Radiant hot plates are commonly used in glass-ceramic cooktops to provide efficient and even heating. Here's how they work:
1. Heating Element (Radiant Coil)
The radiant hot plate consists of a coiled metal heating element (usually made of nichrome or iron-chromium-aluminum alloy) beneath the glass-ceramic surface.
When electricity flows through the coil, it heats up due to resistance, producing infrared radiation.
2. Heat Transfer Mechanism
Unlike induction cooktops (which heat the cookware directly via magnetic fields), radiant cooktops heat the glass surface first, which then transfers heat to the cookware via:
Conduction (direct contact between the glass and the pan).
Radiation (infrared waves emitted by the hot coil).
The glass-ceramic surface remains relatively cool outside the heating zone but gets hot where the element is active.
3. Glass-Ceramic Surface Properties
The glass-ceramic material (e.g., Schott CERAN®) is chosen for:
High thermal shock resistance (can handle rapid temperature changes).
Low thermal conductivity (prevents heat from spreading sideways).
Transparency to infrared radiation (allows heat to pass efficiently to the cookware).
4. Temperature Control
The cooktop has a thermostat or electronic control to adjust the power supplied to the coil.
Some models use halogen radiant elements (for faster heating) or dual-ring elements (for variable cooking zones).
5. Cookware Compatibility
Works best with flat-bottomed pans (for good contact).
Suitable for all types of cookware (stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum), unlike induction, which requires magnetic pans.
Advantages:
Smooth, easy-to-clean surface.
No need for specialized cookware.
More affordable than induction cooktops.
