Article by Massimiliano Luce
The move to induction does not represent a break with the past for Sabaf, but rather a logical evolution of company’s approach to design. One of the distinctive features of the induction solutions developed by Sabaf is the focus on automating the cooking process. «Sabaf – says Cristiano Pastore, Induction Cooking R&D Director – strongly believes in assisted cooking, which aims to relieve the end user of a series of manual power level adjustment tasks in order to simplify and automate the cooking process».
This vision takes shape in specific functions dedicated to mid-to-high-end systems. «In particular, the premium HB12x systems offer the “Boil Sense” function, which identifies when boiling occurs and automatically reduces the power output, reducing energy consumption and the risk of boiling over. Closed-loop temperature control modes are also available to offer professional-quality cooking results even to the least experienced user».
This technological choice eliminates the need for additional accessories. «A special feature of this function is that it does not require additional external probes, but is able to utilise all the components on board the hob, without “forcing” the user to purchase expensive accessories».
Alongside this approach, Sabaf has worked on fine power modulation. «CycleSkipping is the strategy we have applied to our products to offer the end user a cooking experience as close as possible to gas cooking. The system provides for the partialisation of the power supplied, down to very low thresholds, precisely in order to offer quality cooking. We are currently the only ones to offer this function on the market».
High energy efficiency
On the energy front, we align the design choices with the most stringent regulations. «All Sabaf induction systems – says Pastore – already comply with the most stringent energy efficiency requirements set out in the Ecodesign Directive».
The choices of materials and design are crucial. «For the inductor windings, we use copper or CCA (a mixture of copper and aluminium), whereas our competitors (especially in Asia) use almost exclusively aluminium to lower costs at the expense of quality. Copper has almost twice the electrical conductivity of aluminium, significantly reducing electricity conduction losses. Furthermore, all our inductors are designed and optimised using finite element electromagnetic simulation (FEM), achieving efficiencies of over 95%».
Relationship with appliance manufacturers
Appliance manufacturers are increasingly demanding customisable solutions. For this reason, Sabaf is working on specific aspects of its induction systems in order to adapt the product to different types of hobs and uses. «Sabaf’s component technology – explains Pastore – offers maximum flexibility in terms of the number of product configurations, removing all the limitations imposed by certain “rigid” solutions offered by our competitors».
The company’s offering moves in several directions. «In addition to mainstream solutions, Sabaf offers complete solutions for extractor hobs, flexible cooking zones (full flexi), assisted cooking and a wide range of user interfaces that include solutions in high demand in the premium market, such as total disappearance, independent sliders and white LEDs. Maximum product customisation and flexibility is the leitmotif that sets us apart in the market. The entire project has been focused on this theme, which is why all the strategies and options envisaged and designed are aimed at offering our customers the greatest possible availability in order to try to satisfy their requests».
