TOP 15 best glass-ceramic stoves: 2021 rating in terms of price/quality ratio and which one to choose for the kitchen

Electric stoves with glass-ceramic coating are becoming increasingly popular among buyers. To prevent you from wasting your money by buying a device that will disappoint you, we have compiled a small rating of glass-ceramic stoves, which in 2021 are recognized as the best in terms of reliability and price/quality ratio.

We collected information on the official websites of manufacturers, Yandex.Market and several large forums where users share their impressions of purchased models.

The rating examines not only the technical characteristics and features of the slabs, but also their strengths and weaknesses.

Rating of the TOP 15 best glass-ceramic electric stoves of 2020-2021

Caring for glass ceramic panels

The glass-ceramic panel will delight you with a stylish spring look, a laconic design without any gaps and maximum ease of care. Unlike traditional stainless steel and enameled steel, it will not cause you any trouble: to keep the device clean, you just need to wipe it with a damp cloth and wipe dry. If dried splashes, drops of grease and other persistent contaminants have formed on the surface, heavy artillery is used - liquid detergents marked “for glass ceramics” in the form of a gel, cream or aerosol. Apply the mixture to the sponge and gently wipe the panel. Leave for 3-5 minutes, then remove any remaining product with a damp cloth and wipe dry.

Distinctive features

The glass-ceramic hob runs on electricity and allows you to save this resource.

The surface of the stove is perfectly flat and smooth; there are cooking zones on it, which are indicated by contours of different diameters. In most cases, such a stove is controlled using a convenient touch panel.

The glass ceramics themselves are made from quartz sand using technological additives.

Sand is melted at high temperatures, various auxiliary components are added, resulting in the resulting material. The main properties of the finished material are strength and anisotropic thermal conductivity, i.e. the ability to transfer heat in one direction is better than in the other.

What is glass ceramics

Electric and induction hobs are equipped with a smooth, level and completely flat work surface made of durable glass ceramic. The process of its manufacture includes three main stages: cutting glass 0.4-0.7 cm thick, applying decorative markings and the ceramization process, during which the surface is strengthened with a special compound and baked at a temperature of about 900 degrees. Thanks to hardening, such a panel becomes much more durable, resistant to wear and mechanical stress. There are two more equally important properties of glass ceramics - high thermal conductivity and the ability to withstand heating up to 750 degrees. This in turn made it possible to use more powerful Hi-Light, rapid, halogen and induction heating elements, which heat the bottom of the cookware and its contents in a matter of seconds.

Advantages and disadvantages

pros

• fast heating;
• the ability to accurately regulate the heating temperature;
• increased strength;
• a large assortment;
• wide functionality.

Minuses

• a perfectly flat surface, due to which there is a possibility of liquid getting on the countertop;
• use of special stainless steel utensils with a flat bottom;
• sudden temperature changes can damage the material;
• a cost that is significantly higher than gas analogues.

Induction models

The operating principle of an induction hob is based on the influence of electromagnetic induction, a phenomenon discovered by the British experimental physicist Michael Faraday back in 1831. Although “induction” units are connected to the network, the principle of their operation is very different from traditional electrical models. Under the glass-ceramic surface of such a device there are not spiral-shaped heating elements, but copper transformer coils that convert energy into induced current. The latter bypasses the glass ceramics and acts directly on the bottom of the metal dish, creating eddy currents in it, which cause heating of the contents. By obtaining direct contact between the heater and the cookware, Miele specialists managed to reduce heat loss to a minimum: the efficiency of such equipment reaches a record 92%, while for electric models this figure is 60-65%, and for gas models – up to 55%. This is why an induction hob allows you to cook faster and at the same time more economically.

Heating zones

The German company's wide range includes induction hobs of various capacities. We are ready to offer you compact models with one or two burners, standard solutions with four heating zones, as well as devices for large families, designed for simultaneous preparation of up to six dishes.

