How to choose a hob - problems with planning and supply of communications (99 photos + video)

Have you decided to do a major renovation in your kitchen? In addition to carpentry, it would be good to replace household appliances. In recent years, built-in appliances have become increasingly popular and in demand among Russian buyers. Which is quite understandable, because it looks very modern, stylish, expensive, has a compact size, and is easy to use and care for.

What are the best built-in electric and gas panels for the kitchen, what functional parameters should you pay attention to, which modern models are more functional, more reliable, and more durable to use? How to properly care for them, how to install them yourself? We will talk about this and more in our article.

Which cooking surface is best for your home?

Of course, furniture and household appliances in the kitchen should complement each other and fit naturally into the interior. In this case, the dimensions of the built-in appliances must be consistent with the dimensions of the kitchen cabinet inserts.

You can always compile a hob from separate modular panels according to your discretion and taste. It is not at all necessary to install standard rectangular gas or electric burners in the kitchen.

Among the wide range of products presented on the domestic market, you can choose a compact surface of a polygonal or hexagonal shape, of any color and cost.

The depth and width of modern panels range from 20 to 80 and 50-70 cm, respectively. 6-sided shapes are also called “honeycombs” because in appearance they resemble honeycombs of bees. Rectangular cooking surfaces can be either 2-burner (“domino”) or 4-burner.

Types of kitchen surfaces for cooking

Which panel to choose for household use: gas, electric or combined? It's simple. Your home has gas installed, then the rational solution would be to buy a gas stove.

Otherwise, you cannot do without an electrified analogue. There is another option - built-in surfaces of a combined type, capable of operating both on gas and also on electricity.

They are especially convenient to use if it is impossible to connect gas. When natural fuel supplies run out, you can always connect to a fixed network. On the contrary, if there are difficulties with power supply, you can cook food on gas.

Dependent, autonomous panels for the kitchen

Dependent work surfaces function together with the oven. The control system in them is located on top of the heating cabinet body, and sometimes on the working surface.

It happens that the panel and the built-in oven are not compatible in size, even within the same model range of the same manufacturer. To decide whether the panel will fit the heating cabinet or not, you need to use a special compatibility table for kitchen appliances.

Autonomous surfaces operate without an oven; they are equipped with their own control system. The advantages include the possibility of free placement in the kitchen, while dependent hobs are not able to work without an oven and are placed above it.

Adjustment types: mechanical and touch

Mechanical adjustment of the hob means turning it on, off, and setting the operating temperature using rotating knobs. Most buyers from Russia consider this method of regulation to be the simplest, most understandable, and reliable.

Modern touch surfaces are activated by touching function buttons. This type of control is very practical, convenient; it is enough to understand the location of the sensors and their intended purpose.

The advantages of such panels include simplicity and ease of maintenance - due to the perfectly smooth, even surface, they can be washed off from dirt and grease with ordinary cleaning agents.

Parameter 3 – hotplates

The main element of the panel, of course, is the gas burners themselves. Everything is important here: their number, size, location, and functional features.

With quantity, everything seems to be clear: each housewife chooses for herself the number of dishes that she usually prepares at the same time. Although the size of the panel depends on the number of burners, and with a small kitchen you can’t really run away if you have to save space. In addition, there are instructions according to which 4 burners can only be had in a kitchen with a volume of more than 15 cubic meters.

In general, you can choose a gas surface with a different number of burners - from one to six.

Single burner panel

Three-burner hob

But the other features are worth thinking about.

Size, location and shape

The shape of the burners is usually round, sometimes oval. I really miss this one for ducklings.

But the power of the burner depends on the size. As a rule, on a panel with three or more burners, they are all different, which is very convenient. For example, I have one large, two medium and one small. The latter is used less often than the others, but sometimes it is very necessary.

Two burners located next to each other can completely replace an oval one.

Position relative to each other is also important. If the built-in gas surface is compact in size and the burners are located too close to each other, it will be difficult to place a wide frying pan, a kettle and a saucepan on it at the same time. Or simply impossible.

