Hobs & Hot Plates

A good cooking experience is not just about talent. The right gear, especially when talking about high quality hobs and electric hobs is also essential to achieve the best results. When choosing a hot plate you should consider various aspects, from running costs to the hot plate power.

Technology has made great strides in recent years so you can choose from cutting-edge solutions that make life much easier for those who like to cook regularly. As an alternative to the traditional gas hob, electric hot plate and ceramic hob, which is still widely used in most kitchens, the use of the induction hob is becoming increasingly popular. They completely revolutionise the way people cook, thanks to an innovative technology that guarantees uniform heat distribution.

There are many variables to consider when buying the right hot plate, and if you want to choose the most suitable hot plate, you must also consider how many people will end up using it and the space available. Are you looking for a gas hob, ceramic models, induction stove or an electric hot plate? On Klarstein you can find a wide range designed to meet your everyday needs, made with particular attention to design, to integrate elegantly into your kitchen.

Hobs come in various types, each offering different cooking technologies and benefits. The most common are:

Gas hobs use open flames for instant heat control and are favored by many chefs for their precision and speed.

Ceramic hobs feature a smooth glass surface with electric heating elements underneath. They're easy to clean and offer a sleek look but heat up more slowly than other types.

Induction hobs use electromagnetic fields to heat only the cookware, not the surface itself. They are fast, energy-efficient, and safe, but require induction-compatible pots and pans.

Electric solid plate hobs are the most basic type, using cast iron heating plates. They are affordable but slower and less efficient.

Each type has its own strengths, depending on cooking habits, kitchen setup, and budget.

Hobs with induction are the new sensation in many kitchens as they offer the most advanced technology and perfect control when cooking. They allow you to cook food without fire or red hot plates. An induction stove also uses electrical energy, but in this case, a coil located underneath the plate generates a magnetic field, which can be adjusted with extreme precision. In this way, the heat is transmitted directly to the metal bottom of the pan, without generating any heat loss.

For this reason, the performance of an induction model is far superior to that of any other plate hobs, hot electric plates, ceramic hobs or gas cookers. Additionally, the power of the induction hob does not involve any risk of overheating, as the areas around the cooking zone remain cold.

Furthermore, portable hobs can be easily set up on the balcony or the terrace. You can also set them up to cook or fry delicious dishes in your party garage or at a campsite to not miss any special cooking event with your family and friends.

Gas hobs are still the most common hot plates used in households. Compared to other options, it is the most economical solution, both in terms of the purchase price and consumption, as gas is the cheapest fuel. A 4-burner gas hob is a standard for a normal kitchen, but for larger families, it is advisable to opt for 5-burner hobs with different sizes and power.

They are convenient when you find yourself cooking several dishes at the same time and do not want to run out of cookers. In terms of materials, most models are made of stainless steel or enameled steel, which is resistant and easy to clean. Tempered glass is also an option when choosing a hot plate, while the grids on which the pans are placed, may be made of cast iron or metal.

One of the main advantages of models working with gas is versatility, as they can be used with all types of pots and pans. On the other hand, gas as a power source requires greater care and involves bigger risks. Although the safety valve can detect and block unwanted gas leaks.

When there are children in the house, it is always better to keep the gas tap closed when the hot plate is not in use. Also, the possibility to control the heat is reduced, compared to electric hot plates, induction stoves and ceramic hobs. When choosing a gas cooker, you should also consider its greater environmental impact: carbon dioxide is released from the combustion of gas. Its energy efficiency is also limited since when it is in use about 60% of the heat is lost.

Ceramic built-in hobs are in most cases a bit more expensive than gas cookers. The operating principle is the same as that of electric kettles and hairdryers. It is based on a heating element through which electricity circulates, causing it to heat up and transmit the heat to the ceramic hob.

Some hot plates you can find on the market are using halogen lamps. Energy efficiency is reduced since when the ceramic model is in operation, there is a considerable dispersion of heat, most of which ends up heating the hot plate itself, and not the food.

Given these drawbacks, it is legitimate to ask why a ceramic hob or electric hot plate is so widespread. The answer is simple: it is an efficient solution when your kitchen is not connected to the gas distribution network. It also offers additional advantages; there’s nothing easier than cleaning a ceramic model, as all you need is just a cloth.

The hot plate is quite solid, it easily withstands varying temperatures and weights, providing a high degree of safety against the risk of pots accidentally tipping over. A common drawback, however, is the overheating of the area surrounding the pan, especially when operating at high temperatures. It should also be remembered that for optimal performance, the pots and pans you use for cooking should have a perfectly flat bottom.

Still undecided? Then just browse through our hot plates selection on Klarstein. Whether you are looking for an induction model, electric hot plate, ceramic or traditional gas hob - the right model is already waiting for you!

Further relevant topics:

Home Appliances, Fridges & Freezers, Wine Coolers, Humidors, Cooker Hoods, Ovens, Mini oven, Microwaves, Home Brewing Equipment, Beer Dispensers, Drink Dispensers, Dishwashers, Washing Machines & Tumble Dryers, Vacuum Cleaners, Kitchen Bins, Modern Living, Watch Winders, Water filters, Kitchen sinks, Kitchen cabinets, Preserving cooker, Spare Parts, Gas Hobs, Ceramic Hobs, Induction Hobs, Induction hobs with extractor, Double hot plate