News and stories from Makus

Restyle your kitchen: tips

Pimp your kitchen
Are you completely done with your kitchen? Or, have you just moved into a new home, but with a kitchen that is not to your taste? Then a first reaction is often: it will go straight away. The question is whether replacing the entire kitchen is really necessary to make it your own place. It is a costly exercise and anything but sustainable.

Our advice is: take another good look at the kitchen. What exactly is it that you don't like? The colour, the material of the cabinets, the countertop, etc. It could be that with a few interventions the kitchen can be transformed into a place where you feel completely at home. A few kitchen-pimp tips:

Fronts: pimp or replace
Your cabinet doors (fronts) together form a large surface. They are therefore a dominant factor in how your kitchen looks. In many cases, the cabinets are still fine. Then it is more convenient to upgrade or replace only your fronts, than to replace the interior as well.

There are now many parties that only supply fronts. The choice is enormous in material and color. Many parties specialize completely in IKEA formats. Some can also deviate from this. We mention a few:

If your fronts are still fine, but you don't like the color. You can also wrap them. You can order wrap foil in various standard colors at various places. There are also parties where you can have wrap made in your own color. Such as Custom Graphics .

Accessories
Accessories may sound like a detail, but accessories often have a defining stamp on the look and feel of the interior/kitchen. The trick is to choose accessories carefully and make sure it tells one story.

The danger is that the countertop is used as a dumping ground, also known as 'clutter' in English. Now 'cluttercore' is a trend in itself. But cluttercore also involves a careful selection of unique and personal items that tell your story.

Marktplaats is your friend. Search well and you will find the most beautiful pearls.

Other worksheet
Are the fronts still fine, but the countertop at its end? You can also replace this fairly easily as a separate part. Depending on the material, you can do this yourself. For example, it is fairly easy to pour a concrete countertop yourself.

From gas to induction
Last but not least, it is also relatively easy to replace your gas appliance with an induction hob. The steps you need to take for this depend on your starting situation. For example, whether the right connection is already present in your kitchen and how big the recess (the hole) in your countertop is. Do you have questions about your specific situation? Then send an email to info@makuskitchen.com.

Pinterest
Pinterest is also your best friend. Here you will find loads of inspiration about pimping and restyling your kitchen. Sometimes you end up in a 'loop' with the same images over and over again. Then it is useful to use other search words or switch to English search terms.

The more love and care you put into restyling your kitchen, the more personal it becomes. The effort is worth it.

Good luck and have fun turning your kitchen into your palace!

Publicatie: MAKUS in VT Wonen Keukenspecial

Publication: MAKUS in VT Wonen Kitchen Special

MAKUS in the spotlight! VT Wonen publishes their Kitchen Special once a year. A beautiful thick publication with all the trends and developments in the field of kitchens. For the 2023 Kitchen Special, MAKUS has been approached to give its expert vision on kitchens and to share the philosophy behind MAKUS.

When did the idea for Makus come about?
'In 2017, when I was working as a sustainability consultant at a consultancy firm. Around that time, it became clear that all homes had to be natural gas-free by 2050. Together with municipalities, housing corporations and grid operators, I looked for an answer to the question: how are we going to do that? It led to technical discussions about the costs and possibilities of solar panels, insulation and induction. I thought it was a shame that only that was considered. Of course, the technology has to be right, but we also have to make sustainability fun. I went looking for a product that is sustainable and beautiful. When I came across designer solar panels, I thought: there must be induction hobs that are more beautiful than the well-known black, shiny ones. They didn't exist yet, so I decided to make them myself.'

Why is color important?
'The kitchen has become an important part of the interior in recent decades; you can match all materials and colours to your living room. However, the hob is still mainly considered for functionality. We do not approach the induction hob as an appliance, but as an interior item. With colours and patterns, it can enhance the harmony in the kitchen instead of breaking it.'

Do colored induction hobs work as well as black ones?
'Yes, the functionality is not different, they are both made of ceramic glass. The
only difference is that our glass is not black, but transparent. With a wear-resistant print underneath, for example of terrazzo, marble or a gold-coloured honeycomb pattern.'

How do you come up with those designs?
'I create these together with trend watcher and designer Mirjam de Bruijn. We look around us carefully: what is happening in fashion, in kitchens, in furniture and in terms of colours?

For example, we see that people are increasingly open to natural shades and soft pastel colours, after a period in which black kitchens were in. We also follow leading people who understand trends, such as Christine Boland and Lidewij Edelkoort. Our designs may also follow a trend, but must be timeless in essence. Simply Pink is a good example of this: our hob in subtle, terracotta-like pink. That colour has been a trend in recent years and continues to do well.'

What should you consider when choosing an induction hob?
'The first step is to consider what kind of cook you are and what you need. Do you want a large or small hob? Do you think it is important that two zones can be connected to each other to form a larger zone? Do you want an extractor hood or would you prefer an integrated extractor? We have just developed a hob with extractor, Makus Moon. In the middle is a round stainless steel filter that extracts cooking fumes downwards. If you want a purely functional induction hob, there are a ton of options. But if you also want it for the looks and are looking for a hob that enhances the colour palette of your kitchen, then you are more likely to come to us.'

