Gas hob 4 hobs how to choose

If it's time to change a worn out or hopelessly obsolete physical and moral gas stove, many owners nowadays prefer not to purchase a new model of the same, traditional layout, combined with an oven. More and more people are making a choice in favor of hobs, because of their aesthetics, compactness, ease of use and ease of maintenance.

Such kitchen appliances for many are still new, and not everyone knows what parameters should choose the right model, what interesting functionality can be incorporated into such a product. In order to at least partly fill the gap in such information, the subject of today's publication is the gas hob 4 cooking plates how to choose what to pay attention to, so that the "new thing" does not cause annoying disappointment, became a true assistant to the owners and at the same time "worked" also with a stylish decoration of the kitcheninterior.

Main advantages of hobs in front of gas stoves

Perhaps those people who in their entire adult life are accustomed exclusively to the kitchenit will not be easy to "get out of the way" so that they overcome the "threshold of distrust" to the household appliances of the new generation. And first they need to get acquainted with the advantages that the gas cooker gives to its owners:

• The first thing that comes to mind is saving the useful space of the kitchen. To tell the truth, it is far not in all families it is often accepted to use an oven, and it at times turns to a banal storage for not used pans. When using the hob, if there is no need in the oven, the space under the countertop can be useful as a place for installing other built-in appliances, for example, a dishwasher. If the oven is still in demand, then the functional electric model can be placed both in the classical layout, from below, and in any other place convenient for the hostess.

• . When installing a conventional gas cooker between her and the kitchen furniture on the left-hand side, there is always a gap. No matter how you seal this space, dust, mud, fat accumulations, which are a nutrient medium for insects or microflora, begin to accumulate there. In case of hooking the hob into the countertop, a similar problem can not simply arise.
• The owners have much more opportunities for self-planning kitchen space, as choosing a suitable place for a flat panel is much easier than for bulky slabs. In principle, it can be any convenient area that meets the existing security rules. Such a question, of course, will require some coordination with the gas service, but the problem is quite solvable.

• perfectly fits in. Caring for a table top gas cooker is always much easier than for a bulky stove.

• Modern gas cooker models are equipped with very convenient controls and reliable emergency protection systems.
• Perhaps, due to "sophistication" gas cookers and inferior to electrical analogs, but they are less inert: reaction to changes in the intensity of the flame or its shutdown is almost instantaneous. A person who has used gas stoves all his life will not have to break his habits and the methods used to prepare certain dishes, but only the cooking process will become even easier.
• Finally, no one, probably, will dispute that the interior of the kitchen with the hob always looks much more accurate, and the panels themselves are much nicer than the obsolete plates.

So, the merits - a whole "bouquet", but significant shortcomings, perhaps, even immediately and not visible. The absence of an oven, as already mentioned, can easily be compensated if desired by installing a convenient electric oven. And according to the price level, many hobs are quite affordable, do not exceed the usual "classical" layouts.

What is appreciated when choosing a gas hob?

Type of gas hob

First of all, you should determine if the need for a hob, and if there is - it will be installed in the usual way - under the hob, or anywhere else in the kitchen. From this, the final choice of the desired model may depend. The fact is that all hobs are divided into dependent and independent.

• Dependent - a relatively small group of models. They can not be installed and operate separately - it is required to install a wind-powered electrical cabinet directly underneath it, with the necessary switching between them for general control. Moreover, some dependent gas panels do not even have their own control elements = - they are carried to the front panel of the oven.

controls Naturally, both devices are executed in a single design style, and their installation provides a complete "ensemble".

Independent gas hobs are the most common, and are much more popular with consumers, as they can be installed at their own discretion, the only thing is that they are tied to a gas pipe. If there is no need in the oven, then the question is generally simplified to the limit. But even if the oven is needed - to such a panel it is possible to pick up any independent model, based on personal preferences, functionality and affordability. And install the oven is also allowed in any place convenient for use. In this case, even there is no need for the devices to be the same manufacturer.

Dimensions of the hob

It should be assumed that if the owner of the apartment has thought about buying a hob, then it roughly assumes the place of its installation and has information about the possible size of the area of ​​the countertop allocated for it. Hence it is necessary to build on.

