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Selecting a gas cooktop

Gas cooktops are less popular than the electric. But if you have gas in your apartment, you can choose a beautiful and functional model. A few things to look out for.

reex

Gas cooktop REEX

Size and number of burners

The most common 60 cm wide hobs with 4 burners.

If space allows and you cook a lot, you can find on sale 90 cm wide plates with 5 burners, they will have more room for dishes.

If you don’t cook on the stove much, but often use a multicooker or grill, you can make do with a two-burner hob. They’re narrow width 30 cm and the countertop space is much bigger.

There is also such an interesting option: a narrow long panel with 4 burners installed in one row. Advantages: free access to each burner, the disadvantage – such a cooking surface takes more space.

narrow long

Gas control

Safety first. So get a hob that has each burner automatically turns off when the gas goes out.

Even if in a few years you have to spend a couple of seconds longer to turn on the burner

If the gas control system wears out, the ignition switch will go off after 4-6 seconds

, a quiet life, and in general, life is much more important!

panel

Material

  • Enameled surfaces

Easy care, choice of colors, affordable price.

Over time, the enamel may start to “peel”, split off, and the panel will lose its appearance.

  • Stainless Steel

Inexpensive, easy care, long life.

Scratches can occur if not properly maintained and some plates have “fingerprints” on them.

  • “Gas on Glass.”

Durable, easy to clean, beautiful to look at, you can choose the color.

The glass may crack if used improperly.

  • Ceramic glass

Durable, beautiful, easy to care for.

Expensive, few models.

reex

REEX gas hob

Check out

special coatings

, which can be placed around the burner on the gas cooktop. In this case any surface will stay clean.

The presence of a wok burner

wok burner

If the panel has one heavy-duty burner with three rows of flame, then you get not only the opportunity to cook Asian cuisine, but you can not buy an electric kettle, and boil water on gas.

Wok burner can be seen on three-burner hobs, four-burner hobs and five-burner hobs. Its presence affects the price, but greatly improves the functionality of the panel, so we recommend. In addition, on the fok burner you can cook in dishes with a large diameter bottom – the heat is enough to evenly heat the entire surface.

Arrangement of burners

hotpoint

If we talk about four burner hobs, then usually one is a wok burner, one small – for a turkey, and the two middle ones are the same.

The following option is becoming popular: heavy-duty, large, medium and small.

European manufacturers like to install the most powerful burner in the back row, so it is considered safer.

If you do a lot of frying, you’re better to find a panel with the most powerful burner at the front.

The location of burners is traditionally square, less often you can meet diamond-shaped.

Which is better?? It’s a matter of taste, the main thing is not to place burners close to each other, in which case the dishes may be crowded, and cooking two dishes at the same time will be difficult.

Smeg

Control panel

Independent cooktops usually have the control panel at the front.

Each burner has its own power switch, touch-control panels have not caught on, and if found, it is very rare and very expensive gas cookers.

  • It is desirable that the control panel is located away from the most powerful burner, otherwise the switch will be very hot and you’ll have to use a towel or oven mitt to turn off the gas.
  • Be sure to note that the switches are below the grill, otherwise you could accidentally break them when removing a heavy pan or pot from the surface.

Less often the control panel is placed on the side.

electrolux

So it heats less, of course. But this position can be convenient only if you can freely approach the cooking from this side.

Electric ignition

Almost all modern gas cookers have automatic ignition: you press the burner, turn it and the flame appears.

zigmund & shtain

If you just turn the knob, the burner will not turn on.

This feature is sometimes even called “childproofing.

The usual button that completely locks the control panel is almost never found on gas hobs.

Grates

siemens

Choose plates with cast iron grids, they are more durable and comfortable than steel ones. Most often there are two. It is more convenient than a single large, as it allows you to quickly tidy up the panel, if something accidentally spills, while the other half is cooking at full speed.

There are also models in which each burner has its own grill, but these are much less.

The nuances

Using gas cooktops has its limitations:

  • They should not be installed in kitchens integrated with the living room.
  • Wall panels made from combustible materials are not suitable. There must be a ceramic tile “apron” or at least a metal or glass lid behind the gas cooktop.
  • Keep your kitchen hood clean.

In extremely rare cases, but theoretically possible, the strong flame of the burner can ignite grease, which is “deposited” on the inner surfaces of the hood. Of course, all these surfaces should be made of self-extinguishing materials, but the slightest chance that the case will end in a fire, still remains. So, follow the recommendations on the distance between the gas surface and the hood 75-85 cm , and don’t forget to clean the surfaces of the hood of grease. At least the grease filter can be washed in a dish-washer.


Gas burners heat up instantly and cool down quickly, many professional chefs prefer gas cooktops, considering them the best.

So if you have gas at home – that’s great! The main thing is to choose the right cooktop.

Interesting notes

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John Techno

Greetings, everyone! I am John Techno, and my expedition in the realm of household appliances has been a thrilling adventure spanning over 30 years. What began as a curiosity about the mechanics of these everyday marvels transformed into a fulfilling career journey.

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Comments: 5
  1. Rhiannon

    What are the most important factors to consider when selecting a gas cooktop?

    Reply
    1. Sage

      When selecting a gas cooktop, there are several important factors to consider. Firstly, the size of the cooktop should fit your kitchen space and cooking needs. Secondly, look for a cooktop with high-quality burners that provide even heat distribution and precise control over temperatures. Consider the power output of the burners to ensure they can meet your cooking requirements. Additionally, think about the design and style of the cooktop to complement your kitchen decor. Safety features such as flame failure devices and auto shut-off valves are also important considerations. Lastly, compare the energy efficiency ratings and prices of different gas cooktops to find one that offers the best value.

      Reply
  2. Harper

    Which factors should I consider while selecting a gas cooktop for my kitchen?

    Reply
  3. Tatum

    What are some key factors to consider when selecting a gas cooktop?

    Reply
  4. Theodore Lawson

    What are the key factors to consider when choosing a gas cooktop? Any specific brands or models that stand out in terms of performance and durability? Is there a significant difference between natural gas and propane gas cooktops?

    Reply
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