Power of an electric stove: what it is and how it should be

Among our fellow citizens, electric stoves are gaining popularity. They are becoming more and more favored due to their safety, functionality, ease of use, and lack of maintenance requirements. However, one drawback is their high electricity consumption. In this post, we will discuss the optimal power for a household electric stove.

Normative parameters of power

Although there are discounted rates available for residents with non-gasified homes, the expenses associated with operating an electric stove can still be quite expensive. The more powerful the electric stove, the higher the energy consumption and subsequently, the larger the energy bill. A traditional cooktop with four burners (two with a diameter of 180 mm and two with a diameter of 145 mm) consumes an average of 5 kWh. On the other hand, an induction cooktop has an even higher energy consumption, which can reach up to 10.5 kW when all four burners are used at the same time.

Types of stoves and electricity consumption

The amount of energy used by electric stoves is influenced by more than just the number and size of the burners. It also depends on the heating element’s type and operation principle. At present, consumers have access to two different types of electric stoves.

In traditional cooktops, tubular electric heaters (TEN) are commonly utilized. To ensure optimal heat distribution and safeguard the elements against external factors, they can be positioned beneath either cast-iron disks or a glass-ceramic panel.

These classic models are characterized by their moderate efficiency (with an efficiency factor of no more than 70%), average power consumption, and the notable sluggishness of their heating elements. Time is expended when bringing the heating element up to its desired operating temperature range, owing to user preferences and the gradual warming of the air "cushion" between the surface of the heater and the bottom of the cooking vessel. Consequently, this prolongs the device’s usage time, and subsequently increases electricity consumption.

Induction

This particular model is unique in that it does not rely on a conventional heating element. Instead, it utilizes the process of induction to heat cookware. Induction cooking involves the creation of a high-frequency magnetic field, which in turn generates heat in the cookware. The induction stove consists of several components that consume energy, including the control board, power supply unit, and coil inducing eddy currents, as well as the pulse regulator module.

One of the notable advantages of this type of equipment is its impressive energy efficiency. With an energy consumption rate of approximately 90%, induction stoves offer superior performance when compared to other traditional cooktops. Moreover, the heating process is extremely rapid, as the cookware starts heating up as soon as the device is turned on, resulting in significant time savings and, consequently, energy savings as well.

Allow me to provide an illustrative example to demonstrate the power consumption disparity between a robust induction stove and a conventional cooktop. For instance, a 2.5 kW induction burner can bring 3 liters of water to a boil in just 6 minutes. In contrast, a heating element with the same power rating would require approximately 15 minutes to achieve the same result.

Proportionality of power and energy consumption

Electricity usage is directly influenced by the time of use and the power consumption of electric stove elements. The power consumption of each element is standardized and falls within the following ranges:

• Cast iron burner with tubular heating element: 1-2 kWh.
• Upper heating element of the oven: 0.8 kWh.
• Lower heating element of the oven: 1 kWh.
• Grill with electric tube heater: 1.5 kWh.
• Oven lighting: 0.015-0.025 kWh.
• Spit motor: 0.006 kW.

What is the electricity consumption of a fully functional induction stove with four burners? The conventional model comes with two 160 mm diameter burners and one 180 mm diameter burner.

The largest burner has a diameter of 210 mm. Power consumption:

• 160 mm burner: 1.5 kW;
• From 2.5 to 3.5 kW, the hob measures 210 mm in size.

When all burners are running at maximum capacity, the hob consumes a total of 7.5 to 8.5 kWh of energy.

Energy classes

The energy consumption of an electric cooktop can vary depending on the type and design of the heating elements. Manufacturers assign a specific energy consumption class to their models, indicating how efficiently the model uses resources.

These classes are labeled with letters from "A" to "G". The most economical appliances are labeled with energy consumption classes "A", "A+", "A++", and "A+++". These letters are marked in green on the labeling. The cooler the shade of green, the quicker the stove reaches the desired temperature in the cooking area.

Conclusion

When selecting an electric stove for your household, it’s important to consider its specifications, usage frequency, cost, and future operating expenses. To optimize energy usage while using an electric stove, experts recommend the following:

• Opt for flat-bottomed cookware that matches the burner’s diameter. This will help minimize heat loss and reduce cooking time.
• Turn off stoves with cast iron burners 2-3 minutes before finishing the cooking process. Cast iron has a high heat capacity, allowing it to retain heat for a prolonged period.
• Stoves with a high energy efficiency rating offer the greatest energy savings.

Check out a video about the energy consumption of an electric stove.