Which is better: a single stove for the kitchen or a hob and oven independent of each other? There is no single correct answer to this question. Each owner has his own option. After all, both solutions have their advantages.
However, the separate approach is much more popular today. At least in the post-Soviet space. To come to this conclusion, it is enough to look at several dozen kitchens from the latest projects of Russian designers (for example, on the houzz.ru portal). But we didn’t stop there and created a survey on a Russian-language forum with a predominantly female audience. 84% of respondents believe that a hob and oven are better than a classic stove.
Well, this is not surprising. If you make a list of advantages for both options, everything will become clear. Objectively: a separate solution has more advantages. See for yourself.
What is a gas stove
Once upon a time, these devices were unrivaled, surpassing in popularity stoves powered by electricity. Gas has been and remains a cheap type of fuel, and it is profitable to use it as a fuel. The gas stove is extremely simple. There are 4 burners on its horizontal surface, and there is an oven in the lower part. The volume of incoming gas is regulated using the control panel located on the front wall of the stove.
To ensure that the flame is distributed evenly, the burners are equipped with dividers. The oven works on the same principle. A typical gas stove is a floor-mounted design. The device has certain requirements for the installation site; it is necessary to regularly clean the gas equipment. Ignition can be manual or automatic.
In manual mode, matches and piezo lighters are used to ignite the gas. The built-in ignition also works using a piezoelectric element (sometimes using electricity). Modern stove models are additionally equipped with:
- gas control system;
- thermostat;
- electronic programmer.
The number of burners in the stove can be from 2 to 6 pieces. Thermally resistant, durable metals are used as materials for the manufacture of plate parts. The outer surface is covered with enamel. Stainless steel plates are also available. Gas appliances are equipped with atmospheric burners, allowing the gas to burn completely, without releasing harmful combustion products.
The gas control function is ensured by the operation of an electromagnetic valve and a thermocouple located inside the burner. The principle of their interaction is such that when the flame extinguishes, the thermocouple stops producing current, the solenoid valve closes, interrupting the gas supply.
Any housewife can handle operating a gas stove. Even the simplest model makes it possible to cook, fry, stew, and bake any food. The latest generation models have burners with 2-3 adjustable flame rings. Due to this, you can choose a cooking mode for a specific dish. This innovation will be appreciated by experienced cooks.
Using the word in speech with examples
The word “burner” and its derivatives are widely used in speech.
The samovar was used in the tea traditions of the 19th century. You can see the samovar burner in paintings depicting merchants. In the work of M. Gorky “The Life of Klim Samgin” there is a sentence: He (Samgin) stood in the middle of the room, watching steam burst out of the samovar, enveloping the kettle on the burner.
In these sentences, the word denotes a part of the cooking plate:
- I placed a kettle on the second burner. I remember all the little things of my past life: gypsies in the open air, a strange stove with burners.
- The burner was red hot.
- There are just enough coals left to light the burner.
What is a hob
A hob is a version of a miniature kitchen stove built into the countertop. This placement allows you to save space in the kitchen. The hob can be connected to the oven and have common controls with it, or it can be located and controlled independently. There are several options for hobs:
- gas - connected to the gas pipeline;
- electric – work from the mains;
- combined - in them two burners are powered by gas, and the other two by electricity.
The number of burners on the hob is from 2 to 7 pieces. They can be made from various materials. The surface of the panel is made of glass ceramics, stainless steel or covered with enamel. The device is convenient because it can be placed in any corner of the kitchen area. The hob does not take up much space.
For the normal operation of the device, its correct installation is important, which is best left to specialists. Typically, a hob is chosen if an oven is not needed or if you plan to install a separate oven. Expensive models are additionally equipped with:
- timers;
- stopwatches;
- protection from children;
- residual heat indicator;
- automatic cooking mode for various dishes.
An induction hob runs on electricity. The principle of its operation is based on the use of inductance coils. When alternating current is supplied, an electromagnetic field arises, and vortex flows appear in the dishes standing on the panel, which will heat the walls of the frying pan or pan.
For such a panel, special dishes are selected, made of a material with magnetic properties. Pots and pans for an induction panel must be made of cast iron or stainless steel and must have a thick bottom.
