Hob - built-in equipment for a modern kitchen

The gas hob is popular among cooks and chefs

There are several reasons why it is this and not electric:

Does not consume electricity, the tariff for which is higher than gas. Requires more electricity than any other appliance in the house.
Heats up quickly and cools down just as quickly. The sensitivity to adjusting the heat supply is also higher. The stove is an excellent solution for preparing various dishes.
It is believed that food cooked over a gas fire is tastier and healthier than the same food cooked in a microwave oven or on an electric hob. This is explained simply: gas heating is more natural and close to an open fire.

Let's consider the rules for choosing a high-quality, convenient, efficient and safe gas hob, which is easy to clean and will suit any interior design.

Before purchasing, we strongly recommend that you familiarize yourself with the rating of the best models of gas hobs. The list was prepared based on expert recommendations and customer reviews. For each model, pros and cons are presented, as well as characteristics and reviews.

Electric hob

Beauty. The first word that comes to mind when you see an electric hob. Glass ceramics have taken root perfectly in this product, allowing it to protrude upward a few millimeters from the tabletop. Such a product has already moved away from the traditional black color, filling the space of the working surface of the kitchen set, which differs little from it, thanks to the design idea. Housewives increasingly prefer it due to the fact that there is no longer a need to carry heavy hot pots from one place to another. You should move such an object to the side to free the burner.

The connection of a hob of this type has already been appreciated by owners of small kitchens. The huge slab, which previously occupied a quarter of the space, disappeared into oblivion, giving way to a younger “sister” who continued the traditions of the older generation. Glass-ceramic products have a significant price difference, which is associated with the unusual color of the surface and a set of built-in parts that facilitate the cooking process. These features allow each buyer to choose a product that is affordable, which is important when planning a family budget several months in advance.

Selecting surface material

The hob can be enameled, stainless steel, glass ceramic or tempered glass. What they have in common is their tendency to scratch and the ease of removing grease stains and burnt food.

Stainless steel. Wear-resistant material that can withstand aggressive cleaning agents. In terms of ease of care, it is second only to the enameled surface. Take a closer look at a model with a matte finish, as fingerprints will be very noticeable on a glossy one.
Enameled steel. Leader in the “easy cleaning” category. You can bring it back to its original form using dishwashing detergent or oven cleaner. The enemy of such a surface is the abrasive: powder cleaners or the abrasive part of the sponge. With prolonged use, chips and abrasions cannot be avoided. Available in various color variations.
Glass ceramics. In another way it is called “gas on glass”. A wear-resistant surface that is easy to clean, but not as trouble-free as stainless or enameled steel. For example, to remove grease, you will have to wipe the surface several times. The disadvantage is the risk of cracks or chips from strong impacts. Usually done in white or black colors.
Strained glass. The only difference from glass ceramics is the thickness and strength of the surface. There is no difference in care and design: an aesthetically attractive and heat-resistant surface without any particular difficulties in maintenance.

Types of burners

In addition to standard burners, manufacturers offer completely unusual types, which nevertheless have quite great advantages.

A double or triple crown, which has several rows of flames, will help boil water and cook food almost instantly, reducing cooking time several times and preserving the greatest amount of nutrients in food.

Some models of such nozzles are equipped with a separate adjustment that allows you to direct the maximum amount of heat to the desired area:

The Direct Flame burner is equipped with many micro-holes that help cope with heat and gas losses.
The WOK burner is designed for cookware with a spherical bottom or simply large sizes.
In some cases, a grill can replace an oven. On such a burner you can fry meat, fish, and vegetables. In this case, the products will acquire the characteristic taste and aroma of products cooked over an open fire.
The Coup de feu burner is an excellent device for preparing sauces that need to be simmered over low heat for a long time, stewing or lightly heating dishes.

The last two options are quite cumbersome and are installed only on large-sized models and not by all manufacturers.

Choosing a grid

Durable and wear-resistant gratings are made of cast iron. They do not change shape due to weight or prolonged heating. But the porous structure adds weight to such gratings and adds problems with maintenance. They should not be washed in the dishwasher to prevent rust on the cast iron surface. Two main tips when choosing:

From the options presented, choose the smoothest cast iron. Dirt will not stick to such a surface much, and it will be easier to clean.
It is best to have a separate grate for each burner. Cleaning the stove will become quite easier.