Stylish, beautiful, but impractical

Functions

In addition to the usual burners, there are also the following:

• Double crown;

With two rows of flames

• Triple Crown - the most economical, heats quickly and evenly;

Three rows of flames

• Grill – burner with grate;

For frying without oil

• Fry-Top is a stainless steel sheet with sides that is placed above the burner. Replaces a frying pan, but the heat is distributed more evenly than when cooking in a pan;

In such models, the removable sheet can be replaced with a grill grate if necessary.

• Coup de feu is a cast iron burner consisting of several rings, each of which can be removed. That is, you can provide fire access to the dishes or cook on a closed panel. Convenient for stewing, preparing sauces, custards and heating dishes.

It is rarely found in household models; it is more of a professional “lotion”

I'll probably stick with standard burners and one with a double or triple flame. The rest did not impress me: they are not particularly needed, they are more difficult to maintain, and the cost of the panel immediately increases significantly.

Selecting a kitchen panel according to the material used

The base of cooking surfaces for gas and electricity is made from aluminum alloy, enamel coating, stainless steel, and tempered glass. Let's look at each material in more detail:

1. Aluminum alloy - kitchen stoves made from it have a low price; they can withstand high thermal or mechanical loads remarkably well. Metal is not afraid of external shocks or scratches; almost all chemicals, except abrasives, are suitable for cleaning it.
2. Enameled coating - its main advantage is its affordable cost. Modern models of kitchen stoves on the Russian market are presented in a wide range of colors, so you can always choose the surface to suit your taste or interior. The coating perfectly withstands thermal and any mechanical loads, stains from moisture, fingerprints are practically invisible on it, however, enamel is a rather fragile material, which can cause chips and nicks when subjected to a strong impact. Gas and electric panels with enamel coating attract buyers due to their high hygienic, aesthetic and price indicators. They are made using steel, which is coated with a special powder polymer (hot enameling method). After which the enamel does not wear off, it is resistant to acid corrosion, but its only drawback is that the material is quite fragile, and with an external mechanical shock, notches form on it. Enamel kitchen panels are made in various colors. In the past, white color was especially popular, but over time it has lost its attractiveness, because minor stains are very clearly visible against a light background.
3. Cooking surfaces made of stainless steel — more expensive than models made of aluminum alloy and coated with enamel, they tolerate thermal and high mechanical loads well, they do not show water stains or fingerprints, and do not require special care. Today, in addition to metallic colors, matte panels have also appeared, which have a neater appearance.

4. Electric models with glass ceramics are considered the best at the moment . Their main advantage is their stylish, modern appearance and ease of everyday care. Their working surface is perfectly flat and smooth, it is easy to clean it from various types of dirt with a soft sponge or a special scraper. The glass-ceramic surface quickly reaches the desired temperature and cools down within a few minutes. By touching the working panel, you can select the desired functional mode, while the heating limits of the stove are clearly defined; outside the heated zone, the panel remains cold.

Glass-ceramic work surfaces consume little electricity, but they have an important drawback - the fragility of glass, which can crack or break from a strong external impact (for example, when a heavy object falls over two kilograms).

Point mechanical impacts are also contraindicated for such panels (for example, a kitchen knife hitting tempered glass with its sharp end can cause chipping).

Important! Sweet liquids should not come into contact with the glass-ceramic coating, as they will cause white stains that are difficult to remove. If syrup is spilled during cooking, it should be removed immediately with a special scraper. It is unlikely that you will be able to clean the surface after it has cooled - dissolved sugar reacts chemically with the glass coating and destroys it.

It is necessary to ensure that water does not get on the panel, because it contributes to the formation of microcracks. It is allowed to place only containers with a flat, clean bottom on the electric stove, the diameter of which must correspond to the area of ​​the heating zone, because stains form at the exit points.

Electrical panels made from glass ceramics are very diverse in their appearance; they are able to satisfy the aesthetic needs of the most demanding users. Such models come in mirror, snow-white, brown, black, grey, metallic, “cold ice”.

When there is a pattern on the working surface of the slab, from the outside it looks like it is in relief, as if carved in natural stone. Often, original pictograms and inscriptions are applied to the glass surface, which give the stove even more exclusivity, convey to the user the necessary information on functionality, etc.

Advice! Due to the fact that even the smallest defects are clearly visible on a glass-ceramic kitchen surface, it is better to purchase speckled or fine mesh models for your home.