Gas-powered models are most often controlled using rotary switches mechanically. For safety reasons, manufacturers recess the turntables into the housing. Electric and induction cookers are controlled using sensors. Typically, touch buttons are located closer to the edge of the tabletop in the center of the panel or in its right corner.
The nuances of an independent oven
Many users are still not aware of the difference between an oven and an ordinary oven installed in a standard stove. The main differences between electric and gas ovens are known to everyone: the former are much more powerful, and their baked goods turn out more appetizing, with a fragrant golden brown crust. They are not very different in size: the same standard is 600x600 mm, but models are available with a width in the range of 700-900 mm, however, their cost is high.
They are installed independently, i.e. it is not necessary to build them under the countertop. Many users place them separately and above the table for convenient use, and bright lighting helps to monitor the cooking process. An autonomous cabinet is available in gas or electric, but the former has a smaller range, because it is in little demand: making a separate connection is unprofitable for many buyers.
The electric option has a number of advantages:
- location at eye level;
- ease of connection;
- delay start timer;
- several modes;
- Some models have a microwave mode - you can save money and space in the kitchen by purchasing two in one.
The disadvantages are similar to all the negative qualities that are inherent in electrical equipment.
What is the difference?
A gas stove is a full-size kitchen stove used for preparing a variety of dishes. In this appliance, the top panel with burners is combined with an oven located under the panel. The stove occupies a large amount of usable space, since it can only be placed on the floor.
We recommend: The difference between marble and granite: the advantages and disadvantages of two rocks for construction
The hob is compact in size and is usually built into the countertop. This type of equipment can be installed independently, or it can be connected to an oven and have a common control panel with it. In addition, hobs operate not only on gas, but also on electricity. There are also combined models. A separate row are induction electric panels, which use a completely different heating principle.
Safety
The use of electricity and gas carries certain dangers. Outdated or poor-quality wiring can cause a short circuit and, as a result, a fire. Therefore, it is important to monitor the condition of the electrical network and carry out all necessary preventive work in a timely manner. Apartment residents bear full responsibility for safety. In the event of a fire, the total area of the fire depends on the prompt action of the special services. However, most residents of nearby apartments will be able to evacuate in time.
Gas is a completely different matter. The media often receives information about domestic gas explosions in apartment buildings. There were 28 such incidents in 2021, up from 32 in 2021. In some cases, entire spans of buildings are destroyed. Special services monitor the condition of pipes and gas stoves. However, the negligent attitude of the tenant of one apartment can affect the entire house. Even if you fully comply with safety precautions, this will not protect you from gas leaks in a neighboring living space. In the event of an explosion, one can only rely on the actions of rescuers.
comparison table
The comparison table clearly presents the main characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of a gas stove and hob. Having familiarized yourself with them, it will be easier for the buyer to make a choice.
| Gas stove | Hob | |
| Characteristics | Height – 85 cm, depth – 50-60 cm, width – 35-100 cm. Hob coating – enameled and stainless steel, glass ceramics. Number of burners – 2-6. The shape of the burners is round, oval, triangular. The oven is gas or electric and can be equipped with a grill or spit. Additional functions - gas control, child protection, timer, etc. | Type of heating - gas and electric. Type of control – dependent and independent. Surface material – enameled, steel, ceramic, glass. The control system is most often touch-sensitive. Number of burners – 1-7. Additional functions: gas control, electric ignition, timer, multi-cook, etc. |
| Advantages | Economical to use, adjustable flame, works when there is a power outage, relatively low cost, ease of operation. | Energy saving in induction models, ease of installation, ease of use, simplified cleaning, compact size, attractive design. |
| Flaws | Soot formation during cooking, bulky dimensions, increased risk of explosion and fire. | High price. Cheap models break down quickly. Requires installation of a ventilation system. |
| Price | From 3800 rubles. | From 4000 – 5000 rubles. |
The price for both types of equipment depends on the manufacturer’s brand, the number of burners, and the presence of additional functions. On sale you can find models whose cost reaches several tens of thousands of rubles.
