Electric stoves for the home: how to choose the right electric stove. What parameters are used to select an electric stove, the best manufacturers How to choose the right electric stove with oven

On the market household appliances There is a wide range of electric stoves for the kitchen. They differ in type hob, type of burners and other operating parameters. How to understand them and do right choice? To do this, you need to determine the requirements for the future stove depending on the family’s cooking needs.

Options for selecting electric stoves

When choosing a stove for the kitchen, pay attention to five main parameters:

• Dimensions;
• Working surface material;
• Type of burners and their number;
• Oven and its features;
• Set of functions.

Let's look at each of them in more detail.

Dimensions

Household electric stoves are divided into two groups: mobile and stationary. The first ones are different small in size. Among them you can find square models with a side of 25 cm and a height of 6 cm. They have only one classic-type burner. There are stoves with two burners. Such models have the shape of a rectangle. Mobile kitchen appliances are suitable for use in the country.

For a large kitchen in a residential building, it is better to choose a stationary stove. Its height is standard: 85 cm, like any kitchen set. The depth is 50 or 60 cm, and the width varies between 50-100 cm. Typically, the larger the slab, the more functional it is.

Work surface material

Based on the type of surface, enameled and glass-ceramic plates are distinguished. The first ones are made in a wide range of colors, are durable and low cost. However, the enamel easily chips and scratches and is difficult to clean.

The enamel has begun to be displaced glass ceramics, the advantages of which include:

• Resistant to high temperatures (up to 600 degrees);
• Ability to heat up to maximum temperature in a few seconds;
• The ability to heat up only in the area of ​​contact with the dishes.

Almost all models of glass-ceramic hobs are electronically controlled and equipped with a residual heat indicator. But glass-ceramics does not tolerate pinpoint impacts: the fall of a small heavy object will cause the surface to crack. A sharp temperature change leads to the same result. The surface must be cleaned of any spilled food after each cooking. About how to clean the stove -.

The bottom of the dish in which food is cooked must be the same size as the burner.

Type of burners and their number

Mobile household stoves have only one or two burners. Stationary models can have from 2 to 6 burners. The more there are, the larger plate. Need to find golden mean between the size of the equipment and the number of burners. But first ask yourself, how often do you cook? There is no point in buying a meter wide stove with 6 heating elements if you cook scrambled eggs in the morning.

There is only one type of heating element available for an enamel worktop. This is a heating element placed in a cast iron body - “pancake”. They can be of three types:

1. Classic. Heats up slowly. They are distinguished by uniform coloring;
2. Fast heating. They are distinguished by a red circle in the center of the “pancake”;
3. Automatic. Distinguished by a circle white in the center of the “pancake”. Automatic heating elements recognize the moment when water boils. And the stove independently reduces power so that it spends energy only on maintaining the desired temperature.

The main disadvantage of pancake heating elements is slow heating and equally slow cooling. Therefore, when the power is reduced, the dish will continue to bubble for a long time and may burn. The main advantage is low cost.

The electric ceramic hob hides a flexible heating element under the work surface. It is twisted into a spiral and laid on an asbestos base. Heated zones are marked on the working surface. They are called burners, which come in three types:

1. Rapid, or Hi-Light. They are heated by a hot spiral. They have a relatively low price, but from the class of glass-ceramic hob burners they heat up more slowly;
2. Halogen, or HaloLight. The coil is heated by a halogen light bulb. The heating rate is higher than that of rapid ones;
3. Induction. Heating occurs instantly due to the operation of the electromagnetic field. Glass ceramic surface remains cold, the electromagnetic field affects only the dishes with food.

We must not forget that if the diameter of the bottom of the cookware is smaller than the diameter of the burner, then glass ceramics spoil the appearance. IN worst case stops working. Stove manufacturers solve the problem by expanding the burners. The small round burner can be converted into a large oval burner if necessary.

Induction cookers are often separated from electric models and considered separately. Which slab to choose: electric or induction? Here you will have to choose between unpretentiousness in choosing dishes and safety in operation and low energy consumption.

An induction cooker requires special cookware with a magnetized bottom. But instead of buying a new one, you can buy ferromagnetic stickers for old frying pans and pots. But the induction hob spends energy only on heating the dishes with food. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool, eliminating the risk of burns. For an induction cooker, it makes no difference what diameter you use the cookware.

Oven and its functions

Ovens are provided only for stationary models of cookers. The minimum volume is 14 liters, the maximum is 162. But ovens of 20-70 liters are in great demand.

Oven operating modes:

• Bottom heating;
• Top heating;
• Grill;
• Convection.

All modes can be turned on either individually or combined with each other. For stoves with a grill mode, a spit is sometimes provided. With its help, the meat is evenly browned on all sides.

Feature Set

Electric stoves vary greatly in functionality. How to choose the right model that will satisfy all your needs? To do this, make a list of possible functions of the stove. Next to each item, put “+” or “-” depending on whether you need this function or not.

List of possible functions:

• Touch control;
• Pizza cooking mode;
• Pull-out oven;
• Pull-out and hinged guides designed for baking sheets;
• Recessed switches;
• Drawers for storing dishes;
• Self-cleaning filter made of stainless steel;
• Clock and timer;
• Defrost function;
• Easy cleaning system;
• Cooking programs;
• Memory for remembering recipes;
• Fan for cooling;
• Steam vent;
• Residual heat indicator;
• Information display;
• Dish recognition function.

Expert advice. If you prefer to wash your dishes in the dishwasher, but don't have enough space in the kitchen for them, opt for three-in-one sets. This is an electric stove combined with an oven and a small dishwasher. It can usually be filled with six place settings.

Why is an electric stove better than a gas stove?

When choosing a stove, the question arises of which model to choose: gas or electric? To answer the question, it is necessary to give a comparative description of each type of technology. It is convenient to do this in the form of a table.

The table shows that electric stoves are more preferable for the kitchen. They are easier to manage and safe to use. There are two main disadvantages: high cost and dependence on electricity.

Review of the best models of electric stoves

The best induction cooker is probably AEG 47745IQ-MN. Dimensions: height 85 cm, width 50 cm, depth 60 cm. Multifunctional oven available (grill, convection, telescopic guides, backlight). There is a clock with a timer and a residual heat indicator. It features fast heating and low energy costs. Electronic control. The average cost is 35,000 rubles.

