“Built-in hob or Gas Stove right: Here is how you can find out”
Are you planning to remodel your kitchen? Confused between choosing from a built-in hob or a traditional gas stove?
While a gas stove might seem like an easier choice but a built-in hob might be the missing part of your completely futuristic kitchen setup.
Confused? Do not worry! We are here to help you decide what type of cooking range to buy. Without any delay, let us get into the discussion.
Stovetop vs. Hob – What are the Basic Differences?
While a stovetop has a freestanding style body, a modern hob has a built-in design (permanently fitted into the kitchen slab).
Both stovetops and built-in-hobs come in several models like glass finish, sleek design, fancy-looking, and stylish-looking range.
However, a modern hob has some added benefits over the traditional ones while making cooking easy. On the whole, a hob is undoubtedly a much better choice for a kitchen gas stove. Let us look at the benefits that both the stovetops offer in detail:
Benefits of Built-in Stoves or Hobs
1. Design
Built-in hobs are better looking and stylish than traditional cooktops. Modern built-in hobs are aesthetically designed and can give a contemporary appearance to your kitchen. The gas tops of these hobs are thin and slim, which gives a sleek look. They are available in two finishes, i.e., cast iron coating and glass top. However, a glass top variant can make an aesthetically great statement. It is always up to the choice and preference of the user.
Whether you choose a glass top or a metal top hob, make sure that it is spill-proof. This way, you do not have to invest more time in cleaning. You can emphasize more on your culinary skills and enhance your experience.
2. Installation
When it comes to installation, this has to be right. You should cut the countertop as per the specific size of the hob. And it is a mandate.
Always remember that you must finish the cutting before the fabrication of your kitchen decor. For this, you need to decide on what model you wish to opt for. Depending on the model you choose, you can get your countertop cut in the perfect size of your hob.
When installing, see to it that the hob stays fixed and meticulously leveled at the same height as the kitchen countertop. The other significant thing to notice here is concealing the gas pipes and electric wires.
This installation process is the crucial part, and it is advisable to seek the help of a professional only. Post-installation, you can have a chimney installed as well, whose position aligns with the built-in-hob.
3. Functionality
The built-in hobs usually have a low flame intensity. Some brands even introduced multi-flame control, comprising double or triple ring burners and a high flame. These kind are more suitable for Indian cooking. Also, their heat control knobs guarantee smooth rotation knobs.
Most built-in hobs come in both gas and electric varieties. The surface of the hob is scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and heat-resistant. The other explicit features of the modern hobs include automatic ignition, alarm systems, and timers.
Another advantage with these cooktops is that barely any food residue or dirt comes in contact with the burners. Hence, they last longer. In addition to the above, these hobs have a great weight carrying capacity than regular stoves.
4. Ease of use
A built-in-hob is the safest kitchen appliance, owing to its heat-resistant nature and the smart placement of the control knobs.
While cooking, you will never feel the warmth of a high-temperature flame, neither you get in direct contact with the burners.
5. Ignition System
The built-in hobs come in a manual or electronic ignition system for flawless service. The electric
hobs are comparatively expensive than their manual counterparts. In the mechanical system, you have the auto-ignition feature. All you have to do here is to turn the control knob. You no longer need a lighter or matchstick to light the burners.
6. Cleaning
A built-in-hob requires professional cleaning. One needs to be very attentive and careful when doing so, as you may have to disassemble the device. It requires a good amount of your time and effort.
7. Better safety
A built-in-hob is undeniably the safest option, and I will tell you why. Most built-in hobs come with a special feature called Flame Failure Device (FFD). The significance of this feature is that it automatically turns off the gas supply when the flame puts out. This further prevents gas emission or leakage if any and promises worry-free cooking. Isn’t that wonderful!
8. Price Range
Most built-in-hobs offered by top brands are available in a two-burner, three-burner, four-burner, and five-burner size. They are more expensive in comparison to cooktops or conventional gas stoves. A basic two-burner cooktop in cities like Mumbai and Pune will cost you around Rs. 1,500. Whereas the starting price of a built-in-hob is Rs. 8000 and can go up to Rs. 20,000- Rs. 25,000, depending on the design, features, and number of burners. Built-in-hobs are a high-maintenance affair. Nevertheless, they can enhance and elevate the style statement of your kitchens.
Drawbacks of Built-in Gas Stoves or Hobs:
With a handful of benefits, a built-in-hob also has a few drawbacks to it.
- It is preferable to have a built-in-hob for your kitchen only if there is a direct pipe.
