The hob: what is it and how to choose?

Kitchen appliances are now very diverse, and moreover, new devices are constantly appearing. It is very important for the modern consumer to be able to understand what each device is worth and how to choose it. At the same time, a variety of properties and parameters of technology are taken into account, which will be discussed.

It is unlikely that at least someone needs to be explained what the specificity of built-in household appliances is. It integrates deeply into kitchen furniture. This opens up a whole host of new technical and design possibilities. The hob is the latest development to replace traditional gas and electric stove tops. Such a product is noticeably more compact than individual plates, and, of course, much lighter than them.

But this does not affect the functionality of the equipment. Engineers have long learned to solve all such technical problems. And the reliability of the built-in surface is no worse than that of separate kitchen mechanisms. The hobs can run on gas, electricity, or both. Depending on the intention of the designers, the appearance of the product can be both traditional and ultramodern, so choosing the perfect solution is not difficult.

It is logical to supplement the conversation about the choice of the hob with an indication of its specific characteristics. They practically do not depend on the specific type and technical performance of household appliances. When they cook something on a full-format gas or electric stove, they don't think about the weight of the dishes and products. In the case of the hob, the situation is different - the magnitude of the load is critically important. On gas surfaces made of tempered glass 0.3 m wide, the maximum permissible load on 2 burners is 12 kg.

Even the largest burner must not be used over 6 kg. This mass includes dishes, and poured water, and other products. If the working surface is 0.6 m wide, then the maximum load rises to 20 kg in total. For a single burner, it is 5 kg. If a hob with a width of 0.7-0.9 m is used, then the maximum load will be 25 kg. More durable metal structures. With the same values, they can withstand 15-30 kg.

In addition to the general permissible load, it is useful to know the design of the hobs. Various types of hotplates can be used in induction models. The spiral version is very close to that used in a traditional electric stove. The spiral current, meeting electrical resistance, is converted into heat. It comes from the spiral into the hotplate itself, and the hotplate already heats the dishes. Corrugated tapes are sometimes used. They work on the same principle, only the appearance is different.

When they want to warm up the dishes as quickly as possible, they use halogen lamps. They emit infrared (thermal) radiation. It appears when current passes through halogen vapors. Unfortunately, the rapid failure of heating elements does not allow them to be considered an ideal choice.Usually, the halogen tube only works during a short warm-up, and then the traditional heating element is started; this allows at least partially to solve the problem.

But whatever burners are used in a particular hob, a special relay takes over their control. It is connected to the contacts, monitors their temperature. Therefore, the main problems in the operation of the panel are associated either with the relay, or with the very contacts. But it is also worth remembering that violations can be due to wires. A multimeter helps to check them thoroughly. It is not possible to repair a hob that is under warranty.

In any case, experts do not advise undertaking the repair of control electronics. You can determine that the problem is with her by the lack of response to pressing buttons. When the power is on, but the panel does not respond, it is definitely all about the controls. But it is recommended not to rush to replace them, but first at least clean the surface. Perhaps it is just dirt that interferes with the normal passage of the signal. It is also worth remembering that control problems can be due to insufficient electrical voltage.

Now let's see what a gas hob is and how it works. The valve handle and the element responsible for electric ignition are brought out to the body. Below is the ignition device itself (ceramic candle). There are also gas burners that differ in power and working diameter. The gas supply to the burners is carried out using a special tube.

To ensure that the dishes are evenly distributed, a cast iron grate is often added to the hob. It is not used only in the most advanced "fire under glass" models. To prepare the gas-air mixture, special nozzles are used. External connection to the gas source is made using a steel pipe or a flexible bellows hose. The second option is considered the most practical in all respects.

Another important nuance is the service life of the hobs. Conventional stoves work quietly for decades, and it is quite natural that the buyer wants to get a durable device. If you choose an induction hob, then its service life will be quite long. But you will have to strictly follow the established rules of treatment. The requirements apply not only to working with household appliances, but also to their installation.

In the understanding of manufacturers and regulatory authorities, “lifespan” is not the same as what consumers represent. This is not the longest time that a certain technical unit can work. This is the period during which parts and consumables for a particular model are usually produced. Such a gap is fixed in GOST or in TU. And now more and more firms, of course, are guided by more favorable technical standards for themselves.

But finding out the overall service life of the hobs and the features of their design is not all. It is equally important to find out whether it is worth buying such equipment at all. And a full-fledged comparison with devices similar in purpose will help here. So, the choice between a gas panel and a gas stove cannot be universal in all cases. Classic slabs are much more diverse than panels. There is a much larger selection of models.

In this case, the installation of a full-format plate is even easier. It will only be necessary to change one device for another and call a gas service employee to connect. The stove is cheaper (when compared with a hob of an identical class).