In 2015, the best enameled stove was the compact model DARINA B EM341 406 W with four burners and rotary switches. Dimensions: height 85 cm, width 50 cm, depth 56 cm. Combined with an oven with a capacity of 43 liters and a drawer for utensils. There are no special functions. The average cost is 9,000 rubles.

The best glass-ceramic stove is Hotpoint-Ariston H5VMC6A (X). Dimensions: height 85 cm, width 50 cm, depth 60 cm. Compact model with four burners, oven capacity of 59 liters and a drawer for utensils. There is a residual heat indicator, a timer with shutdown, and a catalytic cleaning function. The oven is equipped with lighting and can operate in grill mode. The average cost is 27,000 rubles.

The Dream 15M was recognized as the best two-burner stove in 2015. Dimensions: height 85 cm, width 50 cm, depth 43 cm. Height without stand 49 cm. Mechanical control. The oven has a capacity of 24.6 liters. This very compact model is suitable for small kitchen. The average cost is 4,700 rubles.

The best electric stove with four economy class burners was the model with an enameled work surface - Flama AE1406-W. Dimensions: height 85 cm, width 50 cm, depth 60 cm. Among the four classic ones there is one fast heating burner. Rotary switches, 50 l oven with backlight function. The average cost is 7,000 rubles.

Watch video advice on choosing an electric stove:

Electric stoves are ideal for modern kitchens. They do not leave soot on the ceiling, they are easy to use and multifunctional. Electrically powered stoves are less dangerous, and induction models do not even pose the risk of getting burned due to the lack of heating of the working surface. Among all the variety, you can choose a model that meets the strict requirements of the consumer.

In contact with

When choosing equipment for preparing your favorite dishes, you want to buy a stove that will be easy to cook on. Modern black glossy panels built into the work surface also attract with their stylish design. But making a choice between gas and electric appliances is difficult: I remember all the shortcomings that old electric stoves had. Glass ceramics for the kitchen are high-tech and safe devices that are practically not inferior to gas stoves in heating speed.

There are two types of stoves for the kitchen that you need to choose between: gas and electric. Manufacturers' catalogs contain hundreds of models of equipment running on natural or liquefied (cylindered) gas.

Convenience, simplicity, inexpensive energy source: gas stoves

Advantages:

1. Intuitive control, familiar from childhood: you can always adjust the strength of the flame by simply turning the knob.

1. Independence from power supply interruptions.

1. Durability.

It will not be possible to install the stove without the participation of a gas service representative. Only after checking the tightness of the outlets will the owners be allowed to use the equipment.

Electric stove: safety and speed of cooking

Reasons for choosing an electric stove:

1. Safety. If connected correctly, the possibility of explosion or fire is excluded. Only the heating zone heats up; it is impossible to get burned when touching the panel outside the heating zone.

Only the area limited by the burner is heated

1. No open flame. The air in the kitchen does not heat up, oxygen does not burn, and there is no risk of poisoning from combustion products.

1. The dishes are not covered with a black coating from a poor-quality gas mixture.

1. The only choice for a summer house or house not connected to a gas pipeline.

1. High efficiency. The efficiency of electric stoves ranges from 70%, which exceeds that of gas-powered equipment by 20–30%, and panels with induction heating zones have 90% efficiency.

Types of electric stoves: classic or glass ceramics

There are 2 types of electric stoves for the kitchen on the market: old-style appliances with heating spiral elements and heavy cast iron “pancakes” and new stoves with glass ceramic coating and hidden burners.

Insurance against power outages: combined technology

Spirals and cast iron burners: standard electrical appliances

Slabs with an open spiral are found only in the lines of domestic manufacturers. The heating element is a metal spiral (heating element) laid on top of an enameled surface. Such stoves take a very long time to heat up: the time from turning on to the start of cooking is 10 minutes. Design problem: first the spiral heats up, and then the bottom of the pan begins to heat up. The coil is made of thick-walled metal and takes several minutes to heat up.

Spiral heater: slow and uneconomical

The second type of classic stoves is with cast iron heating elements. “Pancakes” are also installed on a standard enamel plate. The heating time is not much shorter than that of spiral heaters - from 9 to 10 minutes. The efficiency of such equipment is lost due to multi-stage heating: first the spiral under the cast-iron burner heats up, the burner heats up next, and only then the bottom of the cookware begins to heat up. Among the classic stoves you can find models with bright red markings in the center of the cast-iron burner: heating time has been reduced to 7 minutes.

There is no need to replace a gas stove with an old-style electric stove. "Classic" is suitable for installation in country house not connected to the gas network.

Glass ceramic slabs: advantages

In electric stoves with a glass-ceramic coating, the heating elements are hidden under a panel made of glossy material, which combines the qualities of ceramics and glass. Glass-ceramic panels are manufactured by only two manufacturers. The material is produced using a special melting method. During heat treatment, directional crystallization is carried out. The general name of the material commonly called glass ceramics is ceran. Ceran panels have the appearance of tinted glossy glass, but without its disadvantages.

Impeccable appearance is a definite advantage

Advantages:

• The surface can withstand significant temperature changes; unlike glass, the panel will not crack if you place a cold pan on a hotplate that has not cooled down.

Test: ice on a hot burner

• Instant heating and fast cooling.

• Lack of horizontal thermal conductivity. The panel heats up only in the vertical direction - directly above the spiral.

• Aesthetics. The markings are made inside the top layer of ceran - the markings of the heating and control zones are not erased over time.

Electric stoves with glass ceramics: what you need to know before buying

How to choose an electric stove for the kitchen, since prices for models differ significantly? How to avoid overpaying for unnecessary options and choose the best option? First of all, the difference in price is determined by the type of coverage. In addition to glass ceramics, manufacturers also offer budget models with a tempered glass panel. The cost is lower, but the glass surface requires careful handling and has all the disadvantages of glass. It is difficult to distinguish glass from ceran by appearance, but information about the surface material must be indicated in the technical specifications.

Types of heating elements: which is better

The second aspect that significantly affects the price of equipment is the type of heating element hidden under the surface. There are several types of burners:

• Spiral rapid. The “slowest” spirals made of steel alloy. Heating is practically no different from classical scheme: the spiral heats up, heat is transferred through the glass ceramic plate to the bottom of the dish. To speed up heating, a special alloy is used - nichrome (nickel and chromium). Such a spiral can heat up to a given temperature in 10–12 seconds.

