Electric hob - making the right choice

Traditional household appliances today are losing their rightful place in the kitchen with more modern appliances - this is a built-in hob with a separate arrangement, for example, in the countertop of the kitchen unit. Some skeptics claim that this is just a fashionable trend, but they are wrong: every housewife wants to save space and increase the speed and efficiency of cooking in order to have free time for other things.

Some users have a rather vague idea of ​​such a fashionable household appliance, and to fix this, we suggest reading this article.

Differences, advantages and disadvantages

The main differences between new generation electric panels and gas analogues:

1. High security. There is no open flame, combustion products, oxygen does not burn out in the room.
2. Functioning mode - some modern models have up to 10 different modes.
3. Induction panels have the highest heating rate among all types of stoves.
4. Residual heat or inertia - after turning off the burners, they cool down for a long time, so you can leave the dish in the languishing mode.
5. Efficiency is the highest value in induction of 90% or more, and electric models occupy a middle position.

Combined products with gas and electric burners are very popular.

Like every technique, electric panels have their pros and cons, first we list the advantages:

1. Silent work, no soot on the dishes.
2. Convenience and easy use even with mechanical control with rotary switches.
3. Aesthetics of appearance - there are no lattices and rough switches, everything is concise and quite stylish.
4. Hot plates or heating zones smoothly transfer heat to the dishes, but with an enviable speed - this is the difference between induction models.
5. Large assortment - you can choose not only the type of heating elements, but also the color scheme for the interior of the kitchen.
6. The glass-ceramic surface has dedicated heating zones, where the transfer of thermal energy is carried out, and the rest of the surface does not heat up.

Cons are few, but they are still present:

• increased consumption of electric energy;
• for models with burners, side heating of the working plate occurs, which is fraught with burns for users;
• a long time for heating the burners - cast iron heats up to 5 minutes, ceramics a little faster.

Water in a teapot or pan boils only after 10 minutes at least, however, this figure is much higher for glass-ceramic panels, not to mention induction options.

Features

Modern electric panels are not inferior in efficiency to gas analogues in anything, and glass-ceramic or induction model is much superior in all respects. Management allows you to accurately set the temperature with its smooth change, and installation and maintenance is much simpler.

Dependent and Independent Panels

The independent hob has its own control and can be installed anywhere, and not above the oven. If it has common control with the oven, then it must be placed directly above the latter - this is a dependent option. The first view allows you to set the oven at chest level, so that it is convenient to work with it and observe the process of cooking products.

Many buyers do not know how to choose a hob and oven so that they are compatible with each other - the instructions state which models it can work with clearly, so you won’t have any problems with this, contact a technical consultant in case of difficulty the store.

Material

Modern panels are made of various materials and you need to know them before you go shopping to make a choice at home in a relaxed atmosphere.

Enamel

Such a coating is typical for budget models that have several color schemes: the standard is white or brown, and black enamel is rare. Enameled coating withstands heating up to 800 degrees, but is afraid of mechanical stress. They are produced by hot enameling or a polymer coating is used, which is not so fragile, but has a short life and is afraid of exposure to detergents with acid.

Aluminum

This coating is characterized by plates of an inexpensive segment, it withstands any temperature, is not afraid of shock. For maintenance, do not use detergents with solid abrasive particles to avoid the appearance of small scratches that worsen the appearance.

Stainless steel

This coating is widely used due to its durability and resistance to external influences; it is available in a glossy and matte look. Gives the product a certain chic and excellent appearance, does not require special care.

Glass ceramic

This is the most expensive coating, but it looks stylish and beautiful. It is easy to clean, but afraid of pinpoint strikes. Abrasive particles can leave scratches, therefore only care products specially developed for this material are used.

The dimensions of the panels can be different: the narrow model has a width of only 45 cm, some manufacturers produce wide panels with one row of burners and a shallow depth, the width can be 90 cm or more.