Most of the four-hobs are made in a standard size - about 600 mm on the front and 520 ÷ 530 mm in depth. Dimensions can vary by 5 ÷ 10 mm in one direction or another, and this usually depends on the placement of the panel control panel - front or side.

four-burner gas cooker These dimensions make it possible to perfectly fit the panel into a standard 600 mm deep worktop, leaving the required 50 mm gap between the device and the wall of the room.

However, such dimensions are not at all a rule without exception. For example, for a narrow countertop, it is possible to select a gas cooktop, in which all four cooking zones are arranged in one row. The depth of such a model can be as low as 350 ÷ 400 mm, naturally, due to the increase in length along the front - it reaches up to 1000 ÷ 1100 mm. It looks like a hob - very original, and fits perfectly into the "small format" countertops.

Those who are not sorry to give extra money for the "vintage", may come to taste the original model of a completely unusual curvilinear shape. Convenience of use from this did not suffer - all the burners and controls - as in the palm of your hand.

Above in the illustration it was shown how it is possible to fit a hob of a typical size into the corner of the kitchen. But, in addition, if you want, you can buy a model specifically designed for angular placement. Probably, it is not necessary to explain how effective space is effectively saved in this case.

But that's not all. Recently, hobs, manufactured on the basis of the "domino" principle, are rapidly gaining popularity. Models of this type generally open before the owners unprecedented opportunities in the planning and rational use of the kitchen workspace.

Domino cooktops are a modular system. Each section has a depth of 500 m, and the width is usually about 300 mm. The module can be equipped with two conventional gas burners, one, but with increased power. A combined version is possible, when one burner is gas, and the second one is electric.

Other interesting domino modules are also available that can optimize the working space of the kitchen to the maximum and create conditions for cooking the most unusual dishes: deep fryers, braziers, grills with grill, steamers, baking sheets, etc. There are sections with a built-in hood and even a food processor.

The location of the modules is determined by the host himself. They can be installed close to each other - for this purpose special mounting straps are used.

If desired, they can be spread over the surface of the countertop at a certain distance. Nothing interferes with the time, after the first experience of using, to exchange sections with meta, there to reach the most comfortable for the owners of their location.

Similarly, you can assemble a hob of any configuration with the required number and types of gas burners and other useful options.

Material for manufacturing the front surface of the

Panel The choice of panels for the consumers is made of different materials - this affects the appearance of the device, its cost and, of course, the special features of the care.

• The most "budget" options are brewed steel panels with enamel coating. They are presented in a rich tinted variety, that is, it is possible to select them for the overall color design of the kitchen. In addition to the usual gloss enamel, powder paints can also be used, giving the surfaces a pronounced matte effect.

These coatings are sufficiently resistant, but require certain handling and maintenance rules. Thus, the chips of the enamel are not excluded with a strong impact, for example, because of the level of heavy dishes, and any chip can eventually become a "nest" for the development of corrosion.

Special care is required when cleaning surfaces - abrasion may scratch the surface. If by chance on the surface of the panel there was a fire products, it often ends in a pronounced darkening of the enamel.

Advantages - low price and a wide choice of color design.

Hobs with a stainless steel surface are widely used. They have a pronounced metallic luster, which fits well, probably, in any style of the interior. They can be in glossy( polished) or matte finish.

Scratching stainless steel with abrasive action is already much more difficult. Accented impact is also not so terrible - maybe just a small dent. But as a drawback it can be noted that on such a surface, even insignificant impurities, even from dried wet spots or fingerprints, always stand out very well. To care for such panels it is recommended to purchase special detergents, and cleaning should be done often enough.

Many stainless steel hobs also belong to the category of relatively inexpensive devices available to most customers.

• Very nice look ceramic hobs from glass ceramics. However, you need to be prepared to pay a very decent amount. And this, by the way, is not entirely justified.

Yes, these panels look very impressive - they are given a deep color, sometimes a certain pattern is applied. They are easy to clean - all dirt is easily removed from the surface. But in itself, glass ceramics, rather, designed for other purposes - it has a high thermal conductivity, so it is widely used for electric hobs. And in the case of gas burners, this quality remains absolutely unrequited, and the extra spending will be directed only at providing an impressive kind.

