What is the Difference between Induction and Ceramic Hob

Today, I will be discussing the difference between Induction and Ceramic hob. And would shed some light on the misconception about the word “CERAMIC“. That over time has always been referred to as the “ceramic hob” and that has been widely accepted all over the world.

I have stated several times in my previous article about Major Domestic Appliance, that these two are mixed and confused to be the same time and again.

And in my humble opinion, I can see where the confusion comes.

Did you know that both cooktops are using “CERAMIC” glass panels? Yes, you heard it right (I will expound on this as we go deeper in our discussion).

Yet, again, why the so-called “Ceramic hob”? where did it originate, and who coined the term ceramic hob?

Please join me as we find the possible answers!

What is an Induction hob

In my previous article on How Induction Cooker Works, I have defined what is an Induction cooker in detail.

For the benefit of everyone, let us again define what is an Induction hob… shall we…

• An Induction Cooker is a cooking device that employs an electromagnetic coil to produce energy (electromagnetic field). And the power produced or generated will directly heat the induction-ready cooking pot.

• The transfer of heat is only between the induction coil and the induction-ready cooking pot/pan.

• An Induction hob is also known as an Induction cooker, an Induction cooktop.

• Available in both Freestanding and Built-in types.

What is a Ceramic hob

• A Ceramic hob is a cooking device powered by a radiant heating element or Infrared.

• The energy (heat) generated by the radiant heater is transferred to the ceramic glass panel, then from the ceramic glass panel to the cooking pot/pan.

• A Ceramic hob is also known as Ceramic cooktop, Ceramic cooker. And in the industry some would call or refer to it as Radiant Ceramic hob/cooktop/cooker.

• Available in both Freestanding and Built-in types.

Difference between Induction and Ceramic hob

To give us a clearer view of what is the difference between Induction and Ceramic hob, let’s compare them side by side.

Remark: The above properties are the most commonly found on both Induction and Ceramic hobs. The heating element and its features vary according to design, thus, I will refrain from elaborating to avoid confusion. 

Major Components of Induction and Ceramic hob

Many components are needed to build an induction and or a ceramic hob. In spite of that, I will only focus on the two most critical part that defines them.

Let’s find out the two main components of induction and ceramic hobs.

1. Heating Element

The heating element is a critical component for both Induction and Ceramic hob. Here lies the overall performance of the hobs.

You now know that they are using different types of heating elements.

However, for manufacturers to choose the right supplier of the heating element is a long process of brainstorming because it will affect the products’ final cost.

Meanwhile, premium brands would always utilize the best heating element available to protect their brand or image. Even if it would mean to cost a fortune for a normal wage earner to buy one of their Induction or Ceramic hob.

On the other hand, there’s always that “alternative component” if they want to cut costs.

Here’s a tip, if you intend to buy an Induction and or Ceramic hob, ask the sales representative if the heating element is made by E.G.O.

Although, some brands will disclose it as a marketing strategy…

But various available models are using alternative parts and the price should be lower.

So now you got the hint, and I will not further elaborate.

2. Ceramic Glass panel

The ceramic glass panel is another critical part of Induction and Ceramic hobs.

And as I have mentioned earlier, both Induction and Ceramic hobs are using the same type of ceramic glass panels… where it became the genre of a Ceramic hob.

The thought that comes to my mind why Ceramic hob is being called a Ceramic hob as it is now is because of how the heat is being transferred. 

In a Ceramic hob, the heat needs to pass to each component and it happens that from the heating element the heat is transferred to the ceramic glass and from the ceramic glass to the cooking pot/pan.

Whereas if we analyze for Induction hob, the heat transfer is by an electromagnetic field that can only happen between the heating element and the induction ready pot/pan (the ceramic glass has nothing to do with the heat transfer, aside from it being a panel for pot/pan to rest).

Like the heating element, selecting the supplier of ceramic glass to be used will also greatly affect products’ final cost.

In the same manner, premium brands would always utilize the best ceramic glass available to protect their brand or image.

Consequently, for ceramic glass, there’s always that “alternative part or supplier” if they want to cut costs.

Why only use ceramic glass?

• A ceramic glass has all the special Thermal and Mechanical characteristics that could meet the demands of a glass panel required for Induction and Ceramic hobs.

The most sought-after ceramic glass brands are SCHOTT CERAN and EURO KERA.

You will see it marked on the hob’s ceramic glass panel.

Although there are other top manufacturers of ceramic glass such as N.E.G. from Japan. But the above two brands are the most popular to many manufacturers.

Which is better Induction or Ceramic hobs?

An Induction hob will generate heat faster than a Ceramic hob, especially Induction hob has a Boost function that can double the power and make the cooker heat even faster.

So, logically you can cook faster using an Induction hob.

On the other hand, you don’t have to worry about what cookware to use when cooking using Ceramic hob.

Likewise, the Ceramic hob is cheaper than the Induction cooktop.

Depending on what weighs more important to you according to your need, then you can decide whether to go for Induction or Ceramic hob.

But, wait…

A Hybrid model (combination of Induction and Ceramic) can immediately solve your problem and you can enjoy both worlds of Induction or Ceramic cooktops.

Conclusion

I have shown you what are the difference between Induction and Ceramic hob.

I have also given my opinion about why a Ceramic hob is being called a Ceramic hob as it is now that is widely accepted.

That’s just my personal opinion, as I cannot find any definitive answer even after asking several manufacturers I know who are specializing in Induction and Ceramic hobs.

So there you have it folks, thank you for reading. If you find this article helpful, or you have some questions or suggestions, please leave a comment below. I will answer them as soon as I can to the best of my knowledge.