Control panel

It can be of two types: mechanical or sensory. The first option is the simplest - just turn the switch knob to activate the burner or heating zone. The second one is more modern, points are indicated on the control panel, clicking on which you turn on the heating zone. The touch type of control is good because the panel is convenient to wash, but if something fails, it is much more difficult to repair than a rotary switch.

Additional options

Such functions greatly increase the comfort and safety of the product, allowing you to use the panel in full:

• automatic shutdown when liquid enters the heating zone;
• the programmed timer informs the end of the process with an audible signal and turns off the panel;
• blocking from the intervention of children will not allow activation of the panel
• overheating protection protects the product from elevated temperatures;
• digital display enhances usability.

When choosing a model, it is not necessary to take into account that she was a participant in a prestigious competition, such as the rating of 2019 and took an honorable place, as a rule, these products are much more expensive.

The best hobs

We present to you a register of excellent models, but we warn that this is not a rating of the most famous hobs, but a description of their technical capabilities, as well as advantages and disadvantages based on reviews from real users.

4 hotplates

Electronicsdeluxe 595 204.01evs

The average cost is 15.51 thousand ₽, independent installation, the power of 7.2 kW, dimensions 560x520x60 mm, weight 8.5 kg, 10 degrees of heating. Burners: two with a diameter of 160 mm / 1.2 kW, one medium 200 / 1.7 and the largest with two heating zones 230 / 3.1. Manufacturer Russia.
Quite sensitive touch sensors, separate control for burners, pleased with the presence of a timer with sound. It is very convenient to cook, elegant appearance, easy connection, glass-ceramic made in Japan, affordable price. Disadvantages: inconvenient management of child protection.

Electrolux EHG 96341 FK

Price from 26.86 thousandrubles, dimensions 590x520x55 mm, weight 9.72 kg. Burners with a total capacity of 6.6 kW: two - ceramics, two - induction, one of them bypass. Touch control, timer with sound notification, control panel lock, overheat protection.
Combined panel, ceramic burners for any dishes, induction requires a thick bottom, the timer helps to set the automatic cooking mode, which is very convenient. There is no frame around the perimeter - it is convenient to clean. Cons: very easily soiled surface, illogical arrangement of heating zones - infrared near the wall, and induction in front.

Bosch PIF645FB1E

The average cost is 33.18 thousand ₽, glass ceramics plus a stainless steel frame, dimensions 583x513x55 mm, weight 13 kg. Four heating zones: diameters —145, 180, 210 and with an extension of 180x180 to 280 mm, total power 7.4 kW. German quality, but made in Spain.
Convenient control, 17 temperature modes, quick warm-up with the Booster function, automatic shut-off in the presence of liquid on the panel, an audio timer for each zone, the panel does not work until it has full dishes. Effective protection against young cooks.

Hotpoint-Ariston IKIA 640 C

The price on the domestic market of Russia is from 19.9 thousand rubles, the color is standard black, weight 8.8 kg, dimensions 590x510x60 mm. The total power of the four heating zones is 7.2 kW, the Booster mode increases it by 300 W, diameter: two —145 mm, two 210 mm. Digital display, sound timer. Production Poland.
Beautiful, stylish design, high safety and easy use, heating takes place in a few seconds, while the surface itself does not heat up. Smart technology detects the presence of dishes and does not activate if it is empty. It fits very well in the interior, it’s easy to care for, but you need to use special detergents. No cons found.

MAUNFELD EVCE 594-BK

The model is sold at an average cost of 11.56 thousand ₽, dimensions 590x520x60 mm, four heating zones with a total capacity of 6.0 (2x1.8 plus 2x1.2) kW, a timer for each. There is a blocking of the control panel, adjustment of the degree of heating of 9 steps, blocking of the panel in case of moisture, automatic shutdown when there is a risk of overheating. A 3-year warranty is made under license from the English company MAUNFELD.
Inexpensive, very convenient model with quick heating and a durable hob, there is a timer, a protective shutdown from overheating, safe from unauthorized switching on by children. The heating zones are arranged so that large pots fit perfectly, which is important for a large family. There are no flaws.

