Dual-circuit burner
The presence on the hob of one or more
dual-circuit burners — heaters with the possibility of increasing the diameter.
Only Hi-Light or induction hotplates can be dual-circuit burners (see "burner type"). Such a heater looks like several circles of different diameters with a common centre; each circle corresponds to one of the options of the working diameter that can be selected for the burner. The number of these options is usually 2 or 3, and if there is more than one dual-circuit burner, they may differ in the number of diameters available.
Anyway, this feature allows you to select the working size of the burner for the diameter of the dishes. This function should not be confused with the oval dual zone (see below): the oval dual zone gives the burner an elongated shape, and the dual-circuit burner remains round regardless of the selected size.
Number of power levels
The number of temperature settings of the burner. The more power levels, the more accurately you can set the required temperature for cooking a particular dish. However, in most cases, nine levels are enough for home use. But, if you are a gourmet and often cook unusual dishes that require strict adherence to the recipe, then you simply need more temperature settings.
Input power
The input power of the hob is the maximum electric power consumed during its operation. This parameter is indicated only for models that are equipped with at least one electric hotplate. It is electric burners that are the highest consumption in terms of energy consumption. Additional functions such as auto-ignition require little energy, and a regular outlet is enough for them.
First of all, the requirements for the power mains depend on this parameter: it must be able to provide such power without overloads. It is worth noting that for household sockets the power limit is about 3 – 3.5 kW, with more power, you need to connect the hob to 230 V mains according to special rules. An alternative is to use a three-phase 400 V mains: most modern hobs with electric burners allow connection to both 230 V and 400 V mains.
Cut-out dimensions (WxD)
The size of the opening that needs to be made in the kitchen countertop for the normal embedding of the hob. By default, the width and depth are indicated — the size of the opening along the front and side sides, respectively (when viewed from the user's side). Note that the dimensions of the hob itself are usually larger than the dimensions for embedding: when installed in an opening, the upper part of the surface rests on its edges, so that the device does not fall into the countertop.
Country of origin
The country in which, according to the manufacturer, this or that model is manufactured. Despite the fact that most of the manufacturers are concentrated
in China, European factories for the production of household appliances have not disappeared. And certain models can be produced on them. In general, such a division into a Chinese or European plant should not particularly affect the quality of products, but still the stereotype of a reliable European assembly (
Germany,
Spain,
Italy,
Poland,
Turkey) is present in us. However, it is possible that the model may have a country of manufacture, for example, Poland, and in the store under the same article you will meet China.
