Induction Hob or Infrared Cooker: How to Choose an Electric Hot Plate

A portable electric hob is useful in many situations: as an extra burner when you cook for guests, in a small apartment or office, or when there is no gas. Electric hobs come in two main types, induction and infrared, and with one or two burners. This guide explains the difference so you can choose the right one.

1. Induction hob: fast and efficient

An induction hob uses a magnetic field to heat the pot itself, not the glass. Heat starts quickly and goes straight into the pan, and the glass around the pot stays cooler than on other hobs.

• Best for: fast everyday cooking, boiling water and frying.
• Keep in mind: induction needs magnetic cookware, such as cast iron or magnetic stainless steel. A simple test: if a magnet sticks to the bottom of the pot, it works on induction.

2. Infrared cooker: works with any pot

An infrared cooker heats a plate under the ceramic glass, which then heats the pot. Because it does not depend on magnetism, it works with almost any cookware, including aluminium pots, glass and traditional teapots.

• Best for: homes that want to keep using the pots they already have.
• Keep in mind: the glass stays hot for a while after cooking.

3. Single or double burner?

A single burner is compact, light and easy to carry or store. A double burner lets you cook two dishes at once, for example rice and a stew, which makes it a real alternative to a gas stove.

4. Features worth looking for

• Power and temperature settings: more settings give you better control, from gentle simmering to fast frying.
• Timer: the hob switches off by itself when the time ends.
• Touch control and ceramic glass: easy to use and easy to wipe clean.
• Child lock and safety protections: important in a family home.

Quick comparison

Which MODEX hob fits you?

• Fast and compact: the MODEX IH140 is a 2200W single induction hob with a double-layer coil, up to 220°C, 8 temperature settings, a 4-hour timer, touch control, a child lock and 7 safety protections.
• Two dishes at once: the IH150 is a 3500W double induction hob with up to 240°C, 13 temperature settings, touch control, easy-clean ceramic glass and 7 safety protections.
• Any pot: the IC100 is a 2200W infrared cooker that reaches 260°C, with 10 temperature settings, a 3-hour timer, touch control and easy-clean ceramic glass.

See all models in our hobs collection.

Frequently asked questions

Will my pots work on an induction hob?

If a magnet sticks firmly to the bottom of the pot, it will work. If not, choose an infrared cooker such as the IC100.

Which is faster, induction or infrared?

Induction heats the pot directly, so it usually heats up faster. Infrared is more flexible because it works with almost any pot.

Can an electric hob replace a gas stove?

For many daily meals, yes. The double-burner IH150 lets you cook two dishes at the same time.

Are they safe with children at home?

The IH140 has a child lock, and both induction hobs have 7 safety protections.

Every MODEX hob comes with a 3-year warranty. Order online and pay on delivery. We deliver to all Iraqi provinces for a delivery fee of 5,000 IQD.