Of course, the use of such panels requires caution from the owners - a strong blow can lead to a chip or the appearance of a crack, especially on the edge of the surface. There is another very important drawback - glass ceramics "inadequately" reacts to burning sugar - to clear such a stain if it hits the panel will be extremely difficult, as it is literally "soldered" into the surface.

• An alternative to glass-ceramics, which is almost inferior in appearance, but more cost-effective, are tempered glass panels( the commonly used term "gas on glass" is often used).

Care for these panels, especially with the use of special tools - is very simple. Many variants of design are put on sale, single-color or with the put drawing. The only thing that needs to be considered, of course, is that the glass is tempered, but it is not necessary to subject it to imprudence by impact, since it does not exclude the appearance of a chip or crack.

Type, shape and arrangement of gas burners

As a rule, gas cookers are equipped with different types of burners.

• The most common are conventional burners, giving one crown of flame. They can differ in diameter, and, accordingly, produced by the thermal power of gas combustion. Although, there are also models with crowns in the form of a quadrilateral. It looks original, but does not carry any special functionality.

• Very convenient burners of increased thermal power, with several crowns of flame - they allow very quickly to heat large dishes of large volume, after which it can be rearranged to a conventional burner. In addition, models of panels equipped with WOK-burner are in demand. In it, in addition to several rows of flames, there is a stand of a special shape, for dishes with a spherical bottom. It is very convenient for preparing a whole range of dishes, especially typical for oriental cuisine.

• If a family likes to cook dishes from poultry or fish in a special, elongated bowl, then it makes sense to choose a panel with an appropriate elliptical cooking zone. Preparation on it will ensure a uniform warming throughout the bottom area.

• There are grill bars - they have a special grill on top of them, directly onto which the products are put for appropriate cooking.
• Not very common, due to the complexity of the design and the high price, but very convenient to use gas hobs spiral configuration.

helical configuration. In them, the adjustment of the required heat output is carried out not only by the height of the flame tongues, but also by the length of the engaged "spiral", as shown in the illustration.

When buying a hob, it makes sense to pay attention to the material and the type of lattice( stand for dishes).Preference is usually given to cast-iron elements, as more durable and reliable. Steel gratings simply win at a lower cost. Lattices can be solid, that is, the entire panel, divided into a group of hotplates, or to each of them separately. Large grilles seem to be more stable, but care for individual stands is still much easier - you can always remove a specific one that requires cleaning without touching the others.

Some models may include several different grilles - for installing utensils of non-standard configuration.

The location of gas burners can also be different. Mama is a common scheme - along the vertices of a rectangle. Examples of the linear arrangement have already been given above. Another fairly common scheme - a diamond-shaped arrangement, as shown in the illustration.

On the one hand, it seems to be convenient. But if you read reviews of users who have purchased a panel of this type, you can meet and critical remarks. So, when installing large dishes on the side burners, there is very little space for simultaneous use of the front. And access to the back and visual control over her work becomes almost impossible.

Control of the gas hob and additional functionality of the

• The vast majority of gas hobs are equipped with familiar and convenient controls - cylinder handles for each burner. But there are also "heaped" models, with touch control and electronic indication of operating modes. Is it worth the considerable additional costs - a controversial issue.

• Almost all modern models are equipped with the function of electric burner flame burners. Around the burners are mounted spark plugs, which ensure the supply of a spark when the gas is switched on. Here there are two possible options:

- The fire is produced by a separate button( with a key, etc.).In this case, the user opens the gas supply to the burner with one hand, and the second manages the ignition function.

- The ignition spark is created automatically when the gas is opened on a specific burner. Of course, this approach is more convenient, but it already costs a little more.

• The increased safety when operating the hob provides the presence of a flame monitoring system. In the event of fire fading( because of the boiled liquid, a sharp rush in the draft, a temporary interruption in the supply of gas from the pipeline, etc.), a sensor will trigger that will command the shutdown of the electromagnetic gas valve.

