How to choose the right electric stove for the kitchen?

From the moment the fire was conquered, people decide the issue of heat treatment of products. First, food was fried over a fire. Then the hearth was folded up. After a while, a modification appeared - a wood stove. The search for more efficient fuel has begun. Wood was replaced by coal, then gas. Places of preparation developed. People needed extra amenities. Electricity has solved environmental problems. Chimneys for the removal of combustion products have disappeared. But new difficulties arose. Recently, new buildings are being rented with power wiring for the electric stove. Is it realistic to choose a kitchen item that meets all modern requirements?

Electric stove or gas - choice: advantages and disadvantages

Usually, apartment buildings are rented with a connection to the gas main or with wiring for an electric stove. Re-equipping an apartment, changing the tariff is not easy. Private sector owners have a choice: which machine to install? Performance analysis required.

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Advantages of a gas stove:

• fast food preparation;
• convenient regulation of heat supply;
• affordable price.

Disadvantages can be considered:

• the need for an additional ventilation duct;
• specialized connection;
• difficult to adjust oven;
• low efficiency (less than 50%);
• increased danger (combination of methane with oxygen leads to an explosion).

The electric stove pleases:

• security (subject to the connection rules);
• convenient oven with a set of additional functions;
• high precision heating control;
• high efficiency (70% and more);
• the ability to do with conventional ventilation.

Disadvantages of the unit:

• high price;
• slow cooking speed.

Important! Outside the city, voltage drops in the network often occur. The dependent device will deprive the owners of the opportunity to cook something.

Modern manufacturers produce combined stoves: gas hob and electric oven, gas and electric burners.

Evaluation criteria for modern kitchen electric stoves - expert advice

Before purchasing equipment, you must carefully study the classification and familiarize yourself with the advice of experts. This will allow you to make the right choice.

What does it look like?

There are three types of device housing. According to the connection of the hob and oven, the equipment is divided into:

1. Portable. Main purpose: temporary or summer cottage.
2. Embedded components. Selected separately. They are mounted in a kitchen set.
3. Classic combined device. It is large in size.

It is required to take into account the dimensions of the room, the frequency of cooking, and their complexity.

What is the unit covered with?

Before purchasing, you need to study the options for covering the slab. This will allow the item to be used rationally. Manufacturers produce products made from:

1. Multicolored enamel. Allows to fit the accessory into any kitchen set. Disadvantage: if handled carelessly, chips and scratches appear.
2. Of stainless steel. Mechanical and chemical resistant coating. Negative qualities: loss of gloss, any contamination is noticeable.
3. Glass ceramics. Beautiful glossy finish. The vertical spread of heat leaves the surrounding surface cold. Harmonizes with furniture. Negative: not shock resistant.
4. Tempered glass. Nice appearance. Disadvantage: special dishes are required (ceramics, cast iron, glass). Aluminum damages the surface.
5. Combined materials. The oven is made of stainless steel, the hob is made of glass-ceramic or tempered glass.

Important! You should study the rules for cleaning the surface. Proper care will increase the service life.

What's warming?

Particular attention must be paid to the evaluation of heating elements. The right choice will reduce energy consumption and make cooking a pleasure.

By type, elements are divided into:

• cast iron;
• spiral;
• hi-light;
• halogen;
• induction;
• combined.

Hi-light is made of high thermal conductivity alloy. Heats dishes quickly. It consumes a lot of energy.

Halogen is more economical. Durable, reliable. The quality of execution is high.

Induction is the most rational today. A limited area is heated, the rest of the surface remains cold. A crockery with a magnetic bottom is required.

Important! A hob with combined elements allows you to combine heating speed and economy.

Spirals and cast iron burners

Metal heaters in the form of a spiral are laid on a smooth surface. First, the heating element is warmed up, then the dishes. The preparation time is approaching 10 minutes.

Flaw: elements burn out, replacement is required.

