The basis of a modern kitchen is a working triangle - a stove (food processing area), a sink (cleaning area) and a refrigerator (food storage area). Proper ergonomics will minimize the fatigue of the hostess, speed up the process of cooking and cleaning. But you should carefully consider not only the location of each functional element of the kitchen. Be sure to take the time to choose equipment that will fully meet the needs of the owners.
What are stoves
According to the method of heating, stoves are gas, electric and combined. Gas stoves run on liquefied gas from cylinders or natural gas, quickly ignite, and the heating is regulated quickly, clearly and conveniently. Such stoves are cheaper than electric ones and are not picky about the choice of dishes. Cooking on gas is faster due to the open flame. In addition, the total cost is usually less thanwhen using electricity for cooking.
The disadvantage of gas stoves is the burning of oxygen during combustion. There is a risk of explosion or gas leakage. In addition, during operation, the bottom of the dishes becomes very dirty, carbon deposits form on the kitchen tile.
Electric stoves are a very large group of large household appliances. There are ordinary ones, covered with stainless steel or enamel, induction and glass-ceramic ones. Electric stoves do not form carbon deposits; when properly installed, they are completely safe to use. This is the only option for use in homes where there is no gas pipeline (usually high-rises). Food takes longer to cook on an electric stove, because the burners have to heat up and cool down, and the process is completely dependent on the power supply. If there is no electricity in the house, then it becomes impossible to cook something.
In addition, there are separate or built-in stoves. Built-in are divided into hob and oven. Appliances differ in size (the dimensions of the electric stove are given below), power, functions, material for the manufacture of burners or hob. The oven can be gas or electric.
Main types of electric stoves
Old-style appliances with spiral heating elements or heavy cast-iron burners, as well as modern stoves with glass-ceramic coating and hidden burners, are on the market. There are combined plates that combine several types of equipment. Some burnersmay be powered by electricity, others by gas. This stove is suitable for those who often experience power outages.
Glass ceramic heats up faster (almost the same speed as a gas stove) and the temperature is easier to control. This material is easy to care for, glass ceramic is safe and usually has a number of additional features that make cooking easier. But glassware, ceramics, copper, aluminum and stainless steel (only enameled and cast iron) are not suitable for such stoves.
Induction hobs heat up much faster than other types of electric hobs and are much more comfortable than gas hobs. Power does not depend on the voltage in the network. The induction hob maintains a precise constant temperature. It is easy to care for such material, there are additional functions. The surface around the heating zones does not heat up, which ensures safety and reduces the risk of burns.
Old style plates
Slabs with a spiral are found only in domestic manufacturers. The heating element is laid on top of an enameled surface. Such stoves heat up for a very long time. Electric stoves with cast iron heating elements look different. Round burners with cast iron heating elements are mounted on an enameled stove. The heating time is slightly less than that of spiral ones, but still the efficiency of such a technique leaves much to be desired. First, the hidden spiral heats up, then the burner and the bottom of the cookware begin to heat up. Among these plates you can find models with redmarking in the center of the burner. These have a reduced heating time.
Electric stove burners
Cooking stoves can have a different location and number of burners, which determines the size of the electric stove. For fast heating, the diameter of the bottom of the cookware should match the size of the burner. Usually four to seven levels of heat control are available.
Medium power burners (cast iron) heat up in ten minutes, fast heating "accelerates" to a maximum in six to seven minutes. Powerful burners are distinguished by dotted or red markings on the surface, such are often built into glass-ceramic stoves or enameled appliances. Warm up in one minute. Auxiliary burners change the heating zone, the diameter is changed by turning the knob or pressing the button.
On induction hobs you can precisely control the heat. During cooking, the bottom of the pan heats up, while the burner itself remains cold. These are suitable for steel, cast iron and enamelware. Round or oval expansion zones are designed for cooking in specific cookware (such as a roaster).
Dimensions of kitchen appliances
For a small kitchen, a narrow electric stove with two burners that can be placed both horizontally and vertically is suitable. Stove dimensions: approximately 35 cm x 25 cm (enamelled with cast iron round burners), there are models with dimensions of 37 cm x 60 cm (Gorenje induction). Induction hob with threeburners has almost standard dimensions - 50 cm x 55-56 cm. You can find appliances of the same size with four burners.
Case types and options
All electric stoves are produced in three types of housing: built-in hobs, classic cabinet appliances with an oven, desktop appliances. Cabinet appliances are a good choice for replacing an old stove without a global repair with ordering new furniture. The dimensions of the electric stove are standard - width 60 cm, depth - 60 cm. The height of most models is 80-85 cm due to adjustable legs. If the kitchen is very small, you can choose a device with a standard depth and width of 50 centimeters.
Desktop electric stoves are rare for sale. Most are old style models with cast iron burners. This technique is intended to be used as a temporary solution.
