Electric hob: a reliable and stylish assistant

Electric hob: a stylish assistant to a demanding hostess

Today, an electric hob is very common in modern kitchens. It differs from a traditional plate not only in appearance, but also in functionality. When choosing a product, it is important to study the varieties of electric panels, the advantages and disadvantages of each option. From the assortment of the proposed models, you should choose products from a well-known manufacturer, which is a guarantee of a high-quality and durable product.

Compared to traditional gas panels, electric surfaces have a number of advantages

Electric hob: features of a household appliance

The hob differs from a traditional stove not only in appearance, but also in other characteristics. It has a more compact size, which allows you to install the device in any convenient place in the kitchen. Such a surface, built into the countertop, is more hygienic, since fatty drops or pieces of food with strong stirring during cooking will not fall to the floor. This appliance consumes less electricity compared to a standard stove.

The hob is different from a traditional stove, it has a more compact size, which allows you to install it anywhere in the kitchen

Today, the hob is presented in a wide design variation. The models differ in configuration and color, so you can choose not only a functional device, but also a stylish interior element.

The electric panel has a thin body with a thickness of no more than 6 cm, which is equipped with burners. The principle of operation of the device is the release of heat when an electric current passes through a conductor. The conductor is represented by a resistive heating element having a high resistivity value. It is made in the form of a spiral under the lid of the burner or presented in an open form. The surface heats up and transmits a high temperature to the dishes installed on it.

Compared to traditional gas panels, electric surfaces have a number of advantages. First of all, it is necessary to highlight the high level of safety of the device. Gas leakage is excluded here. An open flame carries a greater threat than a heated zone on an electric stove. The installation of a gas surface requires the organization of a supply and exhaust ventilation system.

The electric panel has a thin body with a thickness of no more than 6 cm, which is equipped with burners

Electric panels are equipped with a large number of operating modes, which allows you to select the necessary parameter to ensure a more efficient and convenient cooking process. However, electric panels are inferior to gas panels in heating speed. Another disadvantage of the products is their high cost.

What is the difference between a dependent and an independent electric hob

There are two types of surfaces: dependent and independent. The first type occupies a leading place in the rating of electric cooktops and is represented by an appliance connected to an oven, which can be located either under the panel or in another place close to the device. The second type of device is not very convenient. This is due to the fact that the surface control system is located on the oven. In the process of cooking, you will have to approach it every time in order to increase or decrease the temperature.

When choosing a dependent option, it will be possible to get a set of household appliances made in the same style, which will look like a built-in kitchen stove. However, it should be remembered that if one of the elements fails, the second one will not function independently.

A dependent electric hob is a device connected to an oven

Important! It is recommended to select dependent elements from the same manufacturer. However, even in this case, it is necessary to use a special compatibility table for cooktops and ovens.

Another version of the panel does not depend on the oven. It can be installed both with it and without it. The control system is located directly on the electrical surface. Bosch offers a variety of models. Independent electric cooktops are chosen by those who do not use an oven. However, if there is a desire to purchase it, the total cost of two units will be much higher than the price of a dependent set of household appliances.

How to choose a built-in electric hob

An important parameter when choosing electric panels for the kitchen is the power. Its total value depends on the type of heating element, the number and size of burners and the heating speed. This value ranges from 3-10 kW. Most standard 4-burner electric cooktops have one working area with a capacity of 3 kW, two – 1.5 kW and one – 1 kW, which determines the intended use of the burners.

When choosing electric panels for the kitchen, power is an important parameter

Small heating zones are designed for dishes with a volume of up to 2 liters. They are used for heating food and brewing coffee. Medium burners are suitable for containers with a volume of 3-4 liters and can be used for cooking vegetable dishes. Powerful heating zones are designed for large-sized dishes and are ideal for frying meat.

The electric hob is made in the form of a rectangle, square, circle, semicircle or oval. The number of burners can be from 2 to 5 pcs. Manufacturers have standardized the dimensions of the cooktops, depending on which they may have different widths.

Electric 2-burner surfaces are represented by products with a width of 26-40 cm. The front burner has a low power, the rear one has a high power. Electric cooking panels for 3 burners are characterized by a width of 40-48 cm. The heating zones here form a triangle. The control knobs can be positioned horizontally or vertically. Classic models for 4 burners are available in a width of 49-60 cm. Products for 5 heating zones of different shapes and sizes reach a size of over 61 cm.

