How to choose the right hob, the 7 best manufacturers and models
Many people buy new appliances during kitchen renovations. Some people decide to install a special gas panel instead of a regular gas stove. Before buying, you need to familiarize yourself with how to choose the right hob.
Advantages and disadvantages of different types of food
There are different types of hobs, which differ in the type of food. They have a number of pros and cons that you should be aware of.
Gas
Most often, gas appliances are installed in the kitchen, which differ from other panels in low cost, ease of use and heating speed. However, the integrated gas surface will be cheaper only if there is a main gas pipeline. If you need to use gas cylinders, it is better to abandon gas models and use devices with a different type of power supply.
Among the disadvantages of the surfaces connected to the gas pipeline, there is a high probability of fire due to improper operation.
Electric
The second most popular built-in cooktop is electric. Experts say that it is these models that are devoid of most flaws:
- there is no fire during the operation of the stove, and therefore the kitchen in which it is installed is protected from fire;
- electrical panels are equipped with special regulators that allow a person to manually control the heating temperature;
- the devices are equipped with timers, thanks to which the heating plates turn off automatically.
In addition, these appliances have most of the advantages of conventional electric stoves:
- slow cooling of preheated burners;
- rapid heating of the surface.
Combined
Sometimes the integration of combined models is carried out, which combines the characteristics of gas and electric burners. Such a hybrid surface is considered specific. However, it is suitable for people who cannot choose between gas or electric appliances.
Choosing the right surfacing material
When choosing a hob, you should pay attention to the facing material, since the quality of the structure depends on it. There are four materials from which panels can be made.
The most affordable are enamel coatings, which are used in the creation of many hobs. There is a huge variety of enamel coatings on the market, so everyone can choose a color that fits perfectly into the interior of the kitchen. Among the advantages of such surfaces are:
- resistance to thermal and mechanical stress;
- low price;
- no fingerprints are left.
The main drawback of enamel coatings is considered their fragility, since chips often appear on them from impacts, therefore, experts recommend using them more carefully.
Stainless steel
People who do not want to use appliances with fragile enamel coatings can use the stainless steel models. They are popular among housewives, although they cost an order of magnitude more than aluminum or enamel panels.
Stainless steel easily supports mechanical and thermal loads. It is also durable and therefore does not chip even under strong impacts. The disadvantages of stainless steel include the fact that wet marks and impressions are visible on it.
Strained glass
The most attractive panels are considered, on the surface of which there are tempered glass inserts. Such devices look great and fit into almost any interior. On sale you can find models with different colors of glass. The hardware has blue, light blue, yellow and even green tempered glass surfaces. The advantage of the glass surface is that it is easy to maintain and wipe clean.
Tempered glass coverings should be used with care as they are fragile.
Ceramic glass
The ceramic panel is considered the most expensive. The high cost of glass-ceramic coatings is due to their elegant appearance and rapid heating. Also, the advantages of glass-ceramic products include ease of maintenance. Their surface is flat and therefore any dirt can be removed without any problem. It is enough just to wipe them regularly with a sponge or an ordinary scraper if the dirt is dry.
The main disadvantages of glass-ceramics are fragility, due to which the material can crack when hit by a kitchen object. It is also contraindicated to pour sugar on such panels, since it is not easy to remove it after drying.
What are the grids made of?
The cooking grates are made of cast iron and enamelled steel. Each of these materials has characteristics that you should become familiar with.
Enamelled steel
Budget models include those on which enameled steel gratings are installed. They are cheaper than cast iron ones because it is contraindicated to put too heavy dishes in them. The grids do not withstand significant loads and begin to deform. This will cause cracking of the enamel layer and progressive corrosion of the grid. Therefore, people who do not cook food on the stove very often have to choose devices with such grids.
The advantage of enameled steel is its minimalist and attractive appearance.
