These figures relate to power per hob zone (sizing information for your range can be found on the back of the unit – on a data plate). Power in kW for a Commercial Induction Range, four zones, is in the region of 20 kW to 30 kW (average around 22.5 kW for four zone models). A typical example of power in kW for Commercial Induction Range Hob would be 3.5 kW per Hob (lower power Hobs are sometimes supplied with range as part of design). For a typical 4 zone range, total power would be 13.5 kW (3.5kW x 4).
Why Three-Phase Supply Matters
As already established, a Commercial Induction Range requires a three-phase supply rather than a single-phase supply found in most domestic kitchens. The three phases allow the current to be distributed amongst three conductors instead of placing an excessive amount of current through one conductor. This, in turn, allows higher wattage cooking apparatuses to be used without excessive strain on the electrical supply.
Estimating Daily Running Costs
Using the number of kW per hob and the number of hours of use, you can multiply these numbers by your pence-per-kWh tariff to get an estimate of the daily running cost. Thus a 20 kW range operating for 6 hours a day would use around 120 kWh of electricity per day, at 30p/kWh this would equate to around £36 per day, but this would be reduced due to part-load operation.
Efficiency Compared to Gas
As with gas, energy is lost as heat from the cooker, but with induction cooking, this heat is lost from the pan and base of the cooker, and not into the surrounding air. Induction cooking is highly efficient, transferring around 85-90% of the energy from the cooker to the base of the pan. This compares with around 40-55% for gas. For information on how commercial kitchens can reduce energy use, please see The Carbon Trust’s guidance.
Check Your Supply Capacity First
Verify power requirements for your chosen induction range against supply capacity for your premises. Your local electrician can tell you in no time if your existing kitchen circuits will need to be upgraded.
If you are looking for Commercial Induction Range, see htargetcatering.co.uk/induction-suites/commercial-induction-range.
Getting the power side of things right first time is very important to us to ensure that your new kitchen is installed safely and to get you up and running as quickly.