Glass ceramic or tempered glass - which is better?

The hob is one of the most important elements of the kitchen interior. It perfectly fulfills its functions, at the same time giving the opportunity to rationally beat the smallest space, unlike the traditional stove. The range of hobs on sale is huge. Products vary in design, functionality, manufacturing materials. Here on the last and dwell. We will try to answer the question: enamel, stainless steel, glass ceramics or tempered glass - which is better? This article will be devoted to this. Consider each of the options, with its advantages and disadvantages.

to contents ↑

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is a practical and solid option. The material is resistant to shock, strong pressure. What is important - the stainless steel is universal. There are natural gas and electricity products on the market. As they say, for all tastes and possibilities.

Important! The main criterion by which the quality of the product is evaluated is the type of alloy used. According to experts, the more the alloy contains chromium, the better it is.

There are 2 variants of execution - mirror and matte surfaces. Both options are almost equivalent. It all depends on the taste preferences of the buyer. Features of surfaces from this material:

• The number of burners on the work surface ranges from 2 to 4. Most often they vary in power, which makes it possible to avoid difficulties in cooking.

Important! Four burners is enough for a large family. If you cook a lot and in different dishes, you need to choose a stove with different burners in area.

• The gas hob is equipped with a stable cast iron grill, which prevents the dishes from turning over. It is advisable to choose models with separate grilles, since maintenance of the stove is simplified by several times.
• If you opted for the gas version, pay attention to the presence of the automatic ignition function, as well as control over the gas intake. Mechanical control is preferable to electronic control, since a failure in electronic control can lead to gas leaks.
• The electrical panel heats up quickly and cools slowly. It is possible to save energy while eating.

Important! Stainless steel is very easy to clean. But you should not forget about regular cleaning of the surface. Otherwise, the dirt eats so deep into the metal that getting rid of it is extremely difficult.

Care Features

If you compare which hob is better - glass or stainless steel, then in practical terms the comparison will clearly not be in favor of glass. The stainless steel is resistant to mechanical damage, it is not afraid of even the most aggressive cleaning products and metal sponges. However, you need to clean the surface regularly, without starting up dirt. Otherwise, the device will lose its former attractiveness.

Care recommendations can’t be called complicated, but you need to adhere to them strictly:

• After cooking, wipe the surface with a rag or sponge with detergent. Rinse off residual detergent with water. If this is not done regularly, soot and food debris will destroy the product.
• You can use a metal washcloth for cleaning, but it is better to choose a soft one. But a brush made of metal can scratch the surface.
• Pay attention to the composition of the detergent.Abuse of abrasives (sand, soda) should not be abused. It is advisable to use liquid and creamy detergent formulations.
• After cleaning, use special stainless steel oil, then polish the surface with a soft, dry cloth. This helps to create a protective layer on the surface, which facilitates future care.

Important! When caring for the stove, be sure to wear rubber gloves. They protect the skin from drying out and chemical burns.

to contents ↑

Glass ceramic

Perhaps this is the most luxurious, beautiful and modern material for the kitchen. Glass ceramic is resistant to temperature extremes, neutral to caustic substances, and at the same time, it looks amazing. But this material needs careful maintenance.

Important! Glass-ceramic surface is used in electrical and innovative induction cookers. It fits perfectly into any interior. With proper care, the material will last for many years.

Advantages of glass ceramics:

• The ability to purposefully conduct heat. It does not heat the entire surface, but only a small area necessary for cooking.

Important! Food heats up quickly, while energy consumption is relatively small.

• The presence of modal cooking zones (the heated area of ​​the stove depends on the diameter of the dishes used). Management can be manual and intelligent.

Disadvantages:

• For cooking on a glass ceramic stove, not all dishes are suitable. For example, a whimsical device simply will not notice an aluminum pan. Therefore, as a rule, the purchase of a stove is accompanied by the purchase of new utensils. And this is a considerable cost.
• High price. Even the best stainless steel plate is significantly cheaper than a glass-ceramic modification with a basic set of functions. In addition, you will have to spend on special caring compositions.
• Sensitivity to pinpoint mechanical damage. A knife that has fallen down the tip or accidentally dropped the pan will disable the stove. Therefore, in no case should you hang kitchen utensils over the glass-ceramic surface.
• Requirements for the state of the dishes. The pan that you put on the hob must always be dry, and its temperature should be at room temperature. Otherwise, it can also harm sensitive technology. The risk of surface cracking in this case is very high.

to contents ↑

Strained glass

In terms of performance, this material successfully competes with glass ceramics. Which hob is better - glass or stainless steel, glass or enamel? Naturally, the option with glass is more aesthetic and practical:

• Tempered glass is heat resistant. In addition, it is resistant to temperature changes. If you want to put a pan on the fire directly from the refrigerator, this will not hurt the stove.
• Installing a glass plate has its own nuances, but it adapts well to uneven floors.
• The material is resistant to point impacts.
• Glass is easier to care for than glass ceramics.
• Glass practically does not heat up, so the surface can be washed immediately after cooking.

to contents ↑

Make a decision

When choosing, consider the following points:

• Which hob is better - glass or enamel? Of course, glass is more beautiful and practical, but finding it on sale is quite difficult.
• If you live in an apartment with gas supply, then the best option would be a stainless steel stove. It is convenient, practical, beautiful, and the tasks that a home culinary has in mind are completely solvable.
• If you are not ready to groom and cherish a stove daily, then glass-ceramic is not for you. Moreover, this is not an option for a large family, where you have to cook often and a lot.
• As for the design and color scheme, it all depends on the design of the kitchen and the taste of the buyer.

to contents ↑

Stock footage

Now you have a little more understanding of the full variety of hobs.We hope that, thanks to the information provided in this article, the question of choice is no longer so acute for you, you have already decided what to give preference to.