The electric hob is made in the form of a rectangle, square, circle, semicircle or oval

Control options for an electric built-in hob

The control of the electric panel can be touch or mechanical. The first option is carried out by using a pictogram that reacts to a light touch. This type of control is the most convenient to operate and easy to maintain. It is enough to wipe the dirty panel with a damp cloth. Models with touch control occupy a leading position in the rating of built-in electric cooking panels.

Another advantage of such a surface is that, thanks to its more compact dimensions, it takes up less space. However, if a malfunction occurs, performing repairs will be problematic and expensive.

Mechanical control is carried out by means of rotary switches, which can be stationary or recessed. The latter option is more acceptable from the point of view of the lower complexity of the cleaning process.

Mechanical control of the cooking surface is carried out by means of rotary switches

The control controls are located in front of the panel or to the side of it. The second option is more successful, since it eliminates the possibility of accidentally pressing the sensor or switch. There is another management method that is the most expensive. This is a remote process using a special remote control.

What to choose an electric hob according to the material of manufacture

Depending on the material of manufacture, enameled, steel, glass-ceramic electric cooktops are distinguished. The first option is the most popular, which is due to the low cost of the product. However, such a surface is sensitive to the effects of aggressive environments and rough materials. The time-consuming process of cleaning the panel from contamination increases the risk of damage to the enamel.

Important! With proper operation and maintenance of the surface without the use of abrasive materials, the panel will retain its original appearance for a long time.

Depending on the material of manufacture, enameled, steel, glass-ceramic electric cooktops are distinguished

The main advantage of enameled surfaces is increased resistance to temperature changes and various mechanical loads. During the operation of the product, no traces of water and fingerprints remain on the surface of the panel. The extended range of colors of the product makes it possible to choose a panel for any shade of the kitchen set.

An electric stainless steel hob will cost a little more. Such products are offered by the company Elektrolux. Electric cooktops made of steel are characterized by high strength and resistance to mechanical damage. This environmentally friendly material tolerates temperature fluctuations and high temperatures well.

Despite all the advantages, such a surface requires special care. After each cooking, it must be wiped, because the slightest drops and traces of touching fingers will be visible on it. This type of surface is presented only in gray.

The main advantage of enameled surfaces is increased resistance to temperature changes

Useful advice! For proper care of household appliances made of stainless steel, special tools should be purchased.

Glass-ceramic hob: advantages and disadvantages

The most expensive are glass-ceramic surfaces. The cooktops have a sufficient level of strength. However, the material is afraid of pinpoint blows with a heavy sharp object. Also, traces of melted sugar may remain on the surface, so it should be removed immediately. This type of electric panels requires the use of special dishes. Cast iron and copper products will leave indelible traces on the surface.

The glass-ceramic electrical surface is easy enough to care for. If soiled, it should be wiped with a damp sponge without using special tools. Such a panel does not absorb odors. It shows resistance to acids and fat. Due to the distinctive properties of the material, the surface heats up and cools down quickly. Outside of the heating element, it remains cold.

Glass-ceramic surfaces are available in black or white. They can be plain or patterned, which gives additional aesthetics to a stylish device.

The most expensive are glass ceramic cooking surfaces

Type of heating element in electric built-in stoves

Electric cookers can be with cast-iron pancakes or with a glass-ceramic surface. In the first variant, round cast-iron discs are used as a heating element, inside of which a heating element in the form of an electric spiral is located on a ceramic substrate. The heating power is regulated by means of rotary knobs. Such discs are installed on enameled or steel surfaces.

Important!  The burners of rapid heating and increased power are indicated by a red circle in the central part of the element.

The appearance of such a surface resembles a traditional slab. Any dishes, except plastic, can be installed on such disks. They are easy and simple to care for. This is the cheapest option for electric panels.

Related article:

Induction hob: a functional appliance for modern kitchens

The main criteria for choosing a cooking surface. Rating of induction cookers of world manufacturers with prices.

The disadvantage is the long process of heating the elements, which is at least 7 minutes, which entails additional costs of electrical energy. The cooling process takes the same amount of time. Over time, the heating elements lose their shine, which gives the stove an untidy appearance.

Which electric cooking panels are better: glass ceramic products

Glass-ceramic electric panels can be equipped with one of the types of heating element in the form of burners:

• rapid;

Hi-Light burners are represented by ribbon heating elements that are installed on an asbestos base

• halogen;
• induction;
• Hi-Light.

Rapid burners are represented by spirals that turn red hot, reaching a high temperature in 10 seconds. This feature allows you to save electricity. They are made of an alloy of chromium and nickel and are located under a glass-ceramic surface. Such burners can have different shapes and sizes, which makes it possible to use dishes of different sizes.

