Kitchen Gas-Stove: Freestanding Cooktop vs Built-in Hob

Find out the pros and cons of these two types of cooking appliances

Pooja Khanna Tyagi17 September 2020

Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner, and love Writing Poetry and Creative Stories on Building Design. Have been practicing since the year 2000 with specialization in the field of Corporate Interiors with projects extensively published in journals of national repute. Recently honoured with the reputed A3 Foundation award for Journalism for the year 2016 an for architectural poetry in the year 2018. Currently practicing and residing in Delhi and Noida. Website: www.khannaenterprise.com, Email: poojakhanna224@gmail.com, M:9891993392

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.

Aum Architects

Freestanding cooktop
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.

The Working Ants

Pro: Easy to clean

The biggest advantage of a freestanding cooktop is that it is low-maintenance and can be easily cleaned. The appliance is supported on sturdy feet; in case of any food spillage one can easily lift the stove and clean the counter. Another plus is that the rings and burners of the cooktop can be removed and cleaned.

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Pro: Less expensive

These cooktops are reasonably priced and in case of damage, the spare parts are easily available. Most cooktops are made in stainless steel and are available in designs with one to five burners.

Con: Looks bulky

Since the cooktop is raised at least 4 inches above the counter and the gas pipeline is also visible, it may look bulky, especially in small kitchens.

KAMAL PREET

Built-in hob

Pro: Gives a seamless look

A built-in hob looks sleek because it is meticulously levelled and integrated at the same height as the kitchen countertop. The gas pipes and electrical wires are concealed and bring in a smart and modern look to the kitchen. Such appliances are highly suitable for compact kitchens.

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

Built-in hobs are available in both gas and electric varieties. Also, these hobs come with additional features like alarm systems and timers that can be programmed to prevent overcooking and burning of food.

Con: Low flame

As built-in hobs are usually manufactured to European standards, the intensity of the flame is low. Some brands have introduced double-ring burners that have a high flame and are more suitable for Indian cooking.

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Con: Expensive

Built-in hobs are comparatively more expensive than freestanding cooktops. These appliances are available in various sizes, depending on the number of burners (usually ranging between two to six, some big, some small) on the hob.

Con: Care required while using and cleaning

One concern about using a built-in cooktop is that it is essential to prevent water or any kind of liquid spill from seeping into the burners, as it may cause damage. In such a case, professional help is required to repair it.

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.

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Con: Installation is complicated

The main drawback of a built-in hob is that the process of installation is complex. Note that changing or replacing the hob can be very costly, as it may damage the existing cabinetry.

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:
5 Things to Know Before Installing a Modular Kitchen
Fresh Design Ideas From 20 Urban Indian Kitchens

Tell us:
What would be your choice – a freestanding cooktop or a built-in hob? Tell us in the Comments section below.