How to choose and what to pay attention to?

Let's consider a list of the most important parameters that should be taken into account when choosing two-burner hobs powered by gas.

type of instalation

According to installation, models are divided into:

• Tabletop models can be installed on any hard surface, be it a stool or table. Such devices are mobile and can be moved. the width is from 30 to 40 centimeters, the length is from 50 to 60.
• Floor options - often equipped with additional space for storing utensils, height is 85 centimeters, width from 30 to 90 centimeters, length - from 50 to 60 centimeters.
• Built-in 2-burner models are the most compact and in size usually do not exceed 29-32 centimeters in width and from 32 to 50 centimeters in length.

Control

Built-in 2-hour gas hobs may differ in the type of control used:

• Mechanical. Adjustment is carried out by simply turning the knob. The method is very convenient and highly reliable. But there is no way to clearly regulate the flow of gas to the device and control the temperature.
• Electronic. It is a panel with sensors or buttons. It features high accuracy of temperature and power settings, and the ability to access other processes.

Panel material

It could be:

• Enameled coating. It has a wide range of shades, but white is the most popular color. It is aesthetically pleasing, easy to clean, and does not corrode. But only if integrity is maintained. When scratches and chips appear, the properties are lost.
• Stainless steel. Pairs well with modern decor styles. Does not scratch and can be washed using aggressive household chemicals.
• Strained glass. It has excellent strength and excellent appearance. Not afraid of temperature fluctuations. Requires delicate cleansing using special products. A strong impact may cause it to crack.

Panel color

The enamel-coated surface provides the richest palette of colors, from elegant white to bright red.

Glass ceramics are most often available in black or white, but there are other classic colors.

Stainless steel plates have a corresponding shade - metallic gray or silver.

When choosing a hob, it is important to ensure that it fits organically into the furnished interior and emphasizes the advantages of the kitchen design. Stainless steel plates fit well into high-tech style, and classic models covered with white enamel will look great in a bright kitchen.

Electric ignition and gas control

Convenient options that increase comfort and safety when using the hob.

The presence of electric ignition will allow you to stop buying and using matches. Gas control is a mechanism for protecting against accidental gas leakage when the burner flame suddenly goes out, when the supply of blue fuel to the device is instantly blocked.

Choosing a panel for the kitchen according to the type of working burners

You liked the aluminum, metal, enameled built-in kitchen panel, and you definitely noted the presence of a heating element - a “pancake”. There is an electric coil inside it. The main disadvantage of such models is the long heating and cooling time, which entails significant time and material costs for electricity during the cooking process.

Over time, the “pancake” loses its original neat appearance and requires special care. After applying abrasive chemicals, hard-to-remove stains remain on metal burners, and the enamel may crack or completely peel off if subjected to a strong impact.

Electrical panels made of glass ceramics

Equipped with rapid, halogen, induction, Hi-Lite heating elements. Let's look at them in more detail:

• rapid - have the simplest design; their main element is an electric coil, which releases heat when heated. Compared to a standard “pancake”, such a burner reaches the desired temperature very quickly - in just 7-9 seconds and cools down in a similar time;
• halogen - are recognized as more reliable and effective in use, because In addition to the electric coil, they have a powerful halogen light bulb. When turned on, it not only glows, but also generates a lot of heat. As for the speed of heating and cooling, in such models it is much higher than the first ones. The main disadvantages include heating of absolutely the entire surface of the electrical panel during cooking. Induction-type burners do not have such shortcomings at all. Another significant drawback of halogen surfaces is the short service life of the light bulbs, which have to be changed over time;

• Hi-Lite type burners - heating of the working surface is carried out very quickly, the main working element has a ribbon shape, placed in an amianth base. Stepless control of functional modes allows you to set the required heating temperature very accurately;
• induction - stoves have a direct type of heating, which is why they are considered the most economical and efficient. The built-in HDTV installation produces heat only under the bottom of the tank, the free surface of the electric stove remains cold. The main condition for the normal functioning of such models is the use of dishes with a special magnetic bottom. Modern induction cookers have the highest cost among kitchen surfaces presented on the domestic kitchen appliances market.