But the most modern and popular - built-in panels. Hobs are available in standard sizes. The stoves are square, the side length is 60 cm. There are compact models for one or three burners, which are produced rectangular with a width of 30 cm. Built-in cookers can be sold with or without oven.
Additional functions of the electric stove
Modern electric stoves often have additional features that make the process much easiercooking. But not all modes are really needed. It is desirable, for example, to have at least one heavy-duty burner. For different manufacturers, the marking of such a burner may differ, but the mention of its presence will certainly be in the list of characteristics.
Auto lock prevents the stove from turning on unintentionally, and several modes allow you to accurately select the cooking temperature. Preset power modes can vary from five to fifteen. A rather useful option is protection against overflow of liquid from the pan. When boiling, the smart panel automatically reduces the power, preventing boiling over. Glass-ceramic stoves do not have sides, so this feature will protect furniture and floors from grease and moisture.
Hobs with heat extension
The presence of burners with a variable heating area allows you to cook in dishes with an oval bottom or small containers without wasting electricity on a standard burner ring. Often, the list of functions is supplemented by timers, which will turn off the stove when the specified time has elapsed. When choosing an electric stove with an oven, you should pay attention to options that will make it easier to care for appliances. For many, the grill turns out to be useless, but all housewives like the self-cleaning function of the oven.
Power of standard electric stoves
The power of an electric glass ceramic stove can range from 1000 W, if it is a small stove with two burners, to 3000 W or more. The larger the power, the faster the heating and stable operation.several heating zones at the same time. The average electric stove with four burners has a power of 2000-2100 watts. The energy consumption increases if there are additional functions, such as controlling the boiling temperature, increasing the power due to other burners, and so on.
Premium quality electric stoves
The flagships of the market definitely deserve attention. Model HC 52072 Geo from Kaiser is made of black glass and dark metal, matte glass-ceramic surface. Of the four burners - two with an expandable heating zone as needed. One burner transforms into an oval, the other simply expands (the diameter of the circle increases). Mechanical control. With rather modest dimensions of the case (the size of the electric stove is 50 cm x 60 cm), the volume of the oven is 66 liters.
The Bosch model (HCA 855850 R) is equipped with a draw-out design. The oven door is not hinged, but leaves with the pan. Four burners are installed on the glass-ceramic surface, two of which are expandable. The oven has a self-cleaning function. To prevent scratches on the outer part of the oven door, the manufacturer equipped the front panel with four glasses.
Best value for money
For a classic or retro interior, the EC67CLI model from the Slovenian company Gorenje is suitable. The size of the electric stove is 60 by 60 cm. These are standard dimensions that are suitable for almost any kitchen. Among the representatives of the middle segment, this stove is distinguished by vintage handles in the color of old copper and sand enamel of the body. Availablebeige and dark body. In terms of direct functions, two of the four burners are equipped with an extension.
German electric stove HCE644123R from Bosch will cost 35 thousand rubles. Made in a white case, on the door "cold glass" (three-layer). Built-in seven modes of operation of the oven (including "Defrosting"). The hob has two powerful burners and two expandable zones.
Electric stove "Hephaestus" 6560-03 0001 is very effective, which is what stands out in the middle price category. Unusual square burners and a tempered glass marble facade immediately catch the eye. There is a touch timer, turbo and electric grill, barbecue, electric spit, double oven lighting and convection.
Induction hobs overview
In the middle price segment, you can find stoves with induction. It is worth taking a closer look at the IS 656 X model from Gorenje. The cooking surface is made of glass-ceramic, there are four heating zones, the diameter of each burner is 20 centimeters. Standard size - 60-60-85. The electric stove is equipped with a protection function against accidental activation.
Wide five-burner hob for large kitchens. The PKV975DC1D (Bosch) model has an almost standard width (53 cm), but the length is almost a meter - 91 cm. Of the five high-speed heating burners, four have an expansion zone. The glass-ceramic electric stove is equipped with additional functions: residual heat indication, protection against unintentional switching on, digital display. Touch control.
Low cost electric stoves
Hephaestus is a manufacturer preferred by many. The reliability of the company's products has been tested for years, and budget models are invariably in demand among buyers. The best no-frills option is the Hephaestus 5140-0031 electric stove. Of the four burners, one has a high-speed heating function. The electric stove "Gefest 5140-01 0001" practically does not differ from the one described above, except that it is made in a dark case. Suitable for people who do not need modern comfort elements. Electric stoves "Hephaestus" are reliable, but have only the most necessary options.
Hansa is a Polish household appliances brand. Among buyers, the Hansa FCCW 58240 electric stove is in demand (pictured above). The dimensions are compact, but close to standard - 60 x 55 x 85 cm. The control is mechanical, the working surface is made of glass ceramics, there is an indicator of residual heat. Electric stove with 4 burners, two of which are fast heating.