It is necessary to pay attention to the presence of the oven. It greatly empowers the consumer. The strength of the classic board is also higher than that of the panel. However, the hob has its advantages. So, it takes up noticeably less space. In addition, the panel is much easier to fit into a specific interior. For comparison: the stove, regardless of all design efforts, will divide the space of the headset. The hob does not create such a problem. And it can also be installed as tightly as possible, without gaps that will clog. But for cooking in large quantities and for culinary experiments, the stove is still better suited.

Modern hobs with electric heat generation compare favorably with gas ones:

• efficiency factor;
• general level of security;
• a variety of functionality;
• residual heat.

Electric heating of food allows you to knowingly get rid of soot and noise. It is quite simple to operate such panels. The rejection of grates and other attributes of gas equipment allows you to make the kitchen more aesthetically pleasing. Glass-ceramic surfaces can only supply heat to selected heating zones. When it comes to comparing panels and slabs powered by electricity, the former gains in compactness, but inferior in overall performance.

But we must also remember about the weak points of electric hobs:

• significant current consumption;
• the likelihood of side heating of the working surface;
• long operating time (however, the last two disadvantages are not typical of induction designs).

Of course, the differences between hobs cannot be limited to the type of energy and the way it is used. Models with a hood deserve attention. Yes, building it in is a less productive way than using a separate branch channel. But the total efficiency of the ventilation increases. At the same time, the increased cost of such models and the complication of their installation cannot be ignored.

In the case of an induction hob, an unambiguous conclusion can be made: a frame is required. Liquids boil away and run away very quickly, moreover silently. Washing a surface with a frame is no more difficult than without one. Not to mention, the bezel allows you to avoid damaging the panel itself if you move it carelessly. But still, it is recommended that you sometimes take a closer look and try different options, read reviews before making a final decision.

Hobs with grills of various types are widely used. They are made of glass ceramics or supplemented with cast iron grates. An all-glass ceramic product works with less heat than a halogen surface. As a result, food can be fried without the fear of charring. A cast iron grill is a bath filled with stones (which are heated by a heating element from below).

In the tray, the juice and excess fat formed during frying accumulate. Then these liquids will need to be removed through a special hole. The heating element will have to be wiped. Fans of Japanese cuisine will be delighted with the tepan grill. In it, roasting is carried out on a heated sheet of metal. Sometimes vegetable oil or water is used instead of stones. This is how an imitation of a deep fryer and a double boiler is obtained, respectively. But we must understand that this is nothing more than an imitation. There are also standalone embedded devices with appropriate functionality.

Along with large hobs, smaller tabletop units are sometimes used. They should not be confused with the already hopelessly outdated miniature stoves. Instead of 1 or 2 cast-iron "pancakes" in modern models, glass-ceramic surfaces are used. Separate heating zones in them work with halogen or induction elements. A separate group is made up of hobs that imitate a Chinese frying pan. There is no need to build in such devices, as there is no need to pay big money or plug the panel into a three-phase outlet.

But the developers strive not only to improve their products in technical terms. They try to follow the latest design trends as much as possible. That is why patterned panels are quite common. The optimal basis for them turns out to be glass ceramics, since drawing on it is much easier than on other materials. Experienced artists are, of course, involved in the work.

Polish company Hansa was the first to use hand-drawn plots. She preferred to put on her panels a map of the zodiacal constellations. This print, despite its long history, still retains its popularity. But you can choose many other plots, especially since their number is quite large. The following motives are often used:

• graceful ornaments from thin lines;
• clockwork on a black background;
• imitation of natural wood;
• pseudo-relief.

The difference between hobs is sometimes related to their geometric shape. A lot of people, oddly enough, underestimate angular models. In certain types of kitchens with a certain layout scheme, such a product is almost ideal. But it is important to understand that surfaces of a special kind (originally intended for installation in corners) and installation in the corners of the tabletop of a universal device are completely different things.

In the first case, the panel configuration is optimal for both mounting and subsequent use in the corner. Controlling the device will not cause the slightest problem. In the second case, they just put a typical cooking system with 2 or 4 burners in the corner of the kitchen table. But corner fixtures can also be different in design. The classic approach is a panel whose body has a strongly pronounced corner, the top of which is cut off.

The so-called "drop", or "puddle", resembles an oval in shape. Its advantage is that the "drop" can be placed not only at the corner, but also along the entire length. Such devices can have both an induction and a simple electric heater. Occasionally a segment of a circle surface is used. This body has an arc on the outside. In addition to an oval one, a round panel is occasionally used. She looks original, even if there is nothing else interesting nearby. A small circle can easily fit 3 burners. The semicircular configuration is close to a drop, but has one flat side. You may also find a square hob with handles at the corners.

Regardless of the shape, the substance from which the surface of household appliances is made is very important. The classic enamelled surface is basically made of black metal. Almost always the enamel is white, color options are less common. This solution allows you to save money.But it is difficult to clean burnt fat from enamel surfaces: you will have to actively use abrasives and rub them for a long time.