Halogen burners provide greater efficiency. They consist of rapid spirals with halogen bulbs installed above them. Such a tandem provides rapid heating, which requires only a few seconds of time. To achieve high power of the device, a small amount of electricity will be required.

Halogen burners consist of rapid spirals with light bulbs installed above them

Important! Halogen burners heat the entire surface, so the risk of getting burned increases during its operation.

Hi-Light burners are represented by ribbon heating elements that are installed on an asbestos base. Their main advantage is the possibility of the most accurate selection of the heating temperature. This type of heating element is reliable, durable and easy to maintain.

Induction electric cooktops are a separate type of surface where induction coils are used as a heating element. Such plates differ in the principle of operation, which is based on the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction. The device starts working at the moment of installation on the surface of a special dish with ferromagnetic properties.

Additional features of electric cooktops

The electric hob is characterized by a number of distinctive advantages compared to traditional stoves. Here there is a possibility of influencing the heating zone, the power of which is quite easy to change. A useful option is auto-boiling, some Hansa electric cooktops are equipped with this function. The stove is immediately adjusted to maximum power, gradually reducing it as the liquid boils. The “autofocus” program allows the surface to recognize the diameter of the dishes, selecting the necessary operating mode of the device for it.

Each model of the electric panel is equipped with a timer that allows you to turn off the burners in a timely manner

Thanks to the built-in standby mode, the panel turns off when there are no dishes on it, which provides significant energy savings. The heating function allows you to warm up food in any dish. Each model of the electric panel is equipped with a timer that allows you to turn off the burners in a timely manner. Some models have an auto-off function, which occurs when liquid hits the surface of the plate. Another interesting option is a program for memorizing the temperature regime.

Well-known manufacturers of the best electric cooktops

Before choosing an electric hob, you should study the list of global companies that have proven themselves from the best side as manufacturers of high-quality household appliances.

Important! Models with the same technical characteristics, but released under different brands, may differ significantly in the build quality and the elements used in the design, which affects the cost of the goods.

Among the popular manufacturers of cooking surfaces, Siemens can be singled out

Choosing the products of a well-known company, you can be sure of the reliability of the declared characteristics. You can also count on quality service during the warranty period and after it expires. Among the popular manufacturers of cooking surfaces are Bosch, Electrolux, Gorenje, Samsung, Hansa, Siemens, Gefest, Ariston and Whirlpool.

The leader in the manufacture of high–quality kitchen appliances is the Bosch company. Electric cooktops are equipped with high-strength HighSpeed glass ceramics. The disadvantage of this product is its high cost, which is fully justified by the result of the quality of the models.

The well-known Electrolux company produces cooking surfaces of elegant design and high functionality. Thanks to the patented “Stop+Go” technology, increased cooking comfort is provided. The presence of a control lock ensures high safety during operation of the device.

Whirlpool has introduced a new proprietary technology 6 Sense

The optimal ratio of price and quality is famous for the household appliances of the manufacturer from Slovenia Gorenje. Electric cooking surfaces are equipped with proprietary SuperPower technology, which allows you to activate the option of enhanced heating in all zones at the same time, which significantly reduces the cooking time.

The South Korean company Samsung is constantly engaged in improving its products through the introduction of the latest modern technologies. The manufacturer’s assortment includes both budget options and elite class models. The Hotpoint Ariston electric cooktops are distinguished by an interesting design and high quality of execution.

Whirlpool has introduced a new proprietary technology 6 Sense, thanks to which the cooking process has been taken to a new level. The hob automatically controls the temperature of the heating zone and regulates the level of electricity consumption for each burner.

The optimal ratio of price and quality is the household appliances of the manufacturer Gorenje

The Polish company Hansa produces high-quality models at an affordable cost. They are characterized by original design and functionality. The Hephaestus electric cooking panels are presented in a traditional design in the form of a surface with four burners. The models are equipped with the necessary set of functions.

The best built-in electric 2-burner cooktops

The most popular is the Bosch PKF375FP1E electric hob. The stove has a stylish appearance and original design. Two Hi-Light burners are located on the glass-ceramic surface of Schott Ceran. One of them is double-circuit, which allows it to be used for dishes of different diameters.

Comfortable operation is provided by touch control. The two-burner electric hob is equipped with an extended set of functions, including the option of interrupting work, auto-off, child lock, timer for delaying the activation of the surface. The cost of this model is 17 thousand rubles.

The Bosch PKF375FP1E stove is distinguished by its stylish appearance and original design

Another popular surface is the Gorenje ECT 330 CSC model with 2 burners. The electric built-in hob has a stylish appearance. It is characterized by practicality and advanced functionality. The model is equipped with a black glass-ceramic surface with a polished front edge.

