Choosing the best electric hob in 2020

Built-in household appliances are becoming more and more popular every year. Appliances mounted directly into furniture allow you to save space, achieve general external harmony in the interior and acquire a "helper" capable of satisfying any culinary needs. The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" offer you an overview of the best electric hobs for the home in 2020.

What is a hob?

A hob is a household kitchen appliance whose main function is to cook and heat food. This unit, as a rule, is an ultra-thin (from 3 to 6 cm) modern case that can work as a stand-alone device or serve as an addition to the oven, for which the structure is built into the tabletop in any convenient place, but in compliance with certain rules.

Next, we will consider the main parameters that will help answer the question of how to choose a hob.

Main selection criteria

Device type

Hobs are:

• Electrical. Most often they are made of glass ceramics. Installed in apartments, as well as in houses where there is no centralized gas supply. The peculiarity of models of this type is an electric heating element;
• Gas. They are a unit with gas burners that have different capacities. Such devices are suitable for private houses or cottages where a gas main is laid;
• Combined. Gas-electric model combining both electric and gas burners into a single structure in a ratio of 2/2 or 1/3. A universal option for a house that is not connected to a gas pipeline and you have to use cylinders, and in their absence, electricity;
• Induction. The latest generation hobs, also powered by electricity. Heating occurs due to the magnetic field created by the induction coil, due to which the dishes themselves are heated, and the hob surface remains cold. Nothing burns or sticks to such a stove, but you can only use cast iron or enameled steel dishes.

Material

The working surface of the hob can be cast iron, enameled, steel, glass-ceramic or tempered glass.

The enamel is distinguished by its durability and democratic prices, but it is difficult to clean it from contamination - particles of burnt food, spilled liquid, a drop of fat. Also, over time, the enamel can become covered with scratches. Such models are most often white, black, beige or brown.

Cast iron devices have the same disadvantages as enameled ones. Of the advantages, cast iron panels are the most inexpensive.

Stainless steel units require special care - specialized cleaning agents that can remove plaque and fingerprints, which are easily left and stand out brightly on the surface of the stove. The popularity of stainless steel models is due to the fact that they look harmoniously against the background of almost any kitchen set.

Glass-ceramic is a material that is easy to clean and also scratches easily. Electric heating elements are placed under the glass ceramic sheet. Therefore, it is necessary to constantly monitor that during boiling the liquid does not spill over the sides of the stove and does not get on the hot burner, as this can damage the heating element. Another option, called "gas on glass" - a glass-ceramic surface with the addition of a layer of tempered glass is combined with gas burners.

Installation and control method

According to the method of installation, the panels are dependent and independent.

The first group includes models that do not have their own switches for the burners, and are controlled using the oven. This combination will be convenient if you build an oven under the hob.

The independent cooker has its own control system and functions separately from other kitchen appliances. The location of the cooker is independent of the location of the oven, and therefore installation is much easier and faster.

The control unit for a freestanding device can be mechanical or touch-sensitive. In the first case, the switches are rotary, that is, they are ordinary rotary knobs. Most often they are installed on gas models. A separate type is recessed toggle switches, which exclude accidental activation of the stove. Ideal for families with small children.

The touch switches are characterized by ease of use - with one touch you can turn on the desired hotplate and select the degree of heating. Touch control can be push-button or slider - with a visual representation of the workflow adjustment.

Types and number of burners

The burners in the hob can be of the following types:

• Express - most often installed in gas devices and is intended for quick heating of food. Its main difference and advantage is its high power. At the moment of switching on, the burner starts working at full strength, and after reaching the desired temperature, the power decreases;
• WOK - designed for the corresponding deep wok pan, which is most often used for quick frying;
• Grill - thick grill with a ribbed surface, installed over the heating element;
• Hi Light - fast heating zone, which occurs due to special corrugated belts;
• Double and triple crown - burners with two and three rows of flame;
• Halogen - also has increased power, quickly heats up and cools down thanks to the built-in high-temperature spring, which is connected to the halogen lamp;
• Double-circuit and three-circuit - allow you to adjust the diameter of the heating area to a smaller or larger side, depending on the size of the pan or saucepan;
• Ceramic - they quickly heat up and are easily cleaned, however, if a boiling liquid enters a still not cooled element, a crack may form;
• With an oval heating zone - they allow using a switch to activate an additional section in the heating element, which turns a round burner into an oval one.

As a rule, four burners are installed on cooking structures, but on the market you can find two- and three-burner appliances, as well as modified models with six heating elements.

Power (for electrical panels)

It can be maximum and nominal.

Most modern electrical designs are rated at 2000 to 5000 watts. The higher this indicator, the faster the food is prepared and heated.

