Electric hob: a stylish assistant for a demanding housewife

Electric hob is very common in modern kitchens today. It differs from the traditional stove not only in appearance, but also in functionality. When choosing a product, it is important to study the types of electrical panels, the advantages and disadvantages of each option. From the range of proposed models, you should choose products from a well-known manufacturer, which is a guarantee of a high-quality and durable product.

Compared to traditional gas panels electrical surfaces have a number of advantages

Electric hob: features of the household appliance

The hob differs from the traditional hob not only in appearance, but also in other characteristics. It has a more compact size, which allows you to install the appliance in any convenient place in the kitchen. Such a surface, built into the worktop, is more hygienic, since greasy drops or food pieces will not fall on the floor with strong stirring during cooking. This appliance consumes less electricity than a standard cooker.

The hob is different from the traditional hob, it has a more compact size, which allows it to be installed anywhere in the kitchen

Today the hob is presented in a wide design variation. The models differ in configuration and color, so you can choose not only a functional device, but also a stylish interior element.

The electric hob has a slim body, no more than 6 cm thick, which is equipped with hotplates. The principle of operation of the device is to generate heat when an electric current passes through a conductor. The conductor is represented by a high resistive heating element. It is made in the form of a spiral under the burner lid or presented open. The surface heats up and transfers the heat to the dishes placed on it.

Compared to traditional gas panels electrical surfaces have several advantages. First of all, one should highlight the high level of safety of the device. Gas leakage is excluded here. An open flame is more dangerous than a heated zone on an electric stove. Installation of a gas surface requires the organization of a supply and exhaust ventilation system.

The electric panel has a slim body, no more than 6 cm thick, which is equipped with hotplates

Electric panels are equipped with a large number of operating modes, which allows you to select the required parameter to ensure a more efficient and convenient cooking process. However, in terms of heating up speed, electric panels are inferior to gas ones. Another disadvantage of the products is their high cost.

What is the difference between a dependent and an independent electric hob

There are two types of surfaces: dependent and independent. The first type occupies a leading place in the rating of electrical hobs and is represented by an appliance connected to an oven, which can be located both under the panel and in another place close to the device. The second type of device is not very convenient. This is because the surface control system is located on the oven. During the cooking process, each time you have to approach it in order to increase or decrease the temperature.

When choosing a dependent option, it will be possible to get a set of household appliances made in the same style, which will look like a built-in kitchen stove. However, it should be remembered that if one of the elements fails, the second will not function independently.

Dependent electric hob Is an appliance connected to an oven

Important! It is recommended to select dependent items from the same manufacturer. However, even in this case, it is necessary to use the special table of compatibility of hobs and ovens.

The other version of the panel does not depend on the oven. It can be installed with or without it. The control system is located directly on the electrical surface. Bosch offers a variety of models. Independent electric hobs are chosen by those who do not use an oven. However, if the desire arises to purchase it, the total cost of the two units will be much higher than the price of the dependent set of household appliances.

How to choose a built-in electric hob

Power is an important parameter when choosing electrical panels for the kitchen. Its total value depends on the type of heating element, the number and size of the hotplates and the heating speed. This value ranges from 3-10 kW. Most standard 4-burner electric hobs have one 3 kW working zone, two 1.5 kW and one 1 kW, which determines the intended use of the burners.

When choosing electrical panels for the kitchen, power is an important parameter.

Small cooking zones are suitable for pans up to 2 liters. They are used to heat food and brew coffee. Medium burners are suitable for containers with a volume of 3-4 liters and can be used for cooking vegetable dishes. The powerful cooking zones are designed for large dishes and are ideal for roasting meats.

The electric hob is made in the form of a rectangle, square, circle, semicircle or oval. The number of burners can be from 2 to 5 pcs. Manufacturers have standardized the dimensions of the hobs, depending on which they can have different widths.

Electric 2-burner surfaces are represented by products with a width of 26-40 cm. The front burner has a low power, the rear one is high. Electric hobs for 3 burners are 40-48 cm wide. The heating zones here form a triangle. Control knobs can be positioned horizontally or vertically.Classic models for 4 burners are available in widths of 49-60 cm.Products for 5 heating zones of various shapes and sizes reach a size of over 61 cm.

The electric hob is made in the form of a rectangle, square, circle, semicircle or oval

Control options for an electric built-in hob

Electrical panel control can be touch-based or mechanical. The first option is carried out through the use of a pictogram that responds to a light touch. This type of control is the most convenient to operate and easy to maintain. It is enough to wipe the dirty panel with a damp cloth. Touch control models occupy a leading position in the rating of built-in electric hobs.