Cast iron burners are made in the form of flat circles. The heating element is located at the bottom. Heat is transferred in stages: first, the heating element heats the "pancake", then the dishes. Long heat retention is considered a plus. Negative points:

• The efficiency is well below 50%;
• cast iron - the material is brittle, chips appear.

Attention! Manufacturers have managed to reduce the heating time. This is indicated by a red sign in the center of the element.

Glass ceramic burners

Externally, the surface looks like a dark shiny glass. The heating element is at the bottom. The properties are determined by the manufacturing technology. Glass and ceramics are melted in a special way. The end product is called ceran.

Dignity panels:

1. Heat transfer occurs only vertically.
2. The hotplate heats up instantly, cools down quickly.
3. Resistant to temperature changes.
4. Eco-friendly, aesthetic.

Flaw: rather high price.

Important! When buying, you should carefully study the markings: externally tempered glass looks like ceran.

How to install correctly?

This is a powerful piece of equipment. The connection has its own peculiarities. In the absence of experience, the installation should be entrusted to an electrician with the appropriate approval.

Before installation, you should familiarize yourself with the regulatory documents: GOST 31565-2012 (describes fire safety requirements), GOST R 50571.5.52-2011 (laying of electrical wiring).

Fundamental rules:

• use an RCD for additional protection (with a plug connection);
• use a cable of sufficient length (with a fixed connection);
• use the potential equalization method for safe work;
• it is required to locate the unit at a distance from the kitchen sink, refrigerator;
• when wiring, use room temperature correction factors.

Important! It is recommended to provide individual electrical protection for the device.

Features of using electric stoves

Long service life presupposes proper use of the equipment. It is enough to adhere to simple rules.

Before using for the first time, be sure to clean the surface of the preservative grease. A gentle solution of baking soda or table salt will work. Cast iron and spiral burners are especially in need of processing.

Pay attention to the dishes. Induction surfaces require appropriate marking. Glass ceramics are afraid of aluminum. An uneven bottom creates different pressures: the coating deteriorates.

Do not put wet utensils on. Any spilled liquid must be removed immediately.

Timely clean the surface from grease, food particles, dust. Use only recommended products. The unit may be washed in a non-working (de-energized) state!

The diameter of the base must correspond to the size of the hotplate. This will ensure reasonable energy consumption and prevent damage to the heating element.

How to choose an electric stove for the kitchen: take everything into account!

A lot depends on a well-chosen stove: compliance with the design project of the room, cooking time, quality of the dish, good mood.

Some owners purchase an expensive model with a huge number of additional options, most of which they do not use. To overpay is unreasonable! The technique should be evaluated according to the main indicators.

Design and surface

Modern electric stoves fit into any interior. Their designs are varied: traditional white or colored, laconic glass ceramics, dark tempered glass, innovative metallic.

 The unit can be built-in, stand-alone. It is possible to separate the cooking zone and the oven. The original surface finish will decorate any kitchen.

Hotplates

It is required to study the characteristics of heating elements:

1. Rapid (spiral) - the most uneconomical heaters. Manufacturers have replaced steel with an alloy of chromium and nickel. The efficiency increased slightly. Heating up for 10-12 seconds.
2. Hi-light (tape) are made in the form of a corrugated tape. Bring the work area to readiness in 7 seconds.
3. Halogen. The content is passed through tubes internally. Heating up the surface in 2 seconds. The most economical and expensive burners.
4. Induction. They work on the principle of magnetic induction. Safe, economical. Automatic heating shutdown. They are distinguished by a high price.

Attention! Models with several types of heating elements will meet the requirements and reduce purchasing costs.

Oven: what should you pay for?

Ovens are:

• free-standing and combined with the hob;
• multifunctional and static.

The standard set of options has a static unit: heat sources from below and from above, lighting, spit, timer. Extended capabilities are presented by a multifunctional cabinet: convection, automatic cleaning mode.

Attention! When purchasing, you should pay attention to the convenience of the control panel. This is an individual criterion.

