Tabletop gas stoves: features, characteristics and selection rules

The gas stove has long been a necessary attribute of modern kitchens. But in rooms with a limited area, it is not always possible to install an ordinary stove. In this case, a tabletop gas stove will become indispensable, which, moreover, can be taken with you to the dacha or to a picnic.

A tabletop gas stove is a device that can be installed on a table or in any other convenient place due to its compact size. It does not require stationary installation and is connected to the gas pipeline using a flexible hose. The small hob can also be connected to a LPG cylinder.

A mini cooker is a simplified version of a traditional gas appliance. It usually has limited features and add-ons. Dimensions and weight are important indicators of such a plate. The purpose and use depends mainly on the number of cooking zones. They are located on the top of the appliance, which is called the hob. The number of hotplates can be from 1 to 4.

Single-burner hobs are portable. They work from spray cans, you can take them with you on trips, to picnics. Models with two burners are suitable for small kitchens. They do not take up much space, but you can cook a real meal on them. They can also be successfully used in the country.

Tabletop gas stoves with 3 and 4 burners have a slightly larger size, but their functionality is wider, which allows you to cook several dishes at the same time. The burners on them differ in size. They come in large, medium and small sizes. This is very convenient for cooking foods that require varying degrees of flame strength.

Tabletop gas appliances can have a power in the range of 1.3-3.5 kW. The fuel consumption in this case is from 100 to 140 g per hour.

The working hob can be steel, made of stainless steel or have an enamel coating. The enamel coating can be not only white, but also colored. It is cheaper than steel or stainless steel, but not as reliable. The stainless steel panel is more durable, does not corrode and has a long service life.

Grills are installed on the hob. They can be of 2 types: made of cast iron or made of steel rods and coated with enamel. Cast iron grates are stronger and more durable. However, they are more expensive.

Along with the advantages common to all gas stoves (quick cooking, the ability to change the temperature conditions for cooking, control and regulate the strength of the fire), mini tiles have their own advantages.

• The size. With their compact dimensions, they take up little space, so they can be installed in a small area.
• Portability. Due to their small size and weight, you can change their location, transport them to the dacha, take them on any trip.
• Versatility. They are capable of operating from a gas pipeline and from a cylinder.
• Models with ovens have the same functional abilities as conventional outdoor ones. They have options for electric ignition, piezo ignition, gas control, and are equipped with a thermostat.
• Profitability. Their operation is more profitable compared to electric stoves.
• Price. Their price is much less than the cost of classic gas stoves.

The disadvantages include several factors.

• One- and two-burner hobs have a low power and are limited in the number of dishes prepared at the same time.
• For models operating from a liquefied gas cylinder, it is required to periodically change the cylinder or refuel it at specialized gas stations.
• It is necessary to regularly check the connection system of the plate to the cylinder.
• When using gas cylinders, it is important to follow safety rules.

There are several criteria by which tabletop plates are divided. First of all, this is the number of burners, on which the scope of application depends.

• Portable single burner hob often used when traveling, hiking, fishing. It can serve one or two people. The device has a small size and low weight, it works from collet cylinders. Presented by models of the "Pathfinder" brand.
• Portable two-burner stove can serve several people. It is also represented by different models of the "Pathfinder" brand. A feature of these devices is the ability to connect each burner to its own cylinder.
• Portable three-burner or four-burner model will delight the owner with wider functional abilities. Such a device can be fully used both at home and in the country.

Also, tabletop stoves can be different in size, type and even shape of the burner. The choice of the size of the hotplate is influenced by the dimensions of the cookware used.

In terms of shape, the most common are the circular flame burners. Some modern stoves have special burners with two or three circuits. This means that the same burner can have two diameters (large and small), which saves gas and determines the most suitable cooking mode.

There are also models with a ceramic burner, oval-shaped burners (very convenient for dishes of the corresponding shape), triangular, on which you can cook without a wire rack. As for the grate on the plates, it is most often made of cast iron or made of stainless steel.

By the type of gas use, tabletop stoves are:

• for natural gas, which are connected to a stationary gas pipeline in a small apartment;
• for cylinders with liquefied gas for summer cottages;
• combined, the design of which provides for connection to both the main gas and the cylinder.

An example of a stove designed for main gas is the Flama ANG1402-W mini-model. This is a 4-burner hob in which one of the higher-power burners heats up quickly and the others are standard. Rotary knobs adjust the strength of the fire.

The tiles are covered with white enamel. The metal grilles are also enameled. The model is supplemented with a lid, low legs with rubber attachments, shelves for dishes.

