Gas cooktops are so well-established in their current form that it seems as if nothing has changed, but this is not the case. The Italian brand Glem specializes in unusual design of appliances. They offered single-burner recessed elements that resemble pans in appearance. The elements can be placed as you wish, and the number of burners and their performance is also chosen by the customer.
Burners that have retained their familiar shape remain true to their original form. Minimum work with power from 0.7 to 1.0 kW, medium 1.7-2.4 kW, strong about 2.8-3.0 kW. Double and triple row burners are gaining popularity. They are often positioned as a Wok burner, but it is not necessary to cook on them only Asian cuisine. Their main feature – accelerated heating, which is achieved by a fairly high power 3,5 to 4,5 kW and a more even distribution of heat. Such a burner of the Gorenje G 6N 50 RW model has the power of 3.5 kW, the Samsung GN642JDXD – 3.8 kW, the Bosch PCQ715B80E – 4.2 kW. Candy model PGC 640 SQBA uses burners with four rows of flames and has a power of 3.5 kW.
Wok, indeed, have become more popular, and customers are happy to buy models equipped with such elements. Perhaps this is why they are emphasized, like the Kaiser KG 6979 Turbo, where this element is placed somewhat to the side.
Grill burners are used but rather rarely, they are available, for example, in Siemens EC845XB90E. And the ILVE H90PCVIX panel has an oval duck burner in the center. Glass ceramic cooktop Electrolux EGE 6182 NOK refers to the combined hob, but instead of the usual cast-iron burner it uses a modern element of the Hi-Light type.
NEW HOTTERS
The most significant part of the panel is, of course, the burners. With all the simplicity and efficiency of the proven types, new models have started to appear. Metamorphosis refers to the design of burners, it improves their performance and changes their appearance. Among the new products that are already available to Americans, cooking ranges Hotpoint-Ariston with Direct Flame burners for example, the PK 755 D GH X for 15 000 Dollars. . These burners are flat monoblocks there is no usual removable lid , and a slight bulge in the center serves to direct the flow upwards. Gas enters through small holes, located not in one, as usual, but in five rows. The tongues appear thinner, but by increasing their number they merge to form a continuous rich stream that distributes the heat more evenly over the bottom of the cookware. As the company’s engineers assure, in comparison to usual burners, Direct Flame burners save up to 20% of fuel and achieve the required cooking temperature quicker. Very similar in design burner three years ago introduced a brand Hoover, but we do not sell such panels.
The rest of the innovations are a competition for squatting, a trend so far characteristic only of some companies. So, the Italian manufacturer Smeg introduced its “ultra-low” elements, they are noticeably more compact than usual, while the flame is formed in a vertical direction for example, the model PV175CB for 54 000 rub. . Low burners are also used at Kuppersbusch GKE 6840.0 M for 78 000 Dollars. . The new Zigmund&Shtain Sabaf burners burners are also compact and look flatter than usual Zigmund&Shtain MN 222 .61 B for 28 000 Dollars. . What’s in the race for compactness? The appearance of models, or rather their proportions, is changing, and the height of dishes racks is getting lower. The panel looks lighter, uncluttered. Again, this is unusual and therefore interesting.
MAKE IT FOR THREE
The theme of compactness is also reflected in the size of the panels. There are more 45 cm wide appliances for small kitchens. These are Foster 7030642 P45 three-burner panels, Kuppersberg FQ4TGS, Kö The HG 455 CTRN. Three-burner hobs are increasingly common in standard width models: Bosch PCC615B90E, Smeg PV630S, Bertazzoni PM60 3 0 X.
NEW CONTROL
The control approach has changed dramatically. There is a new for models function of ignition reignition. The function automatically restarts the flame if it goes out. The advantages of the function are obvious. Cooking continues and heating is proceeded to the power level that was accidentally interrupted. It is important that you don’t have to worry about gas leaks either. The gas control system is also present and monitors the situation. It shuts off the fuel supply only if the flame cannot be restored in several attempts e.g. 3, as in Fulgor .
