Enameled coating
Most of us have long been accustomed to the fact that the surface of a gas hob is always enameled. A coating such as enamel is indeed one of the most popular today. Models with this coating have an affordable price and a variety of colors, which attracts many consumers.
Over the years of its existence, enamel coating has already proven its practicality and durability. With proper care, this hob will look like new for many years. This coating is very resistant to corrosion and temperature changes, which is very important for a hob that runs on gas.
Fingerprints are completely invisible on the surface of this coating, which does not spoil its aesthetic appearance. After cleaning, there are no traces of stains left on it, and it is easy to care for it with the help of modern cleaning products.
Today you can easily find models from well-known brands that are coated with particularly resistant enamel. And in order to ensure that the surface of the hob does not lose its impeccable appearance over the years, you need to carefully clean and care for it.
Remember not to clean the enamel coating with iron sponges or cleaning products containing abrasive particles. It is best to choose liquid cleaning products.
If we talk about the disadvantages, then such a coating can be damaged due to mechanical damage. For example, if a heavy frying pan is dropped onto the surface, it may leave a dent or chip. To prevent this and protect the enamel coating, choose models with solid cast iron grates that will reliably protect the surface of the hob.
Stainless steel hob
This type of surface is used exclusively in gas-type panels. Among other things, it is distinguished by its efficiency and practicality. Easily gets rid of grease stains and pieces of burnt food. Many store-bought stainless surface care products are low cost and highly effective. Stainless steel is also resistant to mechanical damage except when exposed to abrasive materials and agents.
The disadvantages include a simple and not particularly stylish appearance.
Stainless steel
Gas hobs with stainless steel coating are also in great demand among modern consumers. This coating can be called a worthy alternative to enamel coating. Thanks to this material, any hob model looks stylish and modern.
This material has a number of significant advantages that are definitely worth talking about. Stainless steel is a durable material that can withstand sudden temperature changes. And for a gas hob this is a very important quality. The material is impact resistant and easy to care for.
If we talk about the disadvantages, the main disadvantage of such a surface is that it also cannot be cleaned with iron sponges and abrasive detergents.
If you do not follow these simple rules, then after the first rough cleaning, scratches will appear on the surface of the hob, which will no longer be possible to get rid of.
Another disadvantage is that fingerprints are visible on such a surface. Therefore, you will have to regularly wipe the surface so that the model does not lose its aesthetic appearance .
Why can tempered glass become an alternative to glass ceramics?
Technologies do not stand still. Every year more and more modern equipment is invented and produced. It becomes not only functional and stylish, but also greatly simplifies the life of a modern person. More recently, glass-ceramic hobs were designed, and today they are being replaced by surfaces made of tempered glass.
Every year they become more and more popular, as they have already been able to establish themselves as a high-quality, reliable and beautiful material. It will fit perfectly among the interior elements of any kitchen, making it brighter and different from others.
The main advantages of tempered glass as a hob surface are:
- heat resistance;
- resistance to temperature changes;
- flexibility. The material can adapt to any uneven surface;
- strength. The product is not afraid of falling objects and other mechanical impacts;
- practicality. No special effort or care is required when cleaning.
Taking into account all these characteristics, as well as positive and negative aspects, each person will be able to choose for himself which hob is better - glass ceramics, tempered glass or enamel.
Modern hob
Glass ceramics
The ceramic hob is perhaps a relatively new option for gas hobs. The main feature of such hobs is that they are made of tempered glass, which is strong and durable. This surface is not afraid of temperature changes, so you can safely cook even over high heat.
The glass-ceramic gas hob can be of two types.
- The first type of such models are hobs, which are made using the “gas on glass” technology . Such models are distinguished by their special elegance and style, thanks to which they fit perfectly into any modern kitchen interior. The main feature of such models is that the burners are located on top, that is, on the glass-ceramic surface. As a rule, the burners are reliably protected by cast iron grates, so there is no fear of damaging the surface. Such models perfectly withstand heavy loads, which allows you to cook even in bulky dishes. In addition, such a surface is easy to care for. Nothing sticks on the glass-ceramic surface, which makes cleaning easier.
If we talk about the disadvantages, then this is low thermal conductivity, unlike surfaces made of enamel or stainless steel. Because of this drawback, the gas consumption of such models is slightly higher.
In addition, fingerprints remain on the surface, which spoils the appearance of the hob. But today it is quite possible to find models with a special protective coating, thanks to which no fingerprints remain on the glass-ceramic surface. True, such models cost many times more.
