The best single-burner stovetops: model ratings, specifications, pros and cons

Compact one-burner stoves designed for desktop placement can be indispensable helpers in the home.

Such a device can be taken with you to the country, on a trip, to work.

Kitchen electric stoves can be produced in the form of long-familiar designs with heating elements or modern models.

It will not be so difficult to make the right choice among the available variety if you familiarize yourself with the main characteristics of this type of kitchen equipment.

Description and principle of operation

Mobile tile is a practical device, indispensable in situations when there is no way to use a full-fledged stove. It is recommended to place it on an even basis.

By the type of heating elements, all models can be divided into three subgroups:

• Tubular - a spiral is placed inside it, producing heating of the dishes.
• Cast Iron Disc Tile. Optimal combination of quality, safety and value.
• Modern panels with induction surfacecoated with glass ceramics or tempered glass.

The varieties at the top of the list are traditional. The current in them passes through the heater, converting electricity into heat. They are inexpensive, reliable and durable.

Induction cookers are the most expensive and modern. The base of the hob is an aesthetic and durable glass-ceramic coating, under which there is an induction coil that heats the products in the dishes. Direct heating of the burners does not occur, which makes the appliance safe to use.

Using this principle of operation allows the economical use of electricity.

Relatively recently, mini-plates on infrared or halogen lamps appeared on sale. They are also covered with glass ceramics, and the price of models is between traditional devices and expensive induction. Such plates received electronic or touch control.

The main difference from induction cookers is no need to purchase specialized dishes. The device allows you to maintain the temperature in the specified range for a long time without the need for constant monitoring. This simplifies the process of preparing glaze or distillation of alcohol.

Key Features

Most electric stoves have a number of similar features.

These include:

Advantages and disadvantages

To make the right choice, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of the device.

Advantages that the electric stove can boast:

• No complicated connection, as is the case with gas stoves. For stable operation, you only need access to a standard outlet with a voltage of 220 volts, and the power level of the electric network outside the city should be at least 3.5 kW.
• There are no combustion products, the level of oxygen in the room air does not decrease. Thus, there is no need to equip and purchase a device for drawing.
• The temperature mode is controlled by simply switching buttons or mechanical handles.
• Turning off the stove is very simple, after which it becomes completely safe.
• Easy to transport from place to place, ideal for travelers and summer residents.

Only one drawback is the high cost of electrical energy.

Selection recommendations

Small-sized desktop electric stove does not require special skills from the user. In camping conditions or in the country, cooking will be as simple as in the home kitchen. Before buying, you should carefully study the features of this type of kitchen equipment.

Hob material

Materials used for the manufacture of cooking surfaces:

• Enamelled steel. The traditional look of the coating. Most often present in low-cost models of hobs. The surface requires gentle care, does not tolerate cleaning with abrasive powders and wire brushes. Accurate use guarantees long-term operation. Enameled plates suggest a wide selection of colors for products, which will easily fit into any style of kitchen interior.
• Stainless steel. The material is an alloy of several types of metal. The chromium content is considered important - the higher it is, the more high-quality and durable the coating will be. The surface of electric stoves finished with stainless steel can be either shiny, glossy or matte. Stainless steel is highly resistant to mechanical damage, abrasives and aggressive household chemicals are allowed to clean it. The only drawback is the need for regular surface care. Smooth texture contributes to stains from fingers and water droplets.
• Glass ceramic. Plates with this type of decoration fit perfectly into modern types of interiors. Glass ceramics are resistant to high temperature influences and are easy to care for. Most dirt can be removed with a damp cloth / sponge or liquid detergent. There are also noticeable disadvantages - the coating is afraid of scratches, from point impacts it can even crack. It is not recommended to allow sweet products such as sugar syrup or jam to be poured onto such a surface; spots may remain that cannot be removed.
• Strained glass - The leader of the list in terms of aesthetics and strength. However, its degree of thermal stability is lower than that of glass ceramics. Electric stoves, toughened glass coating require careful handling, otherwise chips, scratches, cracks may appear.

The choice in modern home appliance stores is so wide that you can pick up a beautiful tile with a modern, beautiful and high-quality coating, even with a modest budget.

