For many people, the gas stove is associated with relics of the past, but modern manufacturers offer new and more functional models that have a beautiful design. Due to this, the devices are obtained as real helpers for the hostess. To date, the points of sale are represented by devices of different types, shapes, capacities with several options for ovens, as well as a wide range of additional functions. You can figure out how to choose a gas stove if you know the main parameters that you should pay attention to, as well as possible types. The information from the article will help you decide and buy a quality device for different needs.
Content
The principle of operation and the device of a gas stove
A gas stove is considered a complete cooking appliance. With its help, you can cook, fry, bake, so the menu can be varied. Often, 2 main elements are connected in one body - a hob, on which there are 2-5 burners and an oven. The main mechanisms for gas distribution and taps are hidden inside such a device.
With the help of a gas pipeline in the house or a cylinder, fuel is supplied through a branch pipe to the stove, after which it penetrates into the distributor and moves through pipes to the burners. For operation, the user just needs to turn the knob to the desired burner so that the valve is open and the gas is ignited. In general, the device is simple, but there are some nuances that you should familiarize yourself with in order to figure out which gas stove to choose.
Types of gas stoves
Considering the issue of choosing a gas stove, one should understand the features of various types of devices, as well as their pros and cons. This will allow you to determine the type, after which you need to figure out the parameters of the technique.
Tabletop
Tabletop models are considered free-standing, but they lack an oven. For work, it is enough to install the stove on a flat surface and make a connection to a natural gas source. This variant of household appliances is mobile, it can be carried, and there are models with 1-4 burners on sale. Recommended for use as a summer cottage.
Pros:
- Small size and weight.
- Can be transported to the dacha or to other places where there is access to gas.
- Simple connection.
- The lowest price.
Minuses:
- No oven.
- There is no additional functionality available at all.
With electric oven
These devices are characterized by the fact that the upper part is powered by gas, and the lower part is powered by electricity. This can cause certain difficulties when connecting, but the functionality is significantly expanded, since the oven receives different operating modes and cooking programs. Inside, the temperature can go up to 500 degrees, but this is possible not for cooking, but for self-cleaning the chamber. A heating element is used to heat the cabinet, which requires a lot of current. In addition, an electric type oven takes a longer time to warm up.
The height of such a slab is standard, 85 cm, and the width and depth are in the range of 40-120 cm and 40-60, respectively.
Pros:
- Rapid heating of the hob, since the work is carried out on gas.
- Wide functionality.
- Large assortment and choice in size.
- Bake food evenly in the oven.
Minuses:
- Long-term heating of the oven.
- Increased electricity consumption.
- Complicated installation caused by different power supplies.
With gas oven
Such designs are considered the most common and simplest. The gas stove includes an oven that runs on the same fuel. A large burner is installed inside to warm up the cabinet, which can make 300 degrees in half an hour. Such models are economical, since their use will be cheaper than in electrical counterparts, in addition, heating is also significantly accelerated.
The standard size of the stove is 85 cm high, so the stoves are placed flush with the worktop. Width may vary depending on the specific model and manufacturer. The range ranges from 50-90 cm, and the depth is 50-60 cm. The internal volume of the oven is 30-119 liters, and the upper part can include a hob for 2 or more burners, up to 8 units.
Pros:
- Provides quick warm-up, which shortens the cooking time.
- Almost any dish can be used.
- The operation is more economical than using combination cookers or all-electric ones.
- Simple to use that is straightforward.
- There are devices with an oven grill.
Minuses:
- Flammable.
- During operation, oxygen is burned out, paraffin soot is released.
- When the oven is in operation, combustion products can get onto the surface of the cooked food.
Combined
Since the demand for gas stoves is great, but they cannot please consumers with their functionality, manufacturers began to produce more modern and efficient combined-type devices. They are characterized by the presence of gas and electricity burners on the hob. The oven can be powered by gas or electricity at the customer's choice.
In addition, the heating parts of the upper part are available in cast iron, with halogen lamps, Hi-Light or induction type. When choosing combined devices, there may be different options that will differ in cost and other parameters. Otherwise, the technique does not differ from the classical one, it is characterized by the presence of the same pros and cons.
Pros:
- Large selection of models in terms of capabilities, dimensions.
- 2 types of burners allow you to secure equipment, and with the help of gas you can quickly heat up and cook food.
- You can use any cooking utensils.
- If there is no light, it is possible to turn on the gas or vice versa.
Minuses:
- The cost is higher than other models.
- Difficult installation due to multiple power supplies.
Gas stove cost
Considering the cost of products, the following averaged data can be distinguished:
- The price for models with a hob and an oven that run on gas is in the range of 4-30 thousand rubles.
- Devices with an electric oven will be more expensive, their cost is about 12-26 thousand rubles.
- Combined types with classic sizes are 8-45 thousand rubles, but if there is a purchase of professional equipment, the price will increase sharply. The cheapest devices are about 50,000 rudders, and for the best and functional ones you need to pay up to 900 thousand rubles.
- Tabletop models are considered the simplest and cheapest, so a device for 1 burner can be found for 400 rubles and more, and if there are 4 burners, the cost will be about 3000.
The best manufacturers of gas stoves
Gas stoves are widespread and in great demand, so many manufacturers are engaged in the production of equipment.But there are some of the best companies that guarantee high quality and functionality, work efficiency, and the cookers will be beautiful and modern in design. Among the best brands that can offer a quality gas stove are:
- Gorenje;
- Bosch;
- Beko;
- Electrolux;
It is these companies that should be guided by if the goal is not just a purchase, but the choice of a stylish and durable product. In order to correctly determine the choice, you should figure out the technical characteristics that you need to look at before purchasing.