Another advantage of such a surface is that it takes up less space due to its more compact dimensions. However, if a malfunction occurs, repairs will be problematic and costly.

Mechanical control is carried out by means of rotary switches, which can be fixed or recessed. The latter option is more acceptable from the point of view of less laboriousness of the cleaning process.

The hob is mechanically controlled by means of rotary switches

Control knobs are located at the front or side of the panel. The second option is more successful, since it eliminates the possibility of accidentally pressing the sensor or switch. There is one more control method, which is the most expensive one. This is a remote process using a special remote control.

How to choose an electric hob by material of manufacture

Depending on the material of manufacture, enamel, steel, glass-ceramic electric hobs are distinguished. The first option is the most popular due to the low cost of the product. However, such a surface is sensitive to aggressive media and rough materials. The laborious process of cleaning the panel from dirt increases the risk of damage to the enamel.

Important! With proper use and maintenance of the surface without the use of abrasive materials, the panel will retain its original appearance for a long time.

Depending on the material of manufacture, enamel, steel, glass-ceramic electric hobs are distinguished

The main advantage of enamelled surfaces is increased resistance to temperature extremes and various mechanical stress. When using the product, water marks and fingerprints are not left on the panel surface. The extended range of colors of the product makes it possible to choose the panel for any shade of the kitchen set.

The electric stainless steel hob will cost a little more. Such products are offered by the Electrolux company. Electric hobs made of steel are highly durable and resistant to mechanical damage. This environmentally friendly material tolerates temperature fluctuations and high temperatures well.

Despite all the advantages, such a surface requires special care. After each cooking, it must be wiped clean, as the slightest drops and finger marks will be visible on it. This surface type is only available in gray.

The main advantage of enameled surfaces is increased resistance to temperature extremes

Useful advice! For proper care of stainless steel household appliances, you should purchase special products.

Glass ceramic hob: Advantages and disadvantages

The most expensive are glass ceramic surfaces. The hobs are of sufficient strength. However, the material is afraid of pinpoint impacts with a heavy sharp object.Also, traces of melted sugar may remain on the surface, so it should be removed immediately. This type of electrical panel requires the use of special cookware. Products made of cast iron and copper will leave indelible marks on the surface.

The glass-ceramic electrical surface is easy to maintain. If it gets dirty, wipe it with a damp sponge without using any special products. This panel does not absorb odors. It is resistant to acids and fat. Due to the distinctive properties of the material, the surface quickly heats up and cools down. It remains cold outside the heating element.

Glass ceramic surfaces are available in black or white. They can be plain or patterned, which gives additional aesthetics to the stylish device.

The most expensive are glass-ceramic hobs.

Heating element type in electric built-in cookers

Electric stoves can be made with cast iron pancakes or with a glass-ceramic surface. In the first version, circular cast iron discs are used as a heating element, inside which a heating element in the form of an electric spiral is located on a ceramic substrate. Heating power regulation is carried out using rotary knobs. These discs are installed on enamelled or steel surfaces.

Important! The fast heat and high power burners are marked with a red circle in the center of the element.

The appearance of such a surface resembles a traditional slab. On such discs, you can install any kind of dish, except plastic. They are easy and simple to care for. This is the cheapest option for electrical panels.

Related article:

Induction hob: a functional appliance for modern kitchens

The main criteria for choosing a hob. Rating of induction cookers of world manufacturers with prices.

The disadvantage is the long process of heating the elements, which is at least 7 minutes, which entails additional costs of electrical energy. The cooling process takes the same amount of time. Over time, the heating elements lose their gloss, which makes the hob look untidy.

What electric hobs better: glass ceramic products

Glass-ceramic electric panels can be equipped with one of the types of heating elements in the form of burners:

• rapid;

Hi-Light burners are represented by tape heating elements that are installed on an asbestos base

• halogen;
• induction;
• Hi-Light.

Rapid burners are spirals that glow red hot, reaching a high temperature in 10 seconds. This feature allows you to save energy. They are made from an alloy of chromium and nickel and are located under the glass-ceramic surface. These burners can be of different shapes and sizes, which makes it possible to use cookware of different sizes.

Halogen burners provide great efficiency. They consist of rapid spirals with halogen bulbs installed above them. This tandem provides rapid heating, which requires only a few seconds of time. A small amount of electricity is required to achieve high power.