The advantages of enameled gratings are cost-effectiveness, low weight, and a smooth surface makes cleaning easier. But over time, the enamel is destroyed, and the surface itself can become deformed and sag. An enameled grate is not as stable as a cast iron grate due to its weight.

IMPORTANT! When you are at a hardware store, make sure that the grille is stable and that it comes with special pads that protect the surface from scratches.

Dependent hob

They are called so based on the type of connection of the hob and oven - together or separately. Typically, the burner structure is located above what you intend to bake pies in, provided that their control system is interconnected and located on the visible surface of the oven. When choosing such a set, you need to learn several rules: - choose both products of the same brand and manufacturer to avoid overlaps in the compatibility of two dissimilar products. Not all models have this quality, so get a preliminary consultation from a specialist. — price plays a big role, provided that a “smart” oven always costs more. When buying on the contrary, you will be faced with the problem of controlling the sensors that regulate the process of boiling and simmering.

Your favorite hob will make you spend more time near it, competing with your friends who can create a culinary masterpiece faster. Children will prefer to spend time in the kitchen if they can handle the process of managing such a structure. There is no need to worry while at work that heating food for younger schoolchildren will be a chore, and a tired husband will prefer dinner at his mother-in-law’s, whose pan keeps heat for several hours. By choosing a product that matches the general temperament of the family, you will add a few bright notes to the calm and comfort of your home orchestra.

Deciding on the burners

The appliance is equipped with four or six burners. A burner with a triple crown is more efficient. Make sure that at least one of these is included in the model you choose. This burner will boil a large volume of water in the shortest possible time.

Some stove models are equipped with a grill burner. This is a small grate with burners built under it. Useful for frying fish, meat or vegetables.

REFERENCE! When purchasing a cooktop, look at the placement of the burners. In addition to the standard square one, they can be arranged in a diamond shape. This arrangement reduces the risk of contamination of the apron and increases the efficiency of the hood. However, judging by the reviews, it is convenient at a time when all the burners are in use.

Induction hob

Appeared thanks to Faraday. The air transfer of energy is reflected not only in the circus. The induction hob was born in the late eighties of the last century, but did not become popular due to the high price and wary attitude of those who were accustomed to using proven methods. Restaurants were the first to appreciate the design, increasing the speed of preparation and the quality of dishes offered in a large assortment.

The expensive equipment quickly paid for itself, although the glass that went into making it cost a lot of money. As soon as the cost dropped significantly, this type of product was able to compete with glass-ceramic products.

Buying a hob is no longer a problem. There is only one condition - special dishes, the bottom of which is a conductor of energy. A copper coil is built under the glass cover of the “helper,” which sends electromagnetic radiation into a disk space made of special ferromagnetic alloys located at the bottom of the frying pan or pan.

Circular currents in it help to heat food to the required level. Exotic lovers manage to cook scrambled eggs on an ordinary sheet of paper. Surprisingly, the induction current does not cause cellulose deformation. Don't believe me? Place a banknote in the area of the coil and make sure nothing happens to it.

Deciding on the dimensions and shape

A standard hob is available in a width and depth of about 60 cm, on which four burners of different sizes are placed. This technique is suitable for most requests: both for a large family and for a small kitchen of 7 sq.m.

Modern production of gas hobs adapts to any needs. Models are available for sale not only in different sizes, but also in non-standard shapes.

For a small kitchen, a bachelor or a small family (up to three people), a stove consisting of two or three burners is suitable.
A large family, in whose home they like to organize family holidays, should take a closer look at a stove about 75 or 95 cm wide, equipped with 4 to 5 burners.
If you have a narrow kitchen cabinet, there are narrow gas hobs on sale, 40 cm wide and 120 cm long, equipped with four burners.
A corner hob can be easily matched to a corner kitchen, but problems cannot be avoided with the selection of a hood.

Depending on your own wishes and kitchen design, there are models on sale whose surface can be square, round, rectangular, or even boomerang-shaped.

The round hob looks harmonious next to the sink. It will perfectly complement the interior, which contains round elements: on the wallpaper, curtains, and on the wall there is a round clock or a decorative mirror.