• Tape. HiLight heating coils are made of a special alloy. Spiral - in the form of a corrugated tape. The cooking zone heats up in 7 seconds.

• Halogen. HaloLight burners work on the principle of a lamp. There is gas inside the quartz tube. The lamp lights up instantly - 2 seconds are enough to reach operating temperature. The technology is ideal for fast-cooking burners of dishes that are contraindicated for long-term cooking over low heat - frying meat, vegetables, fish.

• Induction. Most safe look heating elements. The difference is that there is no thermal effect on the glass ceramic surface. The induction coil causes heating directly at the bottom of the pan placed on the stove. The surface of the stove heats up slightly only from contact with the pan. Electricity consumption is minimal, because it turns on only when the pan is placed on the stove; heating automatically stops immediately after removing the pan.

The cost of induction burners is the highest. Most products are equipped with tape and rapid heating elements. Some manufacturers combine several types of heating zones by installing an additional heavy-duty burner. Pay attention to the energy consumption class. Choose equipment marked A, A+, A++.

Case types and options: how to choose the right size

Electric stoves are produced in 3 types of housing:

• Classic cabinet appliances with oven.

• Built-in panels.

• Tabletop devices.

Standard cabinet stove with oven – optimal choice to replace old kitchen appliances without major renovations by ordering a new set. The dimensions of electric stoves are identical to the dimensions of a conventional gas stove. The width of the case is 60 cm, the depth is 60 cm. The height of most models varies from 80 to 85 cm due to adjustable legs.

How to choose electric stove for a small kitchen? Manufacturers offer to purchase narrow models with a standard depth and width of 50 cm.

Tabletop (portable) electric stoves are rare. Most are old-style appliances, with cast iron burners. Designed for installation and use as a temporary slab. Tabletop induction models are also available for sale.

Country option: small oven and 3 cast iron burners

The most popular are built-in panels. Electric hobs are available in standard sizes. Such slabs are square, with a classic side length of 60 cm.

For small kitchens, compact panels with 1 to 3 burners are suitable. They are produced in the form of a rectangle, 30 cm wide. In addition to the usual shapes, for lovers of extraordinary design, semicircular surfaces have been developed that are ideal for inserting into a kitchen island.

Built-in panels are produced in 2 versions: dependent and solo models. Dependents are installed complete with the oven; the devices have one control unit located on the front surface of the oven.

Additional features: what to pay extra for

In order not to get confused when choosing an electric stove, watching how the price tag grows along with the list of additional functions, determine which modes are necessary and which you can do without.

Choose the optimal set of functions

List of useful options:

1. The presence of at least one heavy-duty burner. The marking of the high-speed heating zone may differ depending on different manufacturers, but mention of its presence will definitely be in the list of characteristics.

1. Automatic blocking. A useful option that will protect against “accidental” turning on of the stove by a child.

1. Several temperature settings. The number of preset power modes can range from 5 to 15.

Residual heat indicator: hotplate that is not cooled down is highlighted in red

1. Protection against liquid overflow from the pan. The smart panel monitors the moment of boiling and independently reduces the power of the burner, preventing milk and soup from “escaping” onto the panel. The option is useful, because glass ceramic tiles do not have sides that will prevent moisture from getting on the furniture and floor.

1. Presence of a burner with variable heating area. Expansion or contraction of the heating zone is performed in one movement. You can cook in a bowl with an oval bottom or quickly prepare coffee in a cezve without wasting energy on heating a standard burner ring.

The list of functions can be supplemented with a timer that turns off the stove.

Timer and control knob illumination

When choosing an electric stove with an oven, you should pay attention to options that will greatly simplify the use and facilitate the maintenance of the equipment. Choose appliances with automatic self-cleaning - you won’t have to deal with frozen drops of fat in the oven. Useful functions - grill and convection mode.

Installation rules and features of using electric stoves

Electric stoves are installed taking into account several rules. The stove should not be placed near the sink; the minimum distance should be 60 cm. It is also undesirable to be close to the refrigerator.

For cleaning you need a scraper and special remedy

The glass ceramic surface requires special care. Do not use metal scrapers - the surface may become scratched. To remove stains, you will have to buy a special stove cleaner. You will have to wash the panel frequently: stains and stains remain on the dark surface even from drops of clean water.

Spilled liquid must be cleaned up immediately: the panel is “afraid” of sugar

A plate with a glass-ceramic coating, despite its strength, should be protected from sharp impacts. The surface can withstand pressure up to 25 kg per square centimeter, but falling heavy objects may cause cracks. The side beveled parts are susceptible to chipping.

Broken panel: replacement is expensive

Along with the stove, you will have to purchase new dishes. Glass ceramic panels may change color and become permanently stained due to prolonged contact with aluminum. It is preferable to use dishes made from of stainless steel with a thick bottom. The main requirement is an absolutely flat bottom, without dents or waves. You can also cook in thick-walled cast iron and enamel cookware.

Cookware: restrictions on use

Owners of induction cookers will have to fork out for cookware with special markings. Aluminum pots and pans are not suitable. Please note that kitchen utensils can be washed in the dishwasher.

Wiring and socket requirements

Before choosing an electric stove for your kitchen, be sure to evaluate the condition of the wiring. It is advisable to get professional help. If you are planning a renovation, it is better to install new closed-type wiring.

Rules for installing kitchen sockets

Primary requirements:

1. The wiring must be closed, preferably in a special box in the wall.

1. For large electrical household appliances, use a three-core copper cable with a cross-section of at least 3x4 mm.

1. The wiring is connected to a protective automatic with a rating of 32 Amperes (for electric stoves).

1. A separate line is connected to each device.

Scheme of correct connection of groups of kitchen appliances

The next step is choosing a place for the outlet for the stove in the kitchen. Sockets cannot be installed behind rear panel built-in household appliances. The distance from the hidden panels of the oven to the installation site of the sockets cannot be less than 60 cm. It is also undesirable to install sockets in places where mechanical contact between doors and drawers and the plug of an electrical appliance is possible. A minimum distance of 50–60 cm must be maintained from the sink and stove.

The best place for installation is at a height of 15 - 20 cm above floor level. For electric stoves, power sockets rated for 400 volts/32 amperes are suitable.