Miele hobs offer a number of useful options:

• Stop&Go – pause during the cooking process;
• Booster – increasing the power of one burner at the expense of the adjacent one;
• PowerFlex - combining two heating zones into one;
• keeping warm;
• residual heat indication;
• sound timer with and without switching off for each burner.

The induction panel can detect dishes on the work surface and increase power to boil water faster, and, if necessary, turn off the heating for self-defense.

PowerFlex heating zone integration

Miele induction hobs open up new horizons for preparing a variety of delicious dishes. Do you like grilled sausages, aromatic pilaf in a cauldron, juicy duck in a duck pot or steamed fish in a fish boiler? Then in your bins you probably have special utensils for preparing them, which have one thing in common: a non-standard bottom shape. If you place such a vessel on a traditional round burner, the dish will cook only in the center, warming up weakly around the edges. However, if you are the happy owner of a cooktop with the PowerFlex function, you don’t have to worry about the non-standard shape of the working container.

PowerFlex technology involves creating an expansion zone that flexibly adapts to the diameter and shape of kitchen utensils. Each pair of adjacent induction burners can be combined into two zones with a total power of 7.4 kW, which allows you to cook food as quickly and evenly as possible.

SmartSelect Control

Another advantage of induction hobs from the German brand Miele is the unique SmartSelect touch control system. In such models, each burner is equipped with a heating power control, a cooking timer and a digital display with yellow backlighting, thanks to which you can read the information displayed on it from any angle.

Automatic cookware detection

Miele induction hobs with a solid working surface can boast another significant advantage - the option of automatically determining the diameter and location of the cookware. How it works? Very simple! A copper induction coil is hidden under a layer of glass ceramics, which plays the role of the primary winding. As soon as you place a cookware made of stainless steel, enameled steel or cast iron on the work surface, the latter becomes a secondary winding and closes the circuit, as a result of which induced currents arise in the bottom, which heat the cookware. The pot detection function works only when the diameter of the container is at least 12 cm, so there is no need to worry about activating the device due to a dropped spoon or an accidentally forgotten spatula.

Automatic boiling

An additional bonus for the owner will be the presence of the “Automatic boiling” option, when activated, the burner is heated from the start at maximum power (forced heating), and then reduces it to the set value. This mode allows you to speed up the preparatory process of cooking a dish, and therefore is actively used when you urgently need to boil water or heat oil in a frying pan.

Booster and TwinBooster functions

Depending on the model, Miele induction hobs can be equipped with a Booster or TwinBooster function. The first can be used for a maximum of two points at the same time, and the second is present only in devices with six paired heating zones and involves borrowing part of the power from the three adjacent ones. The booster is used for a short-term – for only 15 minutes – increase in the power of the burner and the fastest possible heating of a large amount of water.

Timer

The cooking process sometimes takes more than one hour. Stewed meat, jellied meat, sauces and canned food for the winter - this is by no means a complete list of dishes for which you have to wait more than an hour to be ready. It is clear that constantly standing at the stove is not the best option, so Miele has equipped each induction panel of its own production with a convenient built-in timer. To make it more comfortable for you to cook several dishes at once, it is installed separately for each burner. The counter can be minute or hour, which allows you to specify the time in minutes from 1 to 99 or in hours from 0.5 to 9 in increments of 30 minutes. Depending on the model you choose, the timer will either beep loudly and continue running, or immediately turn off the heat.

Automatic shutdown and overheat protection

Induction stoves are not only convenient and functional - they are also safe! Each model, regardless of the price segment and the number of heating zones, is equipped with an automatic shutdown option, which will work if liquid splashes onto the glass-ceramic surface or a foreign object falls. Also, the equipment is necessarily equipped with highly sensitive thermal sensors that protect the electronic board from overheating: as soon as the surface temperature under the saucepan approaches the maximum permissible value, the automation will turn off the heating until the device has completely cooled down. An additional bonus will be the “child protection” function, with which you can lock the touch panel, as well as the residual heat indication, which helps not only maintain the temperature of the finished dish, but also protect you from accidental injuries.