What role does sustainability play?
'I notice that sustainability in the kitchen world is a major challenge. The sector is very traditional and you are dependent on a few suppliers who make components. You have little influence on that, especially as a small player with a new product. Nevertheless, we try to minimize the environmental impact of our product and production process. For example, we are now investigating with a Dutch recycling party whether glass can be reintroduced into the production chain when it reaches the end of its lifespan. The first results look good. It could ultimately mean that not only our, but all induction hobs can be recycled better. After endless testing, we also succeeded in developing a fully cardboard packaging for Makus Moon, which is as strong as polystyrene. That was a real victory. That is how we are constantly trying to take new steps.

inductiekookplaat met afzuiging in kleur

Induction hob with extractor: proper maintenance

Taking care of your things is always a good idea. For a hob with extractor, this means keeping the glass surface clean and cleaning the filters regularly. This blog is about cleaning the filters of an induction hob with extractor. Do you want to know how to keep the glass surface clean? Then read the blog we wrote about this earlier .

Operation of a (recirculation) hob with extractor
A recirculation hob with extractor extracts the cooking fumes downwards. The extracted air first passes the grease filter, which removes grease from the cooking fumes. The extracted air then passes an odour filter. The odour filter removes cooking odours from the cooking fumes. The air is then blown back into the room. If the cooking fumes are extracted outside (i.e. not recirculation), an odour filter is not required.

Two filter systems: a grease filter and an odour filter
A recirculation induction hob with extraction therefore uses integrated filter systems: a grease filter and an odour filter. There are two commonly used options for the odour filter: a carbon filter and a plasma filter. The MAKUS Moon uses a high-quality carbon filter.

Maintenance of filter systems
Good maintenance of both the grease filter and the odour filter is important. Then your induction hob with extractor works most optimally.

Grease filter
You can keep the grease filter clean by regularly placing it in the dishwasher. How often you do this depends on the intensity with which you cook. Usually, it is about once a week. Have a lot of fats been released during the cooking process? Then put it in the dishwasher immediately after cooking or wash it by hand.

Odor filter
The MAKUS Moon induction hob with extractor uses a high-quality carbon filter. By cleaning and drying the carbon filter every 2/3 months during intensive use, it can be made suitable for a new period of carefree use.

Cleaning is done by rinsing it by hand with warm water (50-55 degrees). This can be done 4 to 5 times. Drying is done by placing the filter in the oven, at 60 degrees for 60 min.

Replace carbon filter. The carbon filter is replaced periodically. The frequency depends on the intensity of cooking:
- Intensive: 15 - 18 months
- Average: 18 - 24 months
- Low: 24 - 27 months

Buy a new carbon filter for your hob? Each type of induction hob with extractor has its own model (carbon) filter. Make sure you buy the right carbon filter for your hob. For the MAKUS Moon induction hob, the carbon filter can be purchased separately from MAKUS.

Another type of odour filter that is increasingly being used is a plasma filter. A plasma filter removes not only cooking odours but also bacteria, mould and fine dust from the air. A plasma filter lasts 10-15 years. It is technically possible to connect a plasma filter to the MAKUS Moon.

Do you have any questions about this? Let us know. You can send an email to info@makuskitchen.com .

Inside with: Bettina Neseker

A unique hob in a unique kitchen. Bettina Neseker added the final accent to her distinctive kitchen with MAKUS.

Can you briefly tell us something about yourself?
“My name is Bettina Neseker and I live in Amsterdam Oud West, with children and my husband. In 2013 I founded CITYMOM: the hotspot and lifestyle website for mothers. I also design unique rugs and mirrors through my brand STUDIO VACAY. In 2021 I completed an interior styling course. I think it’s great that I have been able to turn my hobby into my profession since then. Since this year I have also been working as an interior stylist.”

What aspects played a role in the design of your kitchen?
“Our biggest wish was a kitchen island. And a unique one. That means not white marble, for example. It had to be a real eye-catcher, the centre of the house.”

You have made bold choices, is that just for the kitchen or is that reflected in the entire interior?
“I love colour. You can see that in various places, such as in all the bedrooms and in the extension on our ground floor. And also in our 'Miami Vice' toilet, which has lilac tiles with pink walls and a pink toilet and sink.”

Did everything go smoothly or did you also encounter any problems?
“Not much went smoothly, but I would like to leave that behind me. Not think about it anymore . But renovate, preferably never again.”

And, are you happy with the result?
“Very happy. The kitchen is exactly what I imagined. The pink induction hob from MAKUS makes it complete!”

What role does the kitchen play in your family life?
“I wanted a kitchen island because I thought it would be nice if everyone would hang out at the bar while cooking. And actually, we now only sit at the kitchen island, and never at the table. Breakfast, lunch, drinks and dinner, everything is nicer at the kitchen island. I also like to work there. In short, we actually sit there all day! It connects our family. We have never spent so much time together in one place.”

