Programmes for precision cooking, advanced temperature control and integrated extraction – Sally Smith explains why today's induction hobs present customers with optimum performance in one kitchen appliance.
Induction hobs are an increasingly popular choice in kitchens, not only for their minimalist design, preset programmes and flexible cooking zones but the integrated extraction hobs make these models the must-have space saving kitchen appliance.
"Induction is known for delivering powerful heat for rapid boiling while being gentle enough for delicate tasks like melting chocolate directly in the pan without needing a bain-marie. Advanced features like ‘power boost’ accelerate boiling times and the 'Keep Warm' mode holds food at 50°C," explains Emma Cowley, Rangemaster marketing manager.
There are no limitations on size and positioning of pots and pans on an induction hob as the user can place up to 6 pans at one time on the larger models.
"Our innovative ‘Follow Pot’ technology has the ability to set individual timers for each pot and pan, alongside the 17 power levels available for a seamless cooking experience. The hobs ceramic glass surface with under-glass serigraphs allows for easy cleaning and silent placement of pots," says Richard Mackey, Smeg product manager.
Consumers can achieve optimum cooking results with the help of branded Apps that automatically control the temperature, cooking time and pre-set programmes. The latest induction hob from Haier is a great example.
Franke induction hobs now include advanced cook assist functions, Jo Sargent, sales & marketing director at Franke UK explains. "These functions act like a virtual chef to guide consumers through specific recipes. We offer 3 levels of Cook Assist ranging from Easy Cook, Flex Pro and Pro Cook allowing users to tailor the level of guidance and control to suit their cooking style, whether they prefer a more hands-on approach or want detailed assistance throughout the cooking process."
Jessica Rhodes, product & marketing manager at Asko, adds: "Our innovative ‘Celsius Cooking’ system is a smart cooking feature designed to give consumers complete control over cooking temperatures and timing. Instead of continuously checking whether the cooking level is too high or too low, the intelligent system will control it for you, ensuring the right temperature and the right heat throughout," she says.
Bertazzoni UK & Eire has invested a lot in hob technology recently. Paul Whyte, commercial director, says: "We have developed a range of new features including zone setting transfer and specific cooking programmes that complement our keep warm, timer, pause, child lock residual heat indicator, pot detection and overflow security functions."
An induction hob with an integrated ventilation system allows designers much more flexibility within the kitchen layout, as the integrated extractor unit eliminates the need for an overhead or wall extractor.
"Combining induction technology with downdraft extraction is both space and energy efficient. Cooking vapours are drawn into a vent next to the pans, as opposed to being forced to rise up, as with an overhead cooker hood. Our recently launched vented induction hob features ‘Automatic Cooking’ – it will bring a pan of water to the boil and then automatically reduce the power to a simmer – plus a useful ‘Stop & Go’ pause function that will restart the hob at the previous power level," says Jenny Nalborczyk, marketing manager at Novy UK.
Miele’s latest vented hobs feature advanced connectivity as Tom Hopper, kitchens manager at Miele GB. explains. "Our Con@ctivity function synchronises the hob with the extractor fan for optimal performance and our latest ‘Silence’ downdraft hob is 25% quieter than its predecessor, ideal for an open-plan kitchen," he says.
Andy Cummings, Bora head of sales UK, says: "The ‘Boil’ Assist function is fantastic. The cooktop extractor system detects when the water in a pot starts to boil, emits an acoustic signal and switches off the heat. And the BORA Assist function sets the target temperature supplying the exact amount of energy needed and beeps once the target temperature has been reached and the food can be added."
However, invisible or hidden induction hobs take the minimalistic aesthetic to the next level in kitchen design.
"CookingRAK has the induction hob hidden within the porcelain worktop. The consumer has the best of all worlds, a sleek, minimal worksurface that is also ultra durable, combined with the latest cooking technology that is ideal for home entertaining, and safe for the family kitchen," says Ben Bryden, sales & marketing director at RAK Ceramics UK.