The rated power determines the number of kW that the device will need to operate in standard load mode.

Ignition method (for gas or combined installations)

The electric ignition function means that the flame in gas burners is ignited using an electrically cut spark. Thus, there is no need to strike a match every time.

Electric ignition can be automatic and mechanical. In the first case, the stove turns on when the switch is pressed. In the second, after turning the handle, you must additionally press a special button.

Overview of additional options

For gas models:

• Gas monitoring - gas monitoring of burners ensures safe operation of equipment. In the event that the flame goes out, the gas supply is automatically stopped.

For electrical appliances:

• The boil detector is a sensor installed under the burner that monitors the degree of heating of the dishes and reduces the power at the right time;
• Automatic shutdown - means that the device automatically turns off when it overheats or due to downtime for a certain time;
• Heat indicator light - a light that lights up at the moment the burner is turned on and stays on until the heating element cools down to a temperature safe for humans;
• Panel lock - a button that blocks the switching on of the burners and protects against accidental switching on of the device;
• Pause mode - a function that allows you to switch all elements to keep warm;
• Sensory crockery recognition - sensors that monitor the presence and size of the crockery for automatic selection of the heating width;
• Timer - beeps or turns off the hotplate after a specified time.

General:

• Decorative elements - a frame that surrounds the working area of ​​the device, due to which it rises slightly above the table surface. If the frame is not provided in the model, then the structure is built in flush with the table;
• The location of the control unit can be in front or on the side. Customer reviews suggest that most users find it more convenient and familiar if the control unit is in front. But at the same time, the controls located on the side are less prone to dirt and more durable.
• Domino design - implies a combination of several modules, for example, combining electric and gas panels with the addition of various additional components - grill, deep fat fryer, Hi Light zone.

Advantages and disadvantages

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Main technical characteristics

room	Specifications	Recommendations
1	Manufacturer	Popular models of cookers of the middle price category and premium class are produced by leading European manufacturers - firms from Germany, Italy, France. The best manufacturers of less expensive devices are DARINA, Fornelli, LEX (Russia), GEFEST (Belarus), MAUNFELD (UK), Whirlpool (USA).
2	A type	There are electric, gas and gas-electric (combined) models. There is also a separate category of electric hobs - induction, the advantage of which is high performance. Plus, an induction cooker consumes less electricity than a conventional one. But it also costs more.
3	Material	For the manufacture of a hob, cast iron, enamel, corrosion-resistant steel, glass ceramics or heat-resistant (tempered) glass can be used.
4	Number of burner holes	Possibly from 2 to 6 heating elements. The most common option is 4 burners.
5	Installation	Technique can be dependent or independent. In the first case, the device is connected to the oven and functions at its expense. The independent unit works autonomously and does not need additional equipment.
6	Control method	Mechanical - by means of rotary handles, which can also be recessed for greater safety. Or electronic - due to touch buttons or a slider on the LCD.
7	Price	For the price, hobs differ depending on the functionality and technical capabilities. The average price of a multifunctional panel is 27,000 rubles, the cost of an inexpensive model is 12,000 rubles.

Rating of quality models in 2020

Electrolux IPE-6443-KF

Elegant induction electric model in black with electronic control and independent installation. The width for embedding is 56x49 cm. The control unit is located at the front. The power is 7.2 kW. The range of cooking devices of this brand is produced at a factory in Germany.

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Bosch PKF-651-FP1E

Independent electrical installation in laconic black with ceramic hob holes. The size for embedding is 56x49 centimeters. The functionality of the device allows you to cook and reheat food as quickly as possible. Using the display, it is easy to track the amount of electricity consumed Childproof lock and a separate timer for each hotplate make the appliance extremely safe to use. Power in standard load mode is 6.9 kW. The control unit is located at the front.

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Gorenje IT-65-KRB

Electric cooker of independent installation with glass-ceramic surface and beautiful graphic design. The dimensions for embedding are 56x49 centimeters. The power of the device with a standard load is 7.1 kW. The control unit is at the front.

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Kuppersberg SA-45VT-02

Compact electric independent model with ceramic hobs and a rated power of 4.7 kW. The control unit is at the front. The burners differ in diameter - one for large dishes, one for a coffee pot and two for medium sizes. This model is the perfect solution for connoisseurs of eclectic style.

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Siemens EA645GMA1E

Electric cooker with dependent setting, ceramic hob holes and a rated power of 7.1 kW. The work surface is finished in black, the frame is silver. Embedding parameters - 56x49 centimeters.

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Indesit VIA-630S-C

A practical and convenient independent electrical appliance. A good option for a family of 2-3 people. Cleaning is quick and easy. Due to the difference in diameter of the burners, there is no need to buy special cookware.