What advice do you give to others when designing their kitchen?
“Act according to your own needs: what do you find important in a kitchen? I don't like a lot of items on the counter. That's why I chose a boiling water tap and an induction hob that blend in nicely. I'm not a kitchen princess and that's why I don't have a lot of cooking utensils, so I also have limited cupboard space. That creates a calm interior. In terms of design, I recommend thinking 'out of the box'. The kitchen is a place that you use several times a day, so make it a good one.”

Are you happy with your MAKUS Simply Pink?
“I think it’s fantastic. I was a bit wary of induction cooking, but I got used to it from day one. I wouldn’t want anything else now. I also think it’s very child-friendly, without flames. I also like the fact that it blends in with the kitchen itself, so it’s not such a black, conspicuous surface. The MAKUS looks calm and therefore fits perfectly with our interior. It’s really unique! Everyone who sees our kitchen starts talking about the pink induction hob!”

Do you recommend MAKUS to others?
“YEEES!!!!!”

Interview with founder Merel

MAKUS was founded by Merel Philippart (31 years old). Originally from Maastricht, she currently lives in Amsterdam, where the company MAKUS is also located. Full of passion and enthusiasm, she is at the helm of MAKUS, a company that has developed into a unique player in the kitchen industry. She sails on her love of nature, enthusiasm and eye for craftsmanship.

Why did you found MAKUS?
“Because I want to help the Netherlands become more sustainable, but in style. Often the emphasis in sustainability is on technique, and not on beauty. In other words: it is usually just ugly. I think that is a real shame. I think sustainability is important, but it has to remain a bit fun.

The induction hob is a prime example of this. The whole of the Netherlands will have to make the switch to induction , because in the long term, cooking on induction is better for the environment. All induction hobs now look the same: shiny and plain black. I only think that looks nice in some kitchens. But mostly I think it ruins an atmospheric kitchen.”

What does MAKUS do differently?
“ MAKUS sees the induction plate not only as a cooking tool and therefore purely functional, but also as an item to design as part of the entire kitchen. With a MAKUS you create more than just a place to cook, you create atmosphere. The induction plate as an inseparable part of the kitchen design.”

What do you want to achieve?
“ All of the Netherlands in style on induction. Or at least, the part of the Netherlands that values an atmospheric kitchen.”

What do you get fun from?
“ Shared enthusiasm. MAKUS started small and was able to grow further on the enthusiasm of others about the product to where it is now: a healthy company with two first beautiful editions on the market.”

What characterizes MAKUS?
“ MAKUS aims for sustainable relationships, on all fronts. From users to suppliers, sales partners and nature. No quick and dirty solutions. In our products, we combine the highest quality standards with well-thought-out design.”

Isn't it difficult for a new player to get a foot in the door in the traditional kitchen industry?
Merel laughs: “Well, it’s not easy. Calling the entire kitchen industry traditional is a bit of an oversimplification, although some of it is. If you look at equipment purely functionally and don’t attach any value to aesthetics, then MAKUS is hard to understand. At the same time, there are enough parties that are open to creativity and new things. The first place where we were welcomed with open arms was at Asto in Rotterdam. MAKUS was immediately understood and embraced. The same goes for Keukenstudio Stormink in Gorssel.”

Does an induction hob make noise?

Almost every induction hob makes noise when in use. It is not the induction hob itself that makes the noise, it is the pans.

MAKUS: induction cooking with taste

MAKUS was founded by Merel Philippart (33). Creative entrepreneur in heart and soul. Merel dreams of a sustainable world that is also a feast for the eyes. According to her, there is still much to be gained in this, which is why she works on it with heart and soul.

What does MAKUS stand for?

MAKUS stands for induction cooking with taste.

Explain...

The energy transition is irreversible. We all have to switch to electric cooking. At the same time, we see kitchen and living room merging more and more. Life happens in the kitchen! Such a shame that induction hobs are only designed for functionality and not also aesthetics. MAKUS is changing that. We see the induction hob as an integral part of the kitchen, both in function and design. We give beauty to the induction hob. Sustainable cooking in style. That is MAKUS.

Is MAKUS more sustainable than other brands?

We take a critical look at the components in a MAKUS induction hob. How are they made, where do they come from and how are they recycled? This is done step by step. With a number of partners, we are investigating the possibilities for recycling ceramic glass. We want to ensure that old ceramic glass can be recycled into new ceramic glass. Not just for MAKUS, but for the entire sector. This is the only way we can really have an impact.

What is it like as a relatively new brand in the kitchen sector?
MAKUS is partly embraced by the kitchen sector and partly not fully understood. We are less well understood when the factors price and functionality predominate and aesthetics hardly play a role. On the other hand, there are the enthusiasts, who, just like us, go wild for innovation and beautifully designed items. We find them both in brands of other appliances (such as Quooker, Cosentino and Wave) and kitchen stores (such as Sense Keukens, Asto and Stormink Keuken Studio).

Where will MAKUS be in 5 years?
Anyone who values the functionality and looks of their kitchen will find the right induction hob at MAKUS.