Power and energy consumption

The device with cast iron heaters (2 pcs. - 2000 W, 4 pcs. - 5000 W). Consumes energy 4–8 kW / h. The highest power for a unit with an induction principle of operation - from 10400 W.

Energy consumption reduces:

• fast heating;
• instant cooling;
• shutdown when contact with the bottom of the cookware stops.

Important! These indicators are available in the passport of the device. Pay attention when buying.

It is reasonable to choose an accessory with energy consumption category A, A +, A ++.

The size

The devices are available in standard heights of 85 cm. The figure changes slightly due to the adjustable feet.

Width 60 cm for full-size models, 50 cm for narrow ones. Depth 41 cm (two-burner), 60 cm (4 sources of heat).

Functional features

Modern kitchen appliances have additional options. It is important to assess the need for each:

1. The presence of a super-powerful burner for rapid heating. It is convenient to cook lightly cooked meat, fish.
2. Protection against unauthorized activation. Ideal for families with children.
3. Thermal door lock. The glass remains cold during heating.
4. A reasonable number of cooking modes (minimum 5, maximum 15).
5. Automatic shutdown of the panel in case of liquid leakage. Keeps furniture clean and protects from burns.
6. Automatic shutdown timer. Allows you not to be present during cooking.
7. Hotplates with various configurations and heating areas. Convenient when working with versatile containers.
8. Hot zone illumination. Protects from burns.
9. The function of drying fruits, baking bread (for the oven). Allows you to save on the purchase of special items.

Important! Additional features come at a cost. Only the necessary ones should be selected.

Hobs

Individual appliances are 58–60 cm wide and 52 cm deep. Dominoes differ in size: 29 cm and 51 cm. Manufacturers produce models:

• glass-ceramic;
• glass-ceramic with induction;
• tempered glass;
• with cast iron burners (independent installation).

Important! Before purchasing the panel, you need to determine the installation location. Kitchen furniture sellers offer cutout services.

Requirements for wiring and sockets

For safe work, the following conditions must be met:

• use a three-core copper cable with a cross section of 4 sq. mm;
• do not allow outlets to contact the rear panel, doors, furniture walls;
• RCD for 32 A;
• automatic machine at the entrance for 32 A;
• socket with earthed 32 A;
• the socket must be located at a distance of 60 cm from the panel of the device;
• do not allow the cable to come into contact with "wet" points (sink).

Important! Compliance with the connection rules will ensure long-term operation of the device.

Model overview

Electric stove with cast iron burners Flama FE 1403

Specifications:

• 4 cast iron burners;
• 1 - heavy duty;
• mechanical control;
• white body;
• narrow model;
• manufacturer - Russia.

Reliable low-cost model with basic features. Fits perfectly into the interior of the country. Disadvantage: high power consumption.

Glass ceramic hob Gorenje EC 55101 AX

Technical details:

• body color - silver;
• narrow model;
• 3 oven operating modes;
• grill;
• electronic timer;
• mechanical control;
• manufacturer - Slovenia.

Decent middle class slab. The glass-ceramic hob will delight the owners with quick cooking. Disadvantage: poor functionality of the oven.

Glass-ceramic hob Kaiser HC 52010 S Moire

Specifications:

• 4 burners;
• everything is a quick warm-up;
• 9 oven operating modes;
• grill;
• electromechanical control;
• mechanical timer;
• convection;
• narrow model;
• manufacturer - Germany.

The assistant will allow you to prepare complex dishes in a short time. Disadvantage: high price.

Video

An electric stove is an energy-consuming device. Before purchasing, you should study the technical characteristics, think over the economy mode. Competent connection is a guarantee of safety and long-term operation of the accessory. With a lack of experience, the help of a master is required. You should consider the required functions. It is worth paying for what you have to use. The item should be in harmony with the kitchen furniture. It is required to evaluate the type, dimensions, installation method. Use the device correctly. Use approved utensils. Careful care will make your food preparation enjoyable.