Which is better - a gas stove or a gas panel: criteria for comparing devices + recommendations for buyers
Neither experts nor consumers can come to a consensus on whether a gas stove or a gas panel is better.Each device has its own specific qualities and features that determine the most effective area of use.
It is these that we will consider in detail and compare these devices with each other according to criteria that are important when choosing suitable gas-using equipment.
The content of the article:
What is the difference between a slab and a panel?
The main difference between a stove and a hob is the design. On the stove, the block with burners and the oven are a single unit. The hob consists only of a thin, durable base and burners. And here oven not included in the equipment package. If desired, you can purchase it separately or not purchase it at all.
Large dimensions and bulkiness – main disadvantages gas stoves. It is especially difficult to place appliances in small rooms. It is necessary to reduce the number of floor cabinets and cabinets in order to free up the necessary area for a cooking unit.
Thin hobs They are built into the countertop and do not “eat up” a lot of useful space in the room.Even in a small kitchen they conveniently placed and make the process of creating everyday and holiday dishes enjoyable, easy and comfortable. There is more free space in the room and the space does not look overloaded.
Comparing a gas stove and a panel
Previously, only white gas stoves were on sale, and for appliances with chrome coating you had to pay a significant premium. Today, all manufacturers of kitchen appliances include in their assortment units of different shapes and shades, decorated with original prints, patterns and designs, distinguished by a good range of functions, sizes and shapes, type of installation and other features.
Next, we will compare the stove with a gas panel according to the main criteria that are important for the consumer when choosing gas-using equipment.
Criterion #1 - appearance of household appliances
You can buy the slab you like and choose the color scheme and style of the interior design for the room to match it. If the kitchen space is decorated, finding a beautiful appliance for it will also not be difficult.
The color range of hob surfaces is not so diverse. But, nevertheless, the panel initially looks more advantageous and gives even the simplest surroundings a modern look. Pairs well with furniture sets and decorative accessories.
The problem can only arise when searching for an oven. It will need to be matched to the appearance of the hob, but this is not always possible. You have to spend time searching or overpay to ensure that both kitchen appliances match each other and look like a set.
Slabs do not have this problem. The hob and oven are combined into a single unit, made in the same style. This is convenient and saves time on purchasing household appliances for the kitchen.
Criterion #2 - size and shape of kitchen appliances
Hobs have a wide range of shapes and models. For narrow kitchens, developers offer elongated devices with four burners in a row, in very small rooms of non-standard shape it is recommended to place corner panels for 3 burners or domino type units, taking up minimal space. The compactness of the products makes it possible to make the most efficient use of the usable space of the room.
In addition to classic rectangular and square devices, we also have round panels and models in boomerang shape. You won't find such a variety of shapes on gas stoves.
The standard stove is only available square or rectangular. Its height in most cases does not exceed 85 cm. Depth varies from 50 to 60 cm. Width ranges from 35 cm to 1 m (in exclusive appliances with 6 burners).
Before purchasing, you must carefully measure the space in the kitchen where you plan to place the unit. A device that is too deep will come forward a few centimeters and disrupt the aesthetics of the interior. A narrower one will “sink” inward, an excessively wide one simply will not fit into the designated niche.To avoid these unpleasant moments, you need to purchase a stove that exactly fits the dimensions of the allocated area in the kitchen.
Criterion #3 - permissible operating loads
Gas hobs are made from:
- tempered glass;
- stainless steel;
- enameled metal.
The width of the working surface, regardless of the type of material, is 300, 600 and 700-900 mm. Narrow panels made of tempered glass can withstand a one-time load of no more than 12 kg, medium ones - up to 20 kg and the widest ones - up to 25 kg.
Two-burner appliances made of stainless steel and enameled metal require a load of 15 kg, four-burner – 25 kg, five-burner – 30 kg.
The body of gas stoves is made from durable alloy steel, abrasion resistant. Applied on top of the metal enamel and stainless steel coating. The enamel perfectly resists mechanical stress and is not afraid of treatment with abrasives and aggressive cleaning agents. It serves for a long time and maintains an aesthetic appearance throughout the entire operational period.
The stainless steel coating easily withstands sudden changes in temperature, heat, cold and shock. Under the influence of abrasives, it becomes scratched and loses its visual appeal.
If the owners constantly cook at home, often host friendly companies and regularly organize festive events with treats, they should prefer a stove over the hob. It is more durable, works normally in constant mode and can easily cope with serving a large family.
The hob can only support a certain weight at a time. When placing pots, cauldrons and frying pans on the burners, you need to take this point into account and do not exceed the maximum permissible load. Otherwise, the surface will fail and will have to be replaced, and this is a significant material cost.
Criterion #4 - installation features
The gas stove is located where there is a branch of central communications. The stove is connected and put into operation by gas company employees who have the appropriate qualifications and permission.
