Separated from the oven, the hob has become an independent element of the kitchen. Along with this, she received not only numerous design changes and various dimensions, but also gained multiple functional capabilities. We will figure out what types of hobs are and how they differ.
Hobs: what are their main characteristics
Heating elements are the main functional feature that distinguishes hobs. On this basis, they are divided into:
- gas;
- electric;
- combined.
Gas hobs
They are not only the cheapest, but also the most affordable devices. Given that gas is cheaper than electricity, cooking on such cooking surfaces will significantly reduce family expenses. The burners of such a panel heat up very quickly and cool just as quickly.
Electric hobs
A very convenient option if the house does not provide gasification or the gas may be periodically turned off. The functional characteristics of the device are directly dependent on power.
Combination hobs
Almost perfect. The comfortable combination of gas burners and electric burners provides quick and at the same time high-quality and economical cooking.
Classification by type of management
In addition to the energy source used, hobs are divided into separate types according to the control methods and their types. It also takes into account the organization of the workplace, where cooking is carried out directly.
According to these indicators, the following groups of hobs exist:
- dependent;
- autonomous;
- sensory;
- push-button;
- mechanical.
Dependent surfaces are installed exclusively above the oven. Their management is interconnected. In most cases, their switches are mounted on the oven.
Autonomous, as their name implies, are installed and operate completely separately from the oven.
The concept of touch panels is applicable only for induction and electrical panel options. Work with such a panel is elementary and carried out with a light touch of a finger. Such a device is much more practical and easier to care for. It can be easily rubbed with a damp sponge, without touching the levers and control buttons.
Button panels provide buttons directly on the structure or on the oven.
Mechanical panels are controlled by turnable handles-levers - a long-proven and reliable way to control.
Material classification
Manufacturers specializing in gas hobs use innovative technologies, use a variety of materials that differ not only in appearance and quality, but also in cost.
Enamelled panels
Glossy enameled appliances are already traditional in kitchens.Their main differences are durability, reliability and practicality in use. The color palette is also traditional, including white, blue, yellow, beige and brown tones.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel hobs are perfect for any interior. They are resistant to wear and tear. They are distinguished by strength and durability and at the same time harmoniously combine with the interior of any style. The only drawback that can be noted with stainless hobs is the special care with specially designed products. Without proper care, a stainless steel hob will look very unpresentable and messy. Spots and stains from splashes of water or fat will spoil the entire appearance.
Glass-ceramic surfaces
Among all types of electric hobs, we advise you to pay attention to the most aesthetic and hygienic glass-ceramic devices. They are distinguished by the elegance of shapes and a variety of colors, can be both monophonic and multi-colored. On such panels a drawing is applied, they can be mirrored. A variety of design, of course, provides the opportunity to choose such a panel to any interior.
Smooth and smooth glass-ceramic surface provides excellent thermal conductivity and heat transfer. Caring for such a surface is a pleasure. For this, special gentle means and a sponge are perfect.
The disadvantages of such hobs can be attributed to only one - their relatively high cost. In addition, to cook on it, you will have to purchase special dishes, as ordinary pots and pans can scratch delicate glass ceramics.
Induction surfaces
They are a type of glass-ceramic. It is under the glass-ceramic cover that a transformer coil is installed. With its help, electromagnetic waves are created that heat the bottom of the dishes. Pay attention to an interesting feature - the induction hob itself remains cold.
Using electric induction, you can warm a large amount of liquid with minimal heat loss as soon as possible. For cooking, special dishes are used, the food in which never burns.
Variety of shapes
Modern technologists allow produce hobs the most diverse forms, among which:
- square or rectangle;
- circle, oval or ellipse;
- trapezoid;
- sharp or oval;
Complex designs look especially appropriate in kitchens designed in a high-tech style.
In addition to forms, everything cooking surfaces differ in size and the number of burners available.
Heating elements
Depending on the type of surface, it will have one of the elements listed below for heating.
Gas
Distributed to the bottom of the dishes, leaving the burner. The latter are available in several versions:
- Ordinary - one row of flame;
- Double - “double crown” with two rows of flame;
- Triple - “triple crown” with three rows of flame, respectively.
"Crowns" are relevant for a large diameter burners, in which it is necessary to evenly distribute heat throughout the bottom of the dishes, thus ensuring uniform heating.
Heating "pancakes"
With the help of “pancakes”, electric hobs are heated. In simple surfaces are used:
- Cast-iron pancakes;
- Automatic pancakes;
- Pancakes accelerated heating.
