7 best cooking surfaces: how to choose the types, advantages, disadvantages, characteristics

Own hob - a great alternative to traditional cumbersome cookers. The right choice will save the budget and place in the kitchen, as well as allow to enter the cooking surface in design space.

How to choose a cooking surface

When choosing a hob, pay attention to the criteria which determined the right specifically to you device.

• The size of the cooking surface. This parameter is determined by the dimensions of kitchen worktops. Release as square hobs size 60/80/90 cm side and with elongated rectangular arrangement of burners in a row. Models domino constructed of several individual modules.
• Type of cooking surface. Induction, gas, electric, ceramic, or a combination? Gas cheaper electricity, but not all the rooms are equipped with gas supply. Induction hobs use electricity as conventional power, but the savings is due to the rapid heating. Traditional electric stove very simple to operate and easier to clean.

• Power burners. Many hobs are supplied with rings, which are specially designed to perform specific tasks. For example, it provided low-level heat zone for a prolonged languor dishes or full power spread to one of the heating zones to rapidly boil the water.
• The number and size of burners. Cooking surfaces are manufactured with a number of heating zones from one to six. Your pots and pans on the diameter of the bottom of the need to approach the size of the hotplate. In some models, two or three burners are combined in a single heating zone, suitable for large or non-standard pots.
• Location heating zones. Make sure that enough space between burners for pots simultaneously in all heating zones. If you have used small rings, they should be placed in front.
• Easy to clean. Ceramic surface will require the use of special cleaners to prevent scratches and stains. At the gas panels look, whether sealed burner and whether it is possible to wash the grilles in the dishwasher. The easiest way to clean the traditional electric "pancakes", located on the enamel surface.
• Simple operation. Hobs fitted with mechanical or touch controls, in combined models combine both.

• Security. Switches located on the side of the vertical plane of the panel easier and to enable touch accidentally than those located on the horizontal plane near the heating zones. On the other hand, with this arrangement, the control handle can be heated. Some models are equipped with the child lock and automatic shut-off.
• Tableware. Induction hobs require the use of special magnetizable utensils for cooking. Aluminum, glassware and ordinary stainless steel pans are not suitable. But other types of cooking surfaces for cookware are not choosy.

Some functions can not be taken into account when buying a hob, as they do not affect the operation of the device.

• The surface material. Enamelled panels and the surface of the stainless steel resistant to wear and aggressive cleaning agents. Glass-ceramic surface conducts heat more slowly than metal, but interesting fit into the design of the kitchen.
• Pezorozzhigom. Automatic electric ignition on gas hob eliminates the use of matches, but on some models it does not work reliably.
• Timer. Built-in timer is often equipped with induction and glass ceramic panel. It facilitates the use of the device and adjusts the automatic switching off heating zones.

Best gas hob

Hotpoint-Ariston 7HPC 640 T X / HA - the panel comprises 4 different capacity and diameter of the burner. Burner "Triple Crown" is provided with a double flame divider for quick heating dishes, the largest diameter of the burner provides rapid heating.

The surface is made of brushed stainless steel, enamelled steel grille. Controlled panel rotary switches in two modes: with a minimum and maximum power. It provides the function avtopodzhiga and gas control.

Characteristics

• Mechanical control.
• Panel size: 51 x 59 cm.
• Niche Size: 5.5 x 47.5 x 55.5 cm.
• The diameter of the burners 55, 75, 100, 130 mm.
• Maximum Burner Power: 1 / 1.65 / 3 / 3.3 kW.
• The cost of natural gas: 95/157/286/343 l / hr.
• Costs LPG: 73/120/218/240 g / hr.

pros

• Automatic electric ignition.
• Burner "Triple Crown."
• Easy care.

Minuses

• Non-standard location of the burners, not all will be comfortable.
• Total flame control mode 2 at each burner.

customer Reviews

This panel of unusual design is good value for the cost and quality. The lattice is made of thick steel, easy to clean, but do not use aggressive cleaners.

Avtorozzhig is stable, does not require matches to ignite. Flames quietly and evenly. There are complaints that inconvenient to use immediately all the heating zones at the same time - not enough space for large pots.

Preferred electric hob

Hansa BHEI 60130010 - electric panel classic look of stainless steel. It contains 2 pairs of cast-iron "pancakes" with different diameter and power. Residual heat sensor will not allow the burned still hot from previous hot plate.

It provides protection from overheating and long-term maintenance of the heat. Is controlled by a rotary switch that provides 6 temperature control modes.

