Gas hobs: shapes, styles and tips for choosing

A modern home kitchen is comparable to another workshop in terms of its equipment. And each device should be selected as reasonably as possible. This requirement also applies to gas hobs.

A gas hob for a kitchen can be just as practical as a full-fledged stove. But there are many subtleties and nuances here. The main specifics of the panel can be revealed precisely due to its comparison with the slabs. Classic system:

• cheaper;
• easier to install;
• usually equipped with an oven, expanding the possibilities of the cook;
• becomes a dominant, around which it is easy to build an interior.

But gas hobs "compete" not only with classic stoves. The heating surface can be based on other operating principles. A gas-powered device must be compared with electrical and induction counterparts. It is advisable to choose the gas option if the dwelling receives natural gas through the main pipeline. It is important to understand that such a panel heats up better than electric and induction, cools down instantly.

However, its functionality is not large enough. And there is always the danger of an easily explosive, toxic substance leaking out. Electric options are popular even in gasified apartments. Many people believe that such household appliances are not only more reliable, but also more beautiful. In addition, gas hobs are cheaper both at the initial price and in operating costs; there is no need to buy special cookware for them.

The main division in practice is the distinction between dependent and independent panels. Dependent refers to devices in which an oven is connected to the panel. They are rigidly connected to each other, connected with the help of special parts. Therefore, separate operation of the components is not possible. Accordingly, the "independent" design is 100% autonomous. Whether or not to install an oven is up to the owners themselves.

The combined design is completely controlled from the oven. It is the automation built into it that allows you to set various modes, cancel them in case of urgent need. When all the components are in one place, there are no problems. But sometimes you have to separate the dependent panel and the cabinet, resorting to special manipulations, pulling the wires. In this case, it will be possible to increase or decrease the heating of the burners only from the control panel of the oven. Even worse, if one of the two parts breaks, then the other is immediately useless. It may even seem that there is no point in dependent hobs at all. But they also have advantages:

• cheapness;
• unity of style;
• complete technical consistency.

The oven in the dependent kit must be made by the same manufacturer as the panel. Otherwise, you may encounter incompatibility of parts. Moving on to autonomous gas panels, I must immediately say that they will be noticeably more expensive.However, you can put them in any place, and not only where you can establish interaction with the cabinet. More freedom in kitchen layout is well worth the extra money.

Almost all standalone models have touch controls. A single touch will be enough to set the required operating parameters. And cleaning smooth surfaces of sensors is many times easier than classic devices with handles. Those who are not too keen on culinary experiments also prefer independent panels. After all, there is no need for an oven, and therefore the cost of purchasing it will be meaningless.

Another plus: "independence" means that even if you have an oven, it is not necessary to choose products from the same company, and even with identical functionality. To make the right decision, you need to carefully analyze all these points. But the choice doesn't end there. Almost all hobs are still rectangular or square in shape. However, non-standard solutions are gradually appearing.

This device has an autonomous control and a high-quality glass-ceramic surface. To the three gas burners, 1 electric burner is added, which contains a ring heater of accelerated mode. If you choose the more affordable Kaiser KCG 622 R panel, then the user will have at his disposal 2 gas and 2 electric heaters. Combined options are good because in case of problems with one type of resource, you can always switch to another - and not be left without hot food

In homes with small children, it makes sense to choose a combination panel in which the gas burner is located farther from the edge. Then accidental contact will affect the induction heater and pose no risk. Returning to non-standard designs, we must immediately admit that they are all more expensive than "boring" counterparts. After all, it is rather difficult to think over the necessary performance and ensure safety. And the company invariably includes expenses for designing and more complex production in the price of the goods.

If you have to cook a little or sporadically, the single-burner hob is selected. But for lovers of culinary delights and experiments, such a solution is hardly suitable. For obvious reasons, it cannot be recommended for large families either. But models with a grill are welcome. Yes, they are all dependent, that is, the grill is located in the oven, however, a healthy diet outweighs any disadvantages of technology.

The most elegant recessed panel will be impractical where you constantly have to fold something on it. Regardless of other features, models with a timer are in the first place. And here it does not matter whether they often cook in the kitchen, how many dishes are cooked in it. Accurate tracking of the cooking time helps to ensure that food tastes good and preserves its health benefits. As for the panels for bottled gas, it is still simpler - you need to provide an inlet of a certain section for connecting a hose or pipe.