Dimensions

Single-hob cooktops do not take up much space in the kitchen. The standard size of such a household appliance does not exceed 40 * 40 centimeters, and will often be more modest.

In order to be able to use the electric stove with maximum efficiency, when buying, you need to pay attention to the circumference of the burners.

The following sizes are usually available:

• 145 mm - for dishes with a circumference of 14 to 18 cm;
• 180 mm - for utensils measuring from 18 to 21 cm;
• 210 mm - for large teapots, pots and pans, whose diameter is from 21 to 26 cm.

If the cookware used has a diameter smaller than the size of the burner, the degree of energy loss can be 10 to 20 percent.

At the same time, it will not even be possible to activate a ring with induction if it is placed on too small diameter dishes (less than 70 percent of the circumference of the ring itself). This often happens with the Turks for coffee.

When choosing a model of technology, you should decide in advance what you will cook on it most often. To prepare large volumes of food, for example, soups for several people, it is worth choosing an electric furnace with a large diameter burner - 180 millimeters.

Control

The convenience of controlling an electrical appliance is an important parameter. In modern desktop electric stoves, rotary switches (mechanical), buttons or a touch control panel can be built-in. Sensors and buttons are common in more expensive glass-ceramic plates.

Mechanical type regulators are considered the most reliable and durable. They have a primitive device, which is why they rarely fail. A similar type of control is found in all price categories of kitchen appliances.

Power

If you plan to use a tabletop hotplate in a summer house, first of all you need to worry about quality electrical wiring. Powerful models, provided that they are used simultaneously with other electrical appliances and have a weak network, can cause plugs to turn off.

Tiles of high power will allow you to cook faster, because food will reach readiness in a shorter time. The average power of a desktop electric stove should be 1500-2000 watts.

Heating rate

If it is important for you that the tile heats up as quickly as possible, it is better to choose induction models. The second on the list are devices with an open heating element. The slowest thing will be heating in the devices with a closed heating element.

Additional functions

For the convenience of users, the mini-cooker can be equipped with a digital or mechanical timer, a self-shutdown function when overheating.

Kitfort CT-101

Thin tabletop induction cooker. Convenient and economical with auto power off options and protection against overheating. A glass-ceramic surface, a bright digital display and many convenient settings, including automatic programs, turn cooking into a pleasure.

Specifications:

• color is black / white;
• electronic control;
• power 2000 W;
• dimensions 36 * 28 * 6.2 cm.

Kitfort CT-107

Induction 1-burner hob with the minimum required functionality. Has a durable glass-ceramic coatingCompact size, lightweight and mobile.

Specifications:

• black color;
• push-button control;
• power is 1800 W;
• dimensions 40 * 32 * 9 cm.

Kitfort CT-106

Induction glass ceramic tiles in an ultra-thin design. Equipped with five pre-installed programs cooking and many manual settings.

Specifications:

• color is black / white;
• touch control;
• power 2000 W;
• dimensions 29 * 37 * 3.85 cm.

ENDEVER DP-41

A budget, but stylish and functional solution for a small kitchen. Without induction. Equipped with a timer and has function of self-shutdown at an overheat. Withstands power surges.

Specifications:

• black color;
• push-button type of control;
• power 2400 W;
• dimensions 36 * 28 * 6.5 cm.

Scarlett SC-HP700S01

Inexpensive tile with a disc heater, suitable for any type of cookware. Provides fast and uniform heating, saves electricity. The surface is enameled.

Specifications:

• White color;
• mechanical control;
• power is 1000 W;
• dimensions 24 * 21.6 * 4.6 cm.

Gemlux GL-IC-222

Compact tabletop tile with infrared heating type. It has eight power modes and is equipped with an LCD display. Glass-ceramic coating. Any type of cookware is suitable for cooking.

Specifications:

• black color;
• touch control;
• power 2000 W;
• dimensions 32 * 39 * 4 cm.

Dream 111T BN

Dream 111T BN is a classic tile equipped with an open heating coil. It has an enamel coating, behind which easy to care for. Heating can be carried out in one of four modes.

Specifications:

• color white / brown / black / blue;
• mechanical type of control;
• power is 1000 W;
• dimensions 31 * 30 * 8 cm.

Useful video

Recommendations for the repair of electric stoves: