How to choose a hob

It is difficult to imagine cooking without a stove, but a special compact-sized appliance would be a more profitable and practical option. Now we have to figure out how to choose a good hob according to your living conditions and needs. The presented devices work on the same principle as conventional stoves. However, they are available in a wider assortment in terms of design, materials and varieties, and it is sometimes very difficult to figure out which hob is better to buy, the main thing is to analyze your requirements for a household appliance.

Varieties of hobs

To get a high-quality and reliable hob, first of all, you need to pay attention to its type, namely, the power source. According to this criterion, devices are divided into types:

• gas
• electrical
• combined

Gas models

They differ in popularity and affordability. Heating is fast. During cooking, more nutrients remain. It should also be noted that these hobs are economical. The current models are equipped with additional functions, the task of which is to make the operation process as safe as possible. It is about electrical ignition and gas control. Ignition is a button that, when pressed, ignites the gas. If, for some reason, the flame in the burner goes out, the gas control is triggered, blocking its supply. The number of hotplates can vary from 2 to 5.

Electric or induction hob

It is in the greatest demand among those living in a country house or in an apartment without a gas pipeline. It is worth noting that these models are capable of even heating at low power indicators. They have an attractive design. The number of burners is from 2 to 4.

Combined devices

They are a combination of gas and electric burners. Moreover, they have all the advantages of both the first and the second type. This is very convenient, even if the house has periodic problems with the availability of gas or electricity. Most often, the combined appliance has 2-3 gas-type burners and 1-2 electric burners. To decide which hob to choose, it is worth starting from the conditions of your residence. If the house has only gas or electricity, then there is no particular choice. If it is possible to connect both a gas and an electric appliance, we advise you to give preference to the combined model. This way you will always be sure that your family will not be left without a hot lunch or dinner.

Control type

When choosing a hob by parameters, one cannot ignore the type of its control. The device can be equipped with a mechanical or electronic system. Mechanical control also has several varieties. It can be implemented as standard rotary switches or flush switches. In the first case, everything is clear - these are small handles.Recessed switches are buttons and other mechanisms that do not protrude from the surface of the case. Consequently, they are less dirty and do not require complex maintenance. When choosing a good electric type hob, buyers often settle for electronically controlled devices. It is implemented in the form of touch buttons. When buying a modern hob, you don't have to worry about anything: the touch buttons respond as accurately as possible to touch, and you will quickly get used to them. It is a little more difficult to take care of such a device, since you often have to wipe the control panel.

Despite the modernity, convenience and other advantages of electronic control, mechanics still remain more reliable, since they do not often fail. And repairing the sensors is expensive.

Installation

When choosing an electric induction hob or a gas model, be sure to study the type of installation, which can be dependent or independent. The dependent device functions only in combination with a specific oven model, since they are linked together by a single control system. At the same time, the control elements are located on the oven body, and if it is absent, you will not be able to cook food. The independent model functions on its own. You do not need to select a suitable oven for it. It is more practical and convenient.

We recommend purchasing the hob and oven separately so that the devices do not depend on each other.

Surface material type

If you decide to choose a gas hob or an electric option, pay attention to the material from which the surface of the device is made. On sale you can see popular models from the following materials:

Enamel

It is considered one of the most affordable materials. It can have any shades. It looks unusual and beautiful in some areas of the interior. It must be handled very carefully, as scratches are easily formed. Stubborn stains are possible as a result of prolonged contact with beets, orange juice and other foods. Pros:

1. Low cost
2. Large selection of colors
3. Organic combination with the interior

Minuses:

1. Gentle care required
2. Difficult to remove stains

Cast iron

Affordable and does not need expensive maintenance. Resistant to chips and scratches. However, the material can react negatively to temperature changes and, as a result, crack. It is worth noting a small assortment on sale. Pros:

1. Low price
2. High strength

Minuses:

1. Dependence on temperature differences
2. Are heavily washed

Glass ceramics

According to reviews on hobs on the forums, glass-ceramic material has a unique property - it almost does not heat up. Accordingly, the surface is very easy to care for, because the spray does not burn. It is enough to wipe the material with a napkin after each cooking. The disadvantage of this model is the high cost. Pros:

• Does not heat up
• Easy care
• High strength
• Perfectly flat surface (very comfortable)

