IH Hob, Electric Cooktop, Ceramic Cooktop, or Glass Cooktop?

Technology evolves with time, and there are many types of cooktops on the market. Let Dr. Easy help you understand the differences.

IH Hobs, Induction Cookers, Electric Ceramic Stoves

Induction Cookers
Principle: An electric current flows to generate electromagnetic waves, which form eddy currents at the bottom of the cookware, causing the cookware itself to heat up.
Power Output: Most induction cookers on the market have a power output of around 800W - 1500W.
Thermal Efficiency: Most induction cookers on the market have a thermal efficiency of around 75% - 85%.
Cookware Compatibility: The bottom of the cookware must be magnetic and flat, with a flat base diameter between 12 and 26 cm.
Safety: Moderate to high. General induction cookers on the market feature multiple safety protection mechanisms, though fewer than high-performance IH hobs.
Advantages:
a ) Compact size and easy to move.
b ) No open flame, providing stable heating.
c ) Produces less oily smoke than gas stoves.
d ) Flat surface panel with no blind spots, making cleanup very easy.
e ) Plug-and-play. Most are 110V models, eliminating the need to hire an electrician for dedicated wiring.
Disadvantages:
a ) Picky with pans; requires cookware with a magnetic bottom, and the cookware must maintain full contact with the surface.
b ) Due to its smaller size, its power output is lower than that of IH hobs and electric ceramic stoves/infrared cookers.

IH Hobs
An IH hob is a type of induction cooker. "IH" stands for induction heating. Induction heating is a method that uses electromagnetic induction to generate heat.

For this reason, some people refer to IH hobs as IH induction hobs or IH induction cookers.

Principle: Electromagnetic coils beneath the panel generate electromagnetic induction to directly heat the cookware. As a result, less heat escapes, leading to higher thermal efficiency.
Power Output: Most IH hobs on the market have a power output of around 2500W – 2800W, which is higher than general induction cookers, making them more suitable for regular cooking. Meanwhile, EASY's IH induction hobs feature a power output of around 2800W – 3500W, the highest in the industry, resulting in shorter cooking times and greater energy efficiency.
Thermal Efficiency: Most IH hobs on the market have a thermal efficiency of around 85% - 90%. EASY's 3DIH induction hob increases thermal efficiency to 92% - 95% thanks to its exclusive 3D curved large burner design.


Buyer's Guide >> 3DIH Induction Hob


Cookware Compatibility: The bottom of the cookware must be magnetic, with a base diameter between 12 and 26 cm.
Safety: High. IH hobs on the market come with numerous safety protection mechanisms, which consumers can compare item by item before purchasing.
Advantages:
a ) No open flame, providing stable heating.
b ) Multiple built-in safety devices.
c ) High wattage output, suitable for various cooking styles.
d ) High thermal efficiency and rapid heating speed, reducing cooking time while saving electricity and energy.
e ) Low heat radiation, fast dispersion of oily smoke, and no spreading of hot air, which reduces grease accumulation on wall tiles.
f ) Flat glass surface with no blind spots, making kitchen cleanup much easier.
g ) Can be installed in air-conditioned or fan-cooled spaces.
Disadvantages:
a ) Picky with pans; requires cookware with a magnetic bottom, and the diameter must match the heating zone requirements.
b ) Requires a dedicated 220V circuit and outlet in the kitchen; evaluation and installation by a professional electrician are required beforehand.

Electric Ceramic Stoves (Also known as: Infrared Cookers)
Principle: Uses infrared light from halogen lamps to generate heat directly onto the glass panel, which then transfers the heat to the cookware through conduction.
Power Output: Approximately 1000W – 3000W.
Thermal Efficiency: Moderate. Most electric ceramic stoves/infrared cookers on the market have a thermal efficiency of around 50% - 70%.
Cookware Compatibility: Works with any cookware (not picky).
Safety: Moderate.
a ) Because the infrared light directly heats the glass panel, the surface becomes glowing red and extremely hot during and after use. Inadvertent contact carries a high risk of burns, and flammable objects falling onto the hot surface can easily trigger a fire.
b ) Safety designs vary significantly between models. Consumers should carefully compare safety features item by item before buying, ideally choosing appliances equipped with overheat protection, anti-dry burn devices, and automatic power-off mechanisms.
Advantages:
a ) Compatible with all types of pots and pans.
b ) No open flame, providing stable heating.
C ) Produces less oily smoke than gas stoves.
d ) Well-suited for compact spaces.
Disadvantages:
a ) The heating surface cools down slowly after use. You must wait for the residual high temperature to drop before cleaning; however, spilled food or sauces may dry up and become difficult to clean during this time, and there is a risk of accidental burns while waiting for it to cool.
b ) High power consumption over extended use can easily lead to increased electricity bills.
c ) Slow heating speed. You have to wait for the halogen tubes to warm up, making the initial heating speed slower than that of induction cookers and IH hobs.
d ) Halogen tubes are consumable parts. They emit intense red light when heating; avoid staring directly at the bright light, as it can cause harm to your eyes.