Neither experts nor consumers can come to a consensus about whether a gas stove or a gas panel is better. Each device has its own specific qualities and features that determine the most effective area of use.
We will consider them in all details, we will compare these devices with each other according to criteria that are important when choosing a suitable gas-using equipment.
The content of the article:
- What is the difference between a hob and a panel?
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Compare the gas stove and the panel
- Criterion # 1 - the appearance of household appliances
- Criterion # 2 - the size and shape of kitchen appliances
- Criterion # 3 - Allowable Operating Loads
- Criterion # 4 - installation features
- Criterion # 5 - energy consumption
- Criterion # 6 - the cost of devices
- Criterion # 7 - functionality
- Conclusions and useful video on the topic
What is the difference between a hob and a panel?
The main difference between the stove and the hob is in the design. At the stove, the block with the burners and the oven are a single whole. The hob consists only of a thin, sturdy substrate and cooking zones. And here
oven equipment is not included. If desired, it can be purchased separately or not purchased at all.Large size and bulkiness - main disadvantages gas stoves. It is especially difficult to place appliances in small rooms. We have to reduce the number of base cabinets and pedestals in order to free up the necessary space for the unit for cooking.
The black hob looks very impressive. Gives the interior a solid and luxurious look. But it requires constant care, since dust particles, crumbs, water drops, stains and fingerprints are clearly visible on a dark surface
Thin hobs they are built into the worktop and do not "eat up" a lot of useful room space. Even in a small kitchen, they conveniently located and make the process of creating everyday and festive dishes pleasant, easy and comfortable. There is more free space in the room and the space does not look overloaded.
Compare the gas stove and the panel
Previously, only white gas stoves were on the free sale, and you had to pay a lot for chrome-plated appliances. Today, all manufacturers of kitchen appliances include in their assortment units of different shapes and colors, decorated with original print, patterns and drawings, distinguished by a good set of functions, size and shape, type of installation and others features.
Next, we will compare the stove with a gas panel according to the main criteria that are important for the consumer when choosing gas-using equipment.
Criterion # 1 - the appearance of household appliances
You can buy the stove you like and choose the color scheme and style of the interior solution for the room. If the kitchen space is decorated, it will not be difficult to find a beautiful device for it either.
The range of colors on the hobs is not so varied. But, nevertheless, the panel initially looks more advantageous and gives even the simplest environment a modern look. It is successfully combined with furniture sets and decorative accessories.
The problem can only arise when looking for an oven. It will need to be matched to the appearance of the hob, but this does not always work. You have to spend time looking for or overpay to ensure that both kitchen appliances are combined with each other and look like a set.
Gas hobs are available in white, silver, cream, brown and black. Finding other shades, especially among inexpensive models, is quite problematic.
There is no such problem in stoves. The hob and oven are combined in a one-piece appliance in the same style. It is convenient and saves time on buying household appliances for the kitchen.
Criterion # 2 - the size and shape of kitchen appliances
The hobs have a wide range of shapes and models. For narrow kitchens, developers offer elongated devices with four burners in a row, in very small rooms of non-standard shape it is advised to place 3-burner corner hobs or domino unitsthat take up a minimum of space. The compactness of the products makes it possible to use the useful space of the room as efficiently as possible.
In addition to the classic rectangular and square appliances, there are also round panels and models in boomerang shape. Gas stoves do not have such a variety of shapes.
The round hob can be positioned in a miniature kitchen or small urban studio. It looks stylish and allows you to fully prepare your favorite dishes.
The standard plate is only square or rectangular. In most cases, its height does not exceed 85 cm. The depth ranges from 50 to 60 cm. Width ranges from 35 cm to 1 m (in exclusive 6-burner appliances).
Before buying, you must carefully measure the place in the kitchen where you plan to place the unit. A device that is too deep will come forward by a few centimeters and violate the aesthetics of the interior. A narrower one "drowns" inward, an excessively wide one simply will not fit into the allotted niche. To avoid these unpleasant moments, you need to purchase a stove that exactly matches the size of the allocated area in the kitchen.
Criterion # 3 - Allowable Operating Loads
Gas hobs are made from:
- tempered glass;
- stainless steel;
- enameled metal.
The width of the working surface, regardless of the type of material, is 300, 600 and 700-900 mm. Narrow tempered glass panels can withstand a one-time load of no more than 12 kg, medium - up to 20 kg and the widest - up to 25 kg.
Two-burner appliances made of stainless steel and enamelled metal assume a load of 15 kg, four-burners - 25 kg, five-burners - 30 kg.
Experts recommend not to exceed the maximum load indicated in the accompanying documentation of household appliances. Excessive weight of pots and pans can cause the hob to crack.