For all the relevance of purely technical issues, they still buy not them, but a specific gas panel.Therefore, it is necessary to take into account which segment the product belongs to. Leading in the premium class Asko, Smeg. Lovers of original design should also take a closer look at the products. Teka. You can save money and still buy an "almost elite" panel by giving preference to brands Gorenje and Bosch.

In the state-owned sector, equipment produced very good results by products of the Belarusian concern "Hephaestus" and the Russian "Darina"... But products should be considered not so much by brands as by practically distinguished categories. And the first will be two-burner panels. The undisputed leader of the rating is Gorenje GC341INB (and at the same time model GC341INI similar to it). In both cases, materials of impeccable quality were used.

The glass-ceramic black surface has a ground leading edge. The developers preferred to use design concept "Domino"... This design allows the panels to be used both on their own and in conjunction with other heating products from Gorenje. The grid structure for the cookware is made of high quality cast iron. The burners ignite automatically, each of them is equipped with a gas control.

Gefest CH 2120 looks original. This recessed design is usually supplied with black glass. But the assortment includes both white and "watch" designs. It should be borne in mind from the very beginning that such a panel does not save space in the kitchen. We'll have to allocate a site with a minimum width of 73 and a depth of at least 50 cm. But in terms of operational parameters, the situation is better. Gas control, electric ignition of burners, and setting to "low flame" are provided. There are separate grates installed on each burner. Consumers like the look of the model. The burners are located as conveniently as possible.

Consider now the 60 cm wide 4-burner recessed hob with enamel finish. Bosch EC6A2PB20R has almost no weak points. This model is highly regarded for:

• convenience of rotary switches;
• attractive appearance;
• protection from children;
• the supplied stand for small-sized dishes.

The designers took care of the gas control and other safety measures. Cooking on cast iron grates is quite comfortable and does not cause sticking. It is difficult to find an equally effective home appliance for a similar price from other manufacturers. Consumers note that washing the panels is easy. One could continue the description even further, but here we need to make one very important remark.

There are a number of firms (or rather, trade marks), masking themselves intensely for certain prestigious countries of production. In fact, such products have nothing to do with the alleged places of manufacture, or it all comes down to screwing nameplates. Maximum - to the screwdriver assembly. An example is Fornelli.

The marketing policy of the brand boils down to the constant creation of associations with Italian factories. But in fact, the entire assembly is carried out in the PRC. From the Italian in the hobs, only individual details. And about them, some experts express doubts. Some experts point out that this brand belongs to the Russian company Coventdom (which also owns the rights to the Flavia, Shindo, Kronasteel brands).

This does not mean that you can refuse to buy such panels.In fact, they are of solid quality and are quite functional. You just need to understand that this is not an Italian technique. A similar situation is developing with the equipment of the brands Hansa, Kaiser. The very sound of the names purposefully creates associations with Germany, although in reality the equipment is assembled in Poland.

The situation with Maunfeld is even worse. This brand is carefully positioned as related to Britain. But in fact, the company is only registered in London. And production facilities are located in 5 other states, including China and Turkey. It is absolutely impossible to determine without a whole investigation where what part was made. Whether it is worth contacting such panels is up to consumers only.

Now that the origin of brands is more or less clear, we can return to the main topic. In the budget segment, the following models show good results:

• Fornelli PGA 45 Fiero WH;

• Gefest CH 1211;

• Hansa BHGI63100018;

• Indesit PAA 642 BK.

The delivery set also includes jets for liquefied gas fuel. Installation and subsequent connection should only be carried out by professionals. This hob is extremely demanding on the level of gas pressure. The slightest deviation from the norm can provoke a whistling sound in a large burner. Concerning GEFEST CH 1211, everything is simple here - the Belarusian technique cannot boast of great success in design. However, the quality of manufacture and reliability is not questioned by anyone. All basic safety and comfort functions are present. Do not trust statements about the presence of an express burner. In fact, the gas supply is the same everywhere. If you really need the ability to quickly warm up, it is better to pay attention to other versions.

