Electric Flames

[liuzhou]

Throw away your induction and gas coookers! China's social media is awash with tales snd demonstrations of something revolutionary. Electric flame cookers!

 

 

Quite how they work is not revealed but the manufacturer lists their advantages.

 

 

 

[liuzhou]

Perhaps a better screenshot showing the burners on high and lower settings.

 

 

 

 

[Tropicalsenior]

It would be interesting to know how economical this is.

As you probably know, there is a war on now against Natural Gas in the United States and so many restaurants rely on it. The quick response of a gas flame is essential for line cooks.

This could be a great replacement for natural gas but only if it is economically feasible.

[liuzhou]

18 minutes ago, Tropicalsenior said:

It would be interesting to know how economical this is.

As you probably know, there is a war on now against Natural Gas in the United States and so many restaurants rely on it. The quick response of a gas flame is essential for line cooks.

This could be a great replacement for natural gas but only if it is economically feasible.

 

I haven't seen any pricing yet, but the manufacturer claims it's cheaper to run. 

[Tropicalsenior]

There's always things to be taken into consideration for restaurant use like longevity of the appliance and whether it could stand continuous use. It looks like it runs on the equivalent of 110 Watts. It wouldn't need any massive rewiring like electric stoves would.

If it's feasible, it looks like it would be a great opportunity for some bright entrepreneur.

 

[liuzhou]

Yes, I was delighted to learn everyone here cooked on gas. I have always hated cooking on electric stoves.

 

So, the flames and the rapid response of this makes me interested.

 

 

Edited 1 hour ago by liuzhou (log)

[liuzhou]

2 minutes ago, Tropicalsenior said:

It looks like it runs on the equivalent of 110 Watts. 

 

 

I'm sure you mean 110 volts, the US default.

 

No. It runs on 230-240 volts, the default in China (and most of the world).

 

However, that's not to say they won't offer a 110 V version in the future should it prove in enough demand.

 

 

[Tropicalsenior]

18 minutes ago, liuzhou said:

I'm sure you mean 110 volts, the US default

Yes, thank you. I always get that confused. I'm not much of an electrician.

In the US 220 is available in most buildings and homes but most of the outlets are wired for 110 and it does take a special plug-in for 220.

It looks like they would have to modify it for an American Market and I definitely wouldn't be able to use it here in Costa Rica.

Edited 1 hour ago by Tropicalsenior (log)

[gulfporter]

Other than induction, most electric stovetops heat (and cool) way too slowly.  

 

I see the difference between High and Low settings, but the Big Q is the actual temperature it's putting out at all settings and whether it quicky heats up (and down).  

 

Here is summary from AI.  I looked for consumer reviews but found none. 

I highlighted the part of this AI content that makes me wonder about temperature control (speed of change to temperature).

 

A new development in the Chinese market is 

an electric stovetop technology that produces an actual, safe electric open flame using plasma, offering the cooking experience of gas without the need for fuel. This is distinct from induction cooktops which might have a simulated, purely visual flame effect. 

 

Electric Flame Stovetops

Shenzhen Damian Technology Co., Ltd. has developed and patented a unique "Electric Flame Technology" that generates a real, open flame solely through electricity, aiming to provide a gas-free cooking experience. 

 

 

 

Plug-and-play 3000w Plasma Electric Flame Stove - Safe & Efficient

$285.00$570.00

Alibaba.com

 

According to the manufacturer via Alibaba.com, this product does not require any additional fuel and uses high power (3000W) for quick heating, suitable for both household and commercial use.

• It features a glass surface, plug-and-play functionality, and multiple safety protections.
• Reviewers on the merchant site note its high power allows food to be cooked quickly, improving efficiency. 

Summary

The primary innovation regarding an actual "electric flame" is the new plasma technology from Shenzhen Damian, while other major brands focus on advanced induction and ceramic technologies, sometimes with simulated flame effects. 

 

What are the challenges for Shenzhen Damian Technology's 'Electric Flame Technology' to be widely adopted in the Chinese market?

 

 

While Shenzhen Damian Technology's plasma "Electric Flame" technology offers a novel alternative to gas, it faces several significant barriers to widespread adoption in the competitive Chinese market:

 

Established Competition and Consumer Trust: The Chinese appliance market is dominated by global giants like Midea and Haier. Newcomers like Damian Technology face low brand recognition and a lack of consumer trust compared to these well-established household names.

• Infrastructure and Power Requirements: These units often require high power (e.g., 3000W) to operate effectively. In some regions of China, power shortages and infrastructure gaps remain a primary barrier for high-demand electric technology adoption.
• High Initial Cost: Emerging technologies typically have higher production costs due to specialized components and a lack of economies of scale. High initial investment is often cited as a top barrier for Chinese consumers switching to new energy-saving technologies.
• Regulatory and Certification Uncertainty: As a "relatively new" technology in China, plasma arc hobs may lack unified national standards and certifications, creating uncertainty for both manufacturers and cautious buyers.
• Aesthetic vs. Functional Preferences: While the plasma flame mimics the look of gas, some traditional cooking techniques (like the high-heat distribution needed for professional wok cooking) may still be perceived as superior on gas, leading to consumer hesitancy to fully abandon traditional setups.