Kettles for induction cookers: types and subtleties of choice
The kettle is the most important attribute of the kitchen. In this article, we will focus specifically on choosing a kettle for an induction hob. In the manufacture of products for such a surface, various materials are used for the manufacture of dishes.
How to determine the compatibility of a kettle and stove?
The induction hob has a special heating device that differs from other hobs. Therefore, not all utensils are suitable for cooking on such a stove. And the kettle is no exception. Materials suitable for induction cookers:
- ceramics;
- heat-resistant glass;
- stainless steel;
- plastic;
- enamel.
The main thing in this type of dish is its bottom. Products must have a solid bottom with a thickness of 3 mm, which has ferromagnetic properties.
It should be perfectly flat. The bottom structure contains a special aluminum (less often copper) magnetic disk. The metal disk promotes the movement of electrons, after which the surface heats up quickly, which saves not only time, but also electricity.
The copper bottom is most often found in the designs of pans and pots, where a longer process of heating the surface takes place. The copper bottom for such dishes can be three-layer or five-layer. But for the construction of a kettle, this type of bottom does not make sense.
In order to determine the compatibility of a kettle with an induction hob, just look at the packaging of the cookware. Usually, manufacturers place an induction hob sign on the packaging - a spiral with several turns... You should also choose pans whose bottom area does not differ from the size of the burner by more than 30%.Before using a new kettle, you should also carefully read the instructions for the stove. In it, manufacturers indicate the minimum diameter of the dishes at which the hob is turned on.
In order to independently determine whether the kettle is suitable for an induction cooker, you need to run a magnet along the bottom of the cookware. If the bottom quality is good, the magnet should stick to the surface.
Some models of kettles are equipped with a shutdown function. Such models are easy to operate and are in great demand among owners of induction-type cookers.
Varieties
Most often, products for induction cookers are made of stainless steel. Such dishes are very popular, easy to design and maintain. When choosing a stainless steel kettle, you must take into account the steel grade. The standard indicator starts with the numbers 18/10 and above. These figures indicate the use in the production of medical grade stainless steel. It is also called food grade steel. High-quality products made of such stainless steel are marked with a special marking: AISI 409.
Teapots polished or matte are a matter of taste for everyone. But the matte surface is easier to clean. The polished surface must be wiped well after washing to avoid drip stains.
When choosing stainless steel cookware, the quality of the bottom of the product should be taken into account. The dishes will quickly become unusable if thin metal was used in the production of the bottom and body. There are models of kettles that are equipped with a capsulated bottom, which helps to accelerate the heating of water. The disadvantage of stainless steel teapots is insufficient heat capacity and uneven heating. The bottom surface of such a product can only heat up to a temperature of 100 degrees.
Carbon steel teapots (enameled) are safe to use. During production, enamel is applied using a special hot method, followed by heat treatment. This type of cookware is resistant to high temperatures and has good heat capacity. The water in the enamelware keeps the temperature for a long time. The disadvantage is the low strength of the material: enamel-coated teapots are resistant to impacts and falls.
Glass teapots have an aesthetic and stylish appearance. Glass cookware is equipped with a ferromagnetic metal base, which enables the burner to turn on. Most often, there are models with a thin metal plate. The surface of models with a thick metal capsule bottom heats up quickly, which leads to rapid boiling of the liquid. In the production of glass models, heat-resistant glass is used, which tolerates high temperature well, as well as its drops.
In some configurations, glass teapots are equipped with tea brewing flasks, which are more like a tea infuser. It is safe to brew tea in glassware as there are no heating elements inside.
Due to the plasticity of glass, there are many different shapes and models with original designs. The glass teapot is an irreplaceable assistant and fits perfectly into the interior. The disadvantage is the fragility of the material.
The whistling kettle for induction hobs is just as convenient as for other types of hobs. The closed opening of the spout contributes to the rapid heating and boiling of water, and a loud whistle will instantly alert you of boiling. Whistling cookware models are very durable, as they are made from high quality metal. In addition, the teapot handles are made of heat-resistant material and are very comfortable.
Whistle caps are of two types:
- removable;
- covers that rise when a button is pressed.