Melting
Lattices, which are made of cast iron, are considered more practical. They are stronger than enameled products, as they do not bend under heavy loads. Also, the advantages of cast iron include its durability, due to which it does not lose its attractiveness even after many years of use. However, this material has a serious drawback - fragility. If you accidentally drop such a grill, small cracks form on its surface.
Types and characteristics of electric burners
The hobs may differ depending on the cooking zones installed. There are four most commonly used types of hot plates.
Conventional
The classic option are cast iron burners.When creating them, a reliable and heat-conducting cast iron alloy is used, inside which spirals are installed for heating.
These burners are not easy to use. In order for them to heat up faster, you will need to set the maximum heating power. Then it is gradually lowered so that the burner does not overheat.Due to these features of use, many call cast-iron burners capricious and prefer to purchase more modern models that use materials with improved heat-conducting properties.
Fast
Rapid burners are installed in most budget hob models. When creating them, they use a heat-conducting material such as nichrome, thanks to which the spirals can warm up to the maximum temperature in just 10-15 seconds. Most of these burners are round in shape, but sometimes rectangular models are found. Nichrome burners are versatile, as they are suitable for the preparation of both complex and simple dishes.
The power consumption of rapid heating elements during operation is one and a half kilowatts per hour.
Halogen
The most efficient burners installed on the hobs are halogen. Their main difference from other heating components is that they are equipped with additional halogen lamps, which begin to work after the stove is turned on. Such a burner heats up in 5-6 seconds, this is three times faster than heating fast products.
However, halogen hobs have a serious drawback - they heat up the entire surface of the hob. Also, the disadvantages include a short service life, because of which you will have to periodically replace the burners with new ones.
Induction
The main difference between induction cookware and other burners is that they heat cookware directly. A small induction unit is installed inside these devices. It gradually heats the bottom of the pan while keeping the griddle cool. This is possible thanks to the use of special containers, the bottom of which is magnetized.
The disadvantage of panels equipped with induction heating elements is their high cost. Therefore, not everyone has the opportunity to use such devices.
hi-light
Models that use Hi-light burners are gaining popularity. They are made from heat-conducting tape, which is made from high-strength alloys. The advantage of Hi-light products is the heating speed, which is 4-5 seconds. In addition, the advantages include an even distribution of heat over the surface. This hot plate consumes a lot of energy. For one hour of active use, it consumes two kilowatts.
Selection factors
To choose the right cooktop, you need to familiarize yourself with two main selection factors.
Ranking of the best manufacturers
There are seven manufacturers that produce the highest quality panels.
Hansa
Companies that make quality products include Hansa. The best model from this manufacturer is the Hansa BHC63906 plate. It is equipped with two round cooking zones and one oval. This variety of heating surfaces makes this model functional. The work of the hob is almost completely automated. A person can independently set the cooking time so that the burners turn off automatically.
Bosch
Housewives use household appliances made by the German company Bosch. Among the latest models of hobs from this manufacturer, the PKC675N14D should be distinguished. This appliance is equipped with a touch-type control panel which allows you to adjust the heating temperature of the cooking plates. Also, a person can use the built-in timer to turn off the heater.
The PKC675N14D stands out for the size of the burners, which allow food to be cooked in large pots.
Zanussi
Zanussi is a company engaged in the creation of quality household appliances. Most models of hobs from this manufacturer are equipped with the FryingSensor system, which regulates the heating temperature of the burners and prevents food from burning. The panel has a touch screen to control the heating of the plate.
The most expensive models are equipped with double-circuit burners, on which pots with a diameter of twenty centimeters can be placed.
honey
Among the most functional hobs from Miele, the KM 6230 model stands out. It is equipped with an electronic keyboard with which a person can select one of the operating modes. One of the five burners has a built-in reinforced heater, thanks to which it heats up in 2-3 seconds.
The stove has a built-in safety system that controls the duration of the burners. If used for a long time at maximum power, the panel will automatically turn off.
Tourbillon
The surfaces created by the famous company Whirlpool are versatile and attractive. The advantages of such products include:
- Ease of use. Whirlpool panels feature control screens that simplify operation.
