Comparison Gefest PVG 1212 K55 beige vs Hotpoint-Ariston DD 641 BK black

— Retro. Hobs designed in the retro style — while the functionality of such models, usually, is quite modern (similar to the classic ones). Such models are designed mainly for kitchens of the corresponding design. Retro design is usually expensive, and devices in this category, as well as hobs of an unusual shape, (see below), with equal performance, are noticeably more expensive than analogues with a classic appearance.

— Domino. A specific type of compact hobs, usually with one or two burners. The name is because such models in appearance resemble a domino, and two burners enhance the similarity. However, this option is popular not only among hobs but also among grills and fryers (see "Product type"). The domino hob is usually installed across the countertop, from the wall to the front edge. As the main hob, this option is very convenient in cramped conditions when there is not much space in the kitchen. Also, from devices of this type, you can assemble a multi-purpose kit: for example, install a hob, grill and tepan side-by-side. Another application option is the expansion of an existing hob. However, in appearance, dominoes are most often similar to classic models and poorly fit into the retro design.

— Non-standard. Hobs of original designs that do not fit into any of the categories mentioned above. Most of these models...have a horizontal layout — the width of the surface is much greater than its depth, and the burners are located along the hob. In this case, the number and size of burners can be different; models are produced both with the same heaters and with different sizes. And some designs are made in the form of flat surfaces that do not have protruding parts: touch sensors are responsible for control, and the burners are highlighted only by a pattern on the working part. There are other options, even more extravagant — such as round or teardrop surfaces. Anyway, a custom design can be useful not only from an aesthetic point of view but also from a practical point of view: it can be the best option where it is difficult to install a hob in a more traditional design.

— Enamel. The simplest and most common type of coating. Enamel combines low cost and good strength parameters. In addition, it can be produced in almost any colour. On the other hand, cleaning it can require considerable effort, and over time scratches and chips appear on such a surface.

— Stainless steel. Steel surfaces have a nice appearance. In addition, they are stronger than enamelled ones; cracks and chips do not appear on them. Also, steel is quite easy to clean, but it is difficult to maintain its cleanliness — dirt appears easily, and even fingerprints can ruin a neat appearance. And for cleaning you need to use special tools, otherwise, you can scratch the stove.

— Glass ceramics. Glass ceramics as a material is generally remarkable for its high thermal conductivity combined with good strength and heat resistance specs. Schott Ceram and EuroKera, manufacturers of this very glass ceramics, which manufacturers of household appliances install in their models, were especially successful in this. It made it possible to create original models of electric hobs, where the heating elements are located under a solid glass ceramic surface. The properties of this material allow it to be used with induction hobs(see below). Such surfaces do not have protruding part...s, and the location of the heaters is marked only by lines; thanks to this, you can conveniently move the dishes between the heaters, and cleaning such a surface is as simple as possible. However, there are also disadvantages: glass ceramics is less durable than enamel or steel. It requires dishes with a flat bottom, and spilling liquid on a flat surface is fraught with spreading over the entire stove and (not only). Also, this material is used in gas cooking surfaces "gas-on-glass". However, it is rather fashionable because, in addition to strength, it does not have key advantages over a tempered glass (see below) but costs significantly more.

— Tempered glass. The material used in gas-on-glass cooking hobs. it is used to make a surface over which gas burners are located. Such models have an original appearance, and the glass itself is scratch-resistant and can be cleaned well. Its strength and resistance to heat are much lower than that of glass ceramics (in fact, the latter has become the reason that tempered glass is not used in electric hobs), but these moments are more than offset by low cost.

— Cast iron. An original variant found in some premium gas models. The working surface, in this case, is made of the same cast iron as the burner grates, and the grates themselves are protrusions on the cast iron surface. It gives the entire structure an unusual, very strict appearance. And it increases its reliability: the design of the burner grates is such that they will not bend even under the heaviest dishes. On the other hand, cleaning such a surface can be quite laborious, and this option is not cheap. Because of this, there are only a few models with cast-iron surfaces on the market.

Typically, the burners on the hob are arranged in the shape of a square or rectangle, but there are also models with diamond layout. This decision is important primarily from the point of view of aesthetics and ergonomics. The diamond layout looks unusual and, for some users, it may be more convenient than a rectangular one. Technically, such hobs are no different from traditional ones.

General dimensions of the device in width and depth. Depth, in this case, refers to the distance from the leading edge to the trailing edge (when viewed from the user's side). Note that the external dimensions of the hobs are often larger than the dimensions for embedding (see below).

The size of the opening that needs to be made in the kitchen countertop for the normal embedding of the hob. By default, the width and depth are indicated — the size of the opening along the front and side sides, respectively (when viewed from the user's side). Note that the dimensions of the hob itself are usually larger than the dimensions for embedding: when installed in an opening, the upper part of the surface rests on its edges, so that the device does not fall into the countertop.

The country in which, according to the manufacturer, this or that model is manufactured. Despite the fact that most of the manufacturers are concentrated in China, European factories for the production of household appliances have not disappeared. And certain models can be produced on them. In general, such a division into a Chinese or European plant should not particularly affect the quality of products, but still the stereotype of a reliable European assembly ( Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland, Turkey) is present in us. However, it is possible that the model may have a country of manufacture, for example, Poland, and in the store under the same article you will meet China.