How to choose a classic electric stove with oven: bestsellers

Ratings and reviews from owners will help you choose reliable equipment. The main rule is to trust manufacturers whose branded trading platforms and service points are in your region. Don’t try to find a stove that needs to be delivered “to order”. In the case of repairs, parts may take months to arrive.

Premium quality: the best electric stoves

Kaiser's flagship is worthy of attention. Model HC 52072 Geo, made of silver textured or dark metal and black glass.

Glass ceramic surface – matte. Cost – from 64,000 rubles. Among the 4 belt-type burners, two have an expandable heating zone. One burner transforms into an oval, the second expands the round heating zone.

Control is mechanical. There is a residual temperature indicator for the stove and oven. The volume of the oven is 66 liters with very modest body dimensions: the width is only 50 cm, the depth is 60 cm. The oven with a self-cleaning function has 12 factory cooking modes, grill and convection airflow.

Bosch: strict design and super functionality

Model HCA 855850 R from Bosch will cost 65,000 rubles. The new product from the German manufacturer is equipped with a retractable design: the oven door is not hinged, but roll-out - when opened, it moves out along with the baking sheet.

There are 4 burners installed on the glass-ceramic surface; it is possible to change the configuration and area of ​​the heating zones in 2 burners. The inner chamber of the oven is covered with enamel, pyrolytic technology for automatic cleaning is implemented. To prevent the outer surface of the door from heating up, the manufacturer equipped the front panel with 4 glasses.

Compromise price and feature set: affordable non-built-in equipment

Do you think that glass ceramics are not for a classic interior? The Slovenian company Gorenje suggests choosing the EC67CLI stove for a classic or retro interior. The size is standard, the antique handles in the color of old copper, and the sand enamel of the body make the model stand out among the representatives of the middle price segment. Cases are available in dark and beige.

The oven with grill and convection can operate in any of 9 factory modes. Glass – two-layer. The hob has 4 belt burners, 2 with extensions. Price – from 36,000 rubles.

Black body or beige: design options

German quality at an affordable price? Yes! Those who are ready to choose a white electric stove for the kitchen and give up the self-cleaning function of the oven should pay attention to the affordable model from Bosch. The HCE644123R stove will cost only 35,000 rubles.

Laconic design and a set of necessary options: HCE644123R from Bosch

The enamel color is white, the door has three layers of “cold” glass. There are 7 factory oven operating modes, including defrost mode. The hob has 2 powerful belt burners and 2 expandable zones. The slabs are produced at the corporation's Turkish enterprise.

Hobs: review of standard and extraordinary glass-ceramic models

How to choose a built-in electric stove? There are many more possibilities than when choosing standard appliances: the hob can be built into the countertop, and the oven into the pencil case. For those who are not keen on baking, an electric stove is enough, and instead of a standard oven, you can choose a built-in microwave.

Maximum functionality: glass ceramics for kitchens

In the middle price niche you can find induction cookers. If you are ready to replace all your kitchenware, take a look at the Slovenian Gorenje electrical panel. Model IS 656 X for 32,500 rubles is made of black glass ceramics in a silver frame.

4 induction heating zones, standard (60x60 cm) size, electronic control unit - main characteristics. The diameter of each burner is 20 cm. The price includes useful features protection, including against accidental activation.

The new Bosch line includes a wide panel with 5 burners. The PKV975DC1D model, costing 54,000 rubles, is designed for kitchens where large families regularly cook.

Bosch flagship for large families and spacious kitchens

Of the 5 high-speed heating burners, 4 have an additional expansion zone. Surface length – 91 cm, depth – 53 cm. Additional functions include child protection, digital display and residual heat indication. Control is touch.

The Zigmund&Stein company focuses on a combination of functionality, accessibility and non-trivial design. A striking example is CNS021.60DX.

Not boring panel CNS021.60DX

Price – about 32,000 rubles. Size – standard, 60x60 cm. There are 2 expandable heating zones, a touch control unit, everything necessary functions: Timer, auto power off and auto lock.

One of the best sellers is Electrolux EHH 56240 IK. The cost is only 20,000 rubles.

Induction hob at an affordable price from Electrolux

The burners are induction. Width – standard, depth – 51 cm. The Booster function is provided for two burners to speed up the preparation of your favorite dishes.

Non-standard solutions: custom size And unique design

There are many extraordinary design solutions in the lines of glass-ceramic stoves for the kitchen. If you have any doubts about the practicality of black panels, opt for light-colored surfaces. For example, the white ECT680 panel, created by designer Karim Rashid for the Gorenje collection. Cost – from 33,000 rubles.

Luxurious custom design: ECT680 from Gorenje

Design technology is also present in model range Hansa. You can choose a pattern on a black glossy finish to suit any style. For example, the BHS63503 panel (from 29,000 rubles) is almost a work of art.

The model range includes several design options for the hob

The youthful design of the surface PV 3012 Fresco from Fornelli will appeal to active people. Cost – 19,700 rubles. The number of burners is only 2. The stove is ideal for small kitchens: the width is only 29 cm and the depth is 51 cm.

Fans of minimalism will appreciate the technology from the Simpliciti line from Gorenje. Nothing superfluous - just the contours of the heating zones on semi-matte milk ceramics. The cost of the ECT6SY2W model is only 23,000 rubles.

Good functionality unusual design and practicality: Gorenje

Video: Practical Boiling Rate Test

The video shows an interesting test: comparing the speed of boiling water on a standard electric and induction stove.

When choosing an electric stove, do not forget about safety. Make sure your home wiring can handle the load. Remember that each piece of large kitchen appliance must have a separate power outlet. It is not advisable to install the stove yourself. Order installation from the seller. It is better to pay the cost of connection than to lose the warranty due to incompetent installation.

The kitchen stove is the main device in the house. After the refrigerator, of course. Many housewives pay great attention to the choice of stove, because the quality of the prepared dishes largely depends on its operation. What to look for when choosing a kitchen stove - read this article.

Common parameters

Users usually have no questions about choosing a heating source for kitchen stoves. The determining factor here is the ability to connect the stove in your apartment and there are only two options - gas or electricity. But you will have to think more thoroughly about other parameters of the new kitchen appliances.

Before purchasing a stove, determine your cooking needs. Are you going to host dinner parties every day or are you limited to scrambled eggs and bacon in the morning and rarely eat at home? This largely determines what your stove should be like.

