Induction Cooker Built In Countertop: 20 Photos (Kitchen)

Want to expand your workspace? countertops? You can get rid of the hob!
Well, not quite get rid of, but hide from view.
This was made possible by the merger induction cooker and countertops, moreover, according to the principle of nesting dolls: one inside the other. The space of the hob after its use instantly turns into a working field: seamless, as functional and comfortable as possible.

In our article, we will focus only on the induction hob.
About the working principle:
Electric stove uses in its work spirals with high resistance, which heat up to high temperatures when current is applied to them. Thus, both the surface and the dishes are heated.
The induction panel works on a different principle: creating a strong electromagnetic field, the panel transfers energy not to the material around, but directly to the metal pot / pan, and heats it up.

For a detailed idea of ​​what an "invisible" induction hob is, let's turn to the example of two companies developing such models: a Russian factory LigronTech and Spanish factory TPB tech.

LigronTech

The Russian company LIGRON Tech has been manufacturing kitchen worktops according to individual projects for over 20 years: it can be made from different materials, different thicknesses and configurations.

Currently, to create kitchen countertops, the manufacturer uses a material called Ceralan, which is one of the most wear-resistant, heat-resistant and environmentally friendly. It is based on a mixture of quarry clay and ceramic pigments that have undergone a process of pressing and baking. As a result, the factory receives a very thin high-tech stove that allows you to cook directly on the table.

Not emitting any harmful substances when heated, Ceralan is a 100% environmentally friendly surface.

Breakthrough in technology: Ligron Tech slab built UNDER the Ceralan worktop. Video.

Ligron Tech offers customers several options for countertops with different number and diameter of induction hob burners:

• 2 cooking zones with a diameter of 20 and 16 cm;
• 4 cooking zones located in a semicircle / square with a diameter of 16 cm (2 pcs.) And 20 cm (2 pcs.);
• 3 cooking zones located in a semicircle / triangle with a diameter of 16 cm (1 pc.) And 20 cm (2 pcs.);
• and other variations.

The heating elements of the stove will not be visible to the eye, since they are made in the same color as the countertop. At the same time, the table can have any shade and pattern offered by the company in a wide range. To control the functions of the induction hob, there is a unit made of tempered glass and integrated into the worktop. We look at the photo below.

When using a built-in hob, the manufacturer recommends the use of silicone mats. And there are several reasons for this. First, to minimize the mechanical impact on the table. Secondly, the mats protect against the noise of contact between dishes and countertops. Thirdly, since the surface of the table has a rough texture, the bottom of the cookware will not receive any mechanical action that may cause damage, abrasion. Also, the silicone mat will protect the table from overheating.

The pride of LIGRON Tech (almost any modern person can appreciate this) is the presence of a wireless charger integrated into the table top. Now a cell phone, often used when the owner is in the kitchen, can be charged, located in a certain part of the kitchen table. There will be no wires and low battery when you need laid-back music or a delicious dinner recipe!

LIGRON Induction

In models LIGRON Induction The table top is made of glass ceramic. Many people are afraid to mess with glass, but modern technology makes this once fragile material very strong by heating it to high temperatures. As a result, a glass-ceramic is created that is resistant to high temperatures and has protection against any mechanical damage.

In LIGRON Induction, several hob options:

1. Modular, ranging in size from kitchen apron to the front edge of the tabletop. In this case, the panel is not integrated into the table, but placed on it as a separate element. The modular part is superimposed directly on the countertop without any special installation. An example in the photo.

   

2. Mortise, built into the countertop of any material on the same level with it. The main advantage of such a panel is that the table surface can be made only from glass ceramic or in combination with a top made of another material. The figure below shows the combination of two materials: glass ceramics and artificial stone.

   

3. hob, integrated inside the table top (what is the main topic of our article). Here the shape of the table, the material used and the color are chosen according to taste.

The block of touch control of functions of a plate in this model is completely built in glass ceramics. Only small windows with indication remain visible and tactile. Also note that the manufacturer recommends use silicone coasters when preparing food, although tempered glass can withstand high temperatures without auxiliary coasters.

Ligron Tech Smart Top

Model smart top from Ligron Tech is a countertop with an induction cooker built inside, which has an additional unit with touch control for all functions in the house, powered by electricity. It sits directly on the table. In total, 6 control buttons are available on the panel, which can be programmed for any functions (we will list them below). For convenience, icons of buttons are displayed on the countertop, which do not interfere either with cleaning the surface or during cooking.

What can be brought under the control of the touch buttons? Everything. The main thing is that it works from electricity:

• underfloor heating in the kitchen;
• general light in the kitchen;
• kitchen area lighting: desktop, headset, etc.;
• turning on and off household appliances (electric kettle, dishwasher, air fryer, rice cooker, coffee maker, etc.);
• air conditioner;
• the induction cooker itself;
• and etc.

Advantages and disadvantages of an induction cooker built into the countertop

We reviewed a new model presented by the Russian company Ligron Tech: an induction cooker “hidden” inside the countertop. Despite the innovation, the network already has a lot of comments about the product. The benefits are many and obvious. It was not without its shortcomings. We list the most significant of them.