The automatic ignition system we are talking about one-handed became easier for the user. It is now possible to light the oven only by turning the knob – no need to “push in” the knob e.g. Miele KM 2034, Neff T62R36S1 . And all this thanks to the introduction of electronics. They make starting up easier and more advanced.
HOW MUCH HEAT REMAINS?
But the evolution of control systems has not stopped here. It brings them ever closer to the controls of their electric counterparts, and electronics are becoming more and more important. In models that run on gas, there are indicators of residual heat. Externally, they look exactly like Hi-Light glass ceramic or induction. As they should, they tell the housewife that the elements – in this case, the burners – haven’t cooled down enough. The off-burner heat is not as efficient as the electric ones, but the large burner doesn’t cool down immediately and you can use it to warm up plates or hold food until serving. Although in most cases, this information is useful only for neat people who are ready to clean the panel immediately after cooking. As you understand, with all the obvious progress in this area, the indication is not important for the user, but shows the presence of technical innovations and progressive manufacturer examples: Fulgor CPH 905 GWK TC X for 85 000 rub., Bosch PRP626F70E for 24 000 Dollars., Neff T26R86N0 for 19 000 Dollars. .
Slightly more useful is the indication of burner operation, which may be relevant at a minimum flame, unnoticeable from afar. Indications can be almost familiar not for gas only , in the form of a lamp at the regulator for example, in the panel Dacor DCT305, not sold in America . Or a really designer, as on HF 9 Hoover we also do not meet, but perhaps will be sold its analogue Rosieres usa 9 , the indicators are the controls themselves, or rather their intense blue lighting around the diameter, which looks like a compact burner in operation.
WATCH OUT FOR YOUR FINGERS!
Simplification of the process of ignition of burners only turning raised the question of safety. Now it’s easier for curious kids to accidentally turn on the burner. Therefore, the need for a system of locking against unauthorized access – “childproofing. Like all kitchen appliances, the system is activated by a touch button. It has become more difficult to change the settings without knowing how to handle it Bosch PRP626F70E, Siemens EC645PT90E, Kuppersberg FQ6ZGS .
A NEW LEVEL OF CONTROL
Control systems now have the ability to electronically monitor safe operation. They are similar to electric models, except that they require the same maximum operating time for all burners, regardless of differences in power. For example, the 4-hour Fulgor and Zigmund&Shtain. The system will monitor the temperature of the heating elements eg, Haier CasArte and or the duration of their work, and if it exceeds the specified value, automatically turn off the panel. And speaking of off and on. On/Off buttons appeared on the panels, which activate and stop the appliance, just like on TV or cooker hood. Settings, i.e. switching on and selecting the heating intensity, can only be done by pressing this button and then turning the desired regulator. Accordingly, until it is pressed again, the panel without the burners lit remains in standby mode.
Electronics is engaged in self-diagnostics, constantly monitoring the operation of the device, in case of a dangerous situation it stops the gas supply and displays the error code. Total control of work allowed to visualize an additional parameter of the system – the internal temperature. It can now be recognized by pressing the corresponding combination of buttons. The temperature value can be read on the display.
SENSORS AND GAS
All the control metamorphosis mentioned above were amazing in that they are used in parallel with the regulators. But now there are sensors, too. Touch controls work as on other cooktops, using the forward/backward buttons to select output in steps, or with touch-sensitive sliders. A light touch on the glass changes the setting. Set values are shown on digital indicators. Although the stepped system looks more cumbersome than simply turning the knob “by feel,” in addition, it does not have the smoothness and flexibility of choice that home gas owners appreciate so much.
The sensor control system provides a unique opportunity to ignite all the burners at the same time, should the need arise. Simply press a couple of buttons simultaneously and the flame burns at maximum power e.g. Zigmund&Shtain MN 222.61 B .