In the latter case, “pancakes” have a higher power. You can recognize them by the red circle in the middle of the heater. They heat up much faster than cast-iron counterparts.
In automatic “pancakes”, the heater first heats up at full power, then, having reached the required temperature, it automatically switches to the mode set by the user. Such heaters can be distinguished by the white circle located in the center.
Combined heaters
The heating elements of the combined HiLight type with halogen function synchronously at the beginning of work. Then the halogen is turned off and only the tape heater works. Separate models provide for the use of heating elements separately, activating one of them if necessary.
Most often, the type of heater that is used on a particular surface is indicated directly on it, and you can also find out about it by consulting with the store manager.
An induction heater is the most economical; compared to other electrical surfaces, they consume half as much electricity.
Connection and Operation Security
Before launching a hob model on the market, manufacturers first of all carefully evaluate not only its functionality, but also the safety of use. Thus, absolutely all hobs are positioned primarily to provide users with comfort and safety.
Users, in turn, when using hobs, must comply with the rules for their operation. In this case, the installation of the device should definitely be done by a specialist. The master will professionally evaluate all the technical parameters of the purchased product, their compliance with the capabilities of Russian gas mains or electrical interchanges. When installing an electric hob, do not forget that such devices are quite sensitive to voltage changes and simply can stop working when the power supply drops.
Modern types and modifications of gas hobs, like electric panels, are a high-tech combination of multifunctionality, aesthetics and comfortable operation. Innovative surfaces using glass ceramics or induction heating functions have been especially popular recently. Consider the main operational characteristics of various cooking surfaces.
Electric hobs
The effectiveness and safety of the use of such surfaces is proven in practice. The ease of maintenance of a perfectly flat glass-ceramic surface, combined with the fact that the material is resistant to external influences and touch control, provides not only the most accurate temperature control, but also easy care and durability.
An additional function of such surfaces, with the help of which the energy saving becomes even more significant, is a system for recognizing the diameter of dishes. With its help, only that part of the surface to which the bottom of the dishes is touching is heated. When removing the pan from the stove, the heating is turned off automatically. At the same time, a high level of safety is ensured by the fact that the surface around does not heat up at all.
Using the Stop & Go function, you can cook food with pauses. If it is activated, the settings automatically switch to the mode that maintains heat, and after shutdown, the initial temperature readings are resumed. Such a function is very convenient if you need to leave your home for a short time. The level of heating of the burners after cooking is completed can be controlled using special indicators.
In addition, many models have a protective shutdown function that works during overheating and locks the control panel (especially important if the family has small children).
Using the special mode, you can turn on all burners at different powers and, if necessary, move the dishes from the hotter to the colder burner, as in professional kitchens. The mode and is called accordingly - "Chef".
Also using automation you can:
- Maintain optimal temperature when heating food, frying or stewing.
- To control the work of the grill.
Using the Booster function, it is possible to concentrate the power of two burners in one, which significantly increases its power.
Gas hobs
Equipped with modern functions, gas hobs guarantee not only comfort, but also the safety of cooking. The temperature of the burners is smoothly and precisely controlled using ergonomic switches. Protective burner cast-iron grates are characterized by a high degree of stability and durability. The holders are easy to remove, which greatly facilitates the care of them.
The design of the burners and the distance between them are designed to evenly distribute the heat supply, thereby saving gas consumption. Some models provide a type of burner that directs the inner flame directly to the bottom of the cookware, without heating its handles and increasing comfort.
Almost all modern gas surfaces have the function of automatically blocking the gas supply in the event of flame extinction.
Select a surface
For ordinary people who have not previously encountered cooking surfaces, it may be difficult to choose the optimal one among a variety of models. When choosing a gas and electric panel, you must consider:
- ease of installation;
- arrangement of buttons or control levers;
- burner configuration or heating zones;
- operating efficiency and power of the device.
In terms of economy, the best option is the decision to buy an induction surface that does not heat the dishes, but directly the products. Cooking is twice as fast as on any other surfaces. However, compared to gas or electric, such devices are much more expensive. So, if the cost of varieties of gas hob Gorenje GW 65 CL starts at 5300 rubles, then induction cooker from Gorenje will cost at least 9,000 rubles, this is not taking into account the need to purchase special dishes for the induction surface.
Cooking times for electric hobs are even worse. Their cost at the same time starts from 8000 rubles.