In terms of cost, electric panels are more expensive than gas-fired stoves. A modern, stylish appearance combined with high functionality, the absence of combustion waste harmful to human health, ease and simplicity of everyday care are the main reasons for their demand among buyers.

At the final stage of development today there are 2- and 3-burner panels with porous, foamy bioactive glass ceramics, which in the future will make it possible to produce gas burners “under glass”. Since gas will pass through the pores, the introduction of innovative models into everyday life requires ideal purity of natural fuel to avoid the formation of soot.

Gas kitchen surfaces

Regulating the flame allows you to conveniently control the heating of the work area, in a short time reaching the temperature required for cooking food. Due to the fact that the fire in the burner is not inertial, the dishes placed on top of it heat up uniformly, and the food reaches the cooking level in a short time. The boiling process stops immediately after the natural fuel supply is turned off, making it simple and easy to control the cooking process. Many buyers choose such models because of their high efficiency in use, ease of control and safety. In modern models, gas burners are installed in such a way that the flame of the fire heats only the bottom of the cookware, and not the walls. This achieves savings in fuel consumption and cooking time.

Today, many improved models are equipped with non-traditional oval or triangular burners that do not require distribution grids. Pots and pans are placed on a level, flat-shaped lid, the flames heat the bottom in a measured manner - from the edge to the center. Caring for these gas panels is not difficult. In general, all gas burners have a solid, perfectly flat base that fits tightly to the seat, which greatly facilitates maintenance of the stove, because fat and food debris do not fall into the gap formed between the burner and the working surface.

Oval cookware heats up better on a gas burner of a similar shape. It is suitable for heating sauté pans with a round bottom. There are also special rotating natural fuel burners of the “domino” type, which allow you to heat or cook food in dishes of absolutely any shape. After all, they can be used both separately and together. When switched on simultaneously over a fire, you can heat a large container, for example, when cooking large fish or poultry. Or cook food in two small containers using separate burners.

Enameled panels with glass thermal inserts

They have an attractive, modern appearance and are called “natural gas on glass”. The smooth, perfectly flat surface of tempered glass is easy to clean from dirt and grease, and the color range of such products is quite varied. This surface is easy to keep perfectly clean using ordinary household cleaners. Bright yellow, light blue, rich burgundy, green, brown and other inserts can add exclusivity to the stove and give the kitchen space a special flavor, originality and visual appeal.

Gas panels in a modern kitchen

hob with electric ignition

Features of the room layout and limited dimensions sometimes force us to look for unconventional solutions for decorating a comfortable interior. A kitchen with a gas stove is not always the best option to provide maximum convenience. Now such equipment may not be installed. Compact hobs are great for cooking.

The popularity of these devices is growing, which stimulates the constant expansion of the range. With products from well-known brands, you can choose a model that meets all your requirements. The panels differ:

• number of burners;
• designer style;
• functionality.

two burner gas hob

The line includes devices with two, four, and five burners. There are models with an electric ignition system, automatic switching on by turning the valve. The range includes devices with enameled, stainless steel, and glass-ceramic surfaces. In premium panels, you can choose a model equipped with programming functions and automatic mode selection for various types of dishes.

The range of panels includes devices in which adjustment handles are located in the front area of ​​the surface. If you need to close access to them, you can choose equipment with valves on the side. This arrangement prevents small children from reaching the handles and reduces the risk of contamination during cooking.

throttle control knobs are located on the side

The choice of hob materials is carried out taking into account the design style of the kitchen interior, your own requirements, and financial capabilities. These devices are built into the countertop. Therefore, when choosing, the combination of materials of the working surface and panel is taken into account.

The device grates can be steel or cast iron. Structures made of steel alloys quickly deteriorate and gradually burn out under the influence of fire. Ease of cleaning is ensured by the presence of individual grates for each burner. They can be washed in the dishwasher.