Chefs prefer to cook over an open fire. This is due to the fact that with this cooking method, the products heat up faster and more evenly, therefore they are less exposed to heat and, as a result, retain more taste and nutrients. The flame from the gas burner almost instantly heats the dishes in which food is cooked.

After turning off the gas burner, the effect on the food immediately stops. Thus, it is easier to control the cooking process when using an open fire. However, combustion products that fall out after using such stoves settle on the walls and kitchen furniture, which does not happen with electric stoves, which, by the way, are much easier to maintain.

All kitchen stoves have a height unified with the kitchen work surface - 85 cm. However, manufacturers equip the stoves with adjustable supports with a margin of 5 cm, taking into account possible floor unevenness.

The width of the slabs ranges from 50 to 90 cm. The depth of slabs available on the market ranges from 50 to 60 cm, but 60 cm slabs are more common. The width of the hob can be from 30 to 90 cm.

If the kitchen is small, then it is better to buy a separate gas, electric or combined gas-electric stove.

As for kitchens with built-in equipment, built-in hobs and ovens are better suited here. The work surface can simultaneously accommodate gas and electric burners, a deep fryer, a steamer, a grill or a wok frying pan.

The width of the slabs ranges from 50 to 90 cm. Small slabs are produced for small kitchens. It happens that a large frying pan on such a miniature stove takes up space immediately under 4 burners; accordingly, such dishes heat up unevenly, but only from the edge where the burning burner is located. Wide stoves - for spacious kitchens and large-sized dishes.

The depth of slabs available on the market ranges from 50 to 60 cm, but 60 cm slabs are more common.

If the kitchen is small, then it is better to buy a free-standing gas, electric or combined gas-electric stove.

As for kitchens with built-in equipment, built-in hobs and ovens are better suited here. The work surface can simultaneously accommodate gas and electric burners, a deep fryer, a steamer, a grill or a Wok frying pan.

If the organization of space in the kitchen allows the use of built-in household appliances, kitchen cabinet A separate oven with independent control can be installed at a user-friendly height. In accordance with safety precautions, there must be cavities around the perimeter of the oven, blown by a fan so that the furniture panels do not catch fire from excessive heat. By taking air from the room and expelling it along with vapors from the oven into the exhaust system, the fan lowers the temperature of the oven body, as well as all its parts.

Plates vary in appearance, ease of use, hygiene, and in the materials used in their production.

Hob materials

The hob has a metal or ceramic base with burners on it, which can also be made of different materials And various designs. Inexpensive hobs with burners are usually made of enameled steel, which is highly hygienic and can be different colors. However, it is quite difficult to clean enamel from traces of “escaped” soup or milk, droplets of fat and remains of burnt food. After being forced to use abrasive materials to clean such a surface, scratches appear on the enamel, and caring for it becomes even more difficult. In addition, the enamel is not resistant to chipping.

Stainless steel panels are available in polished or matte finishes. Although they are easier to care for than enamel surfaces, they can stain from fingers and require special cleaning products.

Glass ceramics look beautiful and are easy to clean, but are susceptible to the effects of sugar, which changes its structure and physical properties. Therefore, you need to be very careful when preparing dishes using foods containing sugar. To prevent the formation of “sinks” on the surface from accidentally spilled liquids containing sugar, you should immediately remove them or use periodically renewed films. Glass ceramics should also not be cleaned with abrasive cleaning compounds or materials.

Glass ceramic surfaces are quite durable. They can withstand static loads of up to 25 kg/cm² and are superior in durability to other components and parts of the slab. To cook food on such surfaces, you can use dishes with a bottom diameter of 12 to 21 cm, except for aluminum pans, which leave marks on the surface. Glass ceramic cookware should have a smooth or slightly concave bottom.

There is also a type of hob called “gas on glass”. In this case, the surface itself is hidden behind a layer of glass ceramics or tempered glass. Typically, glass ceramics are more expensive than tempered glass, which is explained by the good thermal conductivity of this material, but in this case this parameter is not important. The gas burner already heats the dishes instantly. Therefore, it is wiser in this case to choose tempered glass. Such surfaces have only one drawback - they scratch quickly, so you need to handle them carefully.

Gas hobs

The dimensions of the burners of gas hobs must correspond to the dimensions of the cookware. Ideally, the flames should heat only the bottom of the pan, but not the walls. Otherwise, dishes and handles suffer, especially if they are plastic. The time spent preparing food also increases.

The protruding burners of gas stoves are equipped with cast iron grates (double, which is more convenient, or single) and steel lids coated with dark enamel. The removable grate allows you to care for the stove without removing dishes from other burners or turning off the stove. Steel covers sometimes become unusable from contact with liquids, but they can always be replaced.

In general, protruding burners are not the best the best option, since such a stove is difficult to care for, and the dishes are not installed securely on them. A flat burner, in turn, is not dangerous to place pots on, it is easy to clean and looks good.

The shapes of the burners also vary. In addition to round ones, there are oval burners. They are good for oval dishes, this also ensures even heating, which means good quality dishes.

There are also special burners for cooking over low heat. Without them, the cook will have a difficult time, since stewing meat and vegetables, as well as preparing sauces, can only be done over such a fire, and it is almost impossible to adjust a regular burner to suit these needs. The fact is that the flame is completely hidden under the burner lid, so the heat is distributed evenly and slowly over the surface of the bottom of the pan.

Powerful multi-circuit burners for fast cooking have several levels. They create two or more heating zones, the heat from which is directed to the center and along the edges of the bottom of the pan, which ensures instant and uniform heating. These burners are very convenient and easy to use, which is why they are especially popular among housewives.

Hobs are equipped with metal or glass covers that protect the cooking surface from contamination. Glass lids are easier and more convenient to clean than metal ones. Removable roofs are preferable to those that cannot be removed. By removing the cover, the user can clean the stove better, including in the places where the cover itself is attached. It may seem that the glass lid is short-lived and can be damaged if carelessly lowered onto the stove. However, manufacturers supply such stoves with a special mechanism that ensures smooth lowering of the lid onto the hob.

Gas stoves by manufacturer:

Electric hobs

Electric stoves are more expensive than gas stoves, however, they are less fire hazardous. These stoves come with raised burners or glass-ceramic hobs. Burners under glass ceramics can be different:

• regular burners with an electric coil inside;
• halogen;
• induction;
• tape heating elements.