The first type is not very convenient. There is a risk of scalding from the steam if you bring your hand close. The lid, which is lifted at the push of a button, is convenient and practical to use. There are kettle models with a heating level indicator. Such products are very convenient and safe at the same time.The heating indicator is a convenient option that helps to determine the boiling point and track the approach of the maximum heating point of the water.
There are kettles in which the notification about the degree of heating occurs with the help of a certain color.
Rating of the best models
The list of the best manufacturers of induction kettle is as follows.
Gipfel
The German company Gipfel produces high-quality and comfortable stainless steel products. The handle of the kettle is made of heat-resistant material, and the removable lid allows you to easily pour water into a container and, if necessary, pour it into another container. Stainless steel makes the device practical and convenient with a long service life. One of the popular models of this company is a 2.5-liter stainless steel teapot stylized as copper. This tableware will appeal to supporters of minimalism and stylish things. A kettle with a copper-colored body will be an original accessory for the kitchen, as well as a good gift for loved ones.
Fessler
Another manufacturer from Germany is the Fessler company. The company's products are of the highest quality. The range of products is presented in various stylish models and a variety of colors. The construction of the body is made of durable metal, which allows the kettle to be used not only on induction hobs, but also on other types of hobs. The handle is made of a material that is resistant to high temperatures, it is impossible to burn yourself on it. Also, of the advantages, it is worth noting a good heat capacity, water retains its temperature for a long time.
Kitchenaid
The American Kitchenaid company produces kettle models for induction hobs. The material is stainless steel with a special coating, which prevents scratches on the case. The kettle of this manufacturer does not emit unnecessary pulsations and noises, and after boiling notifies with a special signal. Kitchenaid produces a variety of products that will appeal and satisfy any customer. The products of this manufacturer are also distinguished by their strength and durability. The service life of the products reaches 20 years.
Powise Industrial
The Chinese manufacturer Powise Industrial produces original induction-type cooker kettles. One of the most interesting products is a model made of stainless steel, which is covered with enamel with a black and white pattern. The teapot of the Chinese company with a volume of 3 liters has a solid capsule bottom, due to which the water heats up quickly. When the case heats up, the black and white drawing becomes colored. The handle of the product is made of silicone, which does not heat up. This model attracts with its design and originality.
Due to the durability and strength of the metal, such a product can serve for many years.
How to choose?
Criteria for choosing a kettle for an induction hob should be based on several aspects.
- Product volume. The choice of a teapot should be based on the number of people in the family. A small volume product will not only bring inconvenience. Boiling water in several approaches will waste energy.
- The tightness of the teapot. The lid of the cookware must close tightly and not let steam through. Otherwise, when steam is released, deformation of the product may occur under the influence of high temperature, which also indicates a poor-quality product.
- Poor spout water permeability. It is worth immediately checking how water flows out of the spout. If water pours out in an uneven flow, the product must be returned. As a rule, such utensils are within the warranty period.
- The design and shape of the handle is selected individually, depending on the preferences of the consumer. Inconvenient shape and poor quality of the material can lead to burns with steam or boiling water.
- The fixing of the kettle must be secure. When choosing a product, you should pay attention to the screwed bolts on the handles.Loose bolts can break the handle of the kettle when boiling water is present.
- The spout must be above the body to prevent liquid spillage. In order to pour water from a teapot into cups, you should choose a product with a long spout.
- The compatibility of the diameter of the bottom of the product with the dimensions of the induction hob is often not the same. In order to choose the model that is suitable for the hob, it is necessary to take into account the area of the hotplate and the diameter of the bottom of the kettle. It should not differ from the panel area by more than 30%.
It is worth adding to this list the choice of the color of the enamel of the inner surface in the case of purchasing an enamel product. White, cream, light blue, blue and black are safe. The rest of the colors and shades are acceptable for enamel with the outer coating of the case. You should not buy cookware with brown, red and yellow inner lining.
Considering these features, the purchase of the product will be easy and will only bring pleasure. In addition, today models from various manufacturers are presented in bright colors and stylish designs for every taste.
For information on what cookware can be used on induction cookers, see the next video.