Well-known companies producing kitchen stoves

The top rating of electric and gas hobs in 2020 is as follows:

• the most popular are multifunctional, reliable, durable and affordable units from Ardo, Ariston and Hansa. They are made from high-quality materials using innovative technologies, meet all generally accepted standards for quality and safety, and have a long-term warranty from the manufacturer;
• they are followed by mid-range hobs from world famous brands Bosch, Siemens, Whirlpool, Electrolux, Zanussi and Gorenje. Among them are standard budget and more expensive “advanced” models, featuring additional functionality;
• Third place in the ranking is occupied by elite cooking panels from Kuppersbusch, AEG, Teka, Miele and Gaggenau. They have earned worldwide recognition thanks to the introduction of innovative design solutions. Modern products compare favorably with competitors in their high reliability, versatility and stylish appearance.

Advanced features of kitchen hobs

Various technical improvements allow you to prepare your favorite food quickly and comfortably. Therefore, when purchasing a stove for your home, we recommend paying no less attention to the functional advantages of the model you like:

1. Some stoves are equipped with an automatic shutdown system if liquid gets on the surface, which prevents boiling.
2. Other models have a timer installed on the control panel, which turns off the stove from power after a user-specified time has elapsed.
3. Families with small children will undoubtedly appreciate the function of blocking the work surface buttons from outside interference.
4. A closing lid will also be useful, as it prevents external damage and contamination of the burners and, when open, protects the wall from the ingress of grease during cooking.

Rating of the best electrical panels

Let's consider three models of panels with four heating zones, which have earned positive ratings from customers.

• Midea MCH 64260 F

Glass ceramic appliance with Hi-Light burners. A convenient touch switch allows you to adjust the operation with a light touch. The number of functions in such an inexpensive device is surprising. It has: timer, auto shut-off, residual heat indicator, child protection. Total power consumption – 6.6 kW.

The purchase will cost 14,500 rubles.

• Electrolux CPE644RBC

The top of the device is also made of glass ceramics with a ribbon heating element (power - 7 kW). The possibility of expansion is provided in two areas, so there will be no problems with selecting the diameter of the pan. In addition, there is a built-in sensor for the presence of dishes, a timer, shutdown when liquid is spilled, and the ability to block switching. Plus, the equipment independently diagnoses the condition and reports malfunctions.

Price – 24,000 rubles.

• Kuppersberg FT6VS16 W

First of all, it attracts with its stunning white design. Power is 6300 W. The glass-ceramic surface is equipped with Hi-Light burners, two of which have expanding zones. Useful options: automatic boiling, shutdown timer, automatic shutdown, residual heat indicator, child protection and self-diagnosis of faults.

Cost – 36,000 rubles.

Detailed instructions for self-installation

A kitchen hob can be narrow (small) or wide, run on natural gas, electricity, or use both “fuels” at the same time. Regardless of the method of execution, during installation you must adhere to generally accepted rules.

So let's start with the tools. When the worktop is built into new kitchen furniture and the hole in the countertop has not yet been cut, you will need an electric drill or jigsaw. To operate, all modern stoves are connected to a fixed network, so you will also need pliers, a sharp knife, an ammeter and a screwdriver.

It is better to install the socket near the hob; its location will directly depend on the configuration of the furniture, the size and shape of the kitchen space. The standard equipment of the stove includes, in addition to the work surface, an oven. Since the electrical panel is installed without a cabinet, it can be connected to an outlet, which is recommended to be installed below the surface to prevent fat and moisture from entering during the cooking process.

After installing the kitchen wall and power source, you can begin installing the stove itself. To complete all the work correctly, we suggest you use step-by-step instructions:

1. It is important to initially determine by measuring the size of the opening that will need to be cut in the kitchen countertop. It is better to make a model from thick cardboard according to your measurements, which you then attach to the tabletop and carefully trace with a pencil.
   

   Important! There should be a gap of several millimeters between the edges of the desktop and the panel body.

