Kitchen Guides
Is a Built-In Hob Suitable for Your Kitchen?
Built-in hobs are being increasingly used in Indian kitchens. Find out whether these hobs are the right way to go
Most Indian kitchens use portable gas stoves with an LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) or PNG (piped natural gas) connection for cooking. However, in recent years, built-in gas hobs have become a popular addition in modular kitchens of urban Indian homes because of their sleek look. But before you purchase a built-in gas hob, it is essential to weight its advantages and disadvantages, and know whether it suits your cooking style or not. Our guide will answer most of your queries about built-in gas hobs so that you can make the correct choice. Read on.
Why are built-in hobs becoming so popular?
These are increasingly making their way into the modular kitchens because they merge with the level of the kitchen countertop to lend a clean and seamless look to the kitchen. Also, they look less bulky in comparison to portable gas stoves and are ideal for compact kitchens.
These are increasingly making their way into the modular kitchens because they merge with the level of the kitchen countertop to lend a clean and seamless look to the kitchen. Also, they look less bulky in comparison to portable gas stoves and are ideal for compact kitchens.
What’s involved in fixing built-in hobs onto the countertop?
A built-in gas hob can be installed within a stone (such as granite or quartz) or solid-surface countertop. To fix a built-in hob, it is essential to cut a section of the countertop as per the manufacturer’s specifications. It should be done by a qualified contractor. Make sure that the position of the chimney is accurately aligned with the hob so that the chimney is exactly above it.
Note: Decide the position and select the built-in gas hob model at the planning phase of the kitchen so that the countertop cutting is completed before the fabrication and installation of the kitchen cabinetry.
A built-in gas hob can be installed within a stone (such as granite or quartz) or solid-surface countertop. To fix a built-in hob, it is essential to cut a section of the countertop as per the manufacturer’s specifications. It should be done by a qualified contractor. Make sure that the position of the chimney is accurately aligned with the hob so that the chimney is exactly above it.
Note: Decide the position and select the built-in gas hob model at the planning phase of the kitchen so that the countertop cutting is completed before the fabrication and installation of the kitchen cabinetry.
What are the types of built-in gas hobs?
They are available in stainless-steel and glass-ceramic finishes, with the burners mounted on top. Note that stainless-steel finish hobs are more economical in comparison to glass-finish ones. Both these finishes are available in various designs and sizes, with three to five burners.
The burners are available as either European burners (low flame) or MFC (multi-flame control) brass burners with double-ring or triple-ring burners. These brass burners produce a high flame and are very suitable for the Indian style of cooking.
Some built-in hobs come with auto-ignition, where the burners are ignited through electricity when the knobs are turned. But in case of a power cut, these burners can be lit with a matchstick or a lighter.
They are available in stainless-steel and glass-ceramic finishes, with the burners mounted on top. Note that stainless-steel finish hobs are more economical in comparison to glass-finish ones. Both these finishes are available in various designs and sizes, with three to five burners.
The burners are available as either European burners (low flame) or MFC (multi-flame control) brass burners with double-ring or triple-ring burners. These brass burners produce a high flame and are very suitable for the Indian style of cooking.
Some built-in hobs come with auto-ignition, where the burners are ignited through electricity when the knobs are turned. But in case of a power cut, these burners can be lit with a matchstick or a lighter.
How do I clean a built-in hob?
Routine cleaning includes regular wiping of the built-in gas hob with a damp cloth or sponge to remove all the spills and stains, followed by a dry wipe. It is advisable to only go for neutral cleaning agents and avoid harsh scrubbers that might scratch the surface
Never wash the built-in gas hob with water, to prevent damage caused by water or any kind of liquid spills seeping into the burners. In most built-in gas hobs, there are rubber gaskets around the knobs so that water does not seep into the hob while cleaning.
Note: It is essential to get the built-in hob periodically opened and cleaned professionally.
Routine cleaning includes regular wiping of the built-in gas hob with a damp cloth or sponge to remove all the spills and stains, followed by a dry wipe. It is advisable to only go for neutral cleaning agents and avoid harsh scrubbers that might scratch the surface
Never wash the built-in gas hob with water, to prevent damage caused by water or any kind of liquid spills seeping into the burners. In most built-in gas hobs, there are rubber gaskets around the knobs so that water does not seep into the hob while cleaning.
Note: It is essential to get the built-in hob periodically opened and cleaned professionally.
What are the disadvantages of a built-in gas hob?
Read more:
Kitchen Gas-Stove: Freestanding Cooktop vs. Built-in Hob
How to Convert a Conventional Kitchen Into a Semi-Modular Kitchen
Tell us:
What’s your experience or opinion of built-in gas hobs? We want to know. Tell us in the Comments section below.
- The installation of a built-in hob is complex; it is impossible to change the position of the hob because there is a permanent cut-out within the countertop.
- Another disadvantage of a built-in gas hob is that if water enters a burner it may stop working and will have to be repaired by the manufacturer.
- Its surface is flat, so liquid spills can create problems – boiling milk or tea can easily overflow from the pot to spill onto the cabinets and the floor.
- Built-in gas hobs are level with countertop, hence they are within easy reach of children. One has to be careful while cooking, especially if you have kids around.
Read more:
Kitchen Gas-Stove: Freestanding Cooktop vs. Built-in Hob
How to Convert a Conventional Kitchen Into a Semi-Modular Kitchen
Tell us:
What’s your experience or opinion of built-in gas hobs? We want to know. Tell us in the Comments section below.
A built-in gas hob is a permanent gas stove that is level with the kitchen countertop. This is done by making a cutout within the countertop to place the built-in hob and fixing it with screws. Additionally, the gas pipes and electrical wires are concealed, so as to impart a clutter-free look to the kitchen.