If you want to put equipment in a specific place, you will have to coordinate the transfer with the gas workers. If approved, the installers pipes will be moved or they will extend additional ones, connect the slab to the general system and make a note in the documents about the work performed.
We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the features gas stove connections with your own hands.
Installing the hob is more problematic. First, you will need to make an exact cutout of the appropriate size on the working surface of the furniture at the installation site. Owners can do this work themselves or entrust it to qualified workers.It is very important to act carefully, otherwise voids and unattractive gaps will form along the edges.
For panel connections You will need to call the gas service employees. They will put the device into operation correctly and tell you about the rules for the safe use of gas equipment.
Before installing a slab or panel, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the regulations and rules for organizing air exchange.
Criterion #5 - energy consumption
If you run only the burners, there will be no difference in consumption between the devices. The stove will begin to consume more when the housewife turns on the oven to bake a second dish or make a delicious homemade pie.
For increase/flame reduction The burners on the front part have special ergonomic turn signals. You can adjust the desired fire flow in one easy movement.
Criterion #6 - cost of devices
Even the simplest hob will cost much more expensive traditional gas stove.
The price is influenced by many parameters, for example:
- shape – classic or unusual;
- panel material;
- availability of additional options;
- manufacturer brand.
The higher price will be compensated for by the compactness of the unit, its stylish, modern appearance and the saved usable space in the kitchen.
When price is of fundamental importance, you should choose a budget gas stove in a classic style. It will not cost much, will help you prepare any dishes and will not require complex care, just periodic maintenance.
Criterion #7 - functionality
As such, there is no difference in the basic functions of slabs and panels. Both of them are suitable for preparing various dishes and heating already prepared food.
Baking/roasting is only available on standard ranges equipped with an oven. It is impossible to bake a pie or make a roast duck using a hob.
Additional type options auto-ignition, gas control and other similar elements depend not so much on the type of equipment, but on the manufacturer and cost of the device.
Such functions are not often found in budget products from mass-market brands. They are mainly included in mid- and luxury-segment models from reputable manufacturers.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
What to consider when choosing a gas stove for your home. Advice from a professional gas fitter.
Specific features and nuances of a gas hob. A real user shares their impressions.
The glass on the gas hob is cracked. What to do in this situation - useful recommendations.
The question of what is better to choose, a hob or a gas stove, cannot be answered unambiguously. Both options have both advantages and disadvantages. The price range of models is more than just wide.Among classic slabs and modern flat panels, there are both simple, inexpensive items and high-status luxury products with a large number of additional functions.
How much the positive qualities outweigh the negatives is up to the user to decide for himself. If style and aesthetics are of paramount importance, you should choose a hob. When the main goal is the ability to constantly cook a large number of different dishes, it makes sense to opt for a classic stove with oven.
It is recommended to choose equipment from reputable brands. It is distinguished by high-quality assembly and reliable operation for a long time.
Which gas equipment did you choose - a stove or a panel? Share your experience with our readers - what criteria were fundamental for you when choosing a kitchen appliance? If you still have questions about the topic of this publication, ask them to our experts and other site visitors - the feedback form is located below.
That's right! But not really! When choosing between a gas stove and a gas hob, one important point must be taken into account - the volume of the kitchen space. Let the ceiling height in the kitchen be 2 meters 40 centimeters (there is a suspended ceiling 10 centimeters high), the kitchen area is 5 square meters, then the volume of the kitchen is 2.4 * 5 = 12 cubic meters, of which 15% is occupied by furniture and kitchen equipment or 12 * 0.15 = 1.8 cubic meters, we accept 2 cubic meters, we have 10 cubic meters of kitchen volume left, according to the standards, for each kilowatt of power of a gas stove or hob a volume is required 2 cubic meters of kitchen volume. Hence the maximum power of gas equipment is 10 / 2 = 5 kilowatts. If we have a four-burner gas stove, then, as a rule, the power of the hob burners can reach approximately 5 kilowatts or a little more, plus the oven power is about 3 kilowatts, a total of 8 kilowatts of power, the required volume of air when turning on all gas equipment is 8 * 2 = 16 cubic meters, and we have only 5 cubic meters. Of course, as a rule, no one turns on the oven and all 4 gas burners at the same time, yes also at full power, but the volume of the room must be designed for this mode of operation, otherwise you can be poisoned by the gas and its combustion products. Here is the criterion for choosing between a gas stove and a gas hob. In our case, the maximum power of a gas hob is equal to 5 kilowatts, and this is three burners without a gas oven. Two burners is the power of gas equipment about 3 - 4 kilowatts, in our case the volume of the kitchen will not be fully used, but there are no three-burner gas stoves, there are only three-burner gas cooktops; with a two-burner gas stove, the power of the oven together with the hob may exceed the permissible, although it is better to have another burner than an oven. That is, you need to count the volume of the kitchen and calculate the power of the gas equipment, and only then decide what exactly install.