Koken op inductie duurzamer dan koken op gas?

Is cooking on induction more sustainable than cooking on gas?

From fossil to sustainable energy sources
Induction cooking is the future. We are in the middle of the transition from the use of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and gas, to the use of sustainable energy sources, such as sun, water and wind.

From gas to induction cooking
For homes this means, among other things: no more heating with gas and no more cooking on gas. A big and beautiful challenge. There is a good alternative for cooking on gas: cooking on induction. An alternative that has even more advantages than cooking on gas! Such as: easier to clean, safer and more beautiful. Or yes, opinions differ on that last one of course. There are also good alternatives for replacing gas for heating your home. Want to know more? Go to: https://www.hieropgewekt.nl/aardgasvrij-wonen

Is cooking on induction more sustainable than cooking on gas?
At the moment, cooking on induction emits the same amount of CO2 as cooking on gas. This is because the electricity mix is still partly gas-fired. However, the electricity mix is becoming increasingly greener: gas is making room for sustainably generated energy from the sun and wind. In the long term, cooking on induction will therefore be better for the environment than cooking on gas.

Green energy supplier
Our tip: take a green energy supplier. Then you ensure that you contribute to greening the energy mix. According to the consumer association, the following energy suppliers are the most sustainable:

Pure Energy
Freehold
Energy From Us
About | new energy
Powerpeers

Do you have any questions about this blog or other questions about cooking on induction? Please contact us. You can email us at info@makuskitchen.com

MAKUS design inductiekookplaat schoonmaken inductiekookplaat

Cleaning an induction hob: tips

Sustainable cooking in style? Go for a design induction hob from MAKUS that matches your interior. Curious? View our collection .

Fortunately, an induction hob is a lot easier to clean than a gas hob! I also find it a lot more fun to do, less hassle and it gets really nice and clean. In this blog you can read how to keep your induction hob as good as new. In summary: make sure you remove stains in time. If you use a cleaning agent: make sure you use an approved agent. And: use the right pans.

MAKUS Honeycomb induction hob, in a 'farmhouse chic' kitchen

Some ingredients or liquids are best removed immediately after they end up on the hob. You can read more about that later. Other types of food or ingredients that end up on the hob during cooking are best removed immediately after cooking. Often, water or just a tiny bit of cleaning agent with a cloth is enough to get the induction hob clean again. You can also use a sponge to remove stains.

If residues are really caked on, you can use a metal induction scraper for this. You can buy one at Bol.com, for example. My experience and that we get back from our customers is that a scraper is not necessary when you clean your induction hob immediately after cooking (or after eating). So: don't buy one in the first place.

MAKUS Honeycomb induction hob,
experiment in color

A number of cleaning agents have been tested and approved by SCHOTT CERAN®, which is the manufacturer of ceramic glass for induction hobs. They have been tested for the removal of grease, food, lemon/water droplets and metallic reflective layers.

Delu Ako Minky (Ceramic Hob Cleaner)
Dr. Becher (Ceramics Rein)
JEMAKO (Lemonstone)
Kruidvat (Kruidvat ceramic hob cleaner)
Lidl – Promotion Article (W5)

These are not environmentally friendly products. Use as little as possible. We are working on our own sustainable MAKUS variant, but it is not yet available. Below are a number of types of stains and how to best remove them:

Burnt-in acids
Basic rule: make sure your pans are dry on the outside and bottom. If stains do occur due to the burning of an acidic liquid, they can be removed with an approved cleaning agent. With a cloth or sponge.

Shiny oil layer 'iridescent layer'
These stains can be caused by using unsuitable cleaning agents. If they burn in a few times during cooking, they become increasingly difficult to remove. You should remove these stains as soon as possible with an approved cleaning agent.

Burnt sugar
Sugar caramelizes at a temperature of approximately 110 degrees Celsius. On a hot induction plate, the sugar reacts with the ceramic glass. It is therefore important to remove the sugar as quickly as possible to prevent it from burning in. Do it as quickly as possible! Initially with a sponge or cloth. Is the stain already burned in? Then use a metal scraper. If the sugar burns in, small holes may appear, these do not affect the functionality of the induction plate.

Molten aluminum and plastic foil
Remove foil from the hot induction plate immediately. This prevents it from melting on the induction plate. Once it has melted on the induction plate, it can no longer be removed. It has no impact on functionality and stability.

Spots with a metallic shine
Cookware with an aluminum or copper base can leave a residue. The residue can leave spots with a metallic sheen. In most cases, these spots can be removed with an approved cleaning agent.

The glass of the MAKUS induction hob comes from SCHOTT CERAN®. This is the world's best ceramic glass and is scratch-resistant to a certain extent. Careless handling can still cause scratches. Here are some tips to prevent scratches:
- Use suitable pots and pans.
- Keeps both the hob and the bottom and sides of pans dry and clean.
- Do not use corrosive sprays such as oven sprays and stain removers.
- Do not treat your induction hob as a countertop.