Halogen burners consist of rapid spirals with bulbs installed above them

Important! Halogen burners heat up the entire surface, which increases the risk of scalding during use.

Hi-Light burners are represented by tape heating elements, which are installed on an asbestos base. Their main advantage is the ability to select the heating temperature as accurately as possible. This type of heating element is reliable, durable and easy to maintain.

Electric induction hobs are a separate type of surface where induction coils are used as a heating element. Such plates differ in the principle of operation, which is based on the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction. The device starts working at the moment of installation on the surface of a special cookware with ferromagnetic properties.

Additional features of electric hobs

The electric hob has a number of distinct advantages over traditional hobs. Here there is the possibility of influencing the heating zone, the power of which is quite simple to change. A useful option is auto-boil, which is equipped with some Hansa electric hobs. The stove immediately adjusts to maximum power, gradually reducing it as the liquid boils. The "autofocus" program allows the surface to recognize the diameter of the dishes, selecting the required operating mode for it.

Each model of the electric panel is equipped with a timer that allows you to turn off the hotplates in time

Thanks to the built-in standby mode, the panel turns off when there is no dishes on it, which provides significant energy savings. The heating function allows you to reheat food in any dish. Each model of the electric panel is equipped with a timer that allows you to turn off the hotplates in time. Some models have an auto-shutdown function, which occurs at the moment a liquid hits the surface of the plate. Another interesting option is the temperature memory program.

Renowned manufacturers of the best electric hobs

Before choosing an electric hob, you should study the list of world companies that have proven themselves from the best side as manufacturers of high-quality household appliances.

Important! Models with the same technical characteristics, but released under different brands, may differ significantly in the build quality and elements used in the design, which affects the cost of the product.

Among the popular manufacturers of hobs, one can single out Siemens.

Choosing products of a well-known company, you can be sure of the reliability of the declared characteristics. You can also count on quality service during the warranty period and beyond. Popular hob manufacturers include Bosch, Electrolux, Gorenje, Samsung, Hansa, Siemens, Gefest, Ariston and Whirlpool.

The leader in the manufacture of high-quality kitchen appliances is the Bosch company. Electric hobs are equipped with high-strength HighSpeed ​​glass ceramics. The disadvantage of this product is its high cost, which is fully justified by the result of the quality of the models.

The well-known company Electrolux produces hobs of elegant design and high functionality. Thanks to the patented Stop + Go technology, increased cooking comfort is provided. The control lock provides high safety during the operation of the device.

Whirlpool Introduces Proprietary 6 Sense Technology

Household appliances manufacturer from Slovenia Gorenje is famous for the optimal ratio of price and quality. Electric hobs are equipped with the proprietary SuperPower technology, which allows you to activate the enhanced heating option on all zones at the same time, which significantly reduces the cooking time.

The South Korean company Samsung is constantly improving its products through the introduction of the latest modern technologies. The manufacturer's assortment includes both budget options and models of the elite class. Hotpoint Ariston electric hobs are distinguished by their interesting design and high quality workmanship.

Whirlpool has introduced a new proprietary 6 Sense technology that takes cooking to the next level.The hob automatically controls the temperature of the cooking zone and adjusts the level of energy consumption for each hotplate.

The optimal ratio of price and quality is the household appliances manufacturer Gorenje

The Polish company Hansa produces quality models at an affordable cost. They are characterized by their original design and functionality. Hephaestus electric hobs are presented in a traditional design in the form of a surface with four burners. The models are equipped with the necessary set of functions.

The best built-in electric 2-burner hobs

The most popular is the Bosch PKF375FP1E electric hob. The stove is distinguished by its stylish appearance and original design. Schott Ceran has two Hi-Light burners on the glass-ceramic surface. One of them is double-circuit, which makes it possible to use it for dishes of different diameters.

Comfortable operation is provided by touch control. The two-burner electric hob is equipped with an extended set of functions, including the option to interrupt work, auto shut-off, child lock, and a timer to delay turning on the surface. The cost of this model is 17 thousand rubles.

Bosch cooker PKF375FP1E features stylish appearance and original design

Another popular surface is the Gorenje ECT 330 CSC with 2 cooking zones. The electric built-in hob has a stylish look. It is characterized by its practicality and advanced functionality. The model is equipped with a black glass-ceramic surface with a polished front edge.