One heating zone has a diameter of 14.5 cm, the other is characterized by a variable contour – from 12 to 18 cm. The total surface power is 2.9 kW. Control of the electric hob Gorenje is carried out using a touch unit. The cost of such a surface is 14 thousand rubles.

Important! The model is not equipped with a timer.

The Siemens ET375 MT11E hob with two Hi-Light burners with halogen illumination is very popular. The total surface power is 4 kW. The stove is equipped with a 17-stage power level adjustment system, a slider-type touch control, a child lock option, an auto-off function and an indication of residual heat. You can buy such a hob for 15.5 thousand rubles.

Cooking surface Gorenje ECT 330 CSC on two burners, has a stylish appearance and is characterized by practicality

Overview of two-burner cooktops of the average price category

Two-burner electric hob Samsung CTR432NB02 is in particular demand. The compact surface has an attractive appearance. The stove is equipped with a convenient touch control. The model has 10 power adjustment modes, an indication of residual heating, a work surface lock function, and a sound timer. You can buy the product for 11.5 thousand rubles.

Built-in two-burner electric hob Bosch PKC345E, has earned its popularity due to reliability, functionality and original design. The power of the stove is 3.1 kW. The model is equipped with a 9-step power adjustment, which allows you to choose the most suitable mode necessary for cooking a particular dish.

The stove has a built-in residual heat indicator, auto-off option, child lock. The device is controlled by mechanical rotary switches. The price of the product is 10.5 thousand rubles.

Two-burner electric hob Samsung CTR432NB02 is in special demand

The most budget surface of the domino type is the Hansa BHCS31116 model with 2 burners. The electric hob has a stylish appearance, which is achieved thanks to the pattern applied to the glass-ceramic surface. The stove is equipped with two Hi-Light burners with a diameter of 14.5 and 18 cm. The total power of the device is 3 kW.

The model has mechanical control, which is carried out using rotary switches located on the front panel. It is equipped with a digital indicator of the degree of heating of the burners. It has the functions of fast heating, auto-off. The price of the product is 9.5 thousand rubles.

The best 4-burner cooking electric built-in panels

In the rating of the best electric cooktops for 4 burners, the leading position is occupied by the electric stove Gorenje ECT 680-ORA-W. It has a stylish and elegant design. Hi-Light burners are used as heating elements. The front left working area is three-contour, its diameter reaches 12, 17.5 and 21 cm. The rear right burner has an oval shape with an extended spectrum of action from 17 to 26.5 cm. The other two are characterized by a diameter of 14.5 cm .

The Gorenje ECT 680-ORA-W stove has a stylish and elegant design and Hi-Light burners are used as heating elements

The white electric hob will become a real decoration of the modern kitchen interior. Thanks to the expanded set of functions, the cooking process will seem easy and fast. Each zone is equipped with a two-position residual heat indicator. There is an auto-off option, a child protection function, a timer. You can buy a panel for 15 thousand rubles.

The second place in the rating of electric cooktops belongs to the Electrolux EHF96547FK model. The black glass-ceramic surface has beveled edges around the perimeter. This gives the product originality and ensures a better fit to the countertop. The panel has one three-circuit burner, two conventional and one with an oval expansion zone, so you can use any dishes.

The operation of the stove is controlled by the Direct Access touch panel. The model is equipped with a Stop&Go function, which allows you to take a break from work for 3 minutes, an EcoTimer option, which ensures that the stove is turned off before the scheduled time, so that the dish gradually reaches the cooling burner. The stove also has a child protection function, an auto-off option (with an audible signal), an indication of residual heat and a backlight of the control panel. You can buy such a cooking surface for 20 thousand rubles.

The Electrolux EHF96547FK hob model has a black glass-ceramic surface and beveled edges around the perimeter

The most affordable, but no less high-quality and functional is the Hansa BHCI65123030 electric hob with 4 burners. The model is equipped with a standard set of functions necessary for a quick and convenient cooking process. The glass-ceramic surface is framed around the perimeter by a metal protective frame. There are 4 Hi-Light burners on it, two of which have a diameter of 18 cm, the others – 14.5 cm. The total power of the panel is 6 kW. The surface is controlled by mechanical rotary switches. The cost of the product is only 11 thousand rubles.

The electric hob has a number of advantages over other types of stoves. When choosing a product, it is important to study its technical characteristics, the functionality of the device, get acquainted with real reviews about the hob. To obtain a high-quality, reliable and durable product, it is necessary to opt for models from world manufacturers that have proven themselves in the home appliance market from the best side.