Since the thermal conductivity of glass ceramics is low, the surface of the stove outside the cookware remains almost cold. Heating zones can be different in both shape and size. It all depends on the volume and shape of the bottom of the dish. For example, there is an oval heating zone for ducklings; there are also rectangular zones.

Dishes must be selected precisely according to the size of the burners and with a flat bottom. Otherwise, the burners will wear out quickly. Conventional metal burners heat up slowly and cool down slowly.

The power of the burners can also be different. For example, if medium-power burners heat up in 10 minutes, then high-power burners are designed for fast heating and heat up in 7 minutes. Once the burner has heated up, it switches to low power mode. The degree of heating corresponds to the degree of glow of the burner marked in red. There are also automatic burners. They are marked with a white spot in the center and, thanks to a temperature sensor, independently determine the moment of boiling of water, reducing the heating power.

Radial burners with three radially arranged heating elements heat up in 8-10 seconds and provide even heat distribution, which is good for slow cooking.

Radial burners with tape heating elements (High light) heat up in 3 seconds. In terms of heating speed, they are close to gas ones.

The burner with heating element heats up in less than 20 seconds.

Halogen burners, marked Latin letter H (Halogen), heats up in 1 second. The heating tubes in such elements are filled with rarefied halogen vapors. An electric current causes these vapors to emit light and infrared waves. Such burners very intensely heat the entire area of ​​the bottom of the pan, instantly stopping heating when turned off. This reduces cooking time and energy consumption.

Induction burners only heat the bottom of the cookware. The hob does not heat up. When choosing cookware for induction burners, you need to adhere to certain rules. The bottom of the pan must be thick and must be made of magnetic material. The fact is that under the glass-ceramic coating there is an induction coil that interacts with magnetic material, thereby exciting electromagnetic oscillations in it. As for the harm/benefit to health, the low-frequency electromagnetic field does not affect this factor in any way.

All electric stoves are more or less equipped with elements automatic control. Simple models are equipped with a timer and a temperature controller that controls the temperature.

More complex models have a full range of technological innovations. Touch sensors on glass ceramics allow you to turn on the stove with the touch of a finger. Indicators on the control panel indicate the status and operating modes of the stove. The timer records the start and end times of cooking.

The size of the dishes and their filling can also be adjusted automatically. Thus, additional sections of heating elements are automatically turned on if the bottom area of ​​the pan is large. Otherwise, if there are no dishes or the pan is empty and heats up too quickly, the automation will turn off the burner. A slow-heating pan will cause the heating to continue. With semi-automatic control, the heating area is increased manually - by turning the temperature control knob, pressing a button or touching the sensor.

Boiling can also be controlled automatically. The letter “A” is displayed on the control panel, indicating that the food is boiling. After boiling has occurred, the stove will automatically go into minimum mode heating, and then into the working mode to maintain the set temperature. Temperature sensors are located at the corners of the hob, which monitor the temperature inside the pan with high accuracy.

Many “advanced” electric stoves are equipped with a “thermal probe”, which is used to determine the degree of readiness of meat dishes - a probe that is inserted into the product. As soon as the temperature of the meat reaches the set limit, a sound signal sounds and the automation turns off the stove. In order to save energy, the automation can turn off the power supply to a heat-intensive burner before the food is completely ready. An interesting function is that it allows you to cook food when the burner is turned off using its residual heat.

Some electric stoves come with special frying pans with frying sensors, which emit sound and light signals when the set temperature is reached. The smart frying pan fries without splashing oil, so there is no risk of ignition.

Some electric stoves support an electronic memory function, which provides memory of heating modes for cooking those dishes that the user prepares most often. All that remains is to select the appropriate program. The cooking parameters will be set automatically. There are electric stoves, the systems of which contain parameters for cooking according to recipes, both installed at the factory and stored in the memory of the electronic processor of the oven using the Internet.

Electric stoves by manufacturer:

Induction hobs

Induction is very promising direction hobs, despite their high cost. Thanks to induction elements, you can very smoothly regulate the heating power and set the cooking mode with high precision. In addition, with such heating, food does not burn to the bottom of the pan. However, when using an induction hob, you should strictly avoid cookware made of non-ferrous metals and glass. To avoid breakdowns, manufacturers equip such stoves with special utensils.

The diameter of the pan should correspond to the heating zone, since this makes it easier for the panel automation to select the optimal energy-saving mode. Water boils faster on an induction hob than on any other electric or even gas hob.

The design of the induction burner allows it to heat only objects made of magnetic metal with a diameter of more than 12 cm. Therefore, a spoon dropped on the stove will not heat up. Induction cookers always have a pair of burners because they operate from a single coil. Therefore, the boiling of water on one burner can be accelerated at the expense of another.

Combined gas-electric stoves

Combined gas-electric stoves have 2 or 3 gas and 1 or 2 electric burners on the hob. These stoves combine all the advantages of gas and electric stoves.

Combined gas-electric stoves by manufacturer:

Oven

The design of the oven affects the ease of use, as well as the quality of cooking. Hot vapors during the cooking process must be discharged through an opening in the rear wall into the hood. Thanks to this feature, the oven control knobs will not heat up and fat will not bake on them, so cleaning them will be much easier.

The coating on the inner walls of the oven must be easy to clean, withstand high temperatures and be resistant to any organic acids. Oven cleaning can be traditional, pyrolytic or catalytic. Traditional cleaning takes place in the usual way manually using detergents and a cloth. Pyrolytic cleaning is a self-cleaning system in which fats and other contaminants inside the oven are burned at a very high temperature. The decomposition product - ash - is removed damp cloth. This is the most effective method, so plates that support this type of self-cleaning are not cheap.

When using the catalytic self-cleaning method, the side walls of the working chamber are coated with a special compound (catalyst) that absorbs fats. However, the coating loses its effectiveness after approximately 5-7 years of operation. Therefore, expensive models provide the possibility of replacing removable internal panels.

With a catalytic cleaning system, the internal surfaces of the working chamber are covered with fine-pored enamel with special catalytic properties. They accelerate the process of fat oxidation and breakdown. This method is convenient because it occurs automatically during cooking. However, it is less effective than pyrolytic, so sometimes the inner chamber of the oven has to be washed.