Loose pressing of the panel to the table top can also become a problem. Inevitably, dirt will enter the gap. To prevent this, you will have to use a silicone sealant. But otherwise, this model fully justifies its price. If you have money, you better consider Bosch PCP615M90E... This mid-range hob has one serious drawback - it peels off quickly. For the rest, the reliability of the products and their good quality raises no objections. The scope of delivery includes a pair of cast iron grating elements and nozzle assemblies for converting to liquefied gas. A master switch can be used to increase the safety of children. Some cooking zones may emit unpleasant wheezing sounds.

The average cost group includes Fornelli PGA 60 Ardente BL... This hob weighs 12.2 kg. Its dimensions are 58x51 cm. The most powerful burner is designed for 3.8 kW. You do not have to look for models with a WOK burner, but simply purchase this device - a special adapter is included in the kit. It is worth mentioning why specific burners are needed at all. More and more hobs and even classic stoves are equipped with them, so such information will not be superfluous. The word "wok" has been well known to the inhabitants of Asia for many centuries. This is the name of a frying pan, without which it is impossible to cook high-quality traditional dishes. The imitation of such a device is therefore becoming more and more popular.

This wok will provide the required heating temperature. Roasting will be the fastest, smoothest and most homogeneous. Therefore, it will be possible to reproduce the unique taste that is characteristic of Asian food. And even if you apply this technique to classic dishes of the Russian and European diet, the result will justify the additional costs. It will be possible to experience an unusual taste and conduct radical culinary experiments.

Some consumers prefer not to focus on certain models, brands, but to choose the ideal hob by parameters. This approach can only be welcomed. After all, in the end, components are made at a small number of factories (there are much fewer of them than brands). And the technical characteristics are clearly more valuable than this or that name written on the case. Sometimes panels of the same basic properties, only made by firms of different levels, can cost differently. It is recommended to choose gas hobs, focusing primarily on their material. A surface covered with a layer of enamel is a classic solution that has been found in the kitchen for many decades. Such modifications may vary in color. Regardless of it, resistance to strong heat is guaranteed. But cracking the enamel is very simple, but removing fat from it is many times more difficult.

If an advertisement is written about a surface made of stainless steel, it is necessary to immediately clarify whether it is polished or painted in matte colors. Their durability and strength are the same, but the perception in the interior is very different. However, stainless steel looks brilliant only in the store and in the photograph. If you do not have the time and energy to carefully care for the panel, you will have to refuse such a choice. Matte models are less covered with fingerprints, but they are much more expensive, and in any case, only specialized formulations are suitable for washing. The largest amount will have to be paid for glass-ceramic coated panels. They look really good. Leaving is pretty simple too. It must be remembered that glass ceramics are fragile and will not be categorically suitable for retro-style kitchens. But the technique from the corresponding Maunfeld line will look good on them.

Switching is possible by using jets, it is very good if they are included in the delivery set. It is recommended to look at reviews of specific models, and on different (mutually independent) Internet resources. It is also very important to consider the total power of the panel. For one person, a single-burner product is enough, and for a large family you will need 3 or 4 burners.

Glass ceramic gas hobs are best cleaned with a glass cleaner. It is recommended that all stains containing sugar be removed as soon as possible. If the jam or syrup hardens, cleaning becomes much more difficult. The enamel is cleaned with soft sponges soaked in a solution of the products recommended by the manufacturer. This is sufficient for both fat and deep limescale. The use of steel wool and hard brushes is strictly prohibited. Also, do not use ordinary dish detergent. Some particles of fat or the reagent itself may remain in place and soon burn. Always clean the cooled surface. Home remedies, be they "grandma's recipes" or something you read on the Internet, are not absolutely suitable for cleaning.

To prolong the life of your gas hob, you must use it correctly, in strict accordance with the instructions. It clearly states what kind of dishes and how exactly should be used. The heated glass ceramics must be protected from cold water ingress. Both the saucepan and the pan must always be the same diameter as the hotplate. Copper and aluminum containers can cause permanent stains on glass ceramics.It is recommended to check whether the bottom of the dishes is even, whether it is scratched, or has any burrs.

It is a very bad idea to leave an empty enamel container on a hot plate. In the event of a sudden shutdown of the heater, it is required to disconnect it from gas and electricity, and then contact a special service center. Do not use the panel if the hose (pipe) is damaged. Ventilate the room before starting the device. Other gas safety regulations must also be observed.

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