Recently, consumers increasingly prefer built-in kitchen appliances. So, instead of an electric stove, many people tend to buy a separate electric hob and oven, which look very stylish and expensive. But how to make the right choice? - that's what excites many potential buyers. We will try to help: we will talk about how to choose an electric hob.
Main characteristics
The size. When choosing a hob in the first place, you need to focus on the space that allows you to use your kitchen. Most manufacturers produce products with a standard depth of 50-55 cm. But the width can vary from 50 to 90 cm. The height of the device usually ranges from 3 to 7 cm.
Type of management. Thinking about what type of electric cooktop to choose, note that independent and dependent models are produced. The latter work only in combination with a certain oven, and the control module is located more often on the cabinet. In view of this dependence, we recommend that you purchase independent models. In addition, there is a mechanical (with the help of buttons and knobs) and touch (by touch). The mechanical type is more reliable, the touch type is more convenient, but more expensive.
Type of panel. Considering the choice of the electric hob, pay attention to the material from which the panel is made. Enameled models are reliable and inexpensive, but on their surface often there are scratches. Glass ceramic hobs are flat, stylish, heated to high temperatures. At the same time, they require special means of care and are afraid of pinpoint strikes. Sturdy stainless steel panels look modern and elegant, but they need special care.
Type of heating elements. On enameled panels and stainless steel products, cast-iron burners are installed. They, of course, are cheap, reliable and durable, but they heat up long and quickly get dirty. Glass-ceramics models have different types: halogen (with a halogen lamp, they heat up for 1 second), rapid (with a spiral element, they heat up 10 seconds), induction (heated from dishes, special utensils are needed) and Hi-Light (band-shaped elements are heated in 2 -3 seconds).
In addition, we recommend that you pay attention to additional functions that greatly simplify cooking: a block from children, a timer, an indicator of residual heat, an automatic protective shutdown,
If we talk about which firm to choose a hob, the offer market is extensive: budget models and middle-class models from Ariston, Hansa, Ardo, Kaiser, Zanussi, Whirlpool, Electrolux, Bosch. Elite products of high quality are produced by Miele, AEG, Gaggenau.
If in doubt between the choice of electric and induction hob , learn in detail the characteristics of each.