In recent years, flameless cooking has become increasingly popular. Induction hobs have become the first choice for many households due to their advantages such as easy cleaning and lower kitchen temperatures during cooking. The Consumer Council conducted a comprehensive test on 13 double-burner and full-surface induction hobs available in the market, providing an in-depth evaluation from safety, performance to energy-saving aspects, offering objective purchasing references for consumers.
Which 13 Induction Hobs Did the Consumer Council Select for Testing?
The Consumer Council tested 13 induction hob samples covering different designs, with rated input power ranging from 2,800 watts to 5,200 watts, and prices ranging from HK$3,680 to HK$21,300. The test samples are divided into two main categories: traditional double-burner designs and innovative full-surface models.
Double-Burner Induction Hobs (10 models):
German Pool (GIC-252DB) - Built-in/Portable
Küzzo (DG-288S) - Built-in/Portable
Whirlpool (ACM230/IX) - Built-in
Giggas (GS-238D) - Built-in/Portable
Sunpentown (IC-2899) - Built-in/Portable
Electrolux (EHI7280BB) - Built-in
Garwoods (EC-2360IC) - Built-in/Portable
Rasonic (RIC-S44E) - Built-in/Portable
Hibachi (HY-2800GD1) - Built-in/Portable
Panasonic (KY-C223B) - Built-in/Portable
Full-Surface Induction Hobs (3 models):
Asko (HI1355G) - Built-in
Siemens (EX375FXB1E) - Built-in
Fisher & Paykel (CI302DTB4) - Built-in
What Aspects Did the Consumer Council Test for Induction Hobs?
The Consumer Council's test items cover 5 core areas, comprehensively evaluating the actual performance of the samples:
1. Performance
The test focused on evaluating heating efficiency, heat control, and heat distribution uniformity. The Consumer Council conducted a water boiling test to measure the heating efficiency of each sample. The results showed that the average heating efficiency ranged from 85.3% to 90.4%, an improvement from the 74% to 91% range in the 2015 test. Additionally, through simulated pancake cooking tests to assess heat distribution, it was found that 6 samples had uneven heat distribution, which could lead to uneven cooking of food.
2. Energy-Saving Level
Assessment of standby power consumption and energy efficiency rating. The test found significant differences in standby power consumption among samples, ranging from 0.13 watts to 2.28 watts. According to the EMSD's mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme, if the standby power consumption of a double-burner induction hob exceeds 2 watts, even with excellent heating efficiency, it can only achieve a maximum energy efficiency rating of Grade 5. The test also found that the calculated energy efficiency ratings for 5 samples were one grade lower than what was indicated on their labels.
3. Safety Level
Multiple safety tests were conducted, including hob surface impact, insulation strength and distance, heat resistance and flammability of plastic materials. All samples passed the basic safety tests, but 5 samples lacked some warning statements specified by the standards. Among them, the "Küzzo" model had a rated voltage marking that did not match the information in the instruction manual.
4. Low Heat Control
Simulating a real scenario of melting chocolate to test the oil temperature control performance of samples under low heat settings. According to the international standard IEC 60350-2 requirements, samples must control the oil temperature at 53°C or below within 18 minutes. The results showed that nearly 70% of the samples did not meet the standard. Only the small burner of "Whirlpool", "Asko", "Siemens", and "Fisher & Paykel" could properly control the oil temperature.
5. Dual-Burner Simultaneous Cooking Performance
Testing the heat control when both burners are operating simultaneously. The results found that "German Pool" and "Giggas" could only heat oil to 177℃ and 173℃ respectively within 45 minutes, indicating room for improvement in heat control.
Consumer Council Comparison Table of 13 Induction Hobs
Note: Information is compiled based on the Consumer Council's "CHOICE" Monthly Issue 568 test report. Prices are for reference only.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Induction Hob
1. Power and Energy Efficiency Rating
Choosing the appropriate power is crucial; generally, 2800W is sufficient for home use. Priority should be given to products with an energy efficiency label of Grade 2 or above to ensure energy-saving effects during long-term use. The Consumer Council test found that the actual energy efficiency ratings of some samples did not match their labels. It is recommended to choose reputable brands. Standby power consumption varies significantly, ranging from 0.13 watts to 2.28 watts, which can accumulate and affect electricity bills over time.
2. Precision of Heat Control
Low heat control is particularly important for cooking methods like slow cooking and keeping food warm. Nearly 70% of the tested samples failed to meet the IEC 60350-2 international standard requirements for low heat control, with temperatures rising too quickly and being difficult to control. When choosing, pay special attention to whether the product has fine heat adjustment levels and whether it can stably maintain low temperatures. The Siemens EX375FXB1E offers 17 heat levels and performed excellently in low heat control.
3. Uniformity of Heat Distribution
Uneven heat distribution can cause food to cook unevenly, affecting cooking results. The Consumer Council test showed that 6 samples had uneven heat distribution. When choosing, you can refer to the heat distribution scores in professional test reports or choose models with uniform heating technology. Whirlpool ACM230/IX and Electrolux EHI7280BB performed best in the pancake test, with average and symmetrical browning.
4. Safety Certification and Completeness of Markings
Although all samples passed the basic safety tests, 5 samples lacked some warning statements specified by the standards. When choosing, carefully check whether the product has complete safety markings and whether information such as rated voltage and power matches the instruction manual. Pay special attention to hob surface impact protection, insulation strength, and the heat resistance and flammability of plastic materials.
5. Dual-Burner Simultaneous Operation Performance
For double-burner induction hobs, heat distribution when both burners are used simultaneously is crucial. The test found that some models were not ideal in heat control during dual-burner cooking, taking 45 minutes and still failing to heat cooking oil to the specified temperature. When choosing, consider whether the product has intelligent heat distribution function to ensure stable and efficient heating performance even when using multiple burners at the same time. The German Pool GIC-252DB supports intelligent heat distribution, allowing simultaneous different cooking tasks.
How Much Do the Consumer Council's 3 High-Scoring Induction Hobs Cost?
The Panasonic KY-C223B 30cm 2800W Built-in Double-Burner Induction Hob is a high-performance induction hob that provides a total output power of up to 2.8 kilowatts. Each burner can independently reach up to 2.0 kilowatts, ensuring cooking efficiency and flexibility.
It features a durable SCHOTT CERAN® glass panel that is easy to clean and stylish in appearance. The KY-C223B offers flexible design, supporting both built-in and portable installation, seamlessly integrating into modern kitchen spaces, providing you with a safe, convenient, and efficient cooking experience.
Recommended Model 2: Siemens EX375FXB1E iQ700 Built-in Induction Hob
Price: HK$21,300
The Siemens EX375FXB1E iQ700 Built-in Induction Hob is a high-performance 30cm Domino hob, designed for modern kitchens seeking flexible cooking experiences.
This induction hob features a fast-heating ceramic glass panel equipped with an innovative flexInduction flexible cooking zone that automatically detects pot size and merges heating zones, easily handling large cookware. With a total input power of 3.7 kW, combined with touchSlider touch control operation, it provides 17 levels of precise heat control, making the cooking process more effortless.
The Fisher & Paykel CI302DTB4 is a 30cm built-in double-burner induction hob, designed for modern kitchens that pursue high performance and minimalist design.
This induction hob features a durable black ceramic glass panel with two independent cooking zones. Each zone can provide powerful heat of up to 3700W through the PowerBoost function. Its innovative SmartZone technology can merge the two zones into one, offering excellent heating speed, energy efficiency, and precise temperature control to handle various cooking challenges.
