The primary distinction between a hotplate and an induction cooker is that a hotplate uses heat generated by either electricity or gas for cooking, while an induction cooker relies on radiation for cooking. Both hotplates and induction cookers are essential cooking appliances that are powered by electricity.
Key Takeaways
- Hotplates use heat produced by electricity or gas for cooking, while induction cookers use radiation to cook food.
- Induction cookers are more energy-efficient than hotplates but can only be used with certain types of cookware.
- Hotplates are versatile and can be used in both laboratory and household settings, while induction cookers are primarily used as kitchen appliances.
What is a Hotplate?
A hotplate is a small, portable cooktop that uses one or more electric heating elements or gas burners. It is a self-contained tabletop appliance that is often used as a substitute for a burner from an oven range or kitchen stove. Hotplates are helpful for food preparation in locations where a full kitchen stove is not practical. Typically, a hotplate has a flat or round surface and can be used when traveling or in areas without electricity.
In a laboratory setting, a hotplate is commonly used for heating glassware or its contents. Sometimes, a hotplate includes a magnetic stirrer, allowing the heated liquid to be stirred automatically. Alternative methods for heating glassware on a hotplate include suspending the glassware slightly above the surface of the plate to reduce the temperature of the glass and encourage even heating.
What is an Induction Cooker?
An induction cooker is a kitchen appliance that cooks food using radiation. Induction cookers work by electromagnets that heat the pot directly, rather than creating heat against the pot for heat transfer. As a result, the pot heats up, but not the stove surface. This method is faster than most other cooking techniques, allowing food to be cooked more quickly.
Induction cookers utilize an electromagnetic field but require an induction-rated pot on the cooker to generate heat. If the surface of the induction cooker becomes hot, it means heat has transferred from the cooking pot back to the cooker’s surface. Although induction cookers heat up quickly, the heat is concentrated at the bottom of the cookware, making it easy for food to burn. Only iron or stainless steel cookware is compatible with induction cookers, which are comparatively safe but less durable and easy to clean.
What is the Difference Between Hotplate and Induction Cooker?
The main difference between hotplates and induction cookers is that hotplates use heat produced by either electricity or gas for cooking, while induction cookers use radiation to cook. Induction cookers are more energy-efficient than hotplates, but they can only be used with certain types of cookware.
Summary – Hotplate vs Induction Cooker
Hotplates are useful in both laboratory and household settings, while induction cookers are primarily used as kitchen appliances. The key difference between hotplate and induction cooker is that hotplates use heat generated by either electricity or gas for cooking, whereas induction cookers use radiation for cooking.