Title	Electronicsdeluxe 595 204.01evs	Electrolux EHG 96341 FK	Bosch PIF645FB1E	Hotpoint-Ariston IKIA 640 C	MAUNFELD EVCE 594-BK
Installation	independent	independent	independent	independent	independent
Dimensions (WxD)	59 x 52 cm	59 x 52 cm	58.3 x 51.3 cm	59 x 51 cm	59 x 52 cm
Panel Material	glass ceramic	glass ceramic	glass ceramic	glass ceramic	glass ceramic
Total burners	4	4	4	4	4
Switches	sensory	sensory	sensory	sensory	sensory
Price	from 9500 rub.	from 31990 rub.	from 33 980 rub.	from 19990 rub.	from 12440 rub.

3 burners

Zigmund & Shtain CNS 139.45 BX

The average price today is 22.6 thousand ₽, black ceramic, three zones
heating total power of 4.6 kW, two of them with a double circuit. Weight 8.5 kg, dimensions 450x510x40 mm, 9 modes, touch control, sound timer. Production France.
Compact size, a wide range of functionality, automation to maintain the optimal cooking temperature, excellent quality of dishes. The controls are intuitive, two zones allow you to install custom-sized dishes. No flaws were found.

MAUNFELD MVCE 45.3HL.SZ BK

The average cost in Moscow is 17.89 thousand rubles, dimensions 520x450x62 mm, weight 10 kg. Three ceramic burners, power 4.8 (2x1.8 and 1x1.2) kW, protection against overheating, control lock from child intervention, timer, automatic shutdown. It is made in France.
The main advantage is the complete safety of the user during use, all zones are quickly warmed up, adjustable in 9 steps. There is a timer for offline cooking without constant supervision. Beautiful design - looks great in the kitchen. No claims to the manufacturer.

Candy CH 630 C

The average price is 15.49 thousand ₽, dimensions 560x490x54 mm, weight 12 kg, three heating zones: Hi Light type - 1.2, 1.8 and 2.5 kW. Type of control - frontal touch, network voltage 220-240 V. 12 months warranty, Turkish production.
Very convenient panel, 9 adjustment options, a large distance between the designated zones, you can cook at all at the same time. The control panel is located in front and away from the heating zone. Glass ceramics are made by the American company Corning - the world leader in this industry, there are practically no scratches from the pots, it is easy to clean. There are no cons.

Ardesia PE 45 FE1

The average cost is 21.9 thousand ₽, glass ceramics, dimensions 450x510x48 mm, nine levels of adjustment, there is a Heat up function (long heating), three heating zones with a diameter of mm / power kW 180 / 1.8, 140 / 1.2 and 140-210 / 0.75-1.1. Automatic shutdown during spillage. Production Italy.
Stylish, modern design, touch control, convenient adjustment of the degree of heating. Powerful and innovative model, self-cooking timer, intuitive interface. A burner with an expansion zone allows the use of non-standard cookware. The heating function allows you to keep pre-cooked dishes hot until the guests arrive - very convenient. No complaints.

Simfer H45E03M011

The average price is 7.89 thousand rubles, matte stainless steel, three cast iron burners: 1x80 / ​​0.45 and 2x145 / 1.0, where the first size is the diameter in mm, the second is the power in kW. Dimensions 445 x 520 x 93 mm, weight 6.5 kg, mechanical control, switch handles - chromed metal. Warranty for 5 years, production Turkey.
The original version of the matte stainless steel, a very convenient design for the garden - to cook well and easy to care. Cast-iron pancakes are made with high quality, dishes do not slip on them. A simple design model is suitable for use in a small city apartment where an elderly couple of pensioners lives - inexpensively, there is everything you need for cooking hot food. No flaws were found.

