What cooktops can be found in the kitchen?

We generally differentiate between self-contained cooktops and cookers combining oven and cooktop. A self-contained cooktop has its own operating controls and can be installed virtually anywhere in the kitchen. Whereas, a cooker with a combined cooktop and oven, gives kitchen planners less design freedom. As a matter of principle, BORA cooktops are self-contained.

Flat round coils under the glass ceramic create an electromagnetic field when the cooktop is switched on. So that the electromagnetic field can generate heat at the base of the pot, the cookware must have a magnetic base (e.g. stainless steel, cast iron, enamelled iron) — this is the only way that it can absorb the energy from the magnetic field as heat. When cooking on an induction hob, the risk of burns is relatively low as the heat generated is concentrated at the base of the cookware; the surrounding area of the cooktop is heated significantly less, merely from the heat recovered from the cookware. Thanks to the power setting on the induction cooktop, the heat-up time is very short and accurate temperature adjustment is also possible. 

On surface induction cooktops, square coils made of wound wire also generate an electromagnetic field. With the help of the bridging function, the square shape of the coils means that a very large cooking area can be created. In turn, more or bigger cooking pots can be placed on the cooktop. The bridging function enables even large roasters to be used on the cooktop. Thanks to the automatic pan size recognition function, only the coil is activated above which induction-compatible cookware has been placed. As well as this flexibility when cooking, surface induction also has the advantage of having an attractive, very elegant design, as only very discreet cooking zone markings divide up its surface.

A cooktop with radiant heating elements is none other than what is often commonly referred to as a Ceran cooktop. However, strictly speaking, the term is incorrect. ‘Ceran cooktop’ simply means that the cooktop is made of glass ceramic. Ceran is a brand name of the company Schott AG, one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality glass ceramics and so is frequently used synonymously. 
In the case of radiant heating elements, heating coils are located under the glass ceramic plate of the electric cooktop. On these cooktops, energy is transferred by heat radiation. Contrary to induction cooktops, radiant heating elements do not have an automatic pan size recognition function, meaning that any cooking zones that are switched on will become hot even if there is no cookware on them. Cooktops with radiant heating elements are less expensive to buy than induction cooktops but need more power and are not as safe, as the cooking zone is heated to very high temperatures during the cooking process. 

Gas cooktops are particularly popular with professional chefs. They swear by cooking with gas: heat is provided by the seamlessly adjustable flame. That means that a gas cooktop quickly brings pots and pans up to the precise temperature required. Just as the flame is there immediately, when the hob is switched off it’s gone again straight away. Food does not keep on cooking and nothing is burnt on. 
Today’s gas glass ceramic cooktops are a far cry from the gas cookers of the past – both in terms of appearance and function.

Tepan, teppan yaki or teppanyaki – there are several ways of describing this type of cooktop. Whichever term is used, it always refers to a flat steel plate that is used to grill on. Such teppanyaki cooktops are derived from the Japanese art of grilling. Just as in the traditional Japanese kitchen, the cook places fish, meat or vegetables directly on the Tepan plate integrated in the cooktop. 
A teppanyaki cooktop usually has two cooking zones that can be separately adjusted. This enables you to grill a steak quickly on one side, whilst the vegetables cook slowly on the other. Teppanyaki cooktops form part of the BORA Professional and BORA Classic cooktop ranges. And there’s more: you don’t need to worry about burnt-on food! A teppanyaki is easy to clean. Simply pour a little water mixed with vinegar onto the Tepan plate and leave it to soak for a few minutes. Any dirt can then be removed using a Tepan scraper and sponge. To finish off, just wipe away any residue and water with kitchen roll.

The Asian kitchen boasts another cooking utensil which can be used to prepare tasty, healthy meals: the wok. For its Professional and Classic lines, BORA offers a glass ceramic hob with an integrated induction wok. A suitable ferromagnetic wok fits perfectly into the hollow in the cooktop. This enables the magnetic field under the glass ceramic to heat the food quickly and thoroughly. Another advantage compared to cooking with a wok on a flat electric or induction cooktop is the high level of energy efficiency.