How to choose an electric stove for the kitchen?

The modern range of kitchen electric stoves is so diverse that it is not at all surprising to be confused in this abundance. For an inexperienced buyer, a huge choice becomes not a help, but a hindrance. A variety of modifications are presented on the market - from traditional models with cast iron burners to ultramodern high-tech novelties. When deciding how to choose an electric stove for a kitchen, you need to decide what you need it for, how often you plan to cook on it, and what set of functions suits you? What is most important to you - design or cooking comfort? Useful tips outlined in this article will help you determine the right purchase.

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Criterias of choice

Consider the main parameters of an electric stove, which must be considered first. These include:

• sizes
• plate surface material;
• material and number of burners;
• type of oven;
• device functionality;
• power consumption;
• the trademark under which the equipment is manufactured.

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Dimensions

The most popular models of electric stoves have dimensions:

• 500 * 500 mm;
• 550 * 550 mm;
• 500 * 600 mm;
• 600 * 600 mm.

Important! You may prefer models with height-adjustable legs. This will allow you to build a stove and a nearby table in one line.

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Production material

Cooking surfaces of electric stoves can be enameled or made of glass ceramics. How to choose an electric stove - glass ceramic or enameled steel?

Enameled

The option with enameled surface is time-tested and familiar. The cost of these devices is quite affordable, they are reliable, durable and are made in different shade options.

Important! The disadvantage of enameled boards is that they are not very well cleaned from contamination. Over time, chips and scratches may appear on the surface of the enamel.

Glass ceramic

Glass-ceramic surfaces can withstand high (up to 600 degrees) temperature. A big plus is the anisotropic thermal conductivity of the material - the heating of the desired area occurs very quickly, and outside the stove remains cold.

In addition, the glass-ceramic panel retains a presentable appearance for a sufficiently long time. For this reason, the advantages of glass ceramics are obvious.

However, glass ceramics are not without certain disadvantages.

• Low edges at the edges of the surface.
• The need to purchase special dishes with a flat bottom.
• Despite its durability, the material can be damaged from a point impact.

Important! One of the features of glass-ceramic electric stoves is that the dimensions of the dishes must exactly correspond to the dimensions of the burner.

What to choose?

So, which option should I prefer: a traditional stove with cast-iron “pancakes” or a ceramic glass hob? - We decide:

1. Naturally, glass ceramics will cost more. But its advantages are obvious: quick heating, safe operation. However, glass ceramics require careful care and gentle handling. You will also need special dishes, preferably from respectable foreign firms.Glass ceramic surfaces can only be cleaned with special tools.
2. The disadvantage of a traditional electric stove is the slow heating of the burners. At the same time, the cost of a slab with a “traditional” design is much lower.

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Type of burners

The number of burners on electric stoves of different types can vary from 2 to 6.

Cast iron

Cast iron burners are a traditional option:

1. This material holds heat well, its surface is resistant to wear.
2. Cast iron express burners are used for quick heating. They are marked in red.
3. Automatic burners are marked white and equipped with a sensor that resets the heating power when a certain temperature is reached, while the liquid does not boil away.

Glass-ceramic

The burners of glass-ceramic plates are more diverse in their functionality, according to the principle of operation, and configuration. There are induction, halogen type or conventional burners.

Important! If a special corrugated tape is used as a heating element, then such a device is called Hi-Light. Heating takes place within a few seconds, and the power regulation is stepless. You can get detailed information about all varieties and the choice of just such plates from our article "Glass-ceramic hobs".

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Oven. But more about this

Ovens are in all electric stoves. There are two types of ovens:

• Static
• Multifunctional.

Static Models

The cost of stoves with static ovens is lower than with multifunctional ones, since there are much fewer possibilities. Almost all static ovens are equipped with upper and lower heating elements, which provide frying of the product from different sides.

Multifunctional

The principle of operation of multi-function ovens is different. The distribution of heated air throughout the entire volume of the oven takes place using a fan. Now you can forget about such a nuisance as a cake, burnt out outside and damp inside.

Important! Multifunctional ovens are also suitable for defrosting food, cooking grilled and steamed dishes.

Cleaning method

When thinking about how to choose an electric stove for the kitchen, do not forget about how you can clean the oven from pollution. Mid-priced models include pyrolysis and catalytic cleaning functions:

1. The essence of the catalytic cleaning of the oven are as follows. Its walls are covered with a substance that absorbs fat. At the end of cooking, just wipe the oven with special napkins.
2. The essence of pyrolysis is as follows. When the oven is heated to a high (500 degrees) temperature, contamination from the walls burns out.

Important! If you are accustomed to very carefully and meticulously understand the intricacies, especially in the matter of buying expensive household appliances, ease of maintenance, our detailed review will help you“Cleaning the oven — which is better?”.

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Additional features

Before choosing an electric stove for the kitchen, do not forget about the ergonomics and functionality of the appliance. Here are the most requested additional options of a modern electric stove:

• The presence of lighting in the oven. It is necessary so that you can track the cooking process.
• Steam outlet. With this function, the control knobs do not heat up and are not subject to contamination.
• Hermetically closing the door to reduce heating of the plate on the surface and less heat loss inside the plate.
• The presence of a retractable trolley.
• The timer is used to turn the oven on and off at the right time, to signal that the cooking process is over.
• The memory function is “remembering" the cooking parameters of certain dishes (temperature, cooking time).
• Heat indicator - lights until the stove cools down to a safe temperature of 60 degrees. It will help you to avoid accidental contact with a hot surface and from injuries.
• Boiling water control. Now you can not worry that the liquid will boil and spill onto the stove.
• Automated recognition of metal utensils. The heating of the burner occurs only if a pan or pan is placed on it.
• Security. If you have a baby in the house, pay attention to the stove with the child protection function. Cookers with double-triple glass ovens are safe. During cooking, the outer glass does not heat up.

Important! There are not quite ordinary options for electric stoves. For example, a compact, the size of a microwave oven, stove with oven, which is ideal for a country house. For owners of small apartments, household appliances that combine three functions are suitable: a dishwasher, an electric stove and an oven.

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Power consumption

This is one of the most important parameters that are paid attention to before choosing an electric stove for the kitchen. Class A models consume energy efficiently, quickly heat up and cool down, and are therefore completely safe. So you will not stay hungry, and electricity bills will not shock you.

Important! So that after installing a new stove and oven there are no problems, they work correctly and safely, read in more detail all the requirements and installation rules in the article “Connecting the hob and oven to one outlet”.

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Trademark

In fact, paying not for functionality, but for a brand, is at least unreasonable. The set of necessary functions and warranty service of the product is much more important.

Popular electric stoves from famous companies are quite reliable, the ratio of “price-quality” is usually optimal. Well-established models from brands:

• Hephaestus;
• Ariston;
• Electrolux;
• Beco;
• Hansa;
• Burning

But damage to all devices, regardless of brand.

Important! Our articles will help you understand the nuances of different models:

1. The best electric stoves.
2. Hob rating.

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Stock footage

Now you have a complete understanding of how to choose an electric stove for the kitchen. Use correctly received information and then the new technique will definitely not let you down, but only for a long time will help to prepare tasty and healthy dishes for your family.