Glass-ceramic hobs: types, model range, tips for choosing

Glass-ceramic hobs are considered one of the best and most popular options. They are of high quality, reliability and durability. Since their inception, such plates have become a serious competitor to electric panels, gradually ousting them from the market.

The glass ceramic hob is a convenient and modern technology that allows you to change the interior, giving it a touch.

However, the technical properties of such a material are largely different and to some extent unique.

Today, choosing a glass-ceramic hob is quite difficult, given the number of models on the market. Among them, you can find both conventional models with a minimum number of additional functions, and hobs that are not inferior in cost to a car.

Before buying such appliances for the kitchen, you should carefully study the advantages and disadvantages of glass ceramics. The huge popularity of hobs made of this material is explained by a number of advantages, among which the following can be noted:

• More efficient operation of heating elements. Due to the unique properties of glass ceramics, they heat up and cool down more quickly than a conventional stove. The peculiarity of this material is that it conducts heat vertically, which contributes to the rapid heating of the bottom of the container used. If necessary, water on such a surface can be boiled in a few minutes, which greatly simplifies and speeds up the cooking process. It also has a positive effect on energy consumption.
• Due to the property of glass ceramics, it quickly heats up, the degree of heating can be controlled optimally. Previously, only gas models could boast of such a function.
• Changing the warm-up area, which allows you to control the size of the heated surface. In other words, you can use pans with different diameters and shapes, but they will still heat up evenly from all sides.
• Glass ceramic tiles are quite easy to clean. It is enough to use a damp cloth for washing. But it is better to refuse the use of abrasive products, as they can scratch the surface.
• Burner durabilitythat do not need constant replacement.
• Ease of management. The new ceramic glass models on the market feature a convenient built-in touch panel that greatly simplifies the use of the cooker.
• Attractive appearance. Such a surface looks more impressive and stylish than an ordinary electric stove.
• The surface of such a panel is perfectly flat. The burner can change shape and size depending on the cookware used.

Despite the huge number of advantages, such hobs are not without certain disadvantages, among which the following can be distinguished.

• The use of containers with a flat bottom is allowed. If there are certain inscriptions or engravings on the surface of the product, then such dishes will heat up unevenly.
• In the process of washing such a surface, only special compositions can be used. Some cleaning agents can seriously damage the panel and render it unusable.

A huge number of electric stoves with a glass-ceramic panel are presented on the modern market. Among the most popular are electric, gas and induction models.

Electric cookers stand out for their impressive functionality. If earlier such devices were used only in rooms where there was no gas supply, today the electric stove is already a conscious choice of the majority of users.

Induction hobs are an advanced device that has almost completely replaced other varieties in European countries.

The features of such models are practicality and durability, as well as the presence of advanced functions, they greatly simplify the process of using the stove and cooking. In addition, induction models allow you to save energy due to the fact that the surface heats up very quickly and turns off on its own if there are no containers on the panel.

Gas stoves are considered one of the most affordable for their price. In addition, they are renowned for their reliability and durability.

Previously, the surface of most models was made of metal, since only it was able to withstand the high temperatures and the effects of combustion products that were released when burning natural gas.

There are a huge number of models on the modern market that differ in their design, functionality, cost and other characteristics. Among the most popular and demanded models today are the following.

• Hansa FCCW53040 - one of the most popular models, which can boast of the presence of an electronic programmer and cast iron grilles. The versatile design allows the hob to be used in any room: they can harmoniously fit into every kitchen.

• Gorenje EC52CLB - the built-in model boasts an electronic programmer with an analog display and tempered glass. It is thanks to this function that you can correctly set the cooking time of the dish and the start of certain modes. Other advantages include the presence of a grill and pyrolytic enamel, which, even after years, does not lose its attractive appearance. Rotary electromechanical switches greatly simplify the use of the cooker. The model is also renowned for its advanced electronic timer with stove off function.

• KAISER HC 52010 W Moire - a multifunctional device that boasts a thermocirculation function, an infrared grill and preset heating programs. The developers have equipped this model with an increased volume, which qualitatively distinguishes it from the competitors.

In order for a glass-ceramic hob to fully fulfill its obligations, you need to take a responsible approach to the selection process.

First of all, you need to pay attention to the type of burner installed. It is she who provides the convenience of using the stove, as well as the degree of heating. Among the most popular burner options are the following:

• Halogen, which can heat up quickly enough thanks to the built-in lamp. They are attached to the spiral, which provides prompt surface heating. These spirals are characterized by high power, thanks to which you can quickly heat water and perfectly fry meat. The disadvantage of such burners is their fragility, as well as high energy consumption.
• Rapid options, which are inferior to halogen in terms of heating rate, however, they can boast of greater durability. The tightly spaced spiral allows the hotplate to heat up quickly enough and cool down within a couple of seconds after switching off.
• Induction. The peculiarity of such burners is that they heat only the bottom of the container used, but the hob itself remains cold. It should be noted that the cost of such hobs is quite high. In addition, you will have to buy special dishes. In most cases, the manufacturer equips such a hob with burners with different powers.

Glass ceramic hobs can be dependent or independent. The peculiarity of the former is that they are supplied complete with the oven and have one row of controllers. But independent panels can boast of their own controllers, which make it possible to better and more accurately adjust the entire surface heating process.

Modern glass-ceramic hobs can have the following set of additional functions:

• Touch control. It is best to give preference to a cooker that has similar controllers. Despite the high cost, they are very easy to operate, as they make it possible to easily set the optimum temperature for each burner. In addition, such a panel looks very stylish and modern.
• Residual heat indicators - a useful function of modern stoves, which allows more efficient use of electricity.
• Programming. Advanced cooking models can be pre-programmed to cook a specific dish.
• Boil control, in which the stove independently detects when the water begins to boil, and immediately reduces the power of the panel.

It should be noted that the more functions a glass-ceramic panel has, the more expensive it will cost.

The main advantage of the glass-ceramic panel is that it does not need careful maintenance. It is necessary to adhere to certain rules, so that the leaving process will become as simple and unconstrained as possible.

They are not only effective, but also fit the characteristics of each model, which completely eliminates the possibility of surface damage during cleaning.

Do not replace such products with household chemicals, as they can damage the panels. In addition, branded cleaning products form a protective silicone film that prevents oil and other food from burning. A specialized blade should also be used for cleaning. It is better to refuse the use of plastic options, since they do not differ in resistance to mechanical stress, therefore they are less durable.

For a short video on glass ceramic hobs, see below.