Over the past few years, glass ceramic hobs have become very popular with customers. Their smooth surface, iridescent in the light, embellishes the kitchen space and is highly durable. In addition, glass ceramics are suitable for various types of heating elements, from induction to conventional gas burners. And the control here can be not only mechanical, but also touch, which is impossible when choosing steel. Therefore, we decided to look at the best glass ceramic hobs in order to choose the ideal models for the kitchen.
Pros and cons of glass ceramic panels
Unfortunately, the manufacturers have not yet come up with anything perfect, so for any option for covering hobs, you can highlight its pros and cons. As for glass ceramics, it boasts the following advantages:
- Versatility... As noted above, this coating is suitable for any type of heating element and kind of control. This, in turn, allows for a variety of products in terms of design.
- Ease of care... It is very easy to wash glass ceramics, and even simple cleaning agents will allow you to get rid of stains.
- Variable heating zone... This is relevant only for electric models, but by choosing this option, you can not worry that the dishes are smaller than the heating zone. The latter itself will only affect the occupied area.
- High thermal conductivity... Again, pay attention to this point if the panel is not gas. In this case, the user will notice a high heating and cooling rate of the glass-ceramic surface.
Unfortunately, beauty, as they say, requires sacrifice. Such a surface has its disadvantages:
- Fragility... A pinpoint impact will almost certainly crush the glass ceramics.
- The cost... The price of this material is more expensive than stainless steel or enamel.
- Requirement for dishes... Most likely, you will need to replace the existing pots with new ones with a perfectly flat bottom, without drawings and inscriptions.
The best electric hobs with glass ceramic surface
The popularity of plug-in appliances is due to many factors. First of all, it is worth noting the high level of safety, since even the most affordable solutions in the event of a power outage will not entail such problems that a gas leak can cause. They are also better from an environmental point of view, and the temperature control of such hobs is usually very accurate. And a completely flat surface makes it quicker and easier to clean it from dirt.
1. Weissgauff HVF 642 BS
Launches TOP built-in hob from Weissgauff. The HVF 642 BS model is one of the best options for its price. There are four heating zones with a total power of 6.6 kW. One of the zones is double-circuit, which allows it to be adapted either for small dishes or for large pots and pans. There is also an oval zone here, which is necessary when cooking in cauldrons, goose pans and oblong pans.
The manufacturer used One Touch touch control in the HVF 642 BS, which instantly reacts to the touch of even wet and / or cold fingers.
Each of the hotplates is infinitely adjustable in 9 modes. If you cannot stay at the pots continuously, then just start the timer for the hob to turn off automatically. In your absence, it may also be necessary to lock the device from children, for which the Weissgauff HVF 642 BS has a corresponding button.
Advantages:
- uninterrupted work;
- combined zone;
- oval heating area;
- very high quality glass ceramics are used;
- clear management;
- flawless assembly;
- low price from 11 thousand.
2. Bosch PKE611D17E
Not many users were definitely expecting to see an inexpensive glass-ceramic hob from Bosch in second place. But in fact, this device can be bought for modest 182–210 $... Excellent functionality, impeccable assembly, stylish appearance - the traditional attributes of the German manufacturer in place.
Model PKE611D17E has 4 cooking zones in two sizes. Thanks to the use of Hi Light technology, they heat up very quickly, saving not only time, but also energy. Like most similar surfaces, this is a touchpad. However, the buttons here don't always respond the first time. However, in addition to this minor flaw, the magnificent Bosch unit is unlikely to have problems.
Advantages:
- legendary German quality;
- the speed of heating the burners;
- attractive appearance;
- lack of unnecessary options;
- excellent combination of price and quality;
- as a result, the price is low.
Disadvantages:
- touch buttons are not always responsive.
3. Hotpoint-Ariston IKIA 640 C
Planning to buy a high wattage and great quality glass ceramic hob but not too worried about the cost? We recommend the IKIA 640 C from Hotpoint-Ariston. It has standard dimensions of 59 × 51 cm, has four induction heating zones and touch-sensitive button control. Like its counterparts, the device allows you to set the timer and lock the keys from children. In reviews, the IKIA 640 C hob is praised for its high-quality glass ceramics and the function of recognizing dishes on the surface. Traditionally, for the Hotpoint-Ariston brand, the service life of the device and the duration of the warranty are 10 years and 1 year, respectively.
