A trend in kitchens in recent years is the return of the stove. A stove can make a big mark on a kitchen and serve as a real eye-catcher. However, a stove also comes with a hefty price tag. Especially if you want one that really offers something extra compared to a separate oven and hob. What should you pay attention to when you are looking for a stove for your kitchen?
Built-in or freestanding
The vast majority of cookers are freestanding, but built-in is also available. Your options are then limited. Many people choose a stove partly because of the appearance it gives. It is the pride of many a kitchen owner. This effect is even stronger with a freestanding stove. A freestanding stove stands on its own feet and is usually enclosed on both sides by kitchen cabinets. A disadvantage of a built-in model is that you have to look carefully at the dimensions and installation dimensions. Which kitchen cabinet do you need for the stove you want and are those sizes available. With a freestanding appliance, this is less critical: there is a kitchen cabinet with a worktop on both sides.
The number of ovens
Cookers are available in many types. For example, there are models with several ovens. You can find them with one, two, three or four ovens. In a cooker with several ovens, they often do not all have the same options. And the size of the ovens also varies. The different oven functions you will encounter are: conventional wall heating, hot air, grill and steam. You also come across the microwave function nowadays. Often these functions can also be combined. An oven often has a number of programs for this. Finally, some ovens have the option of using a rotisserie spit.
How many ovens you need depends entirely on you, of course. It is best to consider how you are doing in the kitchen now. Do you currently have several ovens or combi microwave at your disposal? Do you sometimes use them at the same time? Do you sometimes have too little space when you are seriously working in the kitchen? When choosing a stove, pay attention to what functionality each individual oven offers. When you choose multiple ovens, you must of course be able to do what you have in mind with them.
The size of the furnace
Most cookers are wider than the 60 cm that was so common before. This extra width can be used for several ovens, but also for an extra large oven. With a width of 80 cm you quickly have an oven capacity of just under 80 liters. At 90 cm, even a volume of 100 liters or more is possible. That can be very useful. For example with a large family where you need several oven dishes. Or when you want to bake several pizzas at the same time. There is also a disadvantage: the entire space must be heated up. That takes time and energy. An alternative could be choosing a stove with several smaller ovens.
Number of cooking zones on the hob
The days when four cooking zones were enough in the kitchen are long gone. And with an extra-wide stove, there is plenty of space for additional cooking zones. You can find stoves with four, five, six or even seven cooking zones. With six or seven cooking zones you have to count on a stove that is at least 90 cm wide. Also take a good look at the power of the individual cooking zones. You may not benefit much from multiple cooking zones with a lower power. Here too, it mainly depends on your own habits and preferences. How often do you use multiple cooking zones. Don’t just look at the number of cooking zones, but also pay attention to the space around each zone. Can you store your pans properly?
Nowadays wok cooking is popular. Many cookers are therefore equipped with a special wok burner. This has extra power and is designed in such a way that a large wok can easily be placed on it. In addition, there is enough space around this cooking zone to be able to wok comfortably.
The type of hob
A typical cooker often thinks of cooking on gas. But more is possible. Electric cooking on induction or ceramic is also an option. The choice is yours to determine what you like best. Both have advantages and disadvantages. However, there are more cookers with gas than electric. The reason is probably that gas is found more pleasant by many cooks and serious amateurs. Probably the people who buy a stove also belong to that category more often.
A baking tray on your stove: the fry top
A nice option with a number of cookers is the baking tray or fry top. This is often optional. This can be placed over one or two gas burners. You then have a nice surface to fry meat or vegetables. The entire baking tray is removable and can be placed in the dishwasher. With such a baking tray you can prepare food in the teppanyaki way, a Japanese preparation method in which food is baked on an iron plate.
Extra modules and options
A stove is often more than an oven with a hob mounted on top. Many stoves offer extras, making them just that little bit more. With many brands and models, certain options are extra options or modules that you can take. Of course this differs enormously per make and model. For example, a fryer can sometimes be built in as a module. Or a warming zone, barbecue grill or fish burner. Some cookers have a storage space or drawer under the oven (s). There is also sometimes an optional cover plate for the entire cooking surface.
The appearance and handling
A stove is a dominant appliance in a kitchen. That is why it is important that the design and appearance fit well with the rest of the kitchen. Your personal taste also plays a major role in this of course. Most stoves are black, white or gray. Often a combination of these colors. In terms of gray, the stainless steel look is especially popular. But there are also some models with a more striking appearance. Think of colors such as green, red or blue.
Because a stove contains many functions, it has the necessary buttons and displays. Here too, taste plays an important role. But ease of use is also important. Especially when you take a large (and expensive!) Model, you want to be sure that the operation is convenient and logical. You will encounter everything: rotary knobs, touch buttons, push buttons and displays in different colors. There are also often extra functions such as a clock and kitchen timer.
Conclusion
The stove is back with a vengeance. There is a lot to get and choose from. You buy a stove to enjoy it for years to come and it will cost a lot. That is why it is important to immerse yourself in the possibilities that are available. Determine for yourself what you need in terms of functions. Then look for models that meet these requirements, so that you end up with the appliance that completes your kitchen!