MAKUS induction hob Marble, stainless steel pan

Hopefully you've become a little wiser about how to properly care for your induction hob! If you still have questions, please feel free to contact us via the contact form .

With a MAKUS design induction hob you cook sustainably and stylishly. View our collection and discover how you can cook sustainably in style. Our induction hobs are inspired by nature, designed in the Netherlands and produced in Germany according to the highest quality standards.

Flex zone: to flex or not to flex?

Sustainable cooking in style? Go for a design induction hob from MAKUS that matches your interior. Curious? View our collection .

You see it a lot these days, an induction hob with one or more flex zones. That means that you can connect two or more zones to each other. You even have an induction hob that is one big zone, so flex everywhere. What are the pros and cons of flex zones?

MAKUS Marble induction hob with grill plate on the flex zone

Benefits of a flex zone
The great thing about linking two zones to one larger flexzone is that it creates a larger cooking surface. This is particularly useful if you want to use a large pan and heat the entire base. For example, think of an elongated grill plate, a roasting pan or an asparagus pan. Read more about suitable induction pans here. If the induction hob does not have a flexzone and two cooking zones cannot be linked together, it will not be possible to heat the entire base of the pan. You can of course use two zones at the same time, but this will be slower.

Disadvantages of a flex zone
A disadvantage of a flexzone is that it heats a pan slightly less efficiently than a round loose zone. Under the flexzone are octave-shaped coils, which lie against each other like a kind of tetteris blocks. The consequence is that there is a little space between where no direct heating takes place. In practice you don't notice it that much, because it doesn't make that much difference. Another disadvantage of one or more flexzones is that they are often more expensive induction plates.

MAKUS Honeycomb induction hob . Photo: at RhijnArt Keukens

Do you use it in practice?
In practice, the flexzone is not used by everyone. Those who do use the flexzone occasionally indicate that they find it especially useful for the larger pans, as previously indicated. The use of two flexzones at the same time (both left and right) is not very common in practice.

The choice of MAKUS 80cm and 60cm: partly flex
At MAKUS we have chosen one flexzone, because we want to create the optimal cooking experience. I regularly use the flexzone for my elongated grill pan. It's great to be able to grill those courgettes lengthwise! Two flexzones don't make much sense, they are hardly used in practice and are also less energy-efficient. MAKUS goes for the best of both worlds: partly flex, partly separate zones.

Is it clearer now? If you have any questions, please let us know via the contact form.

With a MAKUS design induction hob you cook sustainably and stylishly. View our collection and discover how you can cook sustainably in style. Our induction hobs are inspired by nature, designed in the Netherlands and produced in Germany according to the highest quality standards.

Visiting: Corry and Martijn

We are visiting Corry and Martijn, who live in a beautiful place in Amsterdam. Namely on the Prinsengracht. For a few months now, they have been cooking on the MAKUS Marble. Why did they choose to cook on induction and how do they like it?

What role does the kitchen play in your life?
“Our kitchen is part of our living room and therefore has a central place in our lives, both literally and figuratively. This is where our family comes together and where we meet family and friends. Eating and drinking together is often the reason to meet each other and listen to each other's stories. But food also gives us structure during our everyday lives. We find it important to eat healthily as a family every day, set the table, light a candle and eat in peace.”

Do you ever get into your 'flow' in the kitchen and if so, can you describe that feeling?
“Yes, definitely. We really enjoy preparing food with our guests in mind. A week after the Marble was installed, we had such a moment. A 6-course dinner for 18 people in honor of a birthday. First we thought about the menu together, then we did the shopping and then the preparations could begin. It was fantastic how we prepared butter for the ravioli on the lowest setting, grilled green asparagus at the same time with the bridge functions and prepared the zucchini soup at another cooking point. That gave us a lot of energy.”

What are your favorite moments in the kitchen?
“I think the weekend is our favorite time, and that’s mainly because we don’t have that much time during the week. The weekend is the time to experiment, organize dinners or prepare the food for the coming week. Calmly washing and cutting vegetables, thinking about how flavors come together and in what order you add them. Being patient for the best result is meditative and relaxing.”

What was the reason you chose induction instead of gas?
“We think it is important to keep our footprint as small as possible. We had already switched to LED lighting and had special monument double glazing. Induction was a logical next step to use less gas. We often struggled with our old 5-burner gas stove, because we could only use 2/3 of the burners at a time.”

How do you like cooking on induction?
“Very good. From day 1, cooking goes super well. The MAKUS reacts quickly when you turn it up or down. It can even be regulated much more precisely than gas. Cleaning the plate is a relief and the hassle with pans is a thing of the past. The four cooking zones are large and more than enough.”

Do you ever miss cooking with gas?
“Not at all. Growing up with gas and cooking on gas all our lives, we thought it would take some getting used to, but that turned out not to be the case at all.” Why did you choose the MAKUS Marble?

“We were already in love with the Honeycomb. If we were going to have a black plate in the kitchen, we would rather have such a beautiful design. That is why we followed MAKUS. We were delighted when we saw that the Marble was introduced. The Marble radiates a classic, luxurious and timeless atmosphere that we like and it invites us to cook.”