Minuses:

• No barriers to escaping liquid
• Special cookware required

Stainless steel

Differs in reliability and increased durability. Does not undergo coloration and oxidation. But it is necessary to take care of such a device properly, using special cleaning agents, since traces and stains immediately remain on the material. Pros:

• Increased strength
• Resistant to staining and corrosion
• Affordable price

Minuses:

• Careful care required

Strained glass

This material is lightweight and stylish in design. Such a device fits perfectly into any interior style. Particularly difficult care is not required. However, you should be very careful with this material, since fingerprints, drops, spots and even the smallest scratches are clearly visible on it. Pros:

1. Stylish design
2. Light weight
3. Easy care
4. Large selection of models

Minuses:

1. High price
2. Marking surface

To understand which is the best hob you should take into account user reviews. Today, the most popular are models made of stainless steel and glass ceramics, which combine affordable cost, strength and durability.

Number of burners and their type

The value for money and quality of the hob largely depends on the number of burners, as well as their type. The most common option is the 4-burner model. This is a great solution for an average family and cooking 2-3 dishes at the same time. They are round and rectangular in shape. If you have a small kitchen or have to cook a little food, you can buy a 1 or 2 burner appliance. They are convenient and compact. It is also affordable. With five cooking zones, the hob is dimensionally suitable for a large family and for preparing a large number of dishes at the same time. You can place such a model in a kitchen with enough free space. The hotplates are divided into several types:

• Gas - quickly heat up and cool down, but differ in uneven heating of the dishes. May contain 1 to 3 rows of flame. The more rows, the better the bottom heats up.
• Induction - do not heat up, since only dishes can be heated. You don't have to worry about security. In addition, the hotplates are powerful and allow precise heating control. Only cast iron or enamel cookware is suitable for cooking.
• Cast iron - are notable for their low price, durability and reliability, but they slowly lend themselves to heating and cooling. It is also impossible to accurately adjust the temperature.
• Ceramic - quickly heat up and maintain the desired temperature for a long time.
• Halogen - they heat up immediately after switching on and cool down quickly, equally distribute heat along the bottom.

Functions that might be useful

When choosing a high-quality hob and oven, pay attention to useful functions that can be very useful:

• Auto power off - if no action occurs for several minutes, the device turns off.
• Heat indicator - the sensor shows which hotplate is still hot.
• Child protection - blocking accidental activation.
• Automatic boiling - when the temperature rises to a certain limit, the power of the hotplate is reduced in order to keep warm.
• Cookware recognition - if there is no cookware on the burner or it is not positioned correctly, the hob switches off.

Care advice

1. The hob and oven must be cleaned after each use or as needed. Use a special cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge.
2. Do not use abrasive detergents.
3. Wipe the glass surface with a sponge dipped in a solution of detergent.
4. Metal appliances are cleaned with cotton cloths.
5. Use glass cleaner and soft towels to clean glass ceramics.
6. For gentle and thorough care, select the correct cleaning agent for the hob materials.

Rating of the best hobs in 2020

Now that you have figured out in detail all the main parameters and subtleties of choice, and are ready to proceed to purchase, we, as a small recommendation, have prepared for you a rating of the best hobs for 2020 in terms of price-quality ratio in order to simplify your choice and familiarize you with the best options on the market from both the budget segment and the more expensive one.

The best gas hobs of 2020

1. BEKO HDCG 32221 FX
2. Hotpoint-Ariston PCN 641 T IX
3. BEKO HIZG 64120 X
4. Gorenje GW 65 CLI
5. LEX GVS 640 IX
6. Zanussi ZGG 62411 XA
7. Korting HG 665 CTW

The best electric hobs of 2020

1. AEG HK 634200 XB
2. LEX EVI 640 BL
3. AEG HK 654070 XB
4. GEFEST SVN 3210
5. Gorenje ECT 330 KR
6. Bosch PCX345E
7. Electrolux EHF 93320 NK

Conclusion

The purchase of this device should be approached with all responsibility, because it is simply irreplaceable in the kitchen.Always be guided by your own opinion, especially since now you know how to choose a hob, what they are and what are their strengths and weaknesses. Remember that any high-quality product cannot be too cheap, but you should not chase brand names either.