- Feature. Products made by this manufacturer are suitable for creating any type of dish.
- Ergonomic The panels are compact and therefore do not take up much space in the kitchen.
Samsung
Samsung is considered the best-known home appliance company. The cooking plates produced by this South Korean company have the following advantages:
- Variety of design. There are many different panels available with different designs, so everyone can find something to suit their kitchen.
- Sustainability. Samsung equipment will last more than ten years.
- Security. The new models are equipped with a protection system that automatically turns off the stove after cooking.
kitfort
The most famous cooktop manufactured by Kitfort is the KT-104. The advantages of the stove are its compactness, which allows you to install it even in small kitchenettes. It has induction hobs so you will need to use special kitchen utensils for cooking. Benefits of the KT-104 include:
- low price;
- compactness;
- ease of use;
- rapid heating.
Feature
The main factor to consider when choosing a panel is its functionality.
Timer
Most cookers have a built-in timer, which allows one person to independently set the time the burners turn off. To do this, you will need to set the heating zone at which the timer is activated. After that, the operating time of the stove is set at a given temperature. When the time is up, a beep sounds.
Panel lock
It is recommended to purchase models with a built-in panel lock function. This feature prevents accidental pressing. Locking the control panel is easy.It is necessary to hold down the lock button for three seconds until a beep appears. After that, the touchscreen will be completely blocked and stop responding to any pressure. To unlock it, you must press the lock button again.
Safety stop
Some housewives use hotplates improperly, resulting in burns or fires. To avoid such problems, you need to purchase devices that have a built-in protective shutdown feature. Such models turn off automatically when the burners are on for a long time. Additionally, the stove may shut down if the burners begin to heat up on their own without a user command.
Residual heat indication
Most often, this function is present in models with a glass-ceramic surface.The residual heat indicator helps to save electricity and ensure the safety of the hob.
The residual heat indicator lights come on after one of the cooking zones has been switched on. If they catch fire, the stove surface is too hot and should not be touched with your hands. The indicator will remain on until the surface cools to room temperature.
Boiling automation
People who often boil water or milk should pay attention to products equipped with automatic boiling of liquids. With this function, the heating plate, on which the container is filled with liquid, switches on automatically. After 10-15 minutes, the burner power is reduced so that the water does not evaporate.
This function is useful and will always be in demand, since many housewives heat different liquids on the stove.
Rejig
Many gas hobs are equipped with a relight function.It prevents the spread of carbon monoxide, which can start when the burner goes out. For stoves with re-ignition, the burners do not go out, since the stove ignites them by itself in the event of damping.
Gas indexing
Gas stoves have a gas indexing function. It is used to automatically adjust the flame.
Automatic combustion aid
A useful feature found on many hobs. With its help, you can adjust the duration of the burners, as well as the power of their combustion. During the set time, the combustion intensity of the hotplates will be maintained at the same level.
The size
Before choosing a hob for the kitchen, you need to decide on its size. Its thickness should not exceed 55 millimeters, since too thick panels will stand out against the background of worktops. The width of the panel is determined by the dimensions of the kitchen area. The minimum width of these panels is 30 centimeters, and the maximum width is 60-70 centimeters.
Advice
Here are some useful tips to help you choose your hob:
- When determining the size of the device and its power, it is necessary to take into account the dishes that will be prepared and the number of people in the family. If there are a lot of people in the family, it is better to opt for large hobs with 3-4 burners.
- It is recommended to buy frameless devices because they are easier to maintain.
- It is necessary to choose tiles with an efficiency class of at least level A.
- When choosing a panel design, you need to take into account the specifics of the kitchen interior. The color of the surface should match the color of the rest of the kitchen cabinet.
Conclusion
Often people are faced with the problems of choosing a quality hob.To choose the right stove, you need to familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of the main types of surfaces, as well as study the rating of the best manufacturers of household appliances.