Characteristics of glass ceramics
The glass ceramic hob is quite new and modern in the field of household kitchen appliances. It is most widely and universally used in the production of all types of electric stoves, having established itself as a simple and unpretentious material for preparing food. The cost is higher, but in preparation, the convenience compensates for the increased price. Completely smooth, heats up and cools down instantly, it has a modern appearance. But if something spills, it must be immediately removed from the surface, otherwise cleaning will be difficult. And don’t even think about dropping anything on her, she doesn’t like it. Glass ceramics are quite fragile to heavy and very sharp objects. Until now, manufacturers are working to enhance this quality, selecting and applying different solutions, making the design better. Huge selection of colors and patterns. It’s impossible to even imagine how many there are, and this makes her the most attractive.
The result: + Modern stylish look, completely smooth surface, heats up and cools down quickly; – Not strong, difficult to clean under certain conditions, not the lowest price.
Tips and tricks
To maintain the cleanliness of your chosen gas hob and not spoil the perfect appearance of its finish, it is recommended to follow the advice of experts.
- Whatever surface you choose, try to clean it immediately after cooking , because it is much easier to clean fresh dirt than old dirt.
- Dried stains are very difficult to remove from an enamel surface, which can cause damage. To prevent this, the dried stain should first be softened, and only then cleaned . For such material, it is quite possible to use the most common liquid dishwashing detergent.
- To help keep your gas cooktop clean, you can purchase additional accessories to protect it, such as protective foil or reusable safety mats . Such accessories are perfect for enamel and stainless steel coatings.
- If sugar, syrup or jam gets on the glass-ceramic surface, the stains must be removed immediately , otherwise they may damage the surface. Try to use cleaning products that are specifically designed for glass-ceramic surfaces when cleaning the hob.
- For stainless steel surfaces, it is better to choose a soft cotton cloth . It does its job well and does not leave unwanted streaks after cleaning.
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Glass ceramics: its pros and cons
The indisputable advantages of glass ceramics are:
- immunity to blows;
- high degree of temperature resistance;
- immunity to the consequences of sudden temperature changes;
- high heat resistance.
The disadvantages of this material are:
- weak degree of resistance to single-point mechanical impact;
- high probability of quickly covering the surface with scratches;
- rather big price tag.
A glass-ceramic hob is expensive, but it has a lot of advantages.
The main advantage is durability. This material is not afraid of loads of up to 25 kg per square centimeter.
But there is one caveat: you cannot use aluminum cookware on a glass-ceramic cooking surface, as stains that are difficult to remove will appear.
In addition, the dishes must have a thick-walled bottom without flaws.
As for the sizes of pots and pans, there are no restrictions - the heating zone can be changed.
Only the burners covered with glass become hot; other areas of the stove can be touched without fear of getting burned.
We bring to your attention a video that describes this type of surface in detail:
Only one point can cause trouble: sugar accidentally spilled on a glass-ceramic stove will negatively affect its characteristics.
How to choose a gas hob - a 5-step buyer's guide
The gas hob is a favorite of all chefs and cooks from Yulia Vysotskaya to Gordon Ramsay. There are at least 3 reasons why it is better than an electric stove:
- Firstly, it does not increase your electricity bill, and gas is very inexpensive. By the way, an electric hob is one of the biggest “consumers” of energy in the house.
- Instant heating on and off, as well as a sensitive response to its adjustment, make the gas stove ideal for solving all culinary tasks: boiling, stewing, simmering, frying, etc.
- There is a widespread belief that food cooked on a gas fire is healthier and tastier than food cooked on an electric or microwave oven, since this heating source is the most natural and closest to the ideal - open fire.
In this material we will tell you how to choose the ideal built-in gas hob: efficient, safe, beautiful and easy to clean.
Some more useful information
- The connection of the gas hob must be carried out by specialists from the city gas service, and not by a third party.
- Those who live outside the city, where there are sometimes interruptions in the supply of gas or electricity, should pay attention to combined hobs. One half of the burners are gas and the other is electric.
- Due to open fire, a gas hob is not compatible with an apron made of MDF and plastic. However, the problem is easily solved by installing a transparent glass screen in the stove area.
- When choosing a gas panel, make sure you have a fairly powerful hood.
- Keep in mind that the gas panel requires a door in the entrance opening (although it does not have to be closed). If you want to combine the kitchen with the living room/hallway, then the gas stove will have to be replaced with an electric one. This is not so easy to do, but it is possible: you will need to obtain official permission, develop a project and replace the electrical wiring. Unfortunately, in old houses the electrical networks are weak, so renovations are often not approved.
Finally, we suggest watching a video with tips on choosing a gas hob from the user.
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