Choosing a gas stove - basic parameters
A person who understands the basic parameters of technology manages to choose and buy a gas stove correctly.
Dimensions
This is one of the very first factors to look at when choosing. Initially, you need to focus on appliances that will easily become in the kitchen, given the presence of other equipment and furniture. Even if the room is very spacious and the largest models can be installed, it is recommended to think about the advisability of such a solution. To do this, you need to focus on the frequency of cooking and the number of people in the family:
For 1-2 people, a 2-3 burner stove with an oven up to 50 liters will be enough.
If 3-4 people live, then it is recommended to give preference to standard sizes, which will have an oven within 50-70 liters and 4 burners on the hob.
Large families will need a large stove, it is best if there are 6-8 burners in stock, as well as a large oven in which it will be possible to make several dishes at once.
Oven features
When choosing an oven, you should focus on several important parameters at once:
- Design features of the guides. They can be made simply in the form of profiled walls with grooves, into which a grid or baking sheet is inserted. It is this design that is more often designed for gas models. Electric cabinets often include telescopic rails to help the food slide out completely. The option is more convenient, because the stoves with floor installation are low, which complicates the assessment of the degree of cooking.
- The number of glasses on the door. The larger the value, the less likely it is to deliver accidental burns during use. It will be very useful to use several glasses if there are children in the family or in a small kitchen. Inexpensive slab models often include 2 glass on the door, but more expensive options from well-known manufacturers can offer doors with 3 layers, which always remain cold from the outside.
- Additional features. This group includes the automatic ignition of the oven, spit, grill, fan, which are needed for convection, which significantly increases the quality of dishes and the speed of their preparation.
When choosing an oven, you need to remember that the entire gas stove must be safe, which means it is better to pay attention to children's locks, blowing the door, gas control, which will turn off the power source if the flame goes out. Such options can be considered the most basic and it is better not to refuse them when choosing.
Burner type
Gas-fired burners are currently presented in a large assortment. They can be round, oval and other shapes, and also differ from each other in size, design features. In addition to the standard burners for humans with certain power indicators, modern stoves include non-standard options. Manufacturers can offer:
- Double crown - the fire is split into 2 balls, which makes it possible to speed up the process of heating the bottom of the dishes.
- Triple crown - during operation there will be 3 flames at once on different circles, which give an even and very fast heating. An excellent choice for people who often use wide crockery.
- Wok burner - this type is used for wok pans with a conical shape. Crown can be 2 or 3 pieces, which gives fire at different levels.Such models are always complemented by high grilles.
- Coup de feu - this type is professional, the burner is located under a dense platform, which is made of cast iron. It is often used for stewing food and also for heating plates before serving. Installation is only possible on wide slabs.
These are the main options, and each person needs to determine their need for himself.
Hob material
Regardless of the material of the stove itself, it is very important when choosing to focus on the hob and its coating. Durability, appearance and cleaning features depend on this indicator. Before buying, you should disassemble the characteristics of such materials:
- The enamel surface is the most affordable and common material that users like because of the large selection of colors. The enamel itself is easily cleaned if the escaping liquids are quickly removed, rather than leaving them to dry out. The material does not greatly affect the total amount, but in the case of the dishes hitting due to a fall, there are risks of paint spalling, which is almost impossible to recover.
- Stainless steel is a durable coating that is easy to care for, but the hostess will have to constantly rub the surface to make it shine, otherwise the stove will constantly have stains and even traces of drops of clean water.
- Tempered glass is a beautiful and relatively new material that manufacturers offer for gas stoves. The exterior is rich and will complement any kitchen. The surface is quite solid, but all streaks are visible.
Hob grill
On gas stoves, grates are always installed, which can be individual for the burner, divided into 2 parts for the entire surface or solid. One-piece types make it possible to place dishes of any weight and size, and also maintenance will be easier. Often, manufacturers use cast iron as the material of the gratings, which is practical and durable, but in the event of a fall, there may be a break and steel, it is cheaper, but the service life is shorter.
Which gas stove is better to choose
When choosing, experts advise focusing on the following indicators:
- For small families of 3 people, a small stove with 2-3 burners and an oven of 50 liters or less will suffice. Models are often small in width (50 cm), which allows you to place the device in a small kitchen.
- Fans of cooking various dishes and gathering many guests at home should use options with 6 burners, as well as an oven for 100 liters or more or a pair of chambers. To save time and money, you should focus on a gas oven, but to improve the quality of food, you should use electric models with a grill and convection. It is better to choose a hob made of enamel or stainless steel.
- Compact free-standing models will be the best choice for giving. Often, 1 burner is not enough for a full meal, so you need to focus on 2 units or more. For people who live outside the city for several months a year, you should invest a little more and choose models for 4 burners with an enamel finish.
- In the case of frequent blackouts in the house or the absence of a constant source of gas, it is more advisable to use combined devices, in which there will be a pair of burners powered by gas and steam from an outlet. It is more difficult to connect such devices, but it becomes possible to operate continuously, even if there is no light or the gas cylinder runs out. It is recommended to give preference to the tempered glass option. Induction burners can be used to increase savings.
The described recommendations and general information on gas stoves will make it possible to figure out how to choose a good gas stove for a house, apartment or summer cottage. Having studied the features, it will be easier for any buyer to make the right choice.