purchase them. From the point of view of convenience and economy, there are no special questions. Induction hobs are much more practical and. Thanks to them, time and energy are saved, they are much more convenient.

The cookware heats up from the moment the stove is turned on, the heat practically does not leave the cookware, as a result, the energy efficiency of such stoves is 90%, unlike electric ones - 70%, and gas ones - 50%. In addition, the automation turns off the stove, if you remove the dishes from its surface, you can very accurately observe the temperature regime, their glass surface is easier to clean from dirt.

Principle of operation

To understand whether an induction cooker is harmful to health, you need to understand the mechanism of its operation. It is based on the use of the principle of electromagnetic induction. Coils are located in the burners, which create an electromagnetic field when alternating current passes through them. The induction flux passes through the bottom in which conduction currents arise, and the energy of the electric field is converted into heat. Usually the bottom of the cookware is made of ferromagnetic alloys or similar alloys with the highest heat transfer coefficient. In this way, heating takes place at the very bottom of the pan and good energy efficiency is ensured.

Are induction cookers harmful?

Harm to health was first investigated in Japan, where their sales have grown very rapidly since the turn of the century. Takenori Ueda has found that stoves create the most radiation of any household electrical appliance. When cooked at maximum power, the radiation exceeded the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) limit 16 times. Japanese scientists have called for more readily available data on electromagnetic radiation from induction cookers.

There is evidence of a possible revision of safety standards in Australia. Swiss researchers from the Federal Center for Public Health (FOPH), in order to find out if induction cookers can cause harm to health, conducted their experiment in which they obtained radiation data from three models of electric cookers made according to the European standard.

One of the models was portable. It was found that the radiation significantly exceeds the tolerances set by ICNIRP: at a distance of 20 cm - if inappropriate dishes were used, at a distance of 12 cm - if the dishes were off-center, and constantly at a distance of 1 cm. The electromagnetic field can influence the body by creating currents in it. The ICNIRP limits are set at a level 50 times lower than the level of excitability of human nerves. In this FOPH study, an experiment was also carried out on people who were 5 cm away from the slabs. People who were near stationary induction cookers had currents below the established norm, and near a portable one - higher.

Microwaves, which have already become familiar, are a source of more powerful radiation, but they have better protection, they close. Induction cookers, in contrast to them, are an open source of EMF.

Terms of use

From the research it becomes clear that when cooking on it, certain rules must be observed:

• use only special and high-quality dishes (especially for);
• place the dishes exactly in the center of the burner;
• , and other dishes must overlap the diameter of the heating zone;
• do not stir food when cooking with metal appliances;
• do not get too close to the stove;
• avoid or be careful with portable induction cookers;
• better to buy special cookware than.

Separately, it should be said that induction cookers can disrupt the operation of pacemakers, so people who have them installed are not recommended to approach the stove more than 50 cm, you need to discuss this issue with your doctor.

conclusions

Whether an induction cooker is harmful, and how much, the consumer has to decide for himself, because even scientists emphasize that the effect of EMF has not yet been sufficiently studied. Large studies are being carried out by various organizations, a competent monograph on the dangers of electromagnetic radiation can be read on the WHO website.

On the one hand, you should not believe those sources that automatically equate the danger of induction cookers with the danger of other household electrical appliances. They have different mechanisms of work and radiation strength. On the other hand, life in the modern world forces us to adapt to the fast pace of life, which is very difficult without using the achievements of progress, only their correct use is necessary.

Recently, before buying a modern one, many consumers are thinking - is such a device really harmful to health? Every year, leading companies provide consumers with know-how that helps to solve a large number of problems. But, despite this, there is an opinion that many of these devices are harmful to humans. As for the induction panel, during its operation, an electromagnetic field arises, which most often is the reason for mistrust in it. In order to understand whether an induction cooker is harmful, it is worth considering the principle of its operation.

Every modern housewife dreams of such an innovative acquisition, since it makes it possible to cope with the basic functions of cooking and at the same time save time. The very principle of operation when cooking is associated with heating metal dishes by means of an induction vortex or flow. It is created by the strong magnetic field.

In fact, the induction method has been used in heavy industry for many years. However, with its modification, it became possible to use such technology in devices that simplify the life of consumers.

It is worth remembering that the electromagnetic field is normally absorbed only with the correct metal utensils: the ferromagnetic properties must reach their maximum. Because it is only under this condition that a cooker with copper coils, which are AC sources, can become an effective means of cooking. The uniqueness of any slab of this type lies in the fact that it has maximum impact during work. So, this indicator can be estimated at least 90%. If we compare the efficiency of the latest models, then the difference can reach more than 35%. In this case, such an indicator can be regarded as a gulf between these technical devices.