Advantages:
- induction heating zones;
- durable glass ceramics;
- convenient choice of modes;
- guaranteed service life;
- chic functionality;
- there is a protective shutdown;
- you can set a timer.
Disadvantages:
- slightly easily soiled surface.
4. Electrolux IPE 6443 KF
Induction hob with spot heating, thanks to which the burners automatically adapt to the size and shape of the cookware. The surface is controlled by means of a sensor block of buttons supplemented with numerical and digital displays. The latter allows you to see the selected level of operation of each of the 4 zones, as well as the time until the end of the timer, if it was set by the user.
One of the most useful features of the IPE 6443 KF hob is the function of combining a pair of cooking zones on the left into a large oval area. Also, Electrolux provided the ability to block controls from children, shutdown in case of overheating and a three-stage residual heat indication. Users can use PowerBoost to speed up heating.
Advantages:
- elegant design with beveled bezel;
- function of fast heating of burners;
- Bridge option to combine two zones;
- favorable price-quality ratio;
- German production and one year guarantee.
The best gas glass ceramic hobs
Despite its attractiveness, the electric hob is not always suitable for the average consumer. For example, in the case of a gas pipeline, gas hobs will be the best choice. They are often more economical when used regularly for preparing large amounts of food. And in terms of safety, gas units, if inferior to electric ones, are insignificantly.Plus, such devices are undemanding to the dishes, so you can cook in almost any saucepan.
1. Gorenje GC 341 UC
The second category is opened by one of the best in reliability gas-type kitchen hobs - GC 341 UC from Gorenje. It is covered with a black glass-ceramic hob and is equipped with silver-painted burners and a cast-iron grill. The diameters of the burners are 55 and 100 mm, and the equivalent of their power is 1 and 3 kW, respectively. According to customer reviews of the GC 341 UC hob, one can highlight the high efficiency of the gas control function, as well as the option of automatic electric ignition. The unit can operate with natural gas G20 or with liquefied G30, for which there are replaceable nozzles in the kit.
Advantages:
- durable cast iron grates;
- small panel sizes;
- Domino style design;
- automatic ignition;
- reliable operation of security systems.
Disadvantages:
- gloss is difficult to wash.
2. Bosch PSB3A6B20
The high-quality gas hob with glass-ceramic surface PSB3A6B20 from the German brand Bosch can be called a truly flawless solution in its category. It has two burners, one of which is express, and an automatic electric ignition function.
The unique FlameSelect technology allows precise control of the flame in 9 modes. In fact, accuracy comparable to electric models is achieved here.
An important advantage of the popular model of the hob is also the reliable cast iron grates. As a rule, such devices use one common one, but in this case the manufacturer has separated them. Conveniently, they are symmetrical and are available for sale separately if you damaged the complete ones.
Advantages:
- compact dimensions;
- justified cost;
- separate burner grids;
- durable ceramic surface;
- auto ignition and gas control function.
Disadvantages:
- high cost, for two burners.
3. NEFF T26TA49N0
It is possible that the cost of a gas hob with a glass-ceramic coating from NEFF will make the average buyer speechless for a while. Yes, allocate for the purchase of such equipment 742 $ not every buyer can. But it should be understood that this is not an ordinary model, but a masterpiece of German engineering.
All the company's products are manufactured exclusively in Europe at the best factories. Each piece of NEFF equipment undergoes multi-stage testing of all components, thanks to which the company can guarantee a long service life of its devices. Among other things, the gas hob is equipped with robust cast iron grills with a smooth surface, which makes them easy to clean. There is also an electromagnetic protection against gas leakage.
Advantages:
- excellent appearance;
- comfortable regulators;
- durable cast iron grates;
- the presence of an express burner;
- automatic electric ignition;
- impeccable build quality;
- operation of the gas control system.
Disadvantages:
- high price.
Completing our rating of glass ceramic hobs, the NEFF T26TA49N0 is the perfect choice for a full-size gas model. Of course, due to its cost, it will not suit everyone, so we also looked at two more affordable and compact options from Bosch and Gorenje. Of these, we would recommend taking a closer look at the Germans, but with a limited budget, you will not be disappointed with a panel from a manufacturer from Slovenia. For electric models, we have selected only full-size units for this category. Again, the German companies Bosch and Weissgauff are examples of benchmark quality and optimal functionality at a reasonable price. The stylish hob from Hotpoint-Ariston will cost a little more, but it will also offer more options.
