How to choose the right hob? Overview of important characteristics, pros and cons of devices

Hobs - this is an indispensable element of a modern functional kitchen.

They occupy a minimum of space and go well with both classic and original interior styles.

Besides, You can choose a device with advanced functionality that greatly simplifies the process of cooking.

Types of hobs

1. Gas.
   They cost more than electric ones, but since gas tariffs are more affordable, the purchase pays off quickly.
   And if the house is not connected to the central highway, you can use a balloon.
2. Electrical.
   Modern models of electric stoves have an attractive appearance and fit perfectly into the interior of kitchens.
   If desired, you can choose a panel whose burners will be hidden under a glass-ceramic or glass screen.
3. Combined panels simultaneously equipped with gas and electric heating zones.
   This is the best option for homes that use bottled gas or have power outages.

Pros and cons of each type

Hobs have a lot of advantages, but before you make a purchase, it is important to consider their disadvantages.

Gas

• low operating costs;
• thanks to the increased heat output, food cooks faster;
• you can use almost any utensils;
• the flame is smoothly adjustable;
• no need to wait until the burner heats up.

Minuses:

• risk of fire in case of careless handling;
• kitchen air is polluted by combustion products;
• cannot be used by residents of apartments located above the 10th floor;
• the surface of the dishes is quickly covered with soot.

Electrical

Advantages of electric hobs:

• safe due to the absence of an open flame;
• neat appearance;
• advanced functionality;
• ease of use and maintenance;
• it is not necessary to install a hood;
• automatic protection of the device is provided.

Flaws:

• consume a lot of electricity;
• it is necessary to bring a three-phase line to the apartment;
• it is necessary to maintain the ideal cleanliness of the surface, otherwise the pollution will stick tightly;
• The dish must have a flat bottom.

Combined

• when the electricity is turned off, you can use gas burners and vice versa;
• savings compared to purely electrical appliances;
• simple selection of dishes;
• some models have special barbecue surfaces.

Minuses:

• high price;
• complex installation;
• combines the shortcomings of panels powered by electricity and gas.

Parameters to pay attention to when choosing

In order for the purchased hob to meet expectations, before buying, you must carefully study its main technical characteristics.

Dimensions

Hob width may be different. This setting depends on the number of burners:

1. Familiar to many models with 4 burners have a width of 60 cm.
2. To save space, a variant with 3 burners, up to 30 cm wide, is suitable.
3. For cooking several dishes at the same time, you should pay attention to the panels with 5-6 burners. Their width is 70-90 cm.

It must be borne in mind that if the width of the hob is more than 60 cm, you will have to purchase a hood whose dimensions exceed the standard values.

Number of burners

When choosing given parameter it is necessary to take into account both the number of family members and the volume of cooking:

1. One burner.
   Suitable for cottage or miniature kitchen. As a rule, such panels are used as an addition to two-burner ones.
2. Two burners.
   A similar model can be installed on a compact oven model "Domino", designed for small kitchens.
   Such a mini stove will be enough for a family of two.
   And if the number of people living in the apartment increases, you can put another one of the same panel next to it.
3. Three burners.
   A little unusual, but comfortable format that allows you to cook a full meal.
   Such a device is 15 cm narrower than the model with four heating zones.
   The panel saves space in the kitchen and at the same time does its job perfectly.
4. Four burners.
   A standard stove that allows you not to limit yourself in conducting culinary experiments.
   But, as practice shows, even in an apartment where 4 people live, one of the burners is usually empty or used to place ready-made dishes.
5. Five burners.
   An additional heating zone usually has an increased size or capacity.
   And the burner in the shape of an oval allows you to cook food in non-standard shaped dishes, for example, ducklings.

Surface and appearance

On sale you can find models with the following coverage:

1. Enamel.
   It is considered a budget cover, it attracts users with a variety of colors.
   Enamel must be handled with care to avoid scratches.
   Point impacts on the surface can lead to chipping.
2. Stainless steel.
   It looks spectacular and fits well into most modern interiors.
   But maintaining the brilliance and reference cleanliness of such a surface is not an easy task.
   For this reason, it is recommended to choose a matte model - stains are not so noticeable on it.
3. Glass ceramics.
   It is currently the most popular material for making gas and electric hobs.
   The glass ceramic heats up in 3-4 seconds.
   Its advantage lies in the fact that not the entire surface is heated, but only the space above the burner.
   This allows you to wipe off oil splashes without burning yourself.
   But because of this feature, temperature differences are created inside the panel.
   It is enough to spill a little cold liquid on the surface or drop the knife to cause a crack to appear.
   In addition, glass ceramics cannot be cleaned with abrasives, and spilled liquids, especially if they contain sugar, must be cleaned up immediately.
4. Strained glass.
   It looks as dignified as glass ceramics, but at the same time a little less capricious in care.
   But tempered glass also needs to be cleaned regularly with mild detergents.

Control type

Budget hobs most often equipped with rotary switches, which are rotating handles.

Panels with extended functionality have touch (electronic) switches. Such devices often have displays or LED indicators.

What additional functionality should be paid attention to and in what cases?

Modern models of hobs can be equipped with the following functions:

1. Timer.
   With it, you can program the time for turning on or off a particular hotplate.
2. Auto power off.
   If there is no cookware on the hot heating zone, it switches off automatically.
3. Residual heat indicator.
   A lit LED warns that the hotplate is still hot and should not be touched.
4. Boiling automatic.
   The contents of the dishes are brought to a boil at full power, after which the heat is automatically reduced.
5. Child protection.
   Locking the control panel with a special button combination.
6. Electric ignition of gas burners, activated by pressing a button.
   Can be automatic or semi-automatic (requiring a switch to be turned at the same time).
7. Gas control.
   A system that shuts off the gas supply if the flame goes out.
8. Pause.
   Possibility to switch heating zones to keep warm mode for a short time.
   At this time, you can remove dirt in the panel or look at the recipe for the dish.

Top firms

Consider which is better to choose among the models of popular manufacturers.

Beko

• Beko HIC 64403 T;
• Beko HII 64400 ATX;
• Beko HIZG 64120X;
• Beko HIZG 64120 B;
• Beko HII 64400AT.

Electrolux

• Electrolux EHF 96547 FK;
• Electrolux EHF 96547 XK;
• Electrolux IPE 6453 KF;
• Electrolux IPE 6440 KX;
• Electrolux EHV 56240 AK.

Hotpoint-Ariston

• Hotpoint-Ariston TQG 641 (BK);
• Hotpoint-Ariston PCN 640 T (OW) R;
• Hotpoint-Ariston PCN 641 T IX;
• Hotpoint-Ariston IKIA 640 C;
• Hotpoint-Ariston TQG 641 (WH).

Indesit

• Indesit RI 860 C;
• Indesit RI 161C;
• Indesit VIA 640 0C;
• Indesit RI 360 C;
• Indesit RI 260 C.

GEFEST

• GEFEST SG CH 1210 K5;
• GEFEST CH 2120 K6;
• GEFEST PVG 2231-01 R48;
• GEFEST SG CBH 2230;
• GEFEST PVG 1212.

Conclusion

Based on the foregoing, the following conclusions can be drawn:

1. Cooktops are a compact replacement for a bulky stove, not inferior in functionality overall device.
2. When choosing the number of burners, you need to focus on how many people live in the apartment and how often they plan to eat homemade food.
3. If there is a child in the house, it is recommended to choose models with recessed switches or control panel lock.
4. In the event of power or gas outages, combined panels can save the situation.

Useful video

From this video you will learn what parameters to look for when choosing a hob: