Electric hobs: models and tips for choosing

Electric hobs have gained widespread popularity in recent years. There are several types of such plates, which have their own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. When purchasing such units, you should know their strengths and weaknesses.

In recent years, built-in kitchen electrical equipment has become more and more popular. The advantages of such devices:

• small size;
• simple control;
• easy installation;
• aesthetic appeal;
• many additional functions.

Household appliances are transforming along with the emergence of new design developments. Classic rectangular burners have sunk into oblivion now you can find a variety of models in shape:

• triangle;
• Garland;
• flower;
• rhombus;
• semicircle.

Electric hobs have a power of 2.9 to 11 kW. This indicator directly depends on the number of burners, their performance. The most common cooking zones have the following power:

• large - 2.9-3 kW;
• average - 1.49 kW;
• small - up to 1.1 kW.

When choosing a stove, you should pay attention to three important parameters:

• width;
• depth;
• thickness.

Also, when choosing a hob, you should understand what additional functionality they have. The most common additional features are:

• switching off the device automatically if liquid gets on the surface of the stove;
• the presence of a time relay (timer);
• protection from children;

You should also decide on the following parameters:

• how many burners are required;
• what configuration of the unit is required;
• required form;
• the distance between the burners;
• price preferences.

Within 10 thousand rubles, you can find slabs with enamel and steel ceramic coating. More expensive than 10 thousand rubles, you can buy units in which glass ceramics is present. The control type of such devices can be touch-sensitive or traditional mechanical.

For a price of 15 to 22 thousand rubles, you can purchase stoves that have two- or three-circuit burners. Such devices provide significant savings in food preparation. In this case, heat loss will be minimal. Such stoves also have a useful function - heating indication, which allows you to actively accumulate energy after the device is turned off. Expensive slabs are distinguished by maximum safety and the ability to comfortably operate them.

Electric cookers have their own advantages and disadvantages.

The enamel coating resists well such chemical compounds:

• alkalis;
• acids;
• abrasives;
• fat.

Stainless steel panels also have many advantages, but their cost is noticeably higher than that of enamelled elements.Stainless steel plates are not afraid of either thermal or mechanical loads. They are distinguished by their durability and long-term preservation of their original appearance.

Glass ceramic panels are stylish and easy to clean and wash. They also:

• have good thermal conductivity, quickly heat up;
• keep the temperature well within the specified limits;
• are not afraid of the effects of aggressive chemical compounds.

Tempered glass is not inferior to Damascus steel in terms of its strength characteristics; such a material can withstand heavy mechanical loads. Additional benefits:

• there are clear heating boundaries, outside of which the surface remains cold;
• glass does not react to acids and alkali;
• does not absorb grease and odors.
• easy to clean.

Glass, paradoxical as it may sound, is "afraid" of liquids saturated with sugar. Sugar can leave permanent stains at high temperatures. If syrup spills onto the stove, it should be removed immediately with a damp cloth.

The electric stove can be controlled:

• mechanical;
• touch.

The first type is the most common, the control of such plates is carried out using knobs with rotary switches. Most users are accustomed to just this kind of control.

The sensory type of control has appeared relatively recently, so you need to understand how such a system works. One of the advantages of touch panels is the fact that such units are easier to clean, they do not have any protruding parts and handles. It is enough to wipe the stove with a sponge dipped in soapy water.

The materials from which the panels are made:

• strained glass;
• stainless steel;
• ceramics with metal elements.

Traditionally, metal plates are covered with enamel. The advantage of such a coating is that it is inexpensive, but durable, has good resistance to temperature and mechanical stress.

According to the options for the width of the slab, there are such standards:

• 1-2 burners - from 25 to 42 cm;
• 3 burners - from 42 to 49 cm;
• 4 burners - from 49.5 to 61 cm;
• 5 burners - from 62 cm.

The latter model is found, as a rule, in large families or in the food industry.

The depth of the bulk of the hobs corresponds to the standard width of the worktops and is usually 52 cm.

The thickness can vary in different ranges - from 3.1 cm to 6.2 cm, it all depends on the model.

The portable single-burner small tabletop electric stove is a compact, convenient unit. It is used most often in field conditions, as well as by inhabitants of summer cottages. Power can be from an electrical source of 220 or 380 volts. The main features of the device:

• power no more than two kilowatts;
• the unit is easy to operate;
• there are no combustion products;
• reliable in work;
• is inexpensive.

There are slabs with enamel and glass coating. The first ones are equipped with cast iron rings (the presence of spiral heating elements is also possible).

Slabs made of ceramics are differentiated into the following types:

• induction;
• infrared;
• combined.

This technique heats up quickly and has a high efficiency. The second type of stove is the safest and has the highest power.

This model harmoniously combines low price, good quality of the renowned manufacturer and rich functionality. Also, the design and impeccable assembly of the unit are beyond praise. In addition to the built-in panel, there are various gadgets in the kit. The model has:

• four high power burners;
• operational heating relay (Hi-light);
• system of automatic shutdown of the stove in case of active boiling, for example, milk.

The advantages of this model:

• electronic determination of the level of heating of dishes;
• the ability to maintain heat for a long time;
• there is a panel lock relay;
• compact and comfortable arrangement of burners.

The estimated cost of the device is just over 30 thousand rubles.

The Siemens ET675MD11D model proved to be the most reliable. This device combines such important components:

• reliability in work;
• modern design;
• rich functionality;
• operational heating;
• touch control;
• fixation of temperature parameters;
• reliable protection against mechanical damage;
• blocking from unauthorized use;
• 17 power levels;
• the stove is easy to clean;
• the burners are oval-shaped.

The device costs about 25 thousand rubles.

Also considered one of the best. The manufacturer produces excellent kitchen equipment and heating systems.

Specifications:

• touch control;
• modern original design;
• oval-shaped heating element;
• 4 powerful burners;
• automatic boiling control;
• emergency shutdown relay;
• affordable price.

Among the shortcomings, it can be noted that the touch control sometimes does not respond quickly to commands. Also, the heating element is often abraded. The cost of the model is about 17 thousand rubles.

Gorenje Classico ECK63CLB is made in Slovenia. Its features are as follows:

• four powerful burners;
• mode of operational heating of elements;
• ceramic panel;
• controlled by handles;
• residual heat indicators;
• modern design;
• the burners have different powers;
• the stove is easy to clean.

The device costs about 19 thousand rubles.

The CTR432NB02 model from Samsung is made on the domino principle.

Its characteristics:

• 2 burners;
• sleep timer;
• controlled via a sensor.

Cost - no more than 12 thousand rubles.

When making a choice of a panel, you should first of all pay close attention to the type of its control. It is desirable that the switches be slightly "recessed" into the housing. The touch control of the unit is also convenient, in this case the device is turned on with a light touch.

Stainless steel is also popular. It tolerates mechanical stress well and is easy to clean.

Glass ceramics are also quite durable, they look very solid and aesthetically attractive. Unfortunately, it is not difficult to spoil such a panel, because this material is sensitive to mechanical stress. The ceramics must not be "loaded", that is, heavy cast-iron pots or pans should not be placed on it, as they will leave marks.

When choosing a model, it is recommended to consider the quality of the heating elements and how they are arranged. The most economical and cheapest are cast iron blocks with "pancakes". They can hold almost any heavy utensil. The disadvantage of cookers made of cast iron is that they take a long time to heat up. But cast-iron "pancakes" with spirals made of refractory metals have high reliability, while they are inexpensive. Similar elements are installed on plates made of steel coated with enamel (there are also units assembled from stainless steel).

Rapid burners have gained wide popularity. They are mounted on glass-ceramic devices. Their distinctive feature is prompt heating (no more than 14 seconds).

Halogen burners consist of a spiral and a corresponding lamp, which releases a huge amount of heat energy in seconds.Under these circumstances, the hotplate heats up instantly. The disadvantage of this design is that strong heating of the panel also takes place, which is not always convenient.

Induction cookers are unpretentious and in demand. The popularity of such units is growing from year to year. The peculiarity of the induction unit is that it does not work if you put dishes made of the wrong material on the stove.

Before using the stove, you need to check:

• how the knobs that regulate the intensity of the fire work;
• how well the relay sensors work.

Important nuances that should be taken into account when using the device:

• all dishes must necessarily fit snugly to the stove;
• it is advisable that it is not too high, since otherwise more energy is spent on cooking;
• liquid or fat should not get on the working elements of the stove (this can lead to a short circuit);
• when cooking, the containers are only 80% full;
• five minutes before the end of cooking, the electric stove is turned off;
• after cooking, the stove is wiped with a damp cloth;
• you can not leave the included stove unattended;
• periodically, you should call a specialist who will do a preventive inspection of electrical equipment and grounding;
• all repairs must be carried out with the unit off.

For information on how to choose a hob, see the next video.