A gas hob is one of the most common types of built-in appliances. And for good reason: it is not only aesthetically more perfect than a gas stove, but also much more practical. If you don’t use an oven (for many, a microwave is enough), then a stove combined with an oven simply takes up space – which is especially unpleasant in small kitchens.
And if you need an oven, then with a hob the space in the kitchen working triangle (stove-sink-refrigerator) will be used much more efficiently. We use the oven much less often than the stove, so it makes sense to place a cabinet with food or kitchen appliances under the hob — this will speed up cooking.
Hobs are not only gas. If you don’t have gas in your apartment, you only have to choose from electric hobs.
If there is gas in the kitchen, then keep in mind that gas panels are more economical and more powerful than electric ones — cooking a dish will take less time and “burn” less money. Experienced chefs appreciate gas stoves for their lack of inertia — the required degree of heating is set on them instantly, and not with a delay, as on electric ones.
The main disadvantage of gas hobs is the increased fire and explosion hazard associated with the use of gas. However, today even the most budget models are equipped with gas control, which prevents gas leaks. Modern hobs also have many other options that can satisfy the most demanding cook.
Characteristics of gas hobs
Built-in appliances, as a rule, are more expensive than conventional ones, but they fit well into the design and hobs are no exception. The color variety of built-in panels is much greater than that of gas stoves — there are models not only in white and beige, but also in black, red, purple, painted in gold and silver, two-tone and with a pattern. But when choosing a model that is suitable for its design, pay attention to its dimensions and the location of the burners.
The dimensions of the installation determine the volume that will need to be cut out of the countertop. The panel is lowered into the slot to a built-in height that can reach 10 cm; You should make sure that the kitchen design provides enough space under the panel. In addition, it is advisable to leave an additional 3-4 cm for the gas supply.
The actual dimensions of the panel are larger than the dimensions of the installation — and sometimes much larger; make sure that the panel is not installed close to the wall or other elements of the kitchen: firstly, it is inconvenient, and secondly, it is a fire hazard. The second is especially true for powerful burners (wok burner, double crown, triple crown, etc.) — the distance from the edge of such a burner to a wall or other obstacle should not be less than 15 cm. Neglecting this rule can lead to damage to kitchen elements and even fire.
The number of burners determines the variety of dishes prepared simultaneously.
A panel with one burner is rarely used separately — as a rule, it is a panel with a high-power burner, and it is installed in addition to the main two- or four-burner panel.
A two-burner hob is suitable for small families who are not into cooking. Two-burner panels are inexpensive and take up little space on the countertop. In case of a future increase in the family, you can leave free space next to the panel and install another two-burner or single-burner stove there if necessary. Some manufacturers produce a series of hobs for various purposes in a “two-burner” format — such models are called “domino”.
A panel with three burners may be the best option for a family of 2-4 people — especially if the countertop area is small. It can have a width 10-15 cm smaller than four-burner ones.
The four-burner hob is most often found in kitchens. But think about it: how often do you use 4 burners at the same time? Usually a maximum of 2-3 “burn”, and the rest stand empty or are used as coasters for dishes.
To make the most of a four-burner hob, pay attention to the variety of burners. It is advisable that it have one large burner (useful for quickly heating dishes) or a “double crown” / “triple crown” burner (they are convenient for uniformly heating dishes with a large flat bottom) and one small low-power burner (this is convenient for heating small saucepan or Turk with coffee).
Five- and six-burner hobs look good in large kitchens with spacious countertops. They are convenient for cooking food in large pots and dishes of non-standard shape — for example, there are panels with an oval heating zone, on which it is convenient to place elongated dishes, like ducklings. And the even greater width of such panels will allow two cooks to sit comfortably next to it at the same time.
The material used to make the hob panel affects both its appearance and ease of use and, of course, the price.
Enameled steel is notable for its low cost, but, alas, it does not have the best performance qualities. The enamel is easily scratched, so it becomes cloudy quite quickly; in addition, when struck, the enamel breaks off and unsightly pockets of corrosion quickly form at the site of the chips. But enameled panels can be of almost any color.