- It is not a preferable option for cylinder gas connection, as it requires frequent changing and movement. We all know that we cannot move a hob from its position.
Benefits of Traditional Gas Stoves
1. Design
A traditional or conventional gas stove is something that we all get to see in most homes. To be more precise, we grew up seeing them in our home. It is the old-fashioned, old-designed kitchen appliance that undergoes a series of revamping for its beautiful look. Various brands still provide these decade-ago devices with enhanced look and additional features.
No matter how many versions we have had of those gas stoves, the core design remains the same. These gas stoves perfectly fit in every household and offer great value for money.
2. Functionality
The functionality of these stoves is basic, i.e., limited control over the flame. It requires manual operation to turn on/off them. Premium gas stoves from reputed brands provide additional features like manual and auto-ignition.
3. Ease of Use
Whether it is the latest model or a premium version, the cooking experience remains almost the same. This is because of the limited stages of heat on the gas stove.
4. Cleaning
The greatest advantage of having a conventional gas stove is that it is easy to clean. It needs low-maintenance. In case of any food spills or dirt, you could easily clean them because of the free movement. You can also remove the burners and rings of the cooktop for a thorough cleaning. The added benefit is that you can move it from one place to another in your kitchen until you finish the cleaning and put it back in its place. It is as simple as it sounds.
5. Installation
Being a standalone body type, the traditional gas stoves is highly versatile, portable, and easy to install. You do not need the help of a professional to get it done. You can do it yourself. The power source of this kind of gas stove is equally versatile. You can effortlessly adjust and turn the gas pipe, further allowing for a tilted placement.
6. Options
The traditional gas stoves are available in one, two, three, four and five burners with bodies made of stainless steel, glass or ceramic top. Various brands in the market offer a comprehensive range of models like sleek, slim, elegant and stylish. Other additional features may include the spill-proof design, highly efficient burners, and easy-to-access knobs.
7. Price Range
Traditional gas stoves are less expensive when compared to built-in-hobs. A basic two-burner conventional cooktop will cost you around Rs. 1,200. Whereas the starting price of an advanced version is Rs. 6000 and increases depending on the design, style, features.
Drawbacks of Traditional Gas Stoves:
The serious drawback of a conventional gas stove is that there are chances of gas leakage. This could serve as a threat. You have to be careful when moving the gas stove or with the open gas pipes. This can result in a loose connection or gas leak. Hence, it is always essential to be cautious when using the gas stove. Avoid children from coming near to it.
Comparison Table – Built-in Hob Vs Gas Stove:
| FUNCTIONALITY | HOB | GAS STOVE |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Most attractive design | Normal stainless steel or glass model |
| Installation | Need extra adjustment in kitchen top for installation |
Easy to installation |
| Safety | Perfectly safe for everyone |
Comparatively unsafe |
| Auto Ignition | Gas or Electric | Gas |
| Usage | Easy to use | Careful operation required |
| Cleaning | Harder to clean from the insides |
Cleaning and maintenance are easy |
| Look & Feel | Premium look and feel |
Normal |
| Additional Features | Comes with more advanced features |
Not having enough features |
| Price | Comes in Expensive price range |
affordable price range |
Some Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes. The built-in-hobs consume more gas than any ordinary gas stove. However, the noticeable point here is that they have higher thermal efficiency (which is, 3 kilowatts per hour) than the traditional gas stove (1 kilowatt per hour). Though a hob consumes more gas, it cooks the food faster.
Yes, built-in-hobs are safe when compared to a traditional gas stove. They have resistance to high temperatures and have no concerns about unwanted gas leaks. Moreover, studies and scientific tests confirm that hobs are safe.
We would love to hear the answer from you. Here is a link to our article that talks about various built-in-hobs from various brands, their unique features, and other necessary information. Check out the link and be the best judge. You can post your answers in the comments section below. Choosing the best hob is entirely dependent on the user based on his preferences, needs, and requirements.
Well, to be honest, it entirely depends on the kind of kitchen. If you have a modular kitchen or planning to renovate your kitchen, you would want to have a modern cooktop that is perfect for your kitchen’s style quotient. In that case, a built-in-hob is the most sought-after answer. Except for being a permanent fixture to the countertop, they are easy-to-use, efficient, and promise smooth functioning. Additionally, they do have high thermal efficiency, allowing your food to get cooked well and in no time.
Conclusion
This article has for sure discussed the functionality, the pros and cons, and the wide array of features of both built-in-hobs and standard gas stoves.
I hope this will help you in making an informed choice. While a built-in hob remains the heart-throb, it is up to your discretion to choose the one suitable for your kitchen and cooking style.