The trend towards more complex gas cookers is matched by an opposite trend of simplification. Until recently, the class of appliances working on gas, was a kind of elite, in each appliance was concentrated complete “gentlemen’s set” – one-hand ignition and gas control. Now there’s an increased need for more affordable, budget-friendly models. Therefore, it is not uncommon to find appliances with a two-handed with a button electric ignition Gefest CH 1210 for 3900 rbl., Indesit PIM 640 A BK 4700 Dollars., Hansa BHGI62100020 for 5000 Dollars. , does not apply gas control Beko HIZG 64120 B for only 3500 rbl., Zanussi ZGG 62411 XA for 4900 Dollars., Indesit PIM 640 A BK for 5200 Dollars. .
STEEL CHARACTER
The design has also begun to present big and small surprises.
Stainless steel came into vogue, or rather a new approach to this well-known material. Steel panels are now made flat, avoiding bezels around the perimeter. You can clearly see the thickness of the panel, the edge is made quite simple – with a straight cut. And in general, the usual stamping has become a little less relevant. The zone of burners became highlighted in a new way, they lift it up and make it convex. Design in general has become more technological and lean, but the models look even more bright and interesting. A typical example is AEG HG5755421U panel with beautiful matte finish, light accents on burners and beautiful metal controls. And here are more models of similar type: Electrolux EGT 6342 NOX 11, Hotpoint-Ariston PK 755 D GH X , Fornelli PGA 60 Quadro IX, Bosch PC 640 T X HA, Foster Veronika 4F 7066042. All of them are characterized by the use of individual grids, which simply stand on the surface.
HEVY METAL
More attention has been paid to cast iron. Of course, now they use special alloys, which have a characteristic rough surface, but are easy to care for. However, it is true that the brutality of cast iron has been more actively used by designers. Note that the individual grilles have appeared very large bases, which can take up to a quarter of the area of the panel. Just such a solution is used on the panel Hoover HGH 75 SQDX – the entire area over which the grill is raised, made of cast iron. The usual cast-iron plates around the burners are also enlarged, such as Gorenje GHS 64 SC-A, Kuppersberg FQ6TGR, Bosch POP616B80E.
Finally, the designers suggested panels made entirely of cast iron with cast holders for dishes. These are Hoover HF 9 and Rosieres usa 9, Zigmund&Shtain GN 11.61 B and GN 11.91 B. The appliances have acquired a bold, unique character and look very impressive.
NEW COLOURS
The design continues to present both new and familiar colors. One of them is the color of champagne, golden, light, sometimes just transparent. It is used infrequently, but it looks beautiful – Blomberg PC 640 TX HA not sold in America , Bosch PPP618B91E, Kuppersberg FQ6TGR C BRONZE , Nardi LG 430 AV A, Hotpoint-Ariston TD 640 S CH IX. Traditional beige in variations of milk, cream, ivory shades are widely used for kitchens in classic styles, the choice has increased, the models are more diverse: Franke FHTL 604 3G TC OA C in a shade of molten milk, Smeg SPR864PGH – cream, Hotpoint-Ariston PC 640 T AV R – ivory.
The classic continues to gravitate towards the brown. Available in many hues ranging from rich, glowing copper Kö Their specialties range from brown with a slight greenish undertone Kaiser KG 6976 CuGBETurbo .
Black is more versatile. Glass surfaces are soft or more decidedly hi tech Bosch PRP626B70E , metal surfaces are country Hansa BHG63100020 .
Bright, unexpected colors are rare. Most often it is done by those who traditionally offer bold solutions, including for classic interiors. These are deep green Restart ELP060 GN , blue ILVE H90PCNVBlue , burgundy Kö rting HG 6105 CTRR . Color is also used for retro-style models, such as Smeg’s P755SG in yellow.
There are more offers of white panels, which look smart and businesslike: Electrolux EGG 6343 NOW, Hansa BHGW63111035, Gorenje GHS 64-ORA-W.