Do you recommend MAKUS?
“Absolutely! We are very happy that MAKUS came our way and recommend it to everyone. The hob is of high quality, MAKUS provides very good service, it is beautifully designed and you contribute to a more circular economy.”

What exactly is induction cooking?

Sustainable cooking in style? Go for a design induction hob from MAKUS that matches your interior. Curious? View our collection .

There is a difference between the forms of electric cooking. Induction and ceramic cooking both work on electricity, but have a different function. They are sometimes confused with each other, which is a shame! For example, cooking on induction uses a lot less electricity. In this blog you can read about the advantages and disadvantages of the different forms of electric cooking.

MAKUS Simply Pink! induction hob, Japanese/Danish kitchen style

You may know them, those white bases with black circles on them that you used to have in holiday homes. You could easily burn your fingers on them, because they stayed warm for a long time but you didn't see that they were warm. This is the electric hob. The black elements are heated by electricity, which in turn heats up the pan that you put on it.

Then it all became a bit more luxurious and the ceramic hob made its entrance. A ceramic hob is a black (ceramic) glass plate. Under the glass plate are elements that become hot and glow red when you turn them on. You can also easily burn your fingers on that, but in this case you can still see that the plate is hot. The disadvantage of this system is that they work quite slowly, a lot slower than gas or induction. If you lower the setting, the element under the plate first becomes less hot and then the induction plate becomes less hot. The ceramic hob owes its name to the ceramic glass that the top is made of. That is rock-hard heat-resistant glass.

MAKUS Marble look induction hob, at RhijnArt kitchens

The induction hob is sometimes confused with a ceramic hob. And that's a shame because they are quite different! Okay, first a similarity: ceramic glass is also used for induction hobs. The big difference is in the working mechanism of an induction hob. With an induction hob, only the pan is heated, and not an element that is underneath the pan. If you turn on a cooking zone without a pan on it, the zone does not get hot. And the other way around: if a zone is on and you remove the pan, that zone is no longer heated. Of course, you should not put your hand on it right away, because the glass is still heated by the pan and therefore warm. It does cool down quickly. The working mechanism is based on magnetism: the pan attracts electrons. The electrons start to move in the pan, causing it to heat up. Read more about pans suitable for an induction hob here.

In the table below I have listed the differences and similarities between cooking on an induction hob and on a ceramic hob.

	Induction hob	Ceramic hob
Agreements
Heat source	Electricity	Electricity
Material of the top	Ceramic glass	Ceramic glass
Differences
Electricity consumption and costs per year	175 kWh €40,-	225 kWh €51.75
Mechanism of action	Based on a magnetic field. The pan that is on a cooking zone is heated, not the hob itself.	The heating element under the hob is heated, the heating element then heats the pan.
Speed of pan heating and plate cooling	The pan heats up faster, because the pan is heated efficiently. The induction plate cools down faster, because it stops heating immediately after removing the pan.	Heating the pan takes longer because the heating elements have to heat up first. Cooling the plate takes longer because the heating element needs time to cool down.
Cleaning	Comfortable	Fairly easy. Food residues burn in faster because the plate stays hot longer.
Possibility of flexible cooking zones	Yes, read our blog!	No
Safety	Safe, standard child safety. And the induction plate switches off automatically when there are no pans on it.	Less safe. If you forget to turn off the plate, it will remain hot. The ceramic plate will also remain hot for a long time after it has been turned off.

Is it clearer now? If you have any questions, please let us know via the contact form.

With a MAKUS design induction hob you cook sustainably and stylishly. View our collection and discover how you can cook sustainably in style. Our induction hobs are inspired by nature, designed in the Netherlands and produced in Germany according to the highest quality standards.

An induction hob with or without extractor?

One of the first dilemmas you will probably encounter: an induction hob with integrated extraction or an induction hob without extraction in it and with an extractor hood above it.

De keukenrenovatie van de familie Egler: Het resultaat

The Egler family's kitchen renovation: The result

Joris and Sabine Egler live with their son Otis in Haarlem. Sabine works as a textile designer for Scotch & Soda. Joris is creative director at TBWA\NEBOKO. They live in a beautiful building that was built at the beginning of the last century. We spoke to them once before, at the time they were in the middle of the renovation, including the renovation of the kitchen. Every room was designed with the greatest care. We asked them about the choices they made, the process of how they arrived at those choices and what they found most exciting. The renovation is now finished and of course we are curious: did it turn out the way they had intended and hoped?

Are you happy with the result of the kitchen?
“Very much so. It really is a piece of furniture in our house. It makes the space and the room.” You found the choice of the red floor the most exciting, how did that turn out? “The red floor is really super beautiful. It makes the kitchen unique, not something you have seen before. The finishing is just quite sensitive. But after a while you get used to that too.” What surprised you the most? “It turned out pretty much as we had hoped. When you make the decision there is a lot of uncertainty, you trust your intuition but you never know for sure. When you see it finished, it is a kind of confirmation of yourself.”

