How to choose an electric stove for the kitchen?

The modern range of kitchen electric cookers is so diverse that it's not surprising to get lost in this abundance. For an inexperienced customer, a huge choice becomes not a help, but a hindrance. The market presents a variety of modifications - from traditional models with burners from cast iron to ultra-modern high-tech novelties. Solving the question of how to choose an electric stove for a kitchen, you need to decide what you need it for, how often are you going to cook on it and which set of functions you are comfortable with? What is most important for you - design or comfort when cooking? The helpful tips outlined in this article will help you determine the right purchase.

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Selection Criteria

Consider the basic parameters of an electric cooker, which must be taken into account first. These include:

• dimensions;
• material of the surface of the plate;
• material and number of burners;
• type of oven;
• the functional of the device;
• power consumption;
• is a trademark under which the equipment is manufactured.

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Dimensions

The most popular electric cooker models are as follows:

• 500 * 500 mm;
• 550 * 550 mm;
• 500 * 600 mm;
• 600 * 600 mm.

Important! Perhaps you will prefer models with height-adjustable feet. This will allow you to build a slab and a nearby table in one line.

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Material of construction

The cooking surfaces of the electric cooker may be enamelled or made of glass ceramics. How to choose an electric stove - glass ceramics or enamelled steel?

Enamelled

The version with enameled surface is time-tested and familiar. The cost of these devices is quite affordable, they are reliable, durable and manufactured in different shade versions.

Important! The disadvantage of enamel plates is that they are not very well cleaned of contaminants. Over time, chips and scratches may appear on the surface of the enamel.

Glass-ceramic

Glass-ceramic surfaces can withstand high( up to 600 degrees) temperature. The anisotropic thermal conductivity of the material is also a big plus - the heating of the required area takes place very quickly, and outside the plate remains cold.

In addition, the glass-ceramic panel retains a presentable appearance for quite a long time. For this reason, the advantages of glass ceramics are obvious.

However, glass ceramics is not without certain drawbacks.

• Low edges on the edges of the surface.
• Need to purchase special dishes with a flat bottom.
• Despite the strength, the material can be damaged from a point impact.

Important! One of the features of glass-ceramic cookers is that the size of the dishes should exactly match the size of the burner.

What should I choose?

So, which option to give preference: the traditional slab with cast iron hobs "pancakes" or glass ceramic hob?- We decide:

1. Naturally, glass ceramics will cost more. But its advantages are obvious: rapid heating, safety of operation. However, glass ceramics require careful care and careful handling. You will need special dishes, preferably from respectable foreign companies. Clean the glass-ceramic surface only with special means.
2. The disadvantage of a traditional electric cooker is the slow heating of the burners. At the same time, the cost of a plate with a "traditional" design is much lower.

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Type of burners

The number of burners on electric stoves of different types can vary from 2 to 6.

Cast iron

The traditional option is a hotplate made of cast iron:

1. This material holds heat well, its surface is resistant to wear.
2. Express-burners made of cast iron are used for fast heating. They are marked in red.
3. Automatic type burners are marked in white and equipped with a sensor that resets the heating power after reaching a certain temperature, while the liquid does not boil away.

Glass-ceramic

The burners of glass-ceramic plates are more diverse in their functionality, according to the principle of operation, according to the configuration. There are burners induction, halogen type or conventional.

Important! If a special corrugated ribbon is used as a heating element, then such a device is called Hi-Light. Heating occurs within a few seconds, and the power regulation is stepless.

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Oven. But about this in more detail

Ovens are in all electric cookers. There are two types of oven:

• Static.
• Multifunctional.

Static models

The cost of plates with static ovens is lower than with multifunctional ones, since the possibilities are much smaller. Almost all static ovens are equipped with upper and lower heating elements, which allow the product to be fried from different sides.

Multifunctional

The principle of operation of multifunction ovens is different. Distribution of heated air throughout the oven is by means of a fan. Now about such trouble as a pie, burnt outside and damp inside, you can forget.

Important! Multifunctional ovens are suitable for defrosting food, cooking grilled dishes and steaming.

Cleaning method

When thinking about how to choose an electric cooker for a kitchen, do not forget how to clean the oven of dirt. In the models of the middle price category, the functions of pyrolysis and catalytic cleaning are provided:

1. The essence of catalytic cleaning of the oven is as follows. Its walls are covered with a substance that absorbs fat. After cooking, it is enough to wipe the oven with special napkins.
2. The essence of pyrolysis is as follows. When the oven is heated to a high( 500 degrees) temperature, the contamination from the walls is burnt out.

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Additional functions set

Before choosing an electric cooker for the kitchen, do not forget about the ergonomics and functionality of the appliance. Here are the most popular options for a modern electric cooker:

• Presence of a backlight in the oven. It is necessary in order to be able to track the cooking process.
• Steam extraction. With this function, the control knobs do not warm up and are not susceptible to contamination.
• Sealed door closing to reduce plate heating on the surface and less heat loss inside the plate.
• Availability of retractable trolley.
• The timer is used to turn the oven on and off at the right time to signal that the cooking process is over.
• Memory function - "remember" the cooking parameters of certain dishes( temperature, cooking time).
• The heat indicator glows until the stove cools to a safe temperature of 60 degrees. It will help you avoid accidental touches to the hot surface and from injuries.
• Control of boiling water. Now you do not have to worry that the liquid will boil and spill onto the stove.
• Automated dishware recognition from metal. Heating of the burner occurs only if a pan or pan is placed on it.
• Security. If you have a baby in the house, pay attention to the slab with the function of protection from children. Safely plates that have ovens with double-triple glass. During cooking, the outer glass does not heat up.

Important! There are not exactly the usual options for electric cookers. For example, a compact, the size of a microwave oven, a stove with an oven that is ideal for a holiday home. Owners of small-sized apartments are suitable for household appliances, which combines three functions: dishwasher, electric stove and oven.

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Electricity consumption

This is one of the most important parameters, which is paid attention before choosing an electric stove for the kitchen. Models of class A economically consume electricity, heat up quickly and cool down, so they are completely safe. So you will not stay hungry, and electricity bills do not shock you.

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Trademark of

Generally, it's not reasonable to pay for functionality, but for a trademark. A set of necessary functions and warranty service of the product is much more important.

Popular electric cookers from famous companies are quite reliable, the "price-quality" ratio is usually optimal. Not a bad model from brands:

• Hephaestus;
• Ariston;
• Electrolux;
• Beco;
• Hansa;
• Burning.

But all devices are susceptible to breakage, regardless of brand.

Now you have a complete idea of ​​how to choose an electric stove for the kitchen. Apply correctly received information and then the new technology will not fail you, but only for a long time will it help to prepare tasty and healthy dishes for your family.