Rating of the TOP 15 best electric stoves with oven of 2021
| Place | Name | Price |
| TOP 5 best electric stoves with oven in price/quality ratio | ||
| 1 | Beko FSM 67320 GWS | Find out the price |
| 2 | Hansa FCEW53001 | Find out the price |
| 3 | GEFEST 5140 0031 | Find out the price |
| 4 | Beko FSM 67320 GAS | Find out the price |
| 5 | Gorenje EC 6341 XC | Find out the price |
| TOP 5 best 4-burner electric stoves with oven | ||
| 1 | Hansa FCCW53000 | Find out the price |
| 2 | Gorenje EC 5121 WG-B | Find out the price |
| 3 | Beko FFSS 67000 W | Find out the price |
| 4 | Candy TRIO 9503 | Find out the price |
| 5 | GEFEST 6140-03 | Find out the price |
| TOP 5 best 2-burner electric stoves | ||
| 1 | DARINA S EM 521 404 W | Find out the price |
| 2 | Flama CE3201-W | Find out the price |
| 3 | Dream 221H | Find out the price |
| 4 | Dream 15M | Find out the price |
| 5 | Dream 231T | Find out the price |
( 2 ratings, average 5 out of 5 )
Pros and cons of a gas stove
A gas stove is a very easy-to-use device that has a considerable number of advantages. Main advantages:
- the ability to not only fry, boil, stew, but also bake food in the oven;
- efficiency - gas consumption does not lead to an increase in utility bills;
- The device will allow you to cook food even during a power outage;
- Cooking occurs quickly due to accelerated heating.
Disadvantages include the inability to accurately regulate the temperature, the appearance of soot on the dishes due to an open fire, an increased risk of an explosion, and the need for regular monitoring of the operation of the equipment by the gas service.
Reviews on the performance of gas stoves
Marianna S., Vladikavkaz:
“We recently replaced the gas stove. We chose “GEFEST 3200-06 K85” from a Belarusian manufacturer. We chose the model because of its reasonable price; it cost 11,600 rubles. The stove is easy to use. There is electric ignition. The oven is equipped with lighting. The body and hob are covered with white enamel. A good-quality stove for reasonable money; no shortcomings were found during use.”
Sergey I., St. Petersburg:
“I bought a gas stove “DARINA 1AS GM521 001 W” for my mother. We were looking for a simple device that would be easy for an elderly person to use. The kit additionally includes nozzles for liquefied gas, allowing you to use the stove in the country by connecting a cylinder to it. Dimensions are compact, cooking modes are standard. Baking in the oven does not burn. This model does not have electric ignition, but for such money (9,450 rubles) there cannot be any additional functions. I recommend this model to those for whom it is important that the stove is inexpensive and takes up little space.”
Marat E., Samara:
“When purchasing a gas stove, the task was to choose an appliance from a well-known brand at an affordable price. As a result, we purchased the “Hansa FCGW51001” model for 13,000 rubles. I’ll say right away that I later regretted my decision to save money. The stove turned out to have flimsy turntables; instead of cast iron, it came with a steel grate. The oven does not have a light or thermometer. The manufacturer has not equipped the appliance with thermal insulation; as a result, the entire kitchen heats up while the oven is operating. A friend has a stove of the same brand, but twice as expensive, and he is completely satisfied.”
Modes
Since there are many of them, it is worth paying attention to the main ones: heating source (upper, lower, combined - variety is a plus in this case); the presence of a fan for convection and cooking with steam (and the fan also reduces the required heating level and speeds up the cooking process); grill (optional); maintaining the temperature (the main thing is not to dry it out), defrosting, heating (the microwave can handle the latter). Additionally, there is a backlight (without it you will have to shine a flashlight or constantly open the door).
There is no information in the oven descriptions about what tricks it allows you to do - all this can be found in the user manual. They will tell you that the oven can tidy up stale bread (although it will be “disposable” and will have to be eaten quickly). Or pizza: the presence of a separate mode does not mean that without it you will have to forget about the Italian pancake. The manuals usually list combinations (temperatures and tray positions) for pastries, cakes, juliennes and other strange things - that is, all these dishes can be prepared without “dedicated” modes.
Incredible, but true: enough heating from everywhere, a fan and lighting, the rest is makeweight.
Pros and cons of the hob
Hobs are in demand and popular today, thanks to their modern design and compact size. The advantages of the equipment include:
- choice of power type – gas, electric, combined;
- Possibility of integration into kitchen furniture;
- high power burners;
- convenient control using sensors.
