Which hob material is better to choose?
Advantages and disadvantages of hob materials
Over the years, hob materials have remained virtually unchanged. These are the same enamel, stainless steel, tempered glass and glass-ceramics. But their quality has definitely improved, which means the coating can cope with loads better and will last longer.
Enamel
Enamel has been and remains a budget coating option that is very popular. Enameled hobs are highly resistant to high temperatures, are quite easy to clean using simple household chemicals, and can be available in different colors to suit any style of kitchen. Outwardly they look good, although they do not cause delight and they mask fingerprints.
The material has several drawbacks primarily associated with service and operating conditions. The enamel structure is less durable compared to other coatings, leading to chips and detachments within 5 – 7 years, especially in poor-quality compositions or high humidity. The hob is vulnerable to mechanical damage and abrasive chemicals, requiring prompt cleaning to avoid extreme measures for removing stubborn dirt. Enamel is predominantly used in gas-heated devices and is rarely found in electric ones.
It is worth noting the possibility of restoring the enamel coating at home using special compounds. The user needs to clean the damaged area, degrease and apply new enamel, which is available as a paint or aerosol spray that can withstand temperatures up to 600ºC.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel, an affordable material commonly found in everyday kitchens, seamlessly complements both modern and classic design styles. Its key advantage lies in high mechanical strength, resisting impacts and allowing the use of robust brushes for cleaning. Unaffected by high temperatures, stainless steel avoids chips and cracks. The polished hob, available in glossy or matte finishes, effectively conceals fingerprints and other marks.
There are practically no disadvantages to stainless steel. The main one is the complexity of cleaning, as for processing it is necessary to use specialized detergents that will not lead to oxidation (darkening), stains and scratches. To achieve a perfect appearance, it will be necessary to additionally pass a dry cloth to remove all stains. The choice is almost entirely reduced to gas models, while electric models are represented by budget options from Hansa, Candy, VENTOLUX and other brands.
Tempered glass
Tempered glass is commonly used in kitchen cookers and mid-range panels, offering a distinct appearance suitable for modern interiors. The material is characterized by easy maintenance, with a smooth surface that can be effortlessly cleaned using glass care products. It is highly resistant to scratches, does not fade, and preserves its aesthetic beauty over time.
However, it's crucial to weigh the downsides before making a choice. The material is sensitive to high temperatures and abrupt changes, making spilled cold liquid or accidental impacts, like metal kitchen utensils falling directly onto the hob, potential causes of cracks. These drawbacks may pose operational challenges and limit the use of glass coatings in electric models, especially those with Hi-Light heating, making them more suitable for gas-based appliances.
Glass-ceramics
Glass-ceramics stand out for their design versatility, though this luxury comes at a premium. They grace the most high-end kitchen cookers and electric or induction panels, owing to their unique advantages. Firstly, the heat-resistant nature of glass-ceramics hobs, reaching up to 750 ºC, makes them compatible with powerful heating elements. While physically durable, they're not invincible to daily pan drops. Compositions may vary, incorporating elements like aluminum, lithium, silicon, titanium dioxide, and copper. Secondly, glass-ceramics boast a distinctive heating feature — heat transfer occurs vertically, rapidly warming only the cookware, while the hob remains cool in the horizontal plane. This ensures efficiency up to 90%, leading to energy savings. Quick temperature attainment (less than a minute) and minimal time for the reverse process enhance safety, especially for families with children. Thirdly, glass-ceramics seamlessly integrate with touch controls, eliminating the need for tedious handle twisting. The easy-to-clean and stylish appearance add to the appeal. Lastly, the adaptive nature of glass-ceramic hobs accommodates different dish sizes, including rectangular or square containers, with the presence of an appropriate heating element.
While glass ceramics offer numerous advantages in the kitchen, they are not a cure-all and come with their own set of drawbacks. Despite their strength, they are vulnerable to targeted impacts, such as a knife falling tip-down. The glass component is sensitive to sudden temperature changes, though spilling liquid directly onto the heated part is unlikely due to the placement of cookware. Proper care and adherence to specific usage guidelines are necessary to avoid potential harm from certain products. Additionally, the high cost of glass-ceramics can be a significant consideration for many consumers.
Branded glass-ceramics
The composition of glass-ceramics, as well as its properties, are not constant from product to product. There are separate brand variations that are designed to increase the efficiency and durability of operation.
Schott Ceran is a unique development of a German company, based on environmentally friendly technology for melting quartz sand. The result is incredibly stylish glass-ceramic hobs that are also highly durable due to the addition of aluminum oxide. The manufacturing process is controlled at every stage, and the finished coating is subjected to many tests for mechanical strength.
Schott also offers various modifications aimed at improving certain qualities. Ceran Miradur (derived from durable miracle) is scratch resistant. According to the manufacturer, the hob is 95% less susceptible to sand and other small particles, and also copes 70% better with abrasive sponges during cleaning. Ceran Excite significantly increases operational safety and complements the kitchen with visual effects. Such glass-ceramic panels are equipped with modern LED technologies that illuminate the cooking area and warn about the degree of heating to prevent burns.
Another leader in the production of glass-ceramics is the French Eurokera company. Its KeraBlack Plus hob is known throughout the world for its reliability, durability and environmental friendliness. It is scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, streak-free, and has high thermal conductivity. The composition does not contain harmful components (antimony, arsenic), so the material is ready for safe recycling. The KeraVision glass-ceramic hob is aimed at creating a modern kitchen design and increasing comfort of use. Such panels are complemented by LED solutions, unique design (metallic, reflective ink) and informative color displays. Even more variety in design can be found in KeraSpectrum. The hob is distinguished by its rich black color, the presence of a display and polychromatic LEDs, with which you can customize the color of the display of controls. Regardless of direction, all Eurokera products are easy to maintain and guarantee uniformity and high heating rates.
How to properly clean the hob
Any appliance requires not only compliance with the rules of use, but also maintenance. Hobs, regardless of the material of manufacture, are no exception.
Enamel is known for its low maintenance, permitting the use of various chemical cleaners, as long as powders and metal brushes are avoided. The hob is resilient, allowing for the preparation of a wide range of dishes without the risk of damage from boiling liquids or burnt food residues. Even stubborn stains can be easily removed through pre-soaking or treating with dishwashing detergent. Cleaning is a breeze with just a wet and dry cloth, eliminating the need to worry about stains.
Glass-ceramics demand more attention from users in terms of maintenance. It's crucial to avoid contact with sugar and sugar-containing products to prevent potential chemical reactions leading to stains or even cavities. Immediate cleaning is necessary in such cases. Similar to tempered glass, both materials are sensitive to abrasive wire brushes that can cause scratches but respond well to window cleaners. The use of dishwashing detergents is not recommended, and removing streaks may require thorough polishing with a cloth like microfiber. Glass ceramics often come with touch controls, simplifying maintenance due to the solid and smooth surface.
Stainless steel can be considered high-maintenance, requiring exclusive use of specialized cleaning compounds. The material doesn't conceal fingerprints and stains effectively, necessitating a final polish with microfiber. Whether glossy or matte, stainless steel hobs will retain their attractiveness as long as they are not scratched with metal scrapers.
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