Glass-ceramic or cast-iron burners - which is better?

Electric stoves differ by a variety of criteria: by type of coating, types of heating elements, the material from which the work surface is made, etc. This article is the answer to the question: glass ceramics or cast iron burners - which is better? Maybe a comparative description will help you make the choice: give preference to the good old “pancakes” made of cast iron or the pathos of a modern glass-ceramic surface.

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Cast iron

Burner pancakes with spiral heating elements are located from a plate surface at a certain elevation. This creates inconvenience when cleaning. There is also the risk of accidentally tipping dishes.

Important! Cast iron is quite fragile, and a careless blow is quite capable of cracking it.

However, with all the shortcomings, there are positive aspects.

• Unpretentiousness to the applied ware. You can use any pans and pans. It is possible that with a defect at the bottom.
• Low price. Plates equipped with spiral or cast-iron heating elements are inexpensive, but they can not be called economical in any way, since their energy intensity is very large.

Control

Modifications with cast-iron or spiral heating elements are distinguished by the simplest mechanical control. The lack of electronic control for individuals who value simplicity and convenience is an advantage, not a disadvantage. For example, it is not easy for older people to master technical innovations, so for them this option is optimal.

Appearance

Modern electric stoves, even budget models, have an impeccable appearance, laconic form.

Important! Various color variations are possible. Such a plate will fit into both classic and modern design.

The best models with cast iron burners

Consider the most common options for this year, if in solving the issue, glass ceramics or cast iron burners - which is better, you have preferred the classic version.

HANSA FCEX58210:

• Russian model with a surface made of high quality stainless steel.
• The appliance is equipped with 4 cast iron hobs.
• There is a large (65 L) oven with lighting, a spit and an electric grill.
• On the front panel of the device are rotary switches and a display.
• The color scheme is black, so pollution is not very noticeable.

DARINA B EM341 406 W:

• The Belarusian plate with a snow-white enameled surface is distinguished by the optimal combination of excellent build quality, functionality and affordable cost.
• The stove is equipped with electric oven with backlight. Enamel coating is of good quality, resistant to temperature and mechanical stress.
• Number of burners - 4.

HANSA FCEW54120

Russian electric stove for 4 cast iron burners, manufactured using German technology and in appropriate quality. Solid European assembly provides high quality work.

The oven equipment is impressive:

• Backlight
• Grill.
• Skewer.
• Lattice.
• Baking tray with non-stick coating.

There are 4 heating modes, a timer.

Important! The capacity of the oven is very decent (69 l), so even a large bird can be baked in it. The oven door has double glazing, which makes the appliance safe.

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Glass ceramic

To find out which electric stove is better - glass ceramic or ordinary, consider all the pros and cons of glass ceramic surfaces.Glass ceramics is a stylish modern technology that not only performs its immediate functions well, but also decorates the interior of the kitchen.

Important! Glass ceramic is a material obtained from glass melting using a new technology. The resulting material externally resembles glass, but it is resistant to wear, mechanical stress (except for point effects) and temperature extremes. As for the price categories, here the variability is huge - from budget models to “monsters”, the cost of which is comparable to a used car.

Types of burners

The main thing that distinguishes glass ceramics is its unusual appearance: almost no burners are visible on the surface. As a rule, they are indicated by contours of different configurations and sizes:

• Halogen. Quickly heat up. During operation they glow in a reddish color. Quite effective, but there are also disadvantages - a short working resource and high energy intensity.
• Rapid. They heat up somewhat more slowly than halogen ones, but they are reliable and do not consume much electricity.
• Induction. This option is considered the most economical and effective. However, such a stove is not cheap.

Important! For cooking on induction cooker special dishes are required, which you can’t call cheap either.

Additional functionality

A modern stove with glass ceramics provides the owners with the following features:

• Touch control. Of course, models with a touch control panel are more expensive, but it is possible to smoothly control the heating of the burners. In addition, if the device is deprived of protruding handles, this greatly facilitates the care of it.
• Residual heat indicator. This feature allows you to optimize energy costs, and also increases the safety of the device.
• Booster - this function of temporarily increasing the power of the burner at the expense of the others is useful if, for example, you need to quickly heat the water.
• Programming modes.
• Timer.
• Boiling control - automatic reduction of power when boiling water.

Benefits:

• Compared to cast-iron “pancakes,” glass ceramics heats up and cools faster. This is convenient in terms of security and functionality.
• The possibility of changing the heating zone, depending on the dimensions of the dishes.
• Easier maintenance due to the absence of protruding parts.
• Simple operation. This is especially true for models with a touch panel.
• Beautiful design, especially in comparison with conventional models.

Minuses:

• Sensitivity to dishes. Kitchen utensils with a flat straight bottom, without inscriptions and images are needed.
• The need for special care compositions for glass ceramics.
• Sensitivity to point impacts.
• The need to use only dry dishes for cooking. Drops of water can damage the hob.
• High price.

The best models of glass ceramics

Now we give a mini-review of electric stoves with a glass-ceramic hob to finally decide which is better.

DARINA B EC341 606 W

Budget model with a glass ceramic surface. The product is devoid of any special “bells and whistles”, but the basic functionality is quite up to par:

• The stove has 4 rings.
• It is equipped with a residual heat sensor.
• Control of the device - with the help of rotary knobs.
• Oven of medium capacity (total 50 l).
• The stove itself is compact (500x560x850 mm). This makes it possible to use the product even in a small kitchen room.

BEKO CSE 57300 GA:

• The 4-burner hob is equipped with powerful heating elements.
• The capacity of the oven is 60 liters.
• There is interior lighting and an electric grill.
• Management - with the help of rotary elements, there is a timer and a convenient display.
• Due to its compact size (500x600x850 mm), the appliance fits perfectly into most kitchens.
• Double glass on the oven door protects against burns.

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Stock footage

When asked which plate is better - glass ceramic or ordinary, there is no definite answer.Glass-ceramic appliances - for those who are not afraid of expenses, but who prefer modern design and functionality. A plate with cast iron burners - proven over the years, a reliable option.