Kitchen Gas-Stove: Freestanding Cooktop vs Built-in Hob
Find out the pros and cons of these two types of cooking appliances
Pooja Khanna Tyagi
12 November 2017
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. Currently practicing and residing in Delhi.
Website: www.khannaenterprise.com, Email: poojakhanna224@gmail.com, M:9891993392
Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner,... More
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.
Freestanding cooktop
- Pro: Easy to install
- Pro: Easy to clean
Find a designer to help you design your kitchen
- 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.
Take a look at more kitchens from around the world
- 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.
Take a look at more kitchens from around the world
- 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:
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.
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it is always good to experience it yourself with a lot of design centres by various brands in cities today, before taking a firm decision
This review was very helpful and confirmed by doubts about built-in hobs. So thx lady.
All valid points. And to add,I
currently a cooking range that in terms of height works as the burners are flush (like built-in hobs) to my counter so no extra bending over. There is full control over spills.
There are close to no built-in hobs that have a full cover grill that makes cooking range tops so practical in terms of vessel balance on burner. I just remember my mum always having to keep an eye on that so the vessel didn't slip off while cooking (especially cooking heavy duty sweets).
My wish list for a hob if companies are reading this.
- full cover grill
- spill lip all around the hob.
- all burners should have ample space between them so they accommodate 3 big vessels at a time.. in terms of diameter. Currently, since this is lacking in Kaff n elica for eg. They off hobs where all burners are laid out horizontally eating up counter space and too expensive.
- 4-5 brass burners set in a square.
- safety feature. Elica has this.
- quality metal parts and tempered glass options. Kaff does not disappoint here.
- Slick looks. Kaff n Elica have this.
If this white horse exists, pls contact me!
This is very helpful. I have seen a Faber's hob which can also be changed in to cook top by adding a few screw fitting stands beneath the hob. The sales person is excessively marketing this feature, my question is, is this something other brands offer as well? Or is this standard across all brands?