Characteristics

• Mechanical control.
• Panel size: 53 x 60 x 4.5 cm.
• Dimensions niches: 49 x 56 cm.
• Electrorings size: 2 x 18 cm, 2 cm x 14.5.
• Electrorings Power: 1.8 kW 2 x 2 x 1.2 kW.
• Full power: 6 kW.
• Weight: 11 kg.

pros

• Affordable price.
• Easy care and use.

Minuses

• Wire is not equipped with a fork.
• Inertia heating.

customer Reviews

Flawless cooking electric panel assembly. It is a budget option with easy operation. The surface is easy to clean. Notes an interesting custom design electrorings location.

Best induction hob

Miele KM 6629 - the panel contains 4 heating zones. Ceramic glass framed by a stainless steel frame. It provides communication with hood and automatic adjustment of hood operation, depending on the mode of operation of the device.

The hob equipped with temperature control, automatic recognition diameter pots, dishes present on the surface. Built-in pause function for cooking and boiling control in which the power is reduced automatically after boiling contents of the pot.

Timer disconnects the heating zone in the event of prolonged non-use of the control panel. Provided child lock, automatic protection device against overheating.

Characteristics

• Touch Control.
• Size burners: 2 two-circuit diameters 10/16 16/23 cm and cm 2 rectangular size of 15 x 23 cm, forming a composite zone size 23 x 39 cm.
• Burner Power: 1.4 kW, 2.3 / 3.7 kW, 2 x 2.1 / 3.65 or 3.4 kW / 7.3 kW for the composite area.
• Panel size: 4.8 x 50.4 x 76.4 cm.
• recess Size: 49 x 75 cm.
• Full power: 7.3 kW.
• Weight: 12 kg.

pros

• Rapid heating.
• High power.
• Panel Off Timer.
• heating area of ​​irregular shape for large dishes.
• Individual control of each cooking zone.

Minuses

• You need to buy a special dish for cooking.
• High price.

customer Reviews

At the panel convenient pause feature, where you can escape from cooking on a phone call. Smart control system prevents runaway boiling and boil-off the contents of the pan.

Maintenance of heat can be used to heat up without fear of burning. In a joint heating zone is placed a few small pots.

Best ceramic hob

siemens ET675MD11D - the panel comprises four burners, one of them expanding elongated heating zone. Three-loop burner allows you to cook in a pot of different diameters.

The timer sets the automatic disconnection device or delivers a signal to complete the cooking. It provided for blocking the panel for half a minute to wipe the dirt off the surface. Built-in protection of children, control of pan and boil the contents of the residual heat indicators.

Characteristics

• Touch Control.
• Panel Dimensions: 4,5 x 60,2 x 52 cm.
• Dimensions niches: 56 x 50 cm.
• Burner Diameter: 17 / 26.5 cm x 14.5 cm 2, 12 / 17.5 / 21 cm.
• Power burners: 1.8 / 2.6 KW, 1.2 KW x 2, 0.8 / 1.6 / 2.3 kW.
• Full power: 7.3 kW.
• Weight 8 kg.

pros

• heating area of ​​irregular shape for large dishes.
• Convenient temperature exposure.
• Panel Off Timer.

Minuses

• Required to comply with precautions in the choice of means for cleaning.
• High price.

customer Reviews

Practical and functional model is easy to use, provides uniform heating. It is noted that there is no automatic detection of the pan diameter. The panel is scratched with careless use, on the surface of visible fingerprints.

Best induction-ceramic hob

bosch PIC651B17E - the panel is made of glass ceramic and induction and 2 comprises two glass-ceramic hotplate. One of the zones has an oval extension for cooking utensils in an elongated shape (Roaster).

Provides heating and rapid recognition dishes situated on the surface. 17 available power modes for temperature control. The model is provided with a residual heat sensor, the child lock.

Built-in timer gives an audible warning after the set time for the control preparation or automatically switches off the device during prolonged idle use.

Characteristics

• Touch control.
• Panel size: 52.2 x 59.2 x 5.1 cm.
• Dimensions niches: 49 x 56 cm.
• Size burners 21 cm, 2 x 14.5 cm, 17 cm with an extension up to 26.5 cm.
• Burner Power: 2.2 kW, 1.2 kW, 1.4 kW, 1.6 / 2.4 kW.
• Full power: 7.2 kW.

pros

• Fast nagrevanie.
• Burner irregular shape for large capacity.
• Sleep timer device.

