Combined hobs

Modern housewives unconditionally make a choice in favor of built-in appliances. She conquered with her functionality, practicality and ergonomics. Among all types of kitchen equipment designed for cooking, combined hobs are in the highest demand.

As the name implies, panels of a combined type can operate from several different power sources: gas supply, as well as from an electric cable. On such a stove, there is a hob directly connected to the mains, and gas burners, which is why this name appeared.

The hob is characterized by increased functionality and practicality, gas burners are usually suitable for cooking large amounts of food, and small electric ones are ideal for morning meals. However, the most modern models are equipped with induction surfaces, which have ample opportunities for cooking, frying and stewing products.

Today, the industry offers a wide selection of the most functional models of combined hobs, so even a very demanding housewife can choose the best product for herself.

The technology for the production of such plates is based on the creation of some fundamental differences between the product and its counterparts of another type.

• The principle of "gas on glass" - this is the arrangement of gas burners located on a glass-ceramic hob. Usually an induction or electric hob is located nearby for efficient heating. This design is optimal for those who use both gas and AC power for kitchen work.

• Hi-Light - in this case, electric burners are not represented by "pancakes" familiar to all, but by special tape heating elements, which largely affects the speed and efficiency of heating. The spiral heats up almost instantly, therefore, the heat goes to the panel, thanks to which the food is cooked very quickly. This is especially important when there is limited time, such as in the morning before work.

• Induction Is an innovative type of household hob. In this case, there is instant heating and an equally rapid cooling of the coating, therefore the glass-ceramic surface is characterized by safety, it always looks neat and clean.

Cooking combined surfaces, in comparison with analogs, have a number of significant advantages.

• Combination of gas and electricity supply provides quite extensive opportunities for all housewives who cook a lot. So, on induction cookers, first courses are cooked very well, meat and fish products are fried, and you can speak jams, jams, jellied meat and stews on gas. A full load allows you to more economically manage your free time and kitchen staff.
• Combined control capability allows all family members to use the hob. For example, a grandmother who cooked on gas all her life and cannot quickly adapt to modern technology can use gas burners with rotary switches, and representatives of the younger, progressive generation get along well with sensors.
• When cooking on combination hobs, you can use almost any dish, except, perhaps, plastic.
• The combined surface is optimal for economical housewives. Judge for yourself: induction is an energy efficient technology, and gas is cheaper than electricity.

However, there were some drawbacks.

• The need to control the use of certain types of pots and pans. For example, those that can be installed on gas burners are not suitable for induction burners, so you need to choose the dishes that are optimal for cooking a particular dish.
• If water or other liquid gets on the sensor field, the burners are immediately switched off and will not work until all moisture has been completely removed. This can be inconvenient, especially if you are preparing a lot of different dishes, for example, for a gala dinner or a large family dinner.
• Connecting such a surface is also difficult. You will have to call two specialists at once: one of them will connect the gas, and the other will embed the panel into the furniture frame.
• It should be noted that not all models of combined hobs fit well into small-sized kitchens.
• Well, one cannot fail to note such a disadvantage as cost. Prices for combined hobs are much higher than for similar products, so not every Russian family can afford such models.

The gas-electric cooking surface can be made of several different materials.

Traditional hob familiar to everyone, made of durable polished metal. This is a fairly economical model that is safe and durable. However, enamel is not so easy to use and maintain.

In case of mechanical damage, falling heavy objects and strong impacts, the coating is deformed and cracked, therefore such hobs require the most careful and delicate handling.

Combined panels made of stainless steel are stronger than enamelled ones, however, they also have their own operational characteristics. Such surfaces are stained by grease and water, as well as handprints.

Very stylish panels that look great in modern interiors. In addition, such coatings are durable and resistant to wear, and it is quite difficult to scratch and deform them, unless they are deliberately subjected to high impacts.

Depending on the design features, gas and electric models are distinguished.

The most popular variation is a panel combining gas and electric burners. Equally popular is a complex consisting of a dependent gas hob and an electric oven. Such products are convenient and ergonomic: an oven is usually used for baking, and gas burners are suitable for frying, cooking and stewing.

In recent years, many combined models have appeared that can communicate not only with gas equipment, but also with many other solutions.

Nowadays, combined hob-plates can be seen in the list of products of almost all creators of household appliances, although this category cannot be called numerous. Only some models are considered the most popular.

This hob includes 3 gas burners for 1, as well as 1.9 and 2.9 kW, as well as one Hi-Light heating zone for 1.8 kW.

For gas burners, strong cast iron holders are equipped, as well as gas control sensors. The functional surface has dimensions of 58x51 cm, color - black. This surface includes several regulators of the heating force of the rotary mechanism, electric ignition is provided.

The combined kitchen hob includes 2 gas burners of 2 and 3 kW, as well as all Hi-Light electric burners of 1.2 and 1.8 kW.

The surface is made of glass-ceramics, the shade is black, the dimensions of the product correspond to 60x51 cm. The control is carried out using rotary knobs that allow you to select 1 of 9 built-in heating modes, there is an auto-ignition function. There are gas control sensors and a residual heat sensor.

In this case, a combination of 2 gas burners and 1 cast-iron "pancake" is used, they are placed on an enameled hob. The total power of all burners is 3.6 kW, the share of a single electric one is 1.5 kW.

The cast-iron "pancake" is located approximately in the center of the device, and gas burners are located near it in a spiral. Working parameters are 59x51 cm, enamel is white.

This is a rather original model. In this device, the working area combines stainless steel and glass ceramics. On the first one there are 3 gas burners with a capacity of 1.01.65 and 2.6 kW, and on the other - a pair of Hi-Light type "pancakes" for 1.7, as well as 1.1 kW.

When choosing a combined hob, it is recommended to adhere to several important expert advice.

It is better to choose glass ceramics with an even coating. Any notches that the manufacturers claim to mask splashes and dust are nothing more than a publicity stunt. In practice, over time, they accumulate a lot of dirt and solidified fat, which is quite difficult to scrape off without damaging the base.

If you are cooking for several people, then choose models with a large number of heating elements. For large families, as well as housewives who prepare preservation in large quantities, such devices will become indispensable.

If there is a financial opportunity, please yourself with models with such additional options as a residual heat sensor, timer and others.

For a video review of the Electrolux EGE6182NOK combined hob, see below.