2. The hole to be cut should be marked as accurately as possible. It is not recommended to cut it too close to the edge of the table, because the thin edge sections are not strong, they break.
3. In the corners of the resulting area, you need to drill small through holes with an electric drill (the ideal solution is to use drills with a diameter of 7 to 11 millimeters). When making through holes, the drill should be installed and held to the surface being treated at a strictly right angle.
4. The cutting blade of a jigsaw should have fine teeth, this will prevent the formation of chips on the cutting line. Having installed the blade in the prepared hole, slowly and smoothly cut along the markings, while the tool must be pressed tightly against the tabletop.
5. After cutting, you should check its correctness - the built-in cooking surface should fit freely into its seat, and there should also be a small gap. If necessary, the edges are trimmed a little.
6. It is better to protect the external areas of a wooden tabletop from moisture. To do this, they are treated with a sealant, after which a special seal is glued, which comes as standard.
7. The panel installed in the hole, with a light pressure of the hands, shrinks until the edges fit snugly against the wooden tabletop. Silicone is pre-applied along the border, ensuring reliable sealing of the connection. Press on the hob very carefully, especially when it is made of glass. Important! The panel must lie evenly on the surface of the countertop; otherwise, when installing heavy dishes, it may break.
8. At the final stage of installation, the cooking surface is carefully secured to the countertop with metal clamps. They are installed from the bottom of the panel, the housing is firmly fixed. Excess silicone protruding above the surface is carefully removed with a sharp knife. When an oven is placed under the kitchen panel, a thermal insulation layer is required.

The following videos demonstrate how to install a hob into a wooden countertop:

Installing the hob on the countertop.

How to properly install a hob into a kitchen countertop

Stylish kitchen and black appliances

Black appliances are relevant for many areas, especially for those that are characterized by contrast or roughness.

For example, for Scandinavian style. Contrast, embodied in the combination of black and white, is one of its key features. Therefore, here, as a rule, white kitchens are equipped with black appliances, but they can also be adjacent to gray facades.

Art Deco and modern classic styles also gravitate towards achromatic contrast. In such kitchens, as in Scandinavian ones, black appliances are complemented by white work walls.

The industrial style (aka loft) is distinguished by its roughness. Contrast is not fundamental to this trend, so in industrial kitchens, black appliances dilute the usually dark or medium-dark furniture.

Self-connection of a gas hob

Installation work is similar to the previous method. You will need the following tool:

• adjustable wrench;
• jigsaw with a set of blades;
• hose;
• winding;
• level;
• silicone;
• pencil.

The cut in the countertop is carried out in a similar way; according to the shape, size of the room and model of the stove, the most suitable place for its installation is selected. If there is an oven lighting lamp, electric ignition, gas control, etc. A socket is installed at a safe distance. After which the panel is inserted into the prepared hole, a rubber or steel corrugated hose is connected to it, connected to the inlet tap of the gas pipeline.

The tightness is checked with a soap solution, which is applied to the connection, and if the appearance of bubbles or foam is not observed, then everything is in order. After which the performance of the burners themselves is checked. By turning the knob, the gas is opened, a match is brought in, there should be no popping noises.

Important! Using a level, you need to set the hob perfectly level, which will avoid any distortions and subsequent errors during use.

What other details need to be paid attention to in a black and white kitchen interior?

In addition to the main objects of a black and white kitchen, there are also additional ones. This includes textiles, decor, lighting.

Use of textiles

Fabric accessories used in the kitchen include tulle and thick curtains, decorative covers for chairs or pillows, potholders, towels and napkins. If the kitchen is dominated by a white shade, then it is better that all textiles are of the opposite tone. It will dilute the atmosphere and make it brighter and stricter.

Comfortable Roman blinds for a black kitchen Source sense-life.com

Black and white curtains for windows in a black kitchen Source design-homes.ru

For rooms where black shade dominates, it is better to give preference to fabric parts of a light, perhaps beige, shade.

Decoration

Kitchen decor is a very capricious element. It is important to distribute it moderately. Small antique dishes that you do not use should be placed on shelves covered with transparent glass.

Decorative candlesticks in a black kitchen Source domoholic.ru

If you have a large dining table, then place a chic napkin holder in its center that matches the style. A glass vase with artificial vegetation or beaded decor will look beautiful here. Such flowerpots can be placed on a hanging set if the space between the ceiling and the cabinet allows.

Lighting

In a room with a predominant black color, lighting fixtures must be positioned correctly. The installation of spotlights and a central closed lamp is encouraged. Please note that the color of the glow should be warm and pleasant: yellow or soft white.

Functional lighting in a black kitchen Source subscribe.ru

Immediately give up saturated daylight lamps. When spending a long time in the kitchen, they quickly tire your eyes. This kind of lighting is depressing.