Is it harmful to use

In fact, the appearance of the first models of induction cookers was known 25 years ago. However, most consumers have not acquired such a useful technical device. These statistics indicate that many are afraid, because they believe that the technology used at the basis of its work can harm human health.

As a result, scientists were also interested in the question of the origin of harm from the stove. There have been many studies that have failed to support the hypothesis that the hob can cause serious negative health effects. In order not to be unfounded, they cited a number of convincing facts proving the correctness of the conclusion.

1. The resulting electromagnetic field is minimal - such an amount, all other things being equal, will not harm a person.
2. This type of kitchen equipment has absorbing function, therefore, the magnetic field does not affect the person.
3. The area of ​​exposure to the electromagnetic field is limited only by the cookware on the induction hob.

A number of experiments were also carried out in which scientists measured the rate of radiation emitted by an electromagnetic field. It is worth noting that at 30 cm from the stove, a similar indicator was zero.

However, people with pacemakers, defibrillators and other similar devices must be careful with the use of such plates. Since induction does generate an electromagnetic field, it can significantly disrupt the operation of these devices.

Of course, most technical means have drawbacks, and an induction cooker is no exception. With the appearance of the desired novelty in the house, its owners may have to change their utensils for cooking. It should be only metal and attract magnets, since only such dishes are capable of interacting with the electromagnetic field formed by the coils. Also, it should not be larger in diameter than the hotplate itself. Read more about choosing cookware for induction cookers.

Main advantages

Compared to older electric versions of such devices, the induction hob is considered the number one technical tool in food preparation, since it has a number of undeniable advantages. It is worth noting that the cooking time is significantly shortened. But the advantages of the stove do not end there.

1. Waste less electricity... You do not need to wait a long time for it to warm up, as is the case with conventional cast iron heating elements. You can cook as soon as the pan is placed on the hotplate. In addition, the stove switches off automatically some time after the end of cooking.
2. Safe cooking... This aspect should be the main one when the question arises about the choice of such a technical device. Surely everyone knows what burns on the stove are - in this case it is impossible. Since only the dishes are heated during operation, the hotplate itself remains slightly warm. After removing the dishes, it cools down completely within a few minutes.
3. Comfortable conditions... When using a stove, the air temperature into the room does not increase significantly: heat is transferred only to the dishes in the diameter corresponding to its bottom, and not to the surrounding air.
4. Practical to use... Such a panel is easy enough to care for. It will take a few minutes to complete. All that is needed for this is a well-soaped rag. In case of heavy contamination, a glass ceramic cleaner and a scraper specially designed for such a surface will help to cope.

Depending on the model of the induction hob, there are several additional modes. For example, the owner of such a device can calmly go about their business and cook soup. When you set a certain time, the timer works, and the stove turns off on its own.

How to reduce harm

It is worth noting that the data of research conclusions carried out by scientists on the effect of an induction cooker on a person take place subject to certain rules for the operation of such devices. These include:

1. Using utensils with a bottom that fits as closely as possible. the diameter of the hotplate.
2. Do not place pans with a damaged or convex bottom on the hob, even if they heat up well and no liquid spills out.
3. Cook on the stove, keeping a distance of at least 30 cm, do not touch the body with the body.
4. Use only utensils specially designed for cooking on such hobs. As a rule, it is noted by the manufacturer special badge on the bottom or packaging.
5. It is best not to use metal cutlery to stir food during cooking.

An induction hob cannot be called dangerous, which has been confirmed by a number of scientific studies. And the advantages of such devices are obvious and have already been tested by many consumers who are not going to give up induction in favor of old electric stoves and gas burners. The main thing is to follow the rules of operation, and then cooking will only bring joy.

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Modern housewives increasingly prefer induction cookers to the old gas ones. They not only look beautiful in the interior of the kitchen, but also allow you to significantly save time when cooking your favorite dishes. Ease of use often becomes a decisive factor when choosing a stove, so few people think about their possible harm to human health. Before buying, you need to carefully understand this issue, so as not to regret your choice in the end.

The device and operation of an induction cooker

First, it's worth understanding how induction cookers work. They are similar in principle to a transformer. There is an induction coil inside the cooker. A current with a frequency of 20-60 kHz passes through it. The coil is the primary winding, and the pots and pans on the tile surface are the secondary. Eddy currents develop between the bottom of the cookware and the coil and heat up.

Principle of operation

Today, on the shelves of household appliances stores, you can find many different models of this device. Induction hobs can be:

• Portable or stationary;
• Small or large sizes;
• The number of burners and the appearance of the hob may also differ.

Suitable utensils

A very important point is the choice of suitable utensils for cooking on such a stove. Since induction occurs between the hob and the kitchen utensils, it is essential that it be ferromagnetic. In other words, the dishes need to be made of metal that can stick to magnetic surfaces.

