Kitchen Guides
Kitchen Gas-Stove: Freestanding Cooktop vs Built-in Hob
Find out the pros and cons of these two types of cooking appliances
The cook stove is the heart of your kitchen and it has to be just right. In India, it’s usually gas-stoves. So you don’t have to sift through a dozen options for stoves and hobs, really. If you’re planning a new kitchen or renovating your old one, you’ll mainly have to choose between a freestanding cooktop or a built-in hob. While a freestanding cooktop is portable and is most commonly used, a built-in hob is permanently fixed to the kitchen countertop with screws. It is essential to check for the ease of use, efficiency and maintenance required for the smooth functioning of the appliance before you make a choice. Here are the key pros and cons of both that can help you decide.
- Pro: Easy to clean
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- Pro: Less expensive
- Con: Looks bulky
Built-in hob
Built-in hobs are available mainly in two finishes, stainless steel and glass or ceramic, where the burners are mounted onto a flat surface of that material.
Tip: Installing a built-in hub cannot be an afterthought because the counter-top has to be cut according to the specific size of the hob. Note that the cutting has must be completed before the fabrication and installation of the kitchen cabinetry.
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- Pro: Gives a seamless look
Built-in hobs are available mainly in two finishes, stainless steel and glass or ceramic, where the burners are mounted onto a flat surface of that material.
Tip: Installing a built-in hub cannot be an afterthought because the counter-top has to be cut according to the specific size of the hob. Note that the cutting has must be completed before the fabrication and installation of the kitchen cabinetry.
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- Pro: Additional features
- Con: Low flame
- Con: Expensive
- Con: Care required while using and cleaning
Routine cleaning should include wiping of the cooktop with a damp cloth or sponge to remove all the spills and stains, followed by a dry wipe; for deeper cleaning use a light solution of soapy water or glass cleaner. Avoid using harsh cleaners, as they may damage the finished glass or metal surface.
- Con: Installation is complicated
Note: Keep children away from built-in hobs, especially when cooking. These cooktops and their knobs are within easy reach of children whereas freestanding cooktops are relatively inaccessible, as they are higher and can be pushed back towards the back-splash for added safety.
Read more:
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Tell us:
What would be your choice – a freestanding cooktop or a built-in hob? Tell us in the Comments section below.
- Pro: Easy to install
The freestanding cooktop can be easily installed because it just needs to connect to a gas connection to function. Also, since this cooktop is portable, it is easy to replace anytime or to shift to a different location.