Hob

Everyone already knows that the hob is a built-in kitchen equipment. It is presented in the form of a flat panel, which is used to fix the heating elements. For the installation of such a system, an aperture in the countertop is intended, so the whole solution is very ergonomic. How to choose it right? And what are they, hobs?

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Hob Differences

There are several varieties of hobs:

• Electric;
• Gas;
• Combined.

About how to choose a hob, most often it is necessary to think to those who do not have a gas pipeline in their home. And in the presence of gas, it is better to stop on the gas model.

Important! Our articles will help you understand the features of different models and their installation:

• Gas hobs - which are better?
• Sizes of gas hobs.
• The best electric hobs.
• Hob rating.

A great option is to purchase a combination panel, which uses both electric and gas power. It is very convenient to use if gas cylinders can be connected. At the end of the gas, you can use electricity.

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Material

Various materials are used to make the panel surface. All of them have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Enamel

This option panel is quite budget. In this case, spiral or cast iron burners are located on the enameled panel. They are familiar and traditional, slightly protruding above the surface.

Enamel advantages:

• Such material is durable and practical.
• Thanks to the wide color gamut, it is possible to choose a panel that is ideally suited for the interior.

Traditional burners - pancakes and spirals can be easily replaced in case of breakage.

Enamel disadvantages:

• It’s difficult to remove fat.
• The surface is easily scratched.
• Heating and cooling rings - quite a long time.
• Operation may be unsafe.

Stainless steel

The stainless steel surface is also very comfortable and practical. It is easy to clean, but not by all means, only sparing.

Pros of stainless steel:

• A more modern look.
• Strength.
• Affordable price.

Minus stainless steel:

• There is no variety of colors.

Glass ceramic

Before choosing a hob of this type, it should be borne in mind that the burners in the glass-ceramic are somewhat different - they are not visible above the surface. If you are impressed with just such a modern option, read about what to look for whenchoosing a glass-ceramic plate.

Important! The main advantage is the quick heating and cooling of the burners. In addition, heat is distributed evenly.

Care Rules:

• Do not use abrasive products for cleaning, as scratches may appear on the surface.
• Glass ceramics are quickly covered with water drips and fingerprints, which does not look aesthetically pleasing.
• The surface becomes scratched, even if you just sprinkle sugar.

Important! We have prepared a separate comparison so that you can figure out for yourself finallywhich hob is better - stainless steel or glass.

Induction hob

Those who are looking for which electric hobs are best should pay close attention to the induction hob.The main advantage is that only the dishes are heated on the burner, it itself remains cold. An overview of the characteristics and criteria important for purchasing reliable equipment is given in a separate article.“How to choose an induction hob?”.

Principle of operation

The main difference is the copper coil located on the surface. Special dishes are used, in which the bottom is magnetized. As a result, a magnetic field will pass through the dishes, due to which the container is heated.

Important! In the induction panel there is no heating of the burner and the walls of the dishes, since no current passes through them. The electromagnetic heating principle makes the operation of the panels safe, efficient and economical.

Benefits:

• Less time is spent on cooking, as heating is fast.
• The amount of energy consumed is reduced.
• Complete safety - the work surface does not heat up, and the burners are switched on only if the dishes are placed on them.
• Much easier panel care.

Disadvantages:

• Not all utensils can be used. Do not use glass, aluminum and copper utensils. More information in our article. “Which cookware is suitable for glass ceramic plates?”.
• It is not proven that induction cookers are completely safe for human health.
• The price is still quite high, as the technology is relatively new.

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Control system

Of course, the choice of the hob depends on its control system. In such a technique, electronic or electromechanical elements are used.

Electronic control

This type of control is typical for cookers in which functions are involved in large numbers. There is an automatic shutdown or boiling, the ability to adjust the temperature, programs with the memory function, etc.

Important! In electronic hobs, the heating output can be adjusted. More modes - more options.

Thanks to modern control mechanisms, cooking time is reduced as much as possible, in addition, the process itself does not need to be controlled.

Important! It is possible to automatically switch off the hob after the dish is ready, or the heating power can be reduced. If the soup or milk “runs away” from the pan, it will also automatically shut off.

In some electric burners, it is possible to read information about the size of the dishes and adjust the power and heating area according to its characteristics.

Touch electric control

In this case, there is usually a display on which the ongoing process is displayed. That is, information is visible about the time until the end of cooking, about the set mode and the temperature of heating the burners.

Electronic mechanical control

In this case, the device is equipped with touch mechanisms, electric hobs, as well as handles for manual adjustment of the hobs. This is very convenient, as the modes switch quickly and easily.

Important! If you have a small child, pay attention to the models that are equipped with protective lock keys.

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Burners

There are several common electric heaters, consider them more carefully:

• Cast-iron pancakes are presented in the form of hollow bodies, inside filled with ordinary heating elements. Despite the fact that such heaters do not differ in high efficiency or aesthetic appeal, they are used quite often, since they are inexpensive and very reliable. Cast iron burners are most often installed on metal housings.

Important! The main disadvantage is that rust quickly forms on the heating elements due to excess moisture.

• A rapid heating element can often be found on a glass ceramic hob.A distinctive feature of such a heater is its high heating and cooling rate, but there is a minus - high energy consumption.
• Induction heater has a high efficiency. Thanks to it, the contents of the container are heated, but the base panel is not heated. In addition, these burners are economical, as they are turned off immediately after removing the dishes. Due to this property, it is possible to avoid accidental burns.
• Tape heating elements have a long service life and high electrical resistance, due to which the burner can be heated to a maximum temperature in a few seconds.

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Variety of advanced features

Of course, when choosing a hob, you should pay close attention to the presence of additional options:

• Child lock. If necessary, all the main controls are blocked.
• If there is protection against overflows, the system instantly responds to a temperature difference, which usually happens when the burner is filled with liquid. As a result, the device immediately disconnects from the electric power.
• Protection of heating elements from overheating. In this case, the burners automatically turn off if the temperature exceeds the critical temperature.
• The memory functions will help in preserving the temperature conditions necessary for the preparation of a variety of recipes.
• The basic functions are represented by a timer, high-speed heating, defrosting, etc.
• In the presence of a boiling sensor, the burner power automatically decreases when the liquid reaches a temperature of 100 degrees.

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Stock footage

As you can see, choosing a hob for the kitchen is not so simple. In this case, a number of parameters and conditions must be observed. We are sure that we were able to explain all the most necessary characteristics for your right choice.