Design
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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.
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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.Hob material
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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.
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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.
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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.Burner grates
The material from which the grates on the gas burners of the hob are made. Electric hotplates do not require grates.
— Steel.
Steel grates have a relatively low weight, good strength and at the same time — low cost. For aesthetic reasons and for additional protection they are usually covered with a special heat-resistant enamel. Contaminants are quite easily cleaned from such enamel, but it is undesirable to process it with rough methods — otherwise, chips and scratches may appear on the surface. In general, despite their general practicality, steel grates are considered less advanced than cast iron grates and are somewhat less commonly used in hobs. However, if you do not load the hob with large pots, buckets, etc., the difference is not critical, and the service life of steel grates is often comparable to the “life span” of the hob itself.
— Cast iron.
Cast iron grates look more nice and massive than steel ones, and they weigh much more. It can be attributed to the advantages — in the case when the grilles can be removed: a large weight contributes to stability. In addition, such structures are strong, durable and tolerate even high loads. They cost a little more than steel ones. As a result, cast iron is a more popular material for grates than steel. It is worth noting some difficulty in cleaning from pollution; on the other hand, cast iron grates usually do not have additional coating
...s, and you can not be afraid to spoil them with wire sponges or abrasive products.