Below are several types of such dishes:

• Enamelled utensils made of iron or steel;
• Stainless steel utensils with magnetic properties;
• Cast iron cookware.

In fact, induction does not occur with the entire surface of a saucepan or frying pan, but only with its bottom. Therefore, the most important thing is that it is the bottom that has ferromagnetic properties. It can be completely made of such metal or have only a top layer of magnetic material.

Important! For proper operation, the bottom of the pan must be in contact with the burner as closely as possible. This can be achieved by choosing flat-bottomed kitchen utensils.

Special cookware suitable for cooking on induction hobs are marked with a marking that proves their compatibility with such appliances.

User manual

There is a simple algorithm, following which even a novice housewife can cope with cooking on an induction cooker:

1. It is necessary to put the dishes with food in the central part of the hotplate and press the on / off button of the panel.
2. Next, you need to select the appropriate cooking mode.
3. Usually, the user is then prompted to select the type of dish that he is going to cook.
4. If necessary, you can independently change the heating power during cooking;
5. Also, modern models have a timer function that will signal the end of cooking. It can also be used to postpone the start of the process for a while.

Advantages and disadvantages of induction hobs

As with every kitchen appliance, induction hobs have their pros and cons. In order not to be mistaken with a choice, before making a purchase, you need to study both sides of the coin.

Advantages

Induction hobs are often compared to gas and electric hobs. Users and specialists highlight the following advantages of buying the first option:

• The cooking process is faster;

• If you use cookware that is not suitable for induction hobs, nothing will break or burn. In this case, the hotplate simply will not turn on;
• Also, the burner will not turn on if dishes of the wrong diameter are used;
• Since induction occurs at the bottom of the cookware when it is removed from the stove, the hotplate will automatically stop working;
• The ability to set the most accurate temperature and maintain it throughout the entire process;
• The burners do not heat up by themselves, so the maximum surface temperature of the hob is no more than 60 degrees;
• Thanks to the previous point, the risk of getting burned on the panel is eliminated;
• Also, thanks to this, food that has fallen on the surface of the tile does not burn;
• Ease of cleaning the surface of the device;
• The presence of a large set of modes and programs for cooking various types of dishes;
• The ability to transfer power from one hotplate to another to increase the heating intensity.

In addition, the latest models are equipped with many additional functions that greatly simplify food preparation:

• Ensuring safety for children by locking the controls and buttons;
• The function of changing the intensity of heating of a particular burner;
• Food heating mode;
• Timer function to delay the start of the program or track the cooking time;
• Function of protection against overheating of dishes.

Flaws

Despite all the advantages listed above, induction cookers also have a list of disadvantages that you also need to study before buying:

• The need to use special dishes;
• The need to connect to good wiring so that it can withstand the power of the tile;
• The negative effect of the induction field on other electrical appliances in the vicinity;
• The impossibility of installing the stove over other household appliances made of metal;
• Not the lowest prices.

Is an induction hob harmful?

Induction hobs were invented over 25 years ago. However, they did not become popular with buyers at that time. The reason for this was the fear of people about possible harm to health. Therefore, scientists have come to grips with this issue.

They conducted many studies in which they tried to find out what effect an induction field that occurs between the coil and the cookware can have on a person. As a result, rumors that such a device could seriously harm a person were not confirmed.

The absence of a negative effect of the induction cooker on the body can be explained by the following facts:

• The electromagnetic field that occurs at the time of induction is minimal, therefore it is not capable of causing harm to a person;
• Such kitchen appliances have an absorbing function, which also reduces its effect on the body;
• The electromagnetic field occurs only in a radius equal to the radius of the bottom of the cookware, which is placed on the burner.

In addition, scientists measured the magnitude of the electromagnetic field at different distances from the hob. When it was 30 cm, the measured value was zero.

It's important to know! Induction hobs can interfere with the operation of devices for registering and renewing heart rate. People who use these devices should consult a cardiologist before purchasing and using such panels.

The harm from such devices is no more than from a classic gas stove.

After conducting all the research and experiments, experts offered buyers several rules for the safe use of induction cookers. Manufacturers also prescribe these recommendations in each instruction manual for their product:

• For cooking on such panels, it is necessary to use dishes, the bottom of which will correspond as much as possible to the size of the burner diameter;
• It is necessary to ensure that the pots and pans are exactly in the center of the burner;
• If the cookware has any damage or chips, you must stop using it for induction hob;
• Do not put kitchen utensils on the hob if the bottom is uneven;
• During the cooking process, a person must be at least 10 cm away from the burner;
• It is best to buy special utensils for such hobs, which are labeled to prove their suitability;
• Do not stir food in a saucepan or skillet with spoons or other devices made of ferromagnetic material.

Watch the video: are induction cookers dangerous for health?