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Zigmund & Shtain CNS-139.45-BX

Electrical appliance with independent installation and ceramic heaters. The size for embedding is 42x49 centimeters. The power of the device with a standard load is 4.6 kW. The control unit is at the front.

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AEG HK-63420-RXB

Electric independent induction model with a rated power of 7.4 kW from a brand that is known as a premium appliance manufacturer. The device is very easy to mount. The color of the working area is black, the frames are silver. There is also a metal collar to protect against spillage.

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Review of inexpensive hobs up to 15 thousand rubles.

Candy CH-63-CT

Self-contained electric model with ceramic heating elements and a maximum power of 5.5 kW. The control unit is located at the front. Three-phase connection possible. Embedding parameters - 56x49 centimeters. The height of the structure is 5 cm.

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Hansa BHCI-35133030

Silver-edged black two-burner electric model with independent installation and a power of 3 kW at standard load. The parameters for embedding are 26x48 cm, the height of the structure is 4 centimeters.

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Bosch NKN-645-G17

Practical electrical panel with dependent control panel and rated power 7.8 kW. The work surface is finished in black with a silver frame on the sides. Embedding parameters - 56x49 centimeters.

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Fornelli PVA-45-Fidato

An independent electrical device that is perfect for a small kitchen, with a power of 5 kW at a standard load. A separate timer can be set for each heating zone. The kit includes a scraper for cleaning. The construction is distinguished by a non-standard fashionable design. The parameters of the niche for embedding the device are 42x49 centimeters.

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Kuppersberg ICO-301

Autonomous electric cooker with a rated power of 3.5 kW. The functionality of the device allows you to briefly increase the power to the maximum limit, which provides very fast heating. The electronic unit is located at the front. Niche parameters for embedding equipment are 27x50 centimeters.

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Hotpoint-Ariston HR-632-B

An independent autonomous device powered by electricity. Rated power 6.2 kW. Convenient to install and connect. Niche parameters for embedding equipment - 56x49 centimeters.

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Selection errors

When buying, it is important to carefully consider the choice of equipment and pay attention to the following nuances:

• "Vstroika" can be installed in the countertop anywhere, but at a distance from the wall or other furniture not less than 10-15 centimeters for gas appliances and 4-6 cm for electrical units. Therefore, it is worth carefully considering how to use the available space most efficiently;
• When buying, first of all, one should take into account not the dimensions of the device, but the parameters of the niche for embedding;
• When choosing a design and color, it is not necessary to "tie" a new technique to the one already in the kitchen - bold combinations attract the eye;
• There are ready-made modular panels ("Domino" design) that combine 3 or more different burners, for example, grill areas, woks, roasteries. But you can assemble a modular structure to order, with all the necessary functions. This option will cost significantly more, but at the same time, it will give you the opportunity to realize all your culinary desires;
• If the built-in hob for some reason does not work, then it will be practically impossible to return it back to the store, so you should make sure in advance that the device can function in a particular house or apartment. You should not only consult with the sellers, but also carefully read the technical description, understand the special terms and explore the hidden features that each device has. For example, the control system - some sensors are impervious to moisture and are able to function normally even if you press the buttons with wet hands, while others break at the slightest ingress of liquid. You should pay special attention to such moments.

Which panel is better to buy - electric or gas?

The advantages of electric cookers include a timer, which eliminates the need to timing, a residual heat sensor that controls the degree of heating and cooling, and a button lock function, which makes the stove safe for children and animals.

However, not in all settlements, the voltage of the power grid is stable, and sometimes there is a blackout. Or another option is possible - too little voltage due to the massive connection of powerful equipment, which is especially pronounced in the winter season, when people turn on heaters and electric boilers. In addition, power surges can adversely affect the performance and durability of the appliance. In this regard, the gas model is more practical. In addition, cooking over an open flame helps to preserve the maximum amount of nutrients in the dish. The disadvantages of gas appliances include the appearance of a sticky coating on the working surface due to substances formed during the combustion process, as well as the danger of gas leakage if there is no gas control function.

When deciding which company the panel is better to buy, you should not focus exclusively on foreign manufacturers. In recent years, many Russian brands have experienced a period of intensive development, thanks to which their products are being improved. And although domestic firms cannot yet catch up with European competitors, the models of such brands as DARINA, Fornelli, LEX (Russia), as well as GEFEST (Belarus) deserve attention. The best multifunctional models are produced by Electrolux and Asko (Sweden), Siemens, AEG, Korting, Bosch (Germany), Kuppersberg, Indesit, Hotpoint-Ariston (Italy), Zigmund & Shtain (France), Gorenje (Slovenia).

If you have experience using the hobs described in the rating, or a more interesting model, tell us about it in the comments.