We recommend: To cook deliciously, you need to know which spices are suitable for what - a table for all occasions
However, such models have a number of disadvantages. A hob costs a lot of money and must be installed by a qualified specialist. Such equipment must be used together with a hood. Due to the lack of ventilation, nearby furniture will become very hot. The panel itself can deteriorate due to overheating. It should be taken into account that one burner can withstand a weight of no more than 6 kg, so it is unlikely that it will be possible to heat a bucket or tank of water. Induction models require the use of special cookware.
Reviews on the operation of hobs
Elena M., Novosibirsk:
“After renovating the kitchen, we decided to purchase a hob, since at the same time we were changing the furniture set. We chose the Weissgauff HV 32 B model for 6,500 rubles. The coating is made of glass ceramics. The panel has 2 working burners. There is protection against children. The device is controlled using sensors. Additional functions include a timer and residual heat indicator. For the money this is an excellent purchase. I really liked the design and convenient controls.”
Maxim A., Izhevsk:
“My wife asked for a built-in hob as a gift for March 8th. At her request, I purchased a gas model “Hansa BHGI631301” for 12,600 rubles. We have been using this purchase for several months now. During this time, the design, functionality and quality were assessed and no shortcomings were found. My wife says this panel is perfection. The model is made of stainless steel, so it will fit any set. The panel is equipped with four burners. There is electric ignition and gas control. During our use, the kitchen assistant has never let us down and looks like new.”
Sergey N., Orekhovo-Zuevo:
“We needed a small hob because the standard one didn’t fit. As a result, we chose “LEX GVG 430 BL” at a price of just over 11,000 rubles. I did the installation myself and didn’t find anything difficult about it. This model has 3 burners, which is enough for a family of two. It is very easy to care for, just wipe with a damp cloth and then wipe dry. There are no streaks left on the glass. The model is equipped with cast iron grates, electric ignition and gas control. Controlled by rotary switches. The panel is suitable for main and bottled gas; it can also be chosen for a summer residence.”
Generalized advantages and disadvantages of induction
Based on all of the above, let’s summarize.
Advantages of this type
- Heating occurs faster than with gas, for example, 5 liters of water boils on induction in 4 minutes, and on gas in 12;
- 4 times more economical than heating element;
- during cooking, you can lay a towel under the frying pan, or simmer dishes without a lid;
- dishes and furniture are not smoked;
- many programs and timers;
- temperature regulation without accidentally extinguishing the fire.
Disadvantages of the induction model
- relatively fragile surface;
- special utensils or adapters are required;
- Aluminum and copper utensils are not suitable;
- for certain models you will have to derive a separate phase.
What is better to choose
When making a choice between a full-featured gas stove and a hob, you need to build on your preferences and available capabilities. In this case, you should take into account the size of the kitchen and its layout, and how often you have to cook. The dimensions of the device, ease of installation and type of power supply are also taken into account. For many, the cost of equipment plays an important role.
A gas stove with a built-in oven will be an ideal purchase for a large family where they cook a lot. The hob is suitable for those who live alone or spend little time at home, preferring to have lunch and dinner elsewhere. Many people purchase compact hobs for their summer cottages, connecting them to an electricity source or to a gas cylinder. This option is suitable for a modern kitchen with a stylish design. The hob is indispensable in a small area, as it takes up little space.
For those who are on a budget, it is better to choose a simple gas stove model. Such equipment works for years without breaking down. If you purchase an inexpensive hob, it can quickly fail, and manufacturing defects in this case are not a rare occurrence.
For a family of 4-5 people, a standard stove with 4 burners is quite enough. If you often need to cook something quickly, it is better to choose a model where one burner is larger than the others, due to which it has significant thermal power. This burner will heat up water in a pan or boil a kettle faster.
When choosing a kitchen stove, buyers are guided by different criteria. For some, design is more important, for others - functionality, and still others choose the model with the lowest price. However, excessive savings may cost more in the end when, after a couple of years of use, the device breaks down and requires expensive repairs or replacement. That is why, when choosing a gas stove or hob, first of all, you should pay attention to their characteristics and ease of use. The price of expensive equipment will pay off over time.
MATERIALS OF MANUFACTURE
When understanding what is better - a gas stove or a panel, one cannot ignore the materials used by manufacturers to produce devices of these two types. Traditional stoves are usually created from stainless steel or metal with an enamel coating. Hobs are exactly the same, but they have one advantage - the use of glass ceramics. Models made using the gas-on-glass technology look more elegant and fit better into the interior than bulky stoves. They are also equipped with stable grilles that protect the glass ceramics from possible damage.
