Nowadays, more and more often, stoves are preferred, and stationary stoves are gradually becoming a thing of the past. And this is not just so, such devices significantly save space and serve as a good helper in the preparation of even the most complex foods. Unlike standard stoves, the hob can be integrated in any place, the main thing is that a special opening in the countertop is cut under it.
Main types
To date, there are two types of devices. For those who liked the independent built-in electric hob, it will be easy for him to install it in any chosen place, it is completely autonomous. For dependent surfaces, the same oven is also sold in the kit, they are mounted only under each other. The control buttons on these devices are often located on the same panel. This combination does not suit everyone, so independent surfaces are more popular.
Instructions for mounting the panel in the countertop
In order for the Bosch built-in hob, for example, to be installed correctly, you must follow certain instructions:
- Initially, the manual is studied out of the box, it is necessary to find information about the estimated size of the niche that you need to cut out in it. In the event that it will be absent, you will have to independently measure the inside of the seat. Please note that the ideal gap between the tabletop and the panel is 1-2 mm, if it is larger, there is a possibility that during operation the built-in electric hob will “walk”.
- Next, mark the countertop. Be sure to draw the lines along which the electric jigsaw should move , for this you need a pencil and a double ruler. Very often a cardboard template is included with the device, which makes it easy to measure the required area. After marking in the corners, you need to drill small holes with a thin drill so that the blade can enter them when cutting.
- Then a fine-toothed file for a jigsaw is selected on a tree, and a hole is very carefully cut along the pencil line.
- In order to protect the joint from dirt and moisture, and also to prevent the appearance of fungus, a sealant is glued around the entire perimeter, which is usually included, but if it is not there, an acrylic or silicone sealant is perfect. All protruding excesses are removed with a knife.
- Next, gently begin to install the hob in the niche that has been carved. If it came out a little larger than the required size, then it will be necessary to align it in front of the countertop. In the case when it is not possible to install the device, you do not need to shove it by force, it is better to carefully trim a few millimeters.
- At the end, the installed panel is fixed with special clamps from the kit, they will need to be screwed in.
Surface material
Before you buy a hob, you must definitely decide on the material from which it should be made, since they are often made of enameled and stainless steel, as well as glass ceramics. There are positive, and in some cases negative user reviews for each type of surface. The built-in hob made of glass-ceramic attracts with its appearance. It is quite extensively represented in the domestic market. Such devices quickly gain the desired temperature and also cool down; their segment is considered the most expensive.
Enameled panels are quite durable and painted in a wide variety of colors, which can fit very nicely into the design of the kitchen. The main disadvantage is the difficulty in care and cleaning.
Stainless steel looks expensive and stylish, has high strength, but at the same time is quickly contaminated by fingerprints.
Electrical surface connection
It is not enough just to properly integrate the hob, it must also be connected, for this, follow the instructions:
- check if the actual voltage in the network matches the one indicated in the documents;
- factory settings can be found on the underside of the panel;
- in order to get to the terminals, you must open the terminal block;
- when connecting to the mains, be sure to provide disconnecting devices that disconnect all contacts - for this, protective current switches and fuses are perfect, all connections must be made taking into account their load and capabilities;
- built-in electric hob (Bosch, for example) can be mounted between furniture elements, the main thing is that it is under the hood;
- after completion of work, check that all conductive elements are well protected from contact with people and animals;
- carefully make sure that the connecting cable is not pinched or spiked during installation;
- the wires must not touch the hot plates.
Gas surface mounting
When connecting such devices, be sure to check for good ventilation, for this you need to perform the following sequence of actions:
- the work must begin after receiving the order and familiarizing yourself with the conditions of the gas supplying enterprise;
- on the lower side of the device is a gas pipe with an external thread;
- a non-metallic gasket and a device for liquefied gas are necessarily included;
- during installation, hold the tube so that it does not rotate;
- for strong sealing it is necessary to use approved non-metallic components and other materials;
- permissible compression deformation of the gaskets is 25%; the appliance must be connected using a certified flexible hose, which must pass freely and not touch the kitchen equipment.
Cover for surfaces
After it turned out to be possible to integrate the hob, you can install a lid on it to additionally protect it from mechanical damage, it is mounted separately. In the closed position, the surface can be used as a countertop, which increases the working area. For its production, glass ceramics, glass and enameled steel are most often used. The cheapest variation is the metal cover, which is inferior to everything else only in its simplicity. Ceramics and glass are convenient to use, they are washable and look good, so their cost is slightly higher than average.
Accessories for surfaces
For hobs, additions are also invented that simplify its use.
- Very often used lattice, which act as a stand for dishes. Such devices can be integral, and also consist of several halves. Using the second option is more convenient, since pollution that has arisen during cooking is easily eliminated. Bosch often uses these components. The built-in hob may have various types of grill materials, such as cast iron or steel.
- Hot plates are a mandatory attribute that always comes with a gas hob. Reviews about the required quantity and their accommodation options can be given by any hostess who often uses them. Many argue that cooking options depend on the distribution parameters of the burners, they can be up to 6 pieces on the panel, they must be different in size and, accordingly, in power.
Hob control
All surfaces can be mechanically, electronically and electromechanically controlled.
The mechanics are installed in the most budgetary options with minimal functionality.
The use of electronics will significantly expand the list of cooking functions, namely:
- maintaining a uniform temperature;
- timer, it can independently turn on at the right time;
- various heating modes;
- control over cooking, after the dish is ready, the panel will notify you about it;
- recognition of dishes or material, the hob will start to heat up only when an object is on it;
- boiling - after boiling, the heat supply goes into a mode of less activity;
- recording in memory - once you have prepared the right dish, you can add the technology to the memory of the device and next time reduce the degree of your participation to a minimum.
Panel Safety
Modern built-in hobs of 45 cm and more must necessarily be correctly installed and connected, preferably under the supervision of specialists, then they will not be able to cause any harm to humans. In order to prevent possible accidents, the mounted models are equipped with such devices:
- Gas-fired surfaces are equipped with a system that controls its flow and combustion. If the flame goes out, the burner switches itself off.
- Electric panels have a three-pole plug in which ground is located.
- If a malfunction occurs in the surface itself, then it begins to emit sound and light, and then completely turns off.
- "Child protection" will help prevent accidental switching on of burners.
- The indicator lights will show the user that the heat has already been reached.
Price
For those who want to incorporate a hob, an important factor is the cost of such a product, it varies quite widely. Budget models cost from 3,000 to 15,000 rubles, the average range is from 16,000 to 50,000 rubles, and a large price can be paid for luxury options. It mainly depends on such indicators:
- New to the market. The maximum cost will have a model that appeared relatively recently.
- Exclusive. A surface with a unique design will cost several times higher than mass production.
- Brand The goods of well-known companies are much more expensive than their not so well-known counterparts, although the quality of the latter can be much better or the same.