In our time, more and more preference is given to hobs, and stationary stoves are gradually becoming a thing of the past. And it's not just that, such devices significantly save space and serve as a good helper in preparing even the most complex food. Unlike standard stoves, you can embed the hob in any place, the main thing is that a special opening in the countertop be cut out for it.
Basic types
Today, there are two types of devices. For those who liked the independent built-in electric hob, it will be easy for him to install it in any chosen place, it is completely autonomous. For dependent surfaces, the same oven is also sold in the kit, they are mounted only one under the other. The control buttons for these devices are very often located on the same panel. This combination does not suit everyone, so it is independent surfaces that are more popular.
Instructions for installing the panel in the countertop
In order for the built-in Bosch hob, for example, to be installed correctly, you need to follow a certain instruction:
- Initially, the manual out of the box is studied, it is imperative to find information on the estimated size of the niche that will need to be cut in it. In the event that it is absent, you will have to independently measure the inside of the seat. Please note that the ideal gap between the worktop and the panel will be 1-2 mm, if it is larger, there is a possibility that the built-in electric hob will "walk" during operation.
- Next, mark the countertop. Be sure to draw the lines along which the electric jigsaw should move, for this you will need a pencil and a double ruler. Very often, a cardboard template is included with the device, which makes it easier to measure the required area. After marking the corners, you need to drill small holes with a thin drill so that the canvas can enter them when cutting.
- Then a fine-toothed jigsaw file for wood is selected, and a hole is cut very carefully, along the pencil line.
- In order to protect the joint from dirt and moisture, as well as to prevent the appearance of fungus, a sealant is glued around the entire perimeter, which is usually included in the kit, but if it is not there, then acrylic or silicone sealant is perfect. Any protruding excess is removed with a knife.
- Next, we carefully begin to install the hob in the niche that has been cut out. If she went out a little morethe required size, then it will be necessary to align it with the front of the tabletop. In the event that it is not possible to install the device, you do not need to push it in by force, it is better to carefully cut a few millimeters.
- At the end, the installed panel is fixed with special clamps from the kit, they will need to be screwed in.
Surface material
Before purchasing a hob, be sure to decide on the material from which it should be made, as they are often made of enameled and stainless steel, as well as glass ceramics. For each type of surface there are positive, and in some cases negative user reviews. The glass-ceramic built-in hob attracts with its appearance. It is quite widely represented in the domestic market. Such devices quickly gain the desired temperature and also cool down, their segment is considered the most expensive.
Enamelled panels are strong enough and can be painted in a wide variety of colors, which can fit very nicely into the design of the kitchen. The main disadvantage is the difficulty in care and cleaning.
Stainless steel looks expensive and stylish, has high strength, but at the same time quickly gets dirty from fingerprints.
Electrical surface connection
It is not enough just to embed the hob correctly, it must also beconnect, to do this, follow the instructions:
- check if the actual mains voltage matches the one specified in the documents;
- factory settings can be found on the underside of the panel;
- to get to the terminals, you need to open the terminal block;
- when connecting to the mains, be sure to provide disconnecting devices that turn off all contacts - current protection switches and fuses are perfect for this, all connections must be made taking into account their load and capabilities;
- built-in electric hob (Bosch, for example) can be mounted between furniture elements, as long as it is under the hood;
- after completion of work, check that all conductive elements are well protected from contact with people and animals;
- carefully make sure that the connecting cable is not pinched or laid on the tip during installation;
- wires should not touch heated burners.
Gas hob installation
When connecting such devices, be sure to ensure good ventilation, for this you need to perform the following sequence of actions:
- work must be started after receiving the order and familiarization with the conditions of the gas supply company;
- on the underside of the device there is a vent pipe with an external thread;
- completely comes with a non-metallic gasket and a device forLPG;
- when mounting, clamp the tube so that it does not rotate;
- Permitted non-metallic components and other materials must be used for a strong seal;
- allowable gasket compression deformation is 25%; the appliance must be connected using a certified flexible hose, which must pass freely and not touch the kitchen utensils.
Surface cover
After the hob has been built in, you can install a cover on it to further protect it from mechanical damage, it is mounted separately. In the closed position, the surface can be used as a countertop, which increases the working area. For its production, glass-ceramics, glass and enameled steel are most often used. The cheapest variation is considered to be a metal lid, which is inferior to all others only in its simplicity. Ceramics and glass are easy to use, wash well and look good, so they are slightly above average.
Surface accessories
There are also add-ons for hobs that make it easier to use.
- Very often grates are used, which act as a stand for dishes. Such devices can be integral, and also consist of several halves. Using the second option is more convenient, since the contamination that has arisen during the cooking process is easily eliminated. These components are often used by Bosch. Panelbuilt-in cooker can have different options for grate materials, such as cast iron or steel.
- Burners are a mandatory attribute, which is always supplied with a built-in gas hob. Feedback on the required quantity and their accommodation options can be given by any hostess who often uses them. Many argue that the cooking options depend on the distribution parameters of the burners, there can be up to 6 of them on the panel, they must necessarily be different in size and, accordingly, in power.
Control hobs
All surfaces can be controlled mechanically, electronically and electromechanically.
Mechanics are installed in the most budget options with minimal functionality.
The use of electronics will significantly expand the list of cooking functions, namely:
- maintaining a uniform temperature;
- timer, it can turn on by itself at the right time;
- various heating modes;
- cooking control, after the dish is ready, the panel will notify about it;
- recognition of dishes or materials, the burner will only start heating when there is an object on it;
- boiling - after boiling, the heat supply switches to a mode of less activity;
- recording in memory - having prepared the right dish once, you can enter the technology into the memory of the device and next time reduce the degree of your participation to a minimum.
Techniquesafety when using panels
Modern built-in hobs 45 cm or more must be installed and connected correctly, preferably under the supervision of specialists, then they will not be able to cause any harm to a person. In order to prevent possible accidents, mounted models are equipped with the following devices:
- Gas powered surfaces are equipped with a system that controls its supply and combustion. If the flame goes out, the hotplate will turn itself off.
- Electrical panels have a three-pole plug, which is grounded.
- If a malfunction occurs in the surface itself, then it starts to emit sound and light, and then turns off altogether.
- "Child protection" will help prevent accidental activation of the burners.
- Indicator lights will indicate to the user that the high temperature has already been reached.
Price
For those who want to build in a hob, an important factor is the cost of such a product, it varies quite widely. Budget models cost from 3,000 to 15,000 rubles, the average range is from 16,000 to 50,000 rubles, and you can pay a higher price for luxury options. It mainly depends on the following indicators:
- New on the market. The model that appeared relatively recently will have the maximum cost.
- Exclusive. A surface that has a unique design will cost many times more than mass production.
- Brand. Productswell-known firms are an order of magnitude more expensive than their less well-known counterparts, although the quality of the latter can be much better or the same.