Stainless steel panels are also inexpensive and look more modern than enameled ones, but such panels will not look appropriate in every kitchen. The stainless steel panel is also scratch-resistant; in addition, water stains, drops of grease and even fingerprints are clearly visible on it — you will have to wipe it off more often.
Glass ceramics and tempered glass look impressive and have good performance characteristics — they are less susceptible to scratches and are easy to clean. Tempered glass panels can also come in a variety of colors, expanding the range of possible design options.
The main disadvantage of both glass ceramics and tempered glass is their fragility. Misalignment during installation or the fall of a metal or glass object (for example, a knife or salt shaker) can lead to its splitting. If handled carelessly, chips quickly appear on the edges of such panels, spoiling their appearance.
The material of the grates significantly affects the convenience of cooking. Cast iron grates have an undoubted advantage — they are massive, do not “slide” under the dishes and hold their shape well. The only downside is that it is a little more difficult to clean — porous cast iron absorbs dirt well and is difficult to wash.
Enameled and stainless steel grilles are usually used on inexpensive models — under heavy load they can become deformed, and their coating is easily scratched and loses its appearance. Also pay attention to the shape — a solid or separate grate covering the entire area of the panel is usually more convenient than separate “petals” near each burner.
The dishes stand more stable on the wire rack; in addition, a massive wire rack is less likely to move across the panel than some lightweight “petal” racks. The non-removable “petals” do not have the latter drawback, but make it very difficult to clean the panel.
Type of control. Flame adjustment on almost all panels is done using rotary knobs. However, some panels also have additional functions that are controlled using touch buttons (for example, a timer). On expensive top-end models, the flame adjustment may also be touch-sensitive.
Gas control will automatically turn off the gas supply when the flame goes out. Although almost all gas panels today are equipped with gas control, models without this option are still available on sale. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to its presence — especially if the panel will be used by elderly people or if there are children in the house.
Gas control makes igniting the burners a little more difficult (on some models, this requires applying a certain force to the handle for several seconds, which may seem inconvenient), but this is a very important safety element. You should not refuse this option without a good reason.
Electric ignition, which ignites gas using a built-in electric spark “lighter,” is already a “de facto” standard for gas panels — almost all modern models are equipped with it. However, activation of electric ignition can be done in different ways: in inexpensive models, a separate button is used to start the “lighter”; in more advanced panels, electric ignition is carried out by pressing (or turning all the way) the rotary knob. The second method is more convenient, because and you can open the gas and ignite the flame with one movement of one hand.
Most gas hobs are designed to operate on mains gas. If you plan to connect the panel to a gas cylinder, then pay attention to the presence of additional nozzles in the kit, since you will need to change the nozzles (nozzles) through which gas enters the burner. The fact is that the pressure in the gas cylinder is higher than in the gas distribution network, and when using conventional jets the flame will be too strong.
Gas hob options
If you need a gas cooktop for a small kitchen and small family, choose from two-burner cooktops. If one day you no longer have enough of it, you can simply install another one of the same kind.
If you already have a hob, but you do not have enough power of its burners, you can add a single-burner hob with a powerful burner in addition to it.
If the size of your kitchen countertop is small, pay attention to three-burner panels — they are already full-size, and their three burners are enough for most families.
A gas hob with a glass-ceramic or glass surface can become one of the central elements of your kitchen design.
It’s good if the panel has at least one high-power burner with uniform heating of a large area — “double” or “triple crown”.
When it comes to having hot or boiling water on demand, thermopots have been a game changer. They provide hot Read more
The kitchen has always been the heart of every home. It's a place where we spend a considerable amount of Read more
The coffee machine has become almost an obligatory purchase for many Russians. This is a really convenient technique - in Read more
Kitchen mixers are an essential tool for the modern-day kitchen. They make baking and cooking more efficient, and the end Read more
The cheerful melody of the coffee maker and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee can “cure” our morning and inspire Read more
A blender is one of the most essential appliances to have in any kitchen. It can be used to make Read more