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What is an Induction Hob and how does it work?

Bosch induction hobs with the highest level of safety features

Induction cooking: Quicker, safer, cleaner

Discover the new way of cooking that is so much faster and safer than traditional gas or electric hobs. The induction hob itself stays almost completely cold, as induction puts the heat directly into the base of the pan. There’s less risk of burning yourself on the hob, and the built-in child safety lock gives you extra peace of mind and the highest level of safety.

To all induction hobs

Bosch induction hob FAQs

Answers to the most important questions about induction fields.

Expand the sections below to discover more information about cooking with induction.

What makes Induction Cooking different from electric and gas?
Bosch induction hob with wipe clean glass ceramic surface

Induction cooking works by heating the pan directly rather than heating the hob. It’s as fast to respond as gas and as precise as electricity. Because of this, you’ll find your pans are up to heat and simmering away much more quickly. And because the hob itself isn’t heated, there’s no burnt-on food. A simple wipe will clean the cooking surface.

How does an induction hob work?
How does a Bosch induction hob work?

Beneath the hob, induction coils made from copper wire create a magnetic field as electricity is passed through them. If a pan with a magnetised base is placed on the hob, the magnetic field causes it to heat up directly. The hob will remain cool, with only some residual heat from the pans. Non-magnetic pans put in the same place will remain cold.

To cool the electronic components underneath the glass ceramic, a fan is set in motion that can automatically turn itself on during cooking. It runs until the appliance is sufficiently cooled and then automatically turns itself off. Depending on the material and finish of the cookware, various other noises can be heard when the hob settings are on high, such as humming, whistling or chirping. If the heat is turned down during cooking, these noises can hardly be heard. At low settings, a quiet clicking can be heard that is caused by the electronic components.

Which pans can you use on an induction hob?
Suggested cookware for Bosch induction hobs

Because of the way induction cooking works, you need specific types of pots and pans. These have flat bases made of ferrous or “magnetic” metal, which is quite common on good quality cookware, and will have been labelled as suitable for use on Glass Ceramic Induction Hobs.

You can tell if your pan is suitable for induction cooking if it has a coil symbol on the base, or if a magnet clings firmly to the pan’s underside. If you test a pan and the magnet only sticks loosely to the base, you may find the pan does not heat as effectively.

Pots and pans suitable for induction cooking all have flat bases. Pans with curved bottoms, such as some woks, will not produce good results. However, you can find flat bottomed versions of these pans that are ideal for induction cooking. For example, a flat bottomed cast iron wok should work very well.

Pans with non-magnetic undersides will not work with Induction hobs.

Is an induction hob quicker?
Using a Bosch induction hob saves up to 20% energy

If you’re used to cooking with gas or electricity, you may be surprised by how quickly induction hobs heat your pans. These tips can help you get started:

• Oil, especially roasting fat, can heat up particularly quickly

• Chop and prepare all ingredients before you start cooking so they are ready to add to the pan

• Do not heat cookware when it is empty – it can overheat and become discoloured

• You may find you do not need temperature settings to be as high as you did on gas or electricity. It is a good idea to start slightly lower and adjust upwards as needed

• Induction cooking can be much faster than other types of hob. For example, a two-litre pan of water can be up to boil within minutes

• Do not let aluminium foil to come into contact with the induction hob

Are induction hobs easy to clean?
Cleaning a Bosch induction hob

Because the hob itself is not heated, there is very little risk of burnt-on food residue. The hob will only receive some residual heat from the pots and pans, and only in the area where cookware is placed.

To clean the hob, a quick wipe with a damp cloth straight after cooking is normally enough. You can also use a ceramic glass cleaner once in a while for more thorough care.

Always ensure the hob is cool before cleaning it.

Induction cooking and safety
Bosch induction hobs are safe to use and subject to regular checks

Many household appliances and devices produce electrical or magnetic fields; for example, hairdryers, electric razors, vacuum cleaners and washing machines. There are internationally recognised safe limits and standards in place regarding this.

The electric and magnetic fields from Bosch induction hobs are subject to regular checks and fall well below maximum EU limits, as well as the legal requirements of groups such as the World Health Organisation, and are safe when used as described in the instructions.

This means it is safe to use Bosch induction hobs if you are pregnant or when children are present. The hobs also feature safety and security features, such as an integrated lock function that stops the hob being activated, that can prevent accidental or unwanted use.

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