Tool Reviews

Electric stoves are an alternative to gas appliances due to their practicality, economy and multitasking. Modern models of electric stoves amaze with a variety of design solutions and functionality, which sometimes makes the choice of this kitchen equipment problematic for consumers.

To make a bargain, it is important to know the intricacies of choosing an electric stove. The choice of an electric stove begins with a consideration of the technical and operational characteristics.

Types and characteristics of electric stoves

Depending on the model and functional features, electric stoves have 1–6 burners. They differ in the type of heating element, heating rate, diameter, working power and shape.

• heating elements;
• Hi Light;
• Halo Light;
• induction.

heating elements

A simple and affordable option for heating elements that are used in electric stoves. They are easy to operate and repair. Cast iron elements are classic, automatic and express heating. Such material retains heat, is resistant to damage and corrosion.

Classical heaters are evenly painted in dark color, express elements in the middle are equipped with a red indicator, automatic heaters are white. Express heaters provide a high heating rate. At the same time, automatic analogues are equipped with built-in temperature sensors to determine the rate of boiling water and adjust the heating power.

Hi–Light

Hi-Light burners are practical and functional elements that are equipped with glass-ceramic devices. They heat up in 2-3 seconds, are equipped with smooth power control. Inside such elements are special corrugated tapes for rapid heating.

Halo Light

Record holders in heating are halogen burners – Halo-Light. The basis of the element is halogen (gas), which, when heated, releases a large amount of energy. Elements of this type quickly heat up and cool down rapidly.

induction

They differ from their predecessors in terms of the principle of operation. Induction hobs heat the bottom of the cookware, while the hob stays cold. This is possible thanks to a special induction type block that produces an electromagnetic field.

Power adjustment is stepless. For induction heaters, it is recommended to use dishes made of modern materials with a ferromagnetic bottom.

The shape of the burners are: oval, round, with an extended zone (and without it). The extended zone is represented by two adjacent rings. Depending on the dish and the duration of cooking, an external or internal heating ring is used.

Hob material

Hobs are glass-ceramic or enamelled.

enamelled

This is a classic version of the surfaces that most electric stoves are equipped with. They are practical, unpretentious in operation, cheap, have a wide range of colors. The disadvantages are susceptibility to scratches, chips, deformations, difficulty in removing scale and grease stains.

Glass-ceramic

This coating for the hob has taken a leading position due to its unique performance characteristics. Glass ceramics withstand high temperatures (up to 550 degrees), it is easy to clean, has low thermal conductivity, and is resistant to deformation and damage.

Appliances with a glass-ceramic hob provide an electronic control type and are equipped with the necessary thermal indicators. With proper care, this surface will last for many years.

Despite the positive characteristics, even glass ceramics has disadvantages. Such material is sensitive to point impacts, which can lead to cracks and chips. If the surface is damaged, the device requires urgent repair.

Dimensions

Electric stoves are presented in floor and desktop versions. Desktop counterparts are compact and easy to use, differ in small size, weight and cost. This is an option for country houses, cottages and change houses, where it is not possible to install full-size outdoor devices.

Floor-standing devices are intended for stationary use, differ in size and weight. Such devices are free-standing and built into the kitchen set. With a standard height of 85 cm, a depth of 50 and 60 cm, the width is 50–85 cm.

If necessary, the height is adjusted due to the adjustable legs, which some models are equipped with. Ergonomic devices are chosen for small-sized kitchens, other sizes are for standard kitchen spaces.

Oven

All modern models of electric stoves are equipped with ovens – static or multifunctional.

Static

Models with static type ovens are equipped with two heating elements – upper and lower. They have a grill at the top of the oven. They ensure uniform processing of products from all sides.

Some models are equipped with a small or large grill. The large grill is suitable for roasting fish, meat, casseroles and other dishes, and the small grill is suitable for cooking small portions – pizza, toast, pastries.

Ovens of a static type in terms of price are attractive compared to multifunctional counterparts.

Multifunctional

Ovens of this type operate on the principle of convection and uniform distribution of heated air by a fan over the entire area of ​​​​the oven. In addition, in such cabinets you can cook different dishes, reheat food, defrost semi-finished products, grill and steam.

In them, food is cooked evenly, which avoids burnt or raw dishes.

The standard set of cabinets includes baking sheets – deep and regular (up to 3 pcs), a skewer for grilling and shish kebab, grills with different thicknesses of rods.

When choosing an electric stove, you should also pay attention to the method of cleaning the cabinet – catalytic or pyrolysis.

catalytic cleaning It is provided in ovens, the walls of which are covered with heat-resistant enamel. Care of such a surface consists in wet cleaning with a soft cloth or napkin using non-aggressive detergents.

Pyrolysis involves cleaning the inner chamber of the oven after heating to 450-500 degrees. At this temperature, the contaminants burn out, after which the walls are wiped with a dry cloth.

Functions of electric stoves

Models of devices of a cheap and medium price segment have a standard functional set, which is enough for daily cooking. Additional operational parameters are provided in multifunctional expensive models.

• Timer. It programs the operating time of the oven or burner on the hob. Electric stoves are provided with electronic and mechanical timers. Electronic analogues provide turning on / off the burners in automatic mode by the set time. Mechanical options include manual shutdown of the burner or oven after an audible signal.
• Steam outlet. This function avoids heating and contamination of the operating handles.
• Memory. The function allows you to save the set cooking parameters for various dishes.
• Boiling water control. The function is provided for timely protection against boiling water.
• Thermal indicator. Allows you to monitor the temperature of the heating surface during cooking. When the temperature drops to 60 degrees, it becomes inactive.
• Function of recognition of utensils made of metal. The hotplate heats up when a pan made of metal is placed on it. When empty dishes are placed, the heating is automatically turned off.
• Fast food preparation. A function that allows you to cook semi-finished products in the oven.
• Recessed control knobs, blocking the oven, drawers for dishes.

Having understood the parameters for choosing an electric stove and making an informed decision, you can safely go to the store for a purchase.

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