Title	Zigmund & Shtain CNS 139.45 BX	MAUNFELD MVCE 45.3HL.SZ BK	Candy CH 630 C	Ardesia PE 45 FE1	Simfer H45E03M011
Installation	independent	independent	independent	independent	independent
Dimensions (WxD)	45 x 51 cm	45 x 52 cm	59.7 x 51.3 cm	45 x 51 cm	45 x 50 cm
Panel Material	glass ceramic	glass ceramic	glass ceramic	glass ceramic	stainless steel
Total burners	3	3	3	3	3
Switches	sensory	sensory	sensory	sensory	rotary
Price	from 22599 rub.	from 17 890 rub.	from 12000 rub.	from 18930 rub.	from 7990 rub.

2 burners

Gorenje ECT 310 CSC

A uniquely narrow panel at an average price of 9,600 ₽, size 510x300x50 mm, two heating zones with a total capacity of 3 kW. The presence of automatic cooking functions, recognizes dishes, surge protection, there is a residual heat indicator. Made in Slovenia.
Excellent value for money, stylish design, unique compactness. Both zones of quick warm-up, easy to operate - an inexpensive model for a young family. Control panel lockout and protective shutdown. No cons found.

Ardesia PI 29 FI

Another model from Italian masters worth 18.5 thousand rubles, the unique dimensions of 290x510 mm allow you to install the panel in a small kitchen. The total power of induction coils is 3.7 kW, 9 positions of smooth adjustment, in the presence of Booster function. Touch control, timer with sound notification.
Modern, stylish design, easy to cook, many power options. An economical and compact model, intuitive touch controls, the black color of the panel is combined with any room decor. Only positive emotions.

Hansa BHCS38120030

The average price is 8.14 thousand ₽, two ceramic burners with a total power of 3 kW, dimensions 300x520x48 mm, mechanical control, rotary switches. Heating is only in the designated area, so the panel is safe to use, there is a residual heat indicator warning that the area is still hot. Production Poland.
Advantages: small dimensions, coating strength - the pan accidentally fell from the shelf, but did not cause any damage. Convenient use, affordable price, good quality for the price segment. No flaws were identified.

Weissgauff HIF 32 B

It is sold at a price of 7,990 rubles, touch control, type - buttons, two heating zones with a total power of 3.0 kW, Domino design, dimensions 280x520 mm, weight 5.5 kg. Nine levels of adjustment, timer, indicator of residual heat. It is made in China by German technology.
High quality and reliability, the heating speed is instant - 11 seconds and the pan is hot, removed it - the panel has turned off, now curious kids will not be able to activate it. Touch control is located very well, it is easy to wash the surface. No cons found.

Hansa BHCI35133030

The average cost is 8 720 ₽, glass ceramics from the German company Schott Ceran, ceramic hobs, power 3 kW, mechanical control, surrounded by a silver metal frame around the perimeter. Dimensions 300x510 mm, made in Poland.
Covering the panel from environmentally friendly materials, it is not afraid of mechanical impact, small dimensions, excellent design of German technology, convenient control, albeit mechanical, it is pleasant to cook and clean. No complaints during use.

Title	Gorenje ECT 310 CSC	Ardesia PI 29 FI	Hansa BHCS38120030	Weissgauff HIF 32 B	Hansa BHCI35133030
Installation	independent	independent	independent	independent	independent
Dimensions (WxD)	30 x 51 cm	29 x 51 cm	30 x 52 cm	28 x 52 cm	30 x 51 cm
Panel Material	glass ceramic	glass ceramic	glass ceramic	glass ceramic	glass ceramic
Total burners	2	2	2	2	2
Switches	sensory	sensory	rotary	sensory	rotary
Price	from 9449 rub.	from 18520 rub.	from 8265 rub.	from 7990 rub.	from 9380 rub.

findings

Today it is not difficult to choose an electric panel for a home, the main thing is to determine how many burners or heating zones you need, after which we rush to the nearest store for new modern household appliances. Have a good choice.