The cast iron variety of panels is rarely used. It is strong, but fragile and quite heavy - and these disadvantages outweigh all other advantages. The most modern solution is deservedly considered a glass (or rather, glass-ceramic or heat-resistant glass) surface. Even a significant payment for it is fully justified by its excellent practical characteristics. A notable feature of glass products is a wide variety of colors. However, there are also problems with glass panels. This could be:

• damage from contact with sugar;
• the likelihood of destruction upon impact with sharp objects;
• the risk of splitting when cold water gets on a heated surface;
• spilling all boiled liquids on the floor at once.

There are only two types of control systems. Gas hobs are controlled exclusively by mechanical systems. But when an electric or induction model is selected, control can also be carried out using sensor elements. The final decision in this case depends on the approach of the designers. And it should be borne in mind that traditional mechanical handles are more convenient and practical than sensors, and they are simply more familiar.

A common recommendation - to be guided when choosing a hob for the presence or absence of gas in the house, is deliberately incorrect. The fact is that the electrical design is always better and more stable than the gas one. The absence of natural gas eliminates explosion and poisoning. The electric apparatus works without creating the characteristic suffocating atmosphere. You can cook for hours on end, but the air will stay fresh.

Electrical structures are smooth on the outside, without protruding parts. Of course, the same can be said for some of the gas panels. However, if they are smooth, then this is an elite class product, "with a burner under the glass." And the electrified panel is always even, even if it belongs to the budget category. But it must be borne in mind that dishes with strictly defined characteristics will be needed for it, and warming up will take longer.

To speed it up, you can also use an induction-type hob. It is almost always made of glass ceramics. Only the dishes are heated, and the burners themselves are almost not glowing. It is completely safe to touch them. Another advantage of induction technology is its high efficiency. Electromagnetic induction makes it possible to reduce to zero the loss of heat between the heating element and the walls of the heated vessel.

Burning of food and its adhesion both to the dishes themselves and to the hob is completely excluded. You will no longer need to scrub and scrub, thoroughly wash the escaped broth, boiled milk. The power of the induction panel is always stable, it does not change, even if the parameters of the current in the network change. Electricity consumption is minimal. In addition, it is these panels that are leading in terms of the number of functions and auxiliary sensors, switches.

As for the exceptionally high cost of induction systems, it only exists in popular myths. Their cost was very high about 10 years ago, but since then the situation has changed significantly. You should not strive to save at any cost. The cheapest models sometimes have a poor-quality heat sink. This leads to intermittent overheating and short-term shutdowns. Some people are also annoyed by the noise generated by inductive coils. The more powerful the device, the louder this sound.

If there is no clear idea of ​​what kind of dishes and in what quantity will be used, it is better to take models whose surface is one monolithic burner. Then it will be possible to put containers in any place. An alternative solution is to combine four typical burners into two large ones, but not every manufacturer has such models. Fans of exotic dishes should choose hobs with burners that have a recess for a wok. And one more nuance: preference should always be given to products of well-known companies.

An important question is at what height to install the glass hob. It depends on whether the hood will be able to remove the polluted one into the air or not. The upper limit of the installation is determined so that you can work comfortably. And the lower line is determined so that at the appropriate distance everything is still absorbed. The more powerful the hob itself, the higher the hood can be located above it.

Before turning on the panel and starting to use it, you need to remove the glue remaining after assembly. You will have to wash problem areas with special detergents that do not contain abrasive inclusions. The appearance of an unpleasant smell of burnt rubber in the first hours of operation is quite natural. It will soon pass by itself, you do not need to do anything for this. To properly prepare any dish, you must set the exact temperature and cooking time settings necessary for it.

The hobs can only be cleaned with sponges. They must not be used for cleaning any other things. It is recommended to use special cleaning agents that leave the thinnest silicone film. It allows you to wash the surface less often, since new dirt will accumulate less. It is strictly forbidden to use powdered mixtures, as well as dishwashing detergents.

If the device does not work, you must first try to unlock it, and then undertake major repairs. The blocking is provided for protection from children. This function is available in products from all leading manufacturers. Each company has its own approach to solving this problem. It is described in detail in the documentation; usually you need to press and hold the key button or turn the rotary switches to the zero position.

Not all cookware is suitable for glass ceramic hobs. Its diameter must exactly match the dimensions of the hotplate. If this rule is violated, the hob can overheat. This will lead to a reduction in the operational life. It is categorically impossible to use containers, the bottom of which is covered with scratches, frayed, slightly cracked or just uneven. The highest thermal conductivity is typical for pans with a dark and matte bottom.

It is best to place vessels with a multilayer, so-called heat-distributing bottom on a glass-ceramic base. The number of layers - 3 or 5. Among cast iron cookware, only the lightest options are suitable. The use of heat-resistant glass is questionable: it is permissible, but it heats up very slowly.

It is necessary to strictly follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the distance to heating and easily igniting objects. If the distance is forcedly reduced, you will have to use non-combustible aluminum skirting boards. Should the hob switch off prematurely or abnormally, proceed in strict accordance with the troubleshooting instructions. With frequent power outages, stabilizers are required.

For information on how to properly care for the hob, see the next video.