Minuses

• Required to comply with precautions in the choice of means for cleaning.
• For induction burners will need to purchase a special dish for cooking.
• High price.

customer Reviews

The combination of the induction cooking zones with vitrified allows for different dishes, including the usual. It is noted that the ceramic hob induction heat longer. Low audible noise of the induction coils during operation panel.

The best combination of induction, gas hob

Electrolux EGD 6576 NOK - the panel comprises a burner 4, of which 2 induction and 2 gas. Induction zone controlled touch panel, gas burners regulated mechanically rotary switches. It provides for protection of children and the control lock from accidental interference.

Induction zone provided with the residual heat indicator, a timer with audible signal and automatic shut-off in the absence of dishes. Gas burner equipped with an electric ignition and gas supply control spider dish made of cast iron.

Characteristics

• Touch and mechanical control.
• Diameter induction zones 14 and 21 cm.
• Power induction areas: 1.4 / 2.5 and 2.3 kW / 3.3 kW.
• The diameter of the gas burner 7 and 10 cm.
• Power gas burners: 1.9 kW and 2.7 kW.
• Panel size: 5 x 52 x 59 cm.
• Niche size: 49 x 56 cm.
• Full power wiring: 3,7 kW.
• The total power of the gas connection: 4.6 kW.

pros

• Rapid heating.
• Powered by two different sources.
• Automatic electric ignition for gas burners.

Minuses

• Required to comply with precautions in the choice of means for cleaning.
• For induction burners will need to purchase a special dish for cooking.

customer Reviews

The combination of the two types of heaters allows you to cook food at emergency shutdown of one of the sources. You can use the usual dishes on gas stoves.

There heating gas control handle due to the proximity of the flame. When used on the surface of the carelessly left stains, scratches and fingerprints.

Best combined electrogas hob

ILVE H392CV - enamelled surface comprises burners 6, 2 of which are electrically "pancakes", 3 conventional gas burner and gas burner 1 "Triple Crown", provided with a double flame divider for quick heating.

Gas burner equipped with iron bars. The control panel is located on the side. Provided automatic electric ignition and gas flow control.

Characteristics

• Mechanical control.
• Panel dimensions: 86 x 50 x 4.5 cm.
• Niche dimensions: 83.5 x 47.5 cm.
• Electrorings Diameter: 13 cm and 15 cm.
• Power electrorings: 0.6 and 1 kW.
• The diameter of the gas burners 2 x 5.5 cm, 7 cm, 12 cm.

pros

• Powered by two different sources.
• Automatic electric ignition for gas burners.
• Burner "Triple Crown."
• Easy care.

Minuses

• Wire is not equipped with a fork.
• Large size.
• High price.

customer Reviews

Universal cooking surface suitable for use in the emergency switching-off gas or electricity. This overall model is suitable for a spacious kitchen and a large family. In a simple control panel, easy to clean.

What hob is better to buy

When buying the hob first determine what type of energy source is provided in your kitchen: gas or electricity. If the housing is supplied with a gas supply, consider buying a gas cooking surface, e.g., Hotpoint-Ariston 7HPC 640 T X / HA.

Gas cheaper as a source of energy, regulated instantaneously unlike inert hot plate, which requires time to temperature changes. Nevertheless, an open flame is dangerous and requires constant supervision.

Electric burners are usually equipped with a large number of heating stages and differ by type of heating element. Induction heating surface, such as Miele KM 6629 are closest to the gas burners on the rate of temperature change.

They almost do not heat up, thus preventing danger of burning. However, to use this type of hobs need to purchase a special dish with magnetizable bottom.

Glass-ceramic panel, the model Siemens ET675MD11D, do not require replacement of dishes, but require careful maintenance and application of non-aggressive cleaning agents. When careless use on such surfaces will quickly scratches and streaks.

If you want to get all the benefits of induction and ceramic hob, consider Model Bosch PIC651B17E, which simultaneously combines induction heating zone to vitrified rings.

Most unpretentious, but the most inert of the heating rate and cooling - electric stoves traditional metal "pancakes". They are simple to use and easy to clean. For budget models include Hansa BHEI 60,130,010.

If there are faults in the building with gas or electricity, consider buying the combination of the hob, wherein the operating part of the burners of the gas, while another part of the electricity.

In this segment available combination of induction heating zones with gas burners, for example, in the model Electrolux EGD 6576 NOK, or metal "pancakes" are combined with gas hobs, like ILVE H392CV.