The rise in energy prices is disproportionate: electricity rises faster. Therefore, the demand for gas hobs is growing again. And despite the "numerous advantages" found in the description of electric stoves, in addition to the lack of burning at the bottom of the dishes and a slightly larger number of functions, they do not stand out much. An exception is expensive induction hobs, which also lack the concept of “heating ten”.
Features of the choice of gas hob
Gas is cheaper than electricity, and the speed of cooking does not depend on the technical characteristics of the wiring in the house - the main arguments in favor of such a stove. This can be supplemented by the absence of problems with the choice of cookware and the comparative cheapness of the hobs themselves, which often becomes the key point.
The dimensions of gas stoves practically do not differ from those of the electric versions. The width ranges from 30 to 90 cm. The distance from the front edge of the working surface to the wall zone is on average 54 cm. And the height of the panel does not exceed 10 cm, and most of it is hidden in the bowels of the working area.
Types of gas hobs
Mobile gas stoves are a thing of the past and are only relevant for seasonal use in the country. Built-in panels are of two types: dependent and independent.
Addicted come with the oven and have a common control panel with it. Of the advantages, one can distinguish perhaps a slight decrease in cost, when compared with the acquisition of two devices separately. A big minus is that if one of the devices fails, the cook will lose both assistants for the duration of the repair.
Independent devoid of such a flaw. They are also ideal for those who do not plan to purchase an oven or have decided to place it at a more convenient level.
According to the type of control, they distinguish:
- mechanical - heating power, functions and modes are regulated by rotary levers and buttons;
- touch - control is performed using touch-sensitive buttons and a display.
The second type of control is still rare and decently increases the numbers on the price tag. Mechanical levers in order to increase the convenience of caring for the control panel are removable.
Which material is best for a gas hob
The ease of care for it and how harmoniously it fits into the kitchen interior depend on the cover of the stove.
Enamelled steel light, does not require special care and is not limited to the color scheme. The coating can be glossy or matte. But such a surface is afraid of chips resulting from a point impact and critical temperature drops. Of the benefits of budgeting. However, the effort spent on cleaning such a coating from burnt food debris leads to the idea of taking something better.
Stainless steel not afraid of scratches, but covered in dents after sufficiently strong blows. Washing it is easier than enamel. The surface may also be glossy or matte. The only thing: you have to wash such a plate often, because not only the dirt, but also the fingerprints on it are clearly visible.
Strained glass afraid of bumps. But fragility is compensated by a variety of color palette and ornaments limited only by the imagination of the designer. Among the disadvantages, the weight limit per burner is also highlighted - no more than 15 kg.
Glass ceramic It is not cheap and has increased thermal conductivity. It is easily cleaned from all types of pollution and has absorbed all the advantages of glass. But sweets regularly spilled on its surface will quickly deprive the surface of shine.
IMPORTANT! When restoring order on any of the listed panels, it will not be possible to use abrasives, this will lead to an immediate loss of gloss. Burnt products are cleaned with special scrapers with interchangeable blades or "gentle" household chemicals, developed taking into account the peculiarities of the coating of the stove.
What amount and shape of burners is better to choose
For a family of two, one and two burner hobs is quite enough. But if the kitchen is ruled by a cook by vocation, he will need at least 3-4 burners. For a large family, a model with at least 5 pieces will be preferable.
The standard model hotplates on the corners will not surprise anyone. But manufacturers are seriously concerned about the needs of consumers and the variety of panels that look great in appearance varies from just practical to futuristic.
Single row Cooktops are ideal for kitchens with narrow tables. This solution is ideal for small kitchens, as it will satisfy the needs of a large family.
Curved forms will add sophisticated notes to the interior without loss of usability. The most common are arched surfaces.
Corner surface saves usable space and is designed to be placed in the corner of the countertop. All burners are well visible, so you can not think about the practical side of the issue.
Domino more expensive than their counterparts, but ... The ability to select the appropriate segments and their layout in accordance with the wishes of the buyer are worth it. The number of sections usually varies from 4 to 6, but some of them can be replaced on the surface with built-in appliances.
Types of burners
In addition to the location of burners, gas stoves can also differ in their shape. A model with five burners is usually oval in the center. But on this flight of imagination of designers was not limited.
IMPORTANT! Priority should be given to burners directing the flame to the bottom of the cookware so that it does not touch the side walls. The grip area plays a key role, because it is difficult to cook a large number of portions on a small burner. And on the big it’s hard to protect the dishes from soot.
The quadrangular burners look interesting. Oblong are good for dishes with an oval bottom. Practical spiral-shaped ones allow adjusting the flame both in intensity and in the length of the spiral. Due to this, they are more versatile. There are even burners with a special stand for WOK, designed specifically for connoisseurs of oriental cuisine.
Burner features
In addition to a variety of forms, manufacturers have thought through the functional component. Rotary torches, which, depending on the position, can be used both in duet and individually, are no longer rare. But the most interesting culinary experts are multi-level, with several rings of flame.
Double crown burners still remain economical, although they significantly increase the cooking speed. They are good if the menu is dominated by steamed, fried or stewed dishes.
Trilateral ideal when the maximum heating temperature is important. WOK is inconceivable without a triple crown, the main feature of which is the uniform distribution of heat. You can’t call such a burner economical, but faster than it, the large dishes will not heat the analogs.
What functions should you pay attention to when choosing
Safety comes first. Most often, burns received during the operation of gas hobs are associated with the lack of an automatic ignition function. It can be implemented as a spark supply as a result of pressing a separate key. But it is much more practical to re-burn when the gas ignites during the activation of the burner by the regulator. Yes, such models will require an electrical connection. However, you do not need to draw an additional line from the distribution panel - just select a separate outlet for these purposes.
IMPORTANT! The control panel lock is useful in families with children. And overheating control, a flame change program and a built-in timer - to forgetful cooks. These options can be discarded in favor of lowering the cost of equipment, but gas monitoring that turns off the gas supply when the fire is extinguished is a mandatory precaution.
Sometimes at the sight of an assortment of gas hobs it is difficult to dwell on any one model. But in a limited budget, you can save without losing quality and speed. To do this, it is enough to abandon those functions that are either not in demand at all, or will be used extremely rarely. But the savings should be right, so the rejection of the functions that ensure the safety of household members is not justified.
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