The Delta-220 4A model is a desktop stationary mini-cooker. It runs on bottled gas. The hob is equipped with 4 hotplates of different powers. The body and the hob have a white enamel finish. A special protective cover protects the wall from splashes of grease and liquids.

A special type of tabletop is a combined tabletop cooker with an oven (gas or electric).This model is in no way inferior to a conventional stationary stove and greatly expands the possibilities of cooking. Such plates have doors made of double-layer heat-resistant glass, a temperature indicator, and are often equipped with a grill.

The compact 4-burner hob with oven Hansa FCGW 54001010 has small dimensions (0.75x0.5x0.6 m), allowing it to be installed in a small area. The illuminated oven has a volume of about 58 liters. It is equipped with a thermostat that helps to check the temperature inside. The oven door is made of two-layer heat-resistant, weakly heated glass, excluding the possibility of scalding.

The burners have different sizes: large - 9 cm, small - 4 cm, as well as two 6.5 cm each. Their total power is 6.9 kW. Electric ignition is carried out through the rotary knobs. A gas control option is provided that turns off the gas supply in the event of a fire extinguishing.

One of the factors influencing the choice of a particular model of a tabletop stove is often the presence or absence of a stationary gas pipeline. It depends on this, whether it will be a stove for main gas or for bottled liquefied gas.

The number of burners on the stove is determined by the volume and frequency of cooking, as well as by the features of the device. For 1-2 people or for use on trips, a one or two burner stove is sufficient, and for a larger family, a three or four burner model is required.

When choosing a stove, you also need to pay attention to the technical characteristics.

• Dimensions and weight. Tabletop plates generally have standard dimensions within 55x40x40 cm. The weight does not exceed 18-19 kg. Such small-sized devices do not take up much space.
• Burner size. If there are 3-4 burners on the stove, let them be of different sizes.
• Coating. This is especially important for the hob. It must be strong, so it is preferable to choose a plate with a stainless steel coating. In addition, such material is easier to clean from contamination. The enamel finish is cheaper, but fragile. In addition, it is often chipped.
• It is advisable to choose a model with a lid. This will protect the cooker from damage during transport and keep it clean during storage.
• Stove with electric ignition (piezo ignition) is easier to operate.
• The presence of gas control. This option prevents gas leakage and makes the hob safe to use.
• Electric oven is more powerful and heats up more, but at the same time it consumes a lot of electricity.
• The safest oven with double-layer heat-resistant glass in the door (no risk of burns).
• It is good if the design of the model for main gas allows you to connect it to a cylinder. In this case, the kit must include a special adapter-jet.
• Imported models often have more additional options, but their cost is higher.

The design of the hob and its color are chosen according to personal taste. However, it should be borne in mind that coatings made in shades of brown look much more spectacular. In addition, dirt is not so noticeable on them.

The use of a gas stove requires compliance with certain rules. Improper use of the device may result in gas leakage and explosion. The general requirements for the operation of tabletop stoves, regardless of the type of gas used (natural or bottled), are 3 points:

• you need to use the stove in a well-ventilated area;
• at the end of using the stove, it is imperative to close the valve on the gas pipe or close the valve on the cylinder;
• in the event of a gas leak or any breakdowns, you must immediately call the gas service.

After purchasing a tabletop, you need to study its instructions well. The main gas models must be connected via the gas service.

The tile and the cylinder are connected by means of a detachable threaded connection. For disposable cylinders, the connection is of a collet type, it is carried out using a pressure valve.

It's easy to connect a portable cooker.

• If the board is new, first of all, it is necessary to free it and the plugs protecting the threaded holes from the packaging.
• The surface of the place where the stove is installed must be strictly horizontal. The distance from the wall is at least 20 cm.
• It is important to check that the hob and grill are installed correctly.
• The tile is screwed to the limit on the gas cylinder thread. She must lean on him.
• Gas is supplied to the burner after turning the valve on the stove.
• The fire is ignited after pressing the piezo ignition button.
• The strength of the flame can be adjusted by turning the gas regulator.

During operation it is strictly prohibited:

• use a faulty device;
• check for gas leaks with a fire;
• leave the stove in working order without supervision;
• contain a cylinder (with gas or empty) in a residential area;
• involve children in using the stove.

When replacing a cylinder, you must also adhere to basic rules. It is necessary to regularly inspect the cylinder and the connection system to the plate in order to detect damage to the reducer, malfunctioning valves. The cylinder should not be damaged in the form of deep cracks, scratches, dents. It is also important to pay attention to the condition of the seal rings - they must be intact, without cracks.

In the next video, see an overview of the Gefest PG-900 tabletop stove.