10 Tips for Choosing a Hob

Popular vote - who is the best manufacturer of hobs?
We vote!

Ardesia

Asko

Bosch

Electrolux

Gorenje

Gefest

Hansa

Kuppersberg

Lex

MAUNFELD

Siemens

Total votes: 7

Vote results

Gas. They are made of enameled or stainless steel, cast iron is used less often. The control system is usually located on the front side of the equipment and is close to the user. A feature of gas hobs are rotary controls to control the intensity of the flame.

The standard number of burners is 4. They differ in size as well as power. Additionally, gas panels are equipped with special grids designed for installation of dishes (pots, pans, etc.). Usually they are two-segment constructions that can be easily removed and, if necessary, wiped. For the manufacture of gratings used cast iron or enameled steel.

Pros:

• low cost, including maintenance cost
• quick change of heating intensity,
• instant supply (shutdown) of a flame.

Minus - gas panels are much more difficult to care for.

Electric. Their surface is made of glass-ceramic, under which the burners are located. Modern electrical panels provide fast heating (5-10 seconds) and a wide area of ​​thermal output. Most manufacturers offer devices with Hi-Light heating elements, made in the form of corrugated ribbons.

The number of heating stations is 4. However, on sale there are small models designed for only 2 or 3 burners. They are usually chosen as a supplement to the built-in stove or for installation in country houses. A special feature of electrical panels is a touch control, less often there are models equipped with buttons and rotary switches.

Pros:

• safety when using
• ease of care
• fast warming up
• the most comfortable control,
• stylish look.

Minus - they significantly increase the electricity bill.

Conclusion: It is obvious that electric hobs are the best choice for every family. However, keep in mind that they are much more expensive than gas models. In addition, the cost of electricity above the cost of gas.

All gas and electrical panels are divided into dependent and independent models. The first are the devices equipped with an oven. This kit has a unified management system. A cost-effective solution for those who need both a hob and an oven. Buying these devices separately will cost a little more.

Note! However, there is a minus: if the control system of the oven is damaged, the built-in cooking hob may stop functioning.

Conclusion: If financial capabilities allow, buy two independent devices, the performance of which does not depend on each other.

The principle of heating depends on the speed of cooking and the reliability of the hob itself. The most common:

• Cast iron burners and steel surface. The advantages of such panels: scratch and mechanical damage resistance, operational durability and ease of maintenance;
• Glass ceramic models with spiral heating elements. Their feature is high energy efficiency. These devices are instantly heated and cooled;
• Panels of glass ceramics with tape heating. The main advantage of such models is a high heating rate, approximately 2.5 times higher than the standard figures;
• Induction heated ceramic devices. Modern panels that provide economical power consumption.

Conclusion: The best choice would be ceramic devices with induction heating. They are distinguished by maximum energy efficiency and utmost ease of care. To remove even old dirt, a normal wipe is sufficient.

The main element of the hob, regardless of its type and design, are burners. To choose the right, you need to determine their number, level of performance and location on the surface of the device.

The number of burners usually varies from 2 to 6 pieces. If you have a big family, then cooking is more, and, accordingly, the best choice would be a panel with 6 heating elements. For one person, there is enough device equipped with only 2 burners.

We draw your attention to a few nuances that will help make the right choice of the hob:

• Manufacturers offer modern devices equipped with two- and three-circuit burners. The excellent decision for those who in all prefers universality. In this case, the heating circuit can be adapted to the diameter of the dish;
• In the burner can be simultaneously 2-3 rows of flame (for gas models). In this case, the heating will be much faster and more evenly. A wonderful choice if you and your family members often prepare national dishes;
• Some panels are equipped with a special ring with the name "wok". It is designed for cooking oriental cuisine using a thick-walled cauldron or a frying pan concave shape.

Conclusion: The more hobs, the higher the cost of the cooking plate and its versatility. If you are not a fan of oriental dishes, then there is no point in overpaying for a special heating element.

The more convenient the control, the more comfortable the use of the hob. Main types:

Mechanical. They are distinguished by reliability and low cost. They are easy to repair, so most of the damage can be fixed. The plates with mechanical control are equipped with switches of various types: rotary or retractable.

Electronic. The panels are controlled through the touch screen, as easy to use. To perform a certain action (for example, to change the heating power), just one touch.

Alternative (combined). They combine electronic and mechanical control. The main advantage of such panels is maximum functionality. They are easily controlled because they are equipped with familiar buttons.

ConclusionA: the choice of control type depends only on your preferences. It’s great if a remote control will be included in the package, with which you can control the hob while in another room.

When choosing an electric cooktop, it is important to consider the power of the appliance. Usually this figure varies from 3 to 10 kW. The more burners, the higher their overall performance and power of the entire hob.

Standard equipment is equipped with one large heating element (about 3 kW), two medium (about 1.5 kW) and small (no more than 1 kW). On sale there are models with several small burners and one medium or, on the contrary, all large ones.

There are many variations, so when choosing, it is important to consider what you cook most often.For example, if you use the panel mainly for making coffee or cooking porridge for 1-2 people, then only small rings will suffice.

Conclusion: The more power, the faster you can cook complex dishes (meat, poultry, fish, etc.).

A universal choice is recessed panels having a width of 60 cm and a depth of 50 cm. Of course, when buying, it is necessary to proceed from the availability of free space in the kitchen, taking into account the fact that installation of the hood will be required.

In addition to the standard parameters, panels with a width of 30 cm are available. This is a great opportunity to save space. Larger embedded panels have a width of 90 cm and a depth of 50 cm, they are distinguished by a greater number of burners. The best solution for owners of spacious kitchens and large families where they cook a lot.

Conclusion: specify how much space is available in the kitchen to install the hob, and decide.

When choosing a glass-ceramic hob for your home, consider the presence of a metal frame. It is necessary to protect the equipment from scratches, chips and other mechanical damage. If during the cooking process the liquid accidentally falls on the surface of the panel, then the metal frame will not allow it to spill.

Many manufacturers do not include it in the package, thereby reducing the cost of the device. However, the frames on the built-in hob perform not only practical but also an aesthetic function: they set off the color of the headset and serve as an unusual decorative finish. The disadvantage of this structural element is complex care.

Conclusion: it is better to choose hobs with a metal frame, because it ensures the practicality of using the device and prolongs the period of its operation.

The simplest, but very useful feature found in some cooktops is the built-in electronic timer. And it is installed not for all the burners of the device at the same time, but for each heating zone separately.

The function "Automatic boiling" reduces the cooking time. After the liquid boils, the intensity of the burners will be automatically reduced to the indicators set by the user in advance.

The “Power Consolidation” function ensures maximum comfort during cooking. When it is turned on, one burner uses up to 50% of the power of the other heating element, which is switched off at that moment.

The Frying Sensor function guarantees uniform roasting of absolutely any food. It allows you to choose the right one of the 3 degrees of heating for frying. The sound signal informs the user that the utensils have been warmed up to the required temperature.

Modern equipment from leading manufacturers is often complemented by automated programs for the preparation of various dishes: porridge, pilau, soup, potatoes, etc. These are factory settings, including different temperature regimes.

Buying hobs from reliable manufacturers, you choose equipment that is 100% compliant with the requirements of safety, efficiency and durability. As a rule, leading firms pay special attention to the design and design of devices, due to which they harmoniously fit into the interior of any kitchen.

Manufacturers who can be trusted:

• Electrolux,
• Bosch,
• Gorenje
• Whirlpool
• Siemens,
• Samsung.

The cost of high-quality gas hobs originates from 12 000 rubles, electric from 20 000 rubles.