Some models are equipped with the function of maintaining the combustion, that is, repojig. In the event of flame attenuation, the automatics will try to re-ignite it, but if the attempt fails, the gas supply will still be blocked.

• A useful option is built-in overheating protection. For example, the automatics will react to the fact that in the pot or kettle the water boils completely, a sharp rise in temperature begins, and cuts off the gas supply.
• Do not neglect the built-in function of protection against unauthorized intervention in the operation of the gas panel. If the house has children or people with inadequate behavior, then the included protection function will prevent the consequences of careless manipulations with the controls of the device.
• Models with built-in timer are in demand. The simplest of them will just give a sound signal about the expiration of the set interval of time. More complex and convenient - they are able to switch off the gas supply on their own in a timely manner.
• Modern models with electronic control are capable of executing host programs - independently change the intensity of the flame in one direction or another to the required level. Often there is the possibility of making such programs in the panel memory - for cooking according to the already established, tested algorithm.

As can be seen from the above, although gas hobs are inferior in terms of automation level, many useful functions are realized in them.

Leading producers of gas hobs and a brief overview of

models Gas hobs in stores are mostly represented by European models, although South Korean products have also earned a good reputation.

One of the recognized leaders in this field is the company AEG, the developers of which always pay special attention to ensuring maximum safety of operation. For fans of stylish solutions the "Kuppersberg" technique, which is usually referred to the category of elite products, is well suited.are very popular, due to the affordability and variety of models, both for materials of manufacture, and for functional equipment, the gas panels of the company "Gorenje".Traditionally, the products of the famous "heavyweights" "Ariston", "Bosch", "Siemens", "Zanussi", "Kaiser", "Electrolux" are famous for their quality and reliability. The highest ratings were awarded to the gas hobs Hansa, Zigmund &Shtain »,« Samsung »,« Rolsen »,« Whirlpool », with a huge variety of models presented by them.

The table below shows several popular models - this will help the reader to choose the appropriate option based on the ratio of the material of manufacture, functionality and the average cost of various gas hobs.

Model name, illustration	Brief description of the model	Average price level, rub.(April 2016)
«HOTPOINT-ARISTON 7HPC 640 N WH»	Inexpensive model, with a minimum set of functions. Enamelled steel surface. 4 hotplates with a diamond-shaped arrangement. Electric electric ignition - automatic. The system "gas control" is not provided. Dimensions: 590 × 510 × 33 mm.	9300
«Zanussi ZGG 67411 XA»	The model of economy class, made of stainless steel. 4 burners "classic" arrangement. Control panel - moved to the right side. Electric ignition with a separate button. The system "gas control" is not provided. Lattice - steel solid. Dimensions: 580 × 500 × 36 mm.	8400
«Gorenje G 6N41 ZSB»	Independent gas hob with 4 burners. Enamelled steel, color - black. The classic arrangement of burners. Presence of an express burner with two flame crowns. Automatic ignition, gas-control system. Cast iron grilles. Dimensions 580 × 510 × 107 mm.	14300
«Electrolux EGT 96342 YK»	Independent gas cooking surface made of tempered glass. Electric electric ignition, "gas control" function, the option of maintaining a minimum flame. Cast iron grilles. Dimensions: 590 × 520 mm.	17400
"Zigmund &Shtain MN 74.61 B »	Stylish model of tempered glass. 4 burners, including one - with a triple flame crown. Automatic electric ignition, "gas control", the function of re-ignition. Cast iron supports for each burner. Dimensions 600 × 510 mm.	18700
"Bosch PPP616M91E"	Modern model of tempered glass. Automatic ignition, "gas control", protection against overheating, protection from children. Main sensor switch. Original wide cast iron grilles - individual for each burner. Dimensions 590 × 520 × 103 mm	23500
«SIEMENS ER626PB70R»	Independent gas panel, glass-ceramic. Automatic ignition, gas-control, repo-jig and overheat protection systems. Built-in timer and digital indicator of residual heat. Cast iron grilles. Dimensions 600 × 520 mm.	43000

And at the end of the publication - a video with recommendations on the selection of hobs for modern kitchen:

Video: useful tips for choosing a hob for the kitchen