Of the advantages of an induction cooker built into the table, we can distinguish:

• Space saving, because, on the one hand, we cook food on the countertop, on the other hand, we use it in as an ordinary table: on the surface we can cut food or arrange a table setting and invite our friends.
• Ease of cleaning, because the countertop has no seams or other transitions from the table to the hob.
• A wide range of table patterns suitable for the interior and style your kitchen. You can also choose the location of the cooking zones as you wish (square, semicircle, triangle), which will also depend on the number of burners.
• Low energy consumption: power consumption is 7.4 kW at 220-240 V operating voltage and 50 Hz frequency.
• Work safety as the cooking zone has a low residual temperature on the surface. In addition, the zone heats up only after contact with the bottom of the cookware, which is the basic principle of the induction cooker. Only part of the table directly under the pan will be heated, which means that the rest of the space can be used as desired: place a recipe book next to it, cutting board etc. At the same time, if there are no dishes on the switched on cooking zone, there will be no heating of the surface.

Are there any disadvantages to such a countertop with a built-in stove? Of course yes. This is, firstly, the high cost of goods. Secondly, the mandatory use of silicone mats. Thirdly, LIGRON Tech countertops have a small nuance. Is it possible to call a disadvantage the fact that the block of touch buttons for controlling functions is not integrated into the table, but is a built-in element made of tempered glass? Each user of this stove will answer this question himself.

TPB tech

We're moving on to the second company to introduce the world to their countertop with an induction hob built in. TPB tech (Top Porzelanik Barcelona) is a Spanish company based in Barcelona. She was one of the first to create an invisible induction cooker integrated inside a ceramic worktop. The factory is known throughout the world for the production of high-tech material: large-format ceramic composite sheets, from which very durable and extremely thin table surfaces are made. The induction equipment itself is designed and manufactured in Germany and is of high quality. By the way, in the event of a breakdown, it is not repaired, but replaced completely.

Presentation of a worktop with a built-in induction hob from TPB tech. Video.

TPB tech uses its own patented material in its production, which is a “layer cake” made of porcelain ceramics, aluminum, bakelite and an additional aluminum layer (the composition of the material is shown in the figure below). On the surface is high-strength porcelain stoneware, which has a non-porous composition with antibacterial properties. It is easy to maintain and is not afraid of mechanical impact: on porcelain stoneware, you can cut food without additional stands. The task of the aluminum layer is to conduct heat (works as a heat sink). And the use of Bakelite and aluminum make it possible to obtain a high-strength material, while being light in weight.

The composition of the tabletop of the Spanish factory TPB tech

Work on an individual order

TPB tech works with any client. Starting to produce countertops with integrated plates exclusively for professional needs, the factory gradually moved to a new level - to work with household orders. Now each client can purchase a table on an individual order or choose from the ready-made options offered by the manufacturer.

To create a custom-made countertop, TPB tech offers the client 2 types of its dimensions:

• up to 315 x 122 cm;
• up to 315 x 70 cm.

At the same time, the client independently chooses the color of the material, the number (3 or 4) and the location of the burner zones, as well as the position and type of their control (touch or mechanical). After agreeing on the main parameters of the countertop with a built-in induction surface, the manufacturer proceeds to work: creates a drawing, subsequently approved by the client, manufactures the product and delivers it to the site accommodation.

TPB tech, unlike the Russian company Ligron Tech, does not insist on the use of silicone mats and other additional materials between the pan and the table. Cooking is safe for both countertops and kitchen utensils, and for humans.
However, a silicone mat will not hurt here either ...

standard production

In the case of an individual order, the tabletop can be up to 3.15 meters long, while having a different shape, for example, a slight bend. With standard tables it is a little different: the size is fixed and much smaller in length and width.

Mini TPB tech

TPB tech presented a model Mini TPB tech. Based on the name, it becomes clear that we are talking about standard small countertops. This model is presented with touch control buttons. The factory currently offers the following product sizes:

• 120 x 62 cm with 3 burners of different diameters (17, 23, 28 cm);
• 90 x 62 cm with 2 burners with a diameter of 17 and 23 cm;
• 90 x 62 cm with 3 burners with a diameter of 17 (1 pc.) and 23 cm (2 pcs.).

This model is presented with touch control buttons.

Unlike the previous model, Mini TPB tech is built into an existing worktop. Despite the fact that the joints are not visible, the table will not be monolithic, which is what some customers strive for. In the off state of the hob, you can also cook on its surface: cut food without a board, since the table material is made of high-strength ceramics.

Portatil TPB tech

Another model from TPB tech is Portatil, which is a separate layer of countertops with an induction cooker built inside. In this case, the panel will rise above the main part of the table by several centimeters. Acting as an island, in the non-working state of the hob, the surface will also serve as a table for cutting and cooking food. In addition to these functions, the countertop can act as a serving or buffet table, on which there will be vases with fruits, snacks and other delicacies. However, the presented model is more intended for professional kitchens.

The developer offers 2 dimensions of the Portátil model:

• 105 x 60 cm with 2 burners 17 and 23 cm in diameter. This option has touch controls.
• 150 x 70 cm with 4 burners with a diameter of 17 cm (2 pcs.) and 23 cm (2 pcs.). Control is carried out using the handles built into the front of the module (this option is shown in the photo below).

The advantages and disadvantages of both the Russian and the Spanish models are similar, so we will not focus on this. We add that all types of countertops with built-in induction hobs can be placed not only in the kitchen area, but also on island.

Well, we have considered the most important points of the countertop with an invisible hob. Summing up, we can say for sure: the best induction cooker is the one that is not visible!