To prevent the inner chamber of the oven from losing heat, it must be well insulated. Housewives often complain that the oven “lies” about the temperatures it should produce. For this reason, the quality of the dishes remains unsatisfactory. You have to use trial and error to get used to how the oven works. The point here is the tightness, or rather the leakage of the door. It is important that the oven door is well sealed, or better yet, it has double glass coated with a heat-reflecting compound.

The convenience of using the oven is created by a retractable trolley with telescopic guides, thanks to which the process of removing baking sheets becomes easier and cleaning more comfortable. In addition to all of the above, everything modern models ovens have lighting inside the working chamber to monitor the cooking process.

There is usually a drawer under the oven for storing dishes and kitchen utensils. In inexpensive models it does not extend. There is only the possibility of detaching the box lid, which is not very convenient during cleaning. This box is very small and low, so you can only store frying pans in it. More “advanced” models have a spacious compartment; it allows you to place large-sized dishes.

Gas stoves come with gas and electric ovens. The former are, accordingly, cheaper than the latter. The disadvantage of such stoves is that they are fire hazardous and pollute the surrounding area with organic combustion products. Therefore, when using such a stove, it is recommended to install a simple hood. Such a stove does not require special utensils; even aluminum pans will do. By the way, a pan with concentric grooves on the bottom heats up faster than the same pan with a smooth bottom, since it has a larger heating area.

Gas ovens

Gas ovens are:

• classic (without fan) with two heating modes;
• multifunctional (with fan) have up to 8 heating modes.

Classic ovens are the simplest and most inexpensive devices. At the bottom of the chamber they have a gas burner, and at the top there is a gas or electric heating element - a grill.

Some of them are not even equipped with an auto-ignition function. That is, the burner is ignited either manually using a pneumatic lighter or matches, or manual ignition is provided. This makes the oven a fire hazard, since gas continues to flow if the flame is accidentally blown out. To prevent the flame from going out, hollow burners and auto-ignition systems are installed in ovens with a fan, since the fan can easily blow out the flame. Ignition can be manual (installed in ovens without a fan) or automatic. To use the first, you need to press the ignition button and at the same time turn the gas supply knob. Automatic ignition is carried out simply by changing the position of the handle.

The volume of the oven is one of its main parameters; if you have a large family or you like to receive guests, then make sure that the oven is equipped with all kinds of additional devices, as well as a grill and spit.

Greeley

A gas grill, unfortunately, cannot be automated, although it is more economical than an electric one. An electric grill provides uniform heating and more precise step-by-step temperature control. In general, this function is rather final in cooking and is used to obtain a crispy crust at the final stage. A rotating spit is used to cook large pieces of meat, poultry and fish. The uniformity of frying or baking of a dish is ensured, of course, not by the grill, but by convection.

Electric ovens

There are electric ovens: static and multifunctional.

In a static oven, tubular electric heaters are used for heating at the top and bottom of the chamber. At the top of the chamber there may be a grill and spit. An electric grill, as we said above, although more expensive, provides more uniform heating and is easier to regulate than a gas grill.

Multifunctional electric ovens are equipped with convection, which allows you to prepare a variety of dishes by changing the heat and precisely temperature regime. These ovens use 4 heating elements (heating elements): top, bottom, side and located on the back wall around a fan, which evenly distributes hot air throughout the entire volume of the chamber, which allows you to cook food on several levels at once.

Multifunctional electric ovens can have more than 8 operating modes:

• defrosting frozen food at room temperature. Convection works;
• defrosting frozen food with warm air. The oven has a fan and a lower heating element. Used for drying mushrooms, vegetables and fruits;
• normal cooking. Top and bottom heaters are on. The mode can be used for making pies, cottage cheese, pizza;
• accelerated cooking. Two heating elements (upper and lower) and a fan are included. The mode can be used for preparing fruit pies, casseroles, roasts, fried vegetables;
• fast cooking at different levels. The fan and heating element around it work;
• “browning” dishes and baked goods. Top grill included;
• grill. The grill heating element is turned on and directs heat directly to the food. The mode is recommended for browning dishes, preparing casseroles, thin pieces of meat, fillets, fish, sandwiches and vegetables;
• grill with forced circulation air, allowing for uniform “browning” of food and the formation of a crispy crust. The heating element and fan are included. This mode is recommended for cooking large pieces of meat, shashlik, whole poultry, baked meat and grilled chicken.

Safety

There are several aspects responsible for the safe operation of kitchen stoves. Special attention deserves fire safety. Many gas stoves, except the simplest ones, are equipped with a “gas control” system, which, when the flame goes out, automatically turns off the gas supply to the burners and burners of the oven. As for stoves not equipped with this system, we recommend that you take a responsible approach to the possibility of gas leaks and prevent the occurrence of a fire.

The electrical safety of stoves, in turn, depends on the matching of the stove’s power and the capabilities of the electrical network. Before choosing stoves, make sure that the electrical network in your home can withstand such loads. However, automation protects the power grid from possible overloads. When a fault is detected, it turns on first alarm on the control panel of the stove, after which the stove automatically turns off.

To prevent the fire of built-in furniture panels, manufacturers equip the stove with temperature limiter sensors located on its surface. They turn off the power supply when the oven heats up above the set limit, and this is according to European requirements fire safety, — 90°С.

Mechanical safety is ensured by rounding the corners of the plate and installing removable or recessed control handles. The external parts of the stove are designed and manufactured in such a way and from such materials that a small child cannot pinch anything or get burned. Automation also warns of the danger of burns. The letter “h” on the control panel indicates that the temperature of the recently operating burner has already dropped to 60°C, but you can still get burned.

Remember that the installation of an electric stove can only be entrusted to a qualified specialist. Imported gas stoves must be adapted to the operating conditions of Russian main gas networks. In most cases, readjustment of the device is required, since electronic automation is very sensitive to voltage fluctuations and may refuse to work with large deviations.

Conclusion

We hope our article will help you in choosing a kitchen stove. Both gas and electric stoves have their advantages and disadvantages. However, the ideal option is always somewhere in the middle, so if you are an amateur cook, we advise you to pay attention to combination cookers. They have concentrated all the advantages of both types, therefore they provide all the possibilities for preparing dishes.