One heating zone has a diameter of 14.5 cm, the other is characterized by a variable contour - from 12 to 18 cm. The total surface power is 2.9 kW. Control of the electric hob Combustion is carried out using the sensor unit. The cost of such a surface is 14 thousand rubles.

Important! The model is not equipped with a timer.

The Siemens ET375 MT11E hob with two Hi-Light burners with halogen illumination is very popular. The total surface power is 4 kW. The stove is equipped with a 17-step power level control system, a slider-type touch control, a child lock option, an auto-off function and a residual heat indication. You can buy such a hob for 15.5 thousand rubles.

The Gorenje ECT 330 CSC hob for two burners has a stylish appearance and is characterized by practicality

Overview of two-burner hobs in the middle price category

Two-burner electric hob Samsung CTR432NB02 is in special demand. The compact surface has an attractive appearance. The stove is equipped with a convenient touch control. The model has 10 power adjustment modes, indication of residual heating, a function of blocking the working surface, a sound timer. You can buy the product for 11.5 thousand rubles.

Built-in two-burner electric hob Bosch PKC345E, has earned its popularity due to reliability, functionality and original design. The power of the cooker is 3.1 kW. The model is equipped with a 9-step power adjustment, which allows you to choose the most suitable mode required for cooking a particular dish.

The stove has a built-in residual heat indicator, an auto-off option, a child lock. The device is controlled by mechanical rotary switches. The price of the product is 10.5 thousand rubles.

Samsung CTR432NB02 two-burner electric hob is in great demand

The cheapest domino surface is the Hansa BHCS31116 2-burner model. The electric hob has a stylish appearance, which is achieved thanks to the pattern applied to the glass-ceramic surface. The hob is equipped with two Hi-Light burners with a diameter of 14.5 and 18 cm.The total power of the device is 3 kW.

The model has mechanical control, which is carried out using rotary switches located on the front panel. It is equipped with a digital indicator of the degree of heating of the cooking zones. Has functions of fast heating, auto-off. Product price - 9.5 thousand rubles.

The best 4-burner electric built-in hobs

In the ranking of the best 4-burner electric hobs, the Gorenje ECT 680-ORA-W electric stove occupies a leading position. It has a stylish and elegant design. Hi-Light burners are used as heating elements. The front left working zone is three-circuit, its diameter reaches 12, 17.5 and 21 cm. The rear right burner has an oval shape with an extended spectrum of action from 17 to 26.5 cm. The other two are characterized by a diameter of 14.5 cm.

The Gorenje ECT 680-ORA-W range has a stylish and elegant design and uses Hi-Light burners as heating elements

The white electric hob will become a real decoration of the modern kitchen interior. Thanks to the expanded set of functions, the cooking process will seem easy and fast. Each zone is equipped with an on / off residual heat indicator. There is an auto power off option, child protection function, timer. You can buy a panel for 15 thousand rubles.

The second place in the ranking of electric hobs belongs to the Electrolux EHF96547FK model. The black glass-ceramic surface has beveled edges along the entire perimeter. This gives the product originality and ensures a better fit to the table top. The hob has one three-circuit burner, two regular and one with an oval expansion zone, so you can use any kind of cookware.

The cooker is controlled by the Direct Access touch panel. The model is equipped with the Stop & Go function, which allows you to take a break from work for 3 minutes, the EcoTimer option, which ensures that the stove is turned off earlier than the scheduled time, so that the food gradually reaches on the cooling zone. The stove also has a childproof function, an auto-off option (with a sound signal), a residual heat indication and a control panel backlight. You can buy such a hob for 20 thousand rubles.

The model of the Electrolux EHF96547FK hob has a black glass ceramic surface and beveled edges around the entire perimeter

The most affordable, but no less high-quality and functional, is the Hansa BHCI65123030 electric hob with 4 burners. The model is equipped with a standard set of functions necessary for a quick and convenient cooking process. The glass-ceramic surface is framed around the perimeter with a metal protective frame. There are 4 Hi-Light burners on it, two of which have a diameter of 18 cm, the others - 14.5 cm.The total power of the panel is 6 kW. Surface control is performed using mechanical rotary switches. The cost of the product is only 11 thousand rubles.

The electric hob offers several advantages over other types of hobs. When choosing a product, it is important to study its technical characteristics, the functionality of the device, and get acquainted with real reviews of the hob. To obtain a high-quality, reliable and durable product, you must opt ​​for models from world manufacturers that have proven themselves in the home appliance market from the best side.