How do you like cooking on induction?
“Well, apart from the fact that it looks great, you have a lot more possibilities in cooking speed. Cleaning is also a lot more practical. That is also handy because we often let something boil over.”

Have any new insights been gained after the renovation?
"That it's more expensive than you think. Everyone says it, but it's true. What no one tells you is that once you live there, you'll forget about it again."

Sabine, a year and a half ago you indicated that we would see more Memphis/80s in interiors. Do you see that now? Also in your own interior? “We bought a coffee table from the 80s and a lamp from studio Areti inspired by that period.”

Joris, what is your favorite recipe from Sabine?
“Indian cauliflower Korma.”

Sabine, what is your favorite recipe from Joris?
“Linguine with vongole.”

Tips from Sabine when renovating or purchasing a new kitchen:

1. “Look at the long term. The life cycle of a kitchen is longer than any trend.

2. Choose materials that will retain their beauty or improve with age.

3. Think carefully about how you want to use your kitchen. Think in different zones: where do you want to cook, wash up, chat, etc.

4. Dare to spend money on nice things and good materials. It hurts, but it is worth it in the end.”

MAKUs Design inductiekookplaat pannen geschikt inductie

Do the check: are your pans suitable for induction?

Sustainable cooking in style? Go for a design induction hob from MAKUS that matches your interior. Curious? View our collection .

We regularly receive questions via the MAKUS website: can you use all pans on induction? Do I have to throw away my pans when I switch from gas to induction? Fortunately, in most cases you don't have to! If you have another question, please check our FAQ page .

A pan is suitable for induction if it is magnetic and has a (slightly) flat base. The fact that the pan is magnetic is important for the working mechanism of the induction plate, which is based on the transfer of electrons. A (slightly) flat base is important because electrons are transferred between the pan and the induction plate, which ultimately ensure that the pan is heated.

MAKUS Marble induction hob 60cm
MAKUS Marble with cast iron grill plate

You can test your own pans for suitability by doing the following tests:

1) Check whether your pan is magnetic by holding a magnet against the bottom: if the magnet sticks, the pan is magnetic.

2) Check if the pan has a flat bottom by holding the bottom of the pan horizontally at eye level. If you see a bulge, the bottom is no longer flat. A small bulge is not bad, then the pan still works fine. So try the pan first, even if a small bulge is visible!

MAKUS Honeycomb with cast iron teapot

Examples of pans:
- Is a cast iron pan induction proof? Yes
- Is a stainless steel pan induction-proof? Yes (
- Is a copper pan suitable for induction? No. If it has a coating that is magnetic, then yes. It is best to ask the seller.
- Is an aluminum pan induction-proof? No. If it has a coating that is magnetic, then yes. Here too, we advise: ask the seller.

On newer pans you often see the induction-proof symbol when they are suitable for induction cooking. That symbol looks like this:

MAKUS Induction hob design symbol induction cooking

Do you have any questions about this or are you not entirely sure whether your own pans are suitable? Feel free to ask your question via the MAKUS contact form . Curious whether the step from gas to induction is a sustainable one? Read more about it here .

With a MAKUS design induction hob you cook sustainably and stylishly. View our collection and discover how you can cook sustainably in style. Our induction hobs are inspired by nature, designed in the Netherlands and produced in Germany according to the highest quality standards.

MAKUS x LEICHT Amsterdam

Keukenstudio Asto and LEICHT Amsterdam are owned by the same people (Benno and Martijn), but they are two different concepts. Both businesses are beautiful. It clicks with MAKUS. The philosophy and designs were immediately understood and embraced. They also immediately thought about how they could help the start-up MAKUS. Special and very welcome.

What characterizes you and your kitchen studios?
“Contemporary, personal and quality. Quality is in many facets within our organisation. From the choice of brands we work with to the way we serve our customers, from guided tour to delivery of the kitchen. We not only do our utmost, thanks to the fact that we have almost 50 years of experience and are a family business, we have a specific way of offering service, which makes us unique. That is also appreciated by our customers. With Asto we are a renowned name in the metropolitan Rotterdam and with LEICHT Kitchens Amsterdam we have launched a new concept on the market. That contemporary character is in our DNA and we show it in our showrooms and our way of serving our customers. The personal aspect is of course embedded in the family values that have been rooted within our company by our father, the founder of Asto Keukens, and which we convey in all parts.”

What do you guys get the most fun out of?
“We get the most fun out of thinking up and executing the most challenging requests from customers. We can translate almost all wishes into a feasible project because we do not design standard kitchens with the brands we carry, but custom-made. We are always looking and talking to suppliers to think along about this, how we can make it even more beautiful, more fun, more workable or more logical for our joint customers. And of course finding novelties that fit our values. Being able to feel the enthusiasm and then spread it further and create opportunities for each other and ultimately for the end customer.”