The body of gas stoves is made from durable alloy steel, abrasion resistant. On top of the metal is applied enamel and stainless steel coating. The enamel perfectly resists mechanical stress, is not afraid of processing with abrasives and aggressive cleaning agents. It serves for a long time and retains its aesthetic appearance throughout the entire operational period.
The stainless steel coating easily withstands extreme temperature changes, heat, cold and shock. Under the influence of abrasives, it becomes covered with scratches and loses its visual appeal.
Standard boards, regardless of the type of coating, have almost no weight and load restrictions. Thanks to their stable floor construction, they can easily withstand heavy use
If the owners constantly cook at home, often host friendly companies and regularly organize festive events with refreshments, you should prefer the hob to the stove. She is more resilient, works normally in a constant mode and easily copes with serving a large family.
The hob can only support a certain weight at a time. When placing pots, cauldrons and pans on the burners, you need to take this moment into account and do not exceed the maximum permissible load. Otherwise, the surface will fail and it will have to be changed, and this is a substantial material cost.
Criterion # 4 - installation features
The gas stove is located where there is a layering of central communications. The stove is connected and put into operation by employees of the gas company, who have the appropriate qualifications and admission.
If you want to put the equipment in a certain place, you will have to coordinate the transfer with the gas workers. If approved, the installers will move the pipes or they will extend additional ones, connect the stove to the common system and make a note in the documents about the work carried out.
We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the features gas stove connections do it yourself.
The hob can be built into a wide, elongated worktop, and the remaining free space at the edges can be used as a cutting table for preparing original and tasty dishes. For the hostess, such a layout will be especially convenient.
Hob installation is more problematic. First, you need to make an exact cut of the appropriate size on the work surface of the furniture at the place of embedding. The owners can do this work on their own or entrust qualified workers. It is very important to act carefully, otherwise voids and unattractive gaps will form around the edges.
For panel connections you will need to call the employees of the gas service. They will correctly put the device into operation and tell you about the rules for the safe use of gas equipment.
Before installing the hob or panel, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the regulations and rules for organizing air exchange.
Criterion # 5 - energy consumption
If you start only the hotplates, there will be no difference in consumption between the devices. The stove will start to consume more when the hostess turns on the oven to bake a second course or make a delicious homemade pie.
It is very convenient to use a gas stove or panel. Unlike electric models, there is no need to wait for the hotplates to warm up. The heat for processing food begins to flow immediately after turning on the appliance
For increase/reduce flame in the burners on the front part there are special ergonomic turn signals. You can set the desired fire with one easy movement.
Criterion # 6 - the cost of devices
Even the simplest hob will cost much more expensive traditional gas stove.
Many parameters affect the price, for example:
- form - classic or unusual;
- panel material;
- availability of additional options;
- brand manufacturer.
The higher price will be compensated by the compactness of the unit, its stylish, modern look and the saved useful space of the kitchen.
When installing a gas stove or hob, it is recommended to install an extractor hood in the kitchen. It will remove carbon dioxide released during cooking from the room and reduce the formation of soot to a minimum.
When price is of the essence, it is worth choosing a budget gas stove in a classic style. It will be inexpensive, will help you prepare any dishes and will not require complex care, only periodic maintenance.
Criterion # 7 - functionality
As such, there is no difference in basic functions between plates and panels. Both are suitable for preparing various dishes and reheating ready-made food.
Baking / baking is only available on standard cookers equipped with an oven. You cannot bake a pie or baked duck using the hob.
Some gas hobs have a grill zone. Such models are more expensive, but they allow you to feast on meat, fish and vegetables cooked in the heat at any time all year round.
Additional options like auto ignition, gas control and other similar elements depend not so much on the type of equipment as on the manufacturer and the cost of the device.
In budget products of brands of the "mass market" level, such functions are not often found. They are mainly included in the models of the middle and luxury segment from reputable manufacturers.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
What you need to consider when choosing a gas stove for your home. Tips from a professional gasman.
Specific features and nuances of the gas hob. A real user shares his impressions.
Glass cracked on the gas hob. What to do in this situation are useful recommendations.
The question of what is better to choose, a hob or a gas stove cannot be answered unequivocally. Both options have advantages and disadvantages. The price range of the models is more than just wide. Among classic slabs and modern flat panels, there are both simple, inexpensive items and high-status luxury products with a lot of additional functions.
It is up to the user to decide whether the positive qualities outweigh the disadvantages. If style and aesthetics are at the forefront, you should choose a hob. When the main goal is the ability to constantly cook a large number of various dishes, it makes sense to opt for a classic stove with an oven.
It is recommended to choose equipment from reputable brands. It features high-quality assembly and reliable performance for a long time..
What kind of gas equipment did you choose - a stove or a panel? Share your experience with our readers - what criteria were fundamental for you when choosing a kitchen appliance? If you still have questions on the topic of this publication, ask our experts and other site visitors - the feedback form is located below.