Surface Features
All users know the individual features of gas and electric stoves from operating experience, so let’s not waste time, but pay attention to the panels.
Familiar appearance
The best representatives of gas surfaces have burners with two or even three rows of perforations, which significantly increases the heating time of the dishes. The kit necessarily includes an economy nozzle, sometimes equipped with a device that hides open fire for uniform heating of the bottom of the cookware.
The gas hob is made of glass ceramics, which guarantees a rather stylish appearance; according to users, it is very convenient to cook on such splendor, and cleaning is not difficult. The burners are protected by durable original grates made of cast iron or steel coated with heat-resistant enamel.
New technologies
Glass ceramics have firmly entered the everyday life of Russian users; it has a number of advantages over enameled surfaces, but is afraid of mechanical stress: it is easily scratched even by sugar or salt crystals, not to mention pinpoint impacts that can split it. As for a simple electric stove, it only heats up in the area where the burners are installed, while an induction panel has no surface heating at all.
Such hobs are already being replaced by mirror glass panels, which have similar advantages, but cost much less, decorate the kitchen interior many times better and are not afraid of mechanical impact from falling small objects. A lot can be said about the advantages of conventional gas and glass-ceramic built-in panels; they perform well in operation and have individual advantages, but the main thing is safety. For new surfaces it is much higher than for gas stoves.
Noise level
According to this indicator, the induction furnace passes on the laurels of the winner to the electric one. The latter is absolutely silent in operation, while the former constantly shows signs of “life”. It makes various sounds, crackles every time the transistor radiator and the fan, hidden from view , are turned on, responsible for cooling the coil.
The resulting noise is not particularly annoying, and over time, stove users do not notice the sounds and completely get used to the “induction” operating mode.
Popular models
Electrolux EKC 52300 OW
Let's start with the concern, of which AEG, which was once the first, became a part. We cook and fry on electricity, we also bake on it, the work surface is made of glass ceramics. Well, it seems like an ordinary set, but note that this stove, beautiful in every way, has double glass in the oven! And also a grill with convection and a drawer for storing baking sheets and all kinds of utensils, not to mention a timer and a residual heat indication system. There is no spit, but I don’t think everyone needs one: chicken and potatoes can be baked without it. Four burners are enough to cook even for a large family; oven - multifunctional, capacity 61 liters, cleaning type - traditional, that is, a cloth and any stove cleaner. Weight - 42 kg, dimensions: 50x85x60 cm, rotary switches. Energy consumption class - A, attractive for budget-conscious people.
Induction cooker or electric: reviews on forums
We looked at a lot of reviews on various forums and would like to share some of them with our readers (spelling and punctuation preserved):
In my previous apartment I had an electric hob, now it’s induction... this is heaven and earth, in my opinion, and the most important thing for me is in the matter of maintaining the appearance of the stove - if I endlessly cleaned, scrubbed, scrubbed the glass electric hob - after all, it’s enough if you “missed” pasta or potatoes and all the liquid that overflowed instantly burned on this surface, then with induction it’s just relaxation - even if the porridge overflows over the edge - you just take a cloth and wipe it off and that’s it, not a single spot in one movement and there is no smell, even if milk “ran away” is a super trick, in my opinion.
Compared to all others, induction heats water faster and heats up the work area significantly less. The surface of the stove is heated only by the cookware itself, unlike other designs. When cooking, you can cover the entire surface with a paper towel so that you don’t have to wipe it later or use chemicals.
We were happy with the induction from Artiston for a year, until my husband dropped the mug on the very edge, a crack went through two burners, I don’t know if it can be used now.
I have ordinary glass ceramics, and once I was visiting a friend, she had an induction cooker. I realized that I need to adapt here, it heats up so quickly that the food burns instantly.
In pursuit of savings
When buying a hob, it is important not only to look at the cost of the model, but also to calculate how much its operation costs. From the above advantages, the conclusion suggests itself: an induction furnace uses electricity more economically, so its operation is much cheaper. But at the same time , the price of a new induction cooker is higher than an electric stove .
It is also worth considering the cost of purchasing new cookware if there is no hob suitable for the burners.