Any housewife spends a lot of time in the kitchen, and among all the mixers, blenders and food processors, the stove (electric stove) occupies the most important place. This is exactly what we encounter dozens of times a day. Therefore, working with the stove should be easy, pleasant and not cause any problems or discomfort.

Advantages and disadvantages

When choosing a stove, the first question that comes up is: “Which one should I choose: electric or gas?” And, really, which one is better and more convenient?

Electric stoves have a number of advantages that make them favorite devices among housewives:

1. First, and most importantly, they can be installed anywhere there is electricity. If the house is not gasified, then an electric stove is the best option.
2. Safe to use. An electric stove cannot explode like a gas stove. You will not be afraid of gas leakage and its accumulation in the room.
3. The taste of food cooked on an electric stove compares favorably with dishes cooked on a gas stove.
4. More varied range compared to gas stoves.
5. Easy to use and transport.

Along with many advantages, electric stoves also have certain disadvantages:

• less economical compared to gas stoves;
• Duration of the heating and cooling process of the burner;

After weighing all the pros and cons, everyone will make the right choice for themselves. If you have chosen an electric stove, then when choosing it you need to pay attention to the following features. You can read about a kitchen hood without an air duct in.

How to choose the right one

The dimensions of the stove generally have standard values: 50*60, 60*60, and you need to choose based on the size of the kitchen. For small-sized apartments, it is recommended to choose small-sized models of size 50*50.

Surface

A more important parameter for choosing a slab is the material used to make the working surface of the unit. The durability and reliability of the equipment largely depends on it. Today there are stoves with enameled, stainless and glass-ceramic surfaces.

Ceramic

The first distinctive feature of such slabs is their appearance. They look much more modern and prestigious. Electronic controls complement this fashionable image.

• only the heating zone heats up, the rest of the surface remains cold;
• there is a heat indicator;
• large heating range, can withstand up to 600 degrees;
• easy to clean, easy to maintain.

However, there is also a drawback: high cost due to the use of expensive materials.

Classic

Classic electric stoves are made using enameled or stainless steel panels. The latter are represented in smaller quantities.

Options with an enamel surface have a wide choice, and are presented by many manufacturers. Such a stove will be 10-20% cheaper than with a stainless surface. If you select a stove to match the color of the kitchen, then an enamel-coated stove will provide you with a wide choice of colors.

Disadvantages of an enameled stove:

• care features: it is necessary to use gentle detergents;
• difficulties in removing burnt stains;
• fragility of the coating;
• possibility of chipping and cracking.

Stainless steel is easier to maintain and burnt stains are easier to remove. It is protected from chipping and deep cracks. However, the use of harsh abrasives is not recommended. Especially if the surface is glossy, it will lose its shine. Even fingerprints and hand marks remain on such a surface, so careful care is required.

Electric stoves with matte stainless steel surfaces are easier to maintain. About the rating best refrigerators can be found out .

Such slabs look quite stylish and beautiful. And besides, this is a more familiar material compared to glass ceramics.

Burners

The first thing you should decide on is the number of burners. Depending on how often and how much you cook, you can choose two, three or four burner stoves.

A more important parameter is the heating element. The convenience and speed of cooking on such a stove largely depends on what material it is made of and how it is made.

Cast iron

Cast iron burners are equipped with stoves with enameled and stainless surfaces.

In such stoves, burners are divided into the following types:

1. A burner for quick heating (about 7 minutes), also called an express burner. Indicated by a red circle.
2. Hotplate for daily use (heating time approx. 10 minutes).
3. A burner equipped with an automatic temperature control sensor. With the help of which it is monitored when the liquid in the container boils. After this, the power is automatically reduced and the boiling intensity stabilizes. This burner is indicated by a white circle.

Peculiarities:

• Cast iron has the best thermal conductivity, compared to other materials, it retains heat for a long time;
• It is almost impossible to damage cast iron;
• ease of care;
• affordable price.

Ceramic

Ceramic burners are completely different from stoves with cast iron burners. They have an absolutely flat and smooth surface. The working area is heated through special spirals. These burners heat up quickly and cool down quickly.

They come in two types:

• ordinary metal ones, their heating rate is quite low;
• burners heated by special corrugated tape. They are called rapid or HiLight. Here, the heating rate to maximum temperature is reduced to 3 seconds.

At first glance, it seems that the entire stove will heat up. However, if the heating zone above the coil is completely hot, the area around the burner will be cold.

Induction

There is also purification by pyrolysis. When heated to 500 degrees, the fat itself burns off from the surface.

Different models are equipped with the following additional functions:

• information displays showing temperature, time and cooking mode. In simpler models, only the cooking time;
• memory – you can set a program with your own parameters;
• oven lighting;
• timer with automatic or mechanical shutdown;

Power and other parameters

The power of an electric stove can range from 1000 W, if it is a small two-burner stove, to 3000 W or more.

The higher the power, the faster the heating occurs and the more burners can operate.

The average electric stove with four burners has a power of about 2000-2100 watts.

Connecting an electric stove requires special training, so it is better to entrust this task to a professional.

Electric stoves can be equipped with burners with boiling temperature control, a sensor for detecting metal utensils, a booster (increasing the power of one burner at the expense of other burners), and a timer to turn off the burner. About glass tables for the kitchen you can read.

Glass ceramics: advantages and disadvantages

An electric stove with glass ceramics has a number of advantages:

• stylish and modern design;
• ease of care and removal of burnt stains;
• reliability and strength;
• variety of functions;
• the ability to reduce and increase the heating zone of the burner;
• economical energy consumption;

• Electrolux
• Hansa
• Whirlpool
• Zanussi
• Bosch

Cheaper options:

• GRETA
• Indesit

Choose a stove carefully, as it will serve you as a reliable assistant for many years. Whether you have a dependent or independent hob, the main thing is to choose a high-quality and reliable stove, even without many additional functions.

So, to choose a good stove, you need to follow some rules:

1. When choosing a stove, pay attention to high-quality materials, pleasant design, efficiency and reliability.
2. You should like it visually, so that when you approach it, you want to cook on this stove more and more.
3. Since cooking is often accompanied by severe contamination of the hob, it is imperative to take into account the ease of its maintenance.

And let standing for a long time at the stove (built-in electric stove) turn from a routine process into a pleasant process. You can read about the Hans combined stove by clicking on this page.