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 3 hours 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 2 hours 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. 

 

 

[KennethT]

Interesting, but I do have thoughts about the longevity and safety.  Typically, plasma is produced by creating a very high voltage (thousands of volts) which is high enough to ionize the air (in this case), creating the plasma.  I worry about how long the emitters last before needing maintenance/repair/replacement as constant arcing like that can cause carbonization (covered with soot which will damper performance).  Also, the constant ionizing I imagine would create a lot of ozone - I don't know how good it is to breathe that in on a regular basis....

[liuzhou]

Here's a different AI take. it mentions ozone.

 

Electric flame cookers (also called plasma cookers) are innovative appliances that use electricity to generate a real, visible flame, similar to a traditional gas stove, but without burning any fuel.

Here’s what you need to know:

 

🔬 Core Technology: Plasma

They work on the principle of plasma arc technology. A high-voltage electric current ionizes the air between an electrode and the cookware, creating a superheated plasma arc—this is the visible "flame" you see, which can reach temperatures over 1200°C (2192°F). This technology originated from aerospace engineering for ignition systems.

 

⚙️ Key Features & How They Work

· Electric "Flame": The flame is created purely from electricity and air, so it requires no combustible gas, butane, or propane.
· Instant & Adjustable: Like a gas stove, it offers immediate heat when turned on and allows for precise, visual control of the flame's intensity.
· Cookware Compatibility: It works best with conductive, flat-bottomed cookware (like stainless steel or cast iron). It may not function correctly with glass, ceramic, or non-magnetic pots.

 

⚖️ Pros and Cons

Here’s a balanced view of its main advantages and current limitations:

Pros Cons
Safety Higher Initial Cost
• No risk of gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, or uncontrolled fuel fires. The flame exists only when the cookware is correctly placed, creating a circuit. • Significantly more expensive to purchase than standard induction or gas cooktops.
Convenience Noise & Ozone
• Portable; only needs a standard electrical outlet (no gas line required). Easy to install and move. • Can produce a faint buzzing sound and a slight electrical smell (ozone) during operation, which some users find noticeable.
Efficiency Market Immaturity
• High energy efficiency as almost all electricity is converted directly into heat directed at the pan. • Still a niche product. Limited brand options, and long-term reliability/service networks are not as established as for conventional stoves.
Performance Cookware Limitations
• Provides the instant visual feedback and rapid temperature control that many chefs prefer, similar to cooking with gas. • Requires specific cookware types; won’t work with non-conductive materials.

📈 Current Market Status

Electric flame cookers represent a cutting-edge but still evolving niche in the kitchen appliance market. They are primarily marketed in regions with:

· A strong preference for open-flame cooking.
· Limited or expensive gas infrastructure.
· Growing interest in innovative, safe, and electric-only kitchen solutions.

They are best suited for tech enthusiasts, renters who can't install gas lines, or those in well-ventilated spaces seeking a unique combination of electric safety and gas-like cooking performance.

 

[Tropicalsenior]

It doesn't sound like it's feasible for a restaurant use. It may get there in the future but it's probably got a ways to go yet.

[liuzhou]

6 minutes ago, Tropicalsenior said:

It doesn't sound like it's feasible for a restaurant use. It may get there in the future but it's probably got a ways to go yet.

 

Sure. It isn't even on the market yet. 

[KennethT]

Yeah, I imagine it works like a bunch of arc welding tips creating arcs to the bottom of your pan.  What happens when you lift the pan from the stove top?  Too far away and you won't get arcing from the "burner" tips to the pan also, when not touching whatever the pan rests on (which I assume grounds the pan), the circuit is disconnected and the arc stops also.

[gulfporter]

1 hour ago, liuzhou said:

 

Sure. It isn't even on the market yet. 

 

This at Alibaba.  Indicates will ship to US if I buy minimum of 2.  Though I did not actually try to order.  

 

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Plug-and-play-3000W-Plasma-Electric_1601665689139.html?mark=google_shopping&seo=1