You were the first kitchen studio with a MAKUS: what made you so enthusiastic about it?
“The surprising and elegant way in which induction cooking could be presented. How a fixed item in the kitchen, usually dark, suddenly became an eye-catcher. In fact, a disruption in the existing range in terms of look 'n feel. In addition, the quality of the chosen materials from MAKUS is something that also makes our hearts beat faster. The great combination of aesthetics and quality made us particularly enthusiastic. Whereby the innovative character of the hob offers us and our customers a special and contemporary extension of our range and story.”

Designers at MAKUS: Merel and Mirjam

Mirjam and Merel are the design duo of MAKUS. They know how to challenge, inspire and stimulate each other. This is how they come up with beautiful new MAKUS designs. Curious about this duo? Read more about M&M here.

How did you meet?
Merel: “We met each other thanks to a program for sustainable entrepreneurs at the Impact Hub in Amsterdam. The nice thing about that program was that there was a lot of interaction and exchange between all the different entrepreneurs.”

Mirjam: "Everyone helped each other with their knowledge. In this way it quickly became clear that with my design background (Design Academy Eindhoven), I could help Merel realize her ideas for MAKUS."

How do you come up with new designs?
Merel: “We are actually constantly busy with trends, in the field of colours and patterns but also social trends. Think of the meaning of a kitchen or the place of the kitchen in the house.”

Mirjam: "What is very important to us is that the designs are ultimately timeless. You buy an induction hob for a long time, you don't want to be tired of the design within a few years.

Once we have found a trend that fits MAKUS, we develop various options that we then have assessed by a group of consumers.”

What is the strength of your collaboration?
Mirjam: "Working with Merel doesn't feel like work. We share the same enthusiasm and that strengthens each other. Furthermore, we each have our own expertise in which we fully trust and complement the other. If Merel says something that I don't agree with, it is often because she approaches something from a completely different perspective than I do. The discussion that then arises ensures that we ultimately achieve the best result. That way we continue to learn from each other."

Merel: “Amen.”

What are you working on now?
Merel: “We would like to expand the range, with both designs and functionalities. For example, you see a lot of induction with integrated extraction in the market now. By also giving that option, we offer even more possibilities to arrange your kitchen to your own taste. We want to ensure that your induction hob also fits in with your kitchen, so that even more people can cook fossil-free!”

Visiting: a MAKUS enthusiast

A unique hob in a unique place. Hans is one of the first MAKUS users and lives on a self-built houseboat in the centre of Amsterdam. Hans, tell us more about your houseboat and your MAKUS!

How do you get to this beautiful houseboat?
“Well, that was a long time ago. I really wanted to live near or on the water. After a lot of searching I found an old, completely run down houseboat but in a very good location. I lived on the old boat for two years, and in the meantime designed and built the new one.”

You might be moored in the most desirable houseboat spot in Amsterdam, how does that feel?
“Privileged! Although 20 years ago, few people recognized how good this place really is. Station, tram, shops, highways, city center and the polder. Everything within a few hundred meters. What I actually like best is a bit more subtle: because the Amstel is so wide here, I have a lot of open air when I look outside. That is so nice: in the middle of the city, lots of water and air around you. ”

Isn't it weird that there are boats constantly sailing through your backyard?
“ That's not too bad, because I'm just in a 'bend' most people sail a bit further away from me and I don't have that much trouble. It's actually quite nice that so many people enjoy the Amstel. As long as they don't sail too fast or make too much noise then I think it's nice.”

You sometimes hear: a houseboat, that's always a hassle. Is that true?
“ No, this is a houseboat, not a ship, but a concrete box. There is simply no maintenance required. I did choose a wooden superstructure, which does need some love and attention, but it would not have been different on land.”

What would you advise people whose dream is to live on a houseboat? “Search, search and search some more. There are still possibilities, especially if you are a bit inventive. It has become more expensive than 20 years ago, but that applies to the whole of Amsterdam.”

Is your boat also built sustainably?
“When I built the boat I was already thinking about sustainability, but more about the materials than about the energy. Everything is made with FSC wood and sustainable materials. The boat is also well insulated. In the beginning I had a few solar panels and a solar boiler but now I finally have a completely energy-neutral home. With a heat pump that takes water from the Amstel. That works great. And with an infrared panel, 400 liter boiler and of course the beautiful MAKUS induction plate!”

You are one of the first cooks on a MAKUS! Where did you see it? “I saw a picture on the internet when it was still in development. For years I had been dreading giving up my sturdy gas hob. But when I saw the beautiful MAKUS induction hob I thought: now you have no more excuses, now you are going to change.”

And now it's on display in your kitchen, are you happy with it?
“Yes! I am very happy with it. Especially because it is not such a big dead, black plate but a beautiful design that really adds something to my home.”

How is the switch from gas to induction for you?
“To be honest, it took some getting used to. All my good pans had to come out and in the beginning I occasionally burned something, because it reacts so quickly, really faster than gas. I've gotten used to it now and it's going great.”

Do you recommend MAKUS to others?
“Absolutely, it is a nice and good concept that can really help in the energy transition. Many people do want to change but it helps if we can make it a bit nicer and more fun.”

Blogs 

Receive the online MAKUS magazine