Types of devices

Glass-ceramic slabs can be divided into several types depending on the type of installation..

1. Portable models . They are also called portable or tabletop. These small devices are designed for two burners and are often used for cooking in country houses or in seasonal homes.
2. Built-in panels . Similar models are integrated into kitchen sets.
3. Freestanding models . These devices are a full-fledged full-size stove with an oven. Such models can be designed for a large number of burners (up to 7 seven).

In addition, glass-ceramic hobs may differ in the type of burners.

1. Halogen . These burners consist of a halogen lamp and a coil that connects to it and heats up very quickly. When switched on, these burners have a soft red glow. The main disadvantage of halogen stoves is their high electricity consumption (2 kW/h).
2. Rapid . The heating element is a coil made of a material with low resistance. Often it is an alloy of nickel and chromium. These burners heat up in just 12-15 seconds and reduce energy consumption.
3. Tape . They are one of the varieties of rapid. However, their main difference is in the special shape of the spiral, assembled in the form of a snake and having high resistance. Such burners heat up quickly - in just 7 seconds, but at the same time they consume a lot of electricity - 2 kW/h.
4. Induction . The operating principle of such stoves is based on electromagnetic induction. The stove begins to give off heat only when it comes into contact with the bottom of a special dish. Such burners are very economical, but at the same time the most expensive.

Features of built-in hobs

Built-in cooktops are becoming a popular alternative to traditional cooktops. Today, the household appliances market offers various modifications - gas, electric and induction - in different price categories: from budget to exclusive.

They have many advantages. Firstly, built-in appliances have a thin work surface, and therefore can be easily integrated into any countertop, while the space underneath can be used to arrange shelves and drawers. Secondly, such a device does not oblige you to purchase an oven: if you cook dishes exclusively in frying pans and saucepans, there is no need to purchase a stove with a huge oven with a capacity of 60 liters or more. Thirdly, built-in hobs are elegant and laconic - the buyer can choose the ideal option for any kitchen design! The hob becomes an integral part of the countertop, making the work area look seamless, stylish and modern. And finally, we note one more advantage: the absence of gaps and cracks into which dirt inevitably gets clogged. Built-in appliances are much easier to maintain, especially if the working surface of the device is made of a smooth, durable and wear-resistant glass-ceramic alloy.

How to choose and what to pay attention to?

When deciding to purchase a glass-ceramic electric stove, you need to pay attention to various parameters.

1. Type of instalation . If the kitchen is small and there is no need for an oven, cooktops or portable models are great options.
2. Functionality . Most modern models are equipped with timers, locking, automatic shut-off and many other useful features that make working with the stove simple and convenient.
3. Appearance . Today you can see a variety of slabs in their design. In this matter, you should focus only on your personal preferences.
4. Number of burners . If the family is large and you have to cook every day, then it is better to opt for 4-burner models. For heating food or infrequent use, two-burner stoves are suitable.

Design

An important bonus awaiting owners of glass-ceramic hobs is the elegant design of the appliance, which blends seamlessly with both modern and classic interiors. The smooth gloss of the universal black color looks stylish and discreet at the same time, and the absence of any protruding parts, such as rotary controls, grates and cast-iron “pancakes” of the burners, makes the appliance extremely laconic.

Traditionally, built-in glass-ceramic panels have smooth edges - the equipment is mounted flush or protrudes slightly above the countertop. However, our assortment also includes more original options with a steel frame or a beveled frame: in the first case, the device is edged with a thin stainless steel border, and in the second, all four sides of the glass-ceramic desktop have an edge beveled at an angle of 45 degrees, which creates visual volume and gives finished product.

The best glass-ceramic hobs by price/quality for 2021

Gorenje EC 5121 WG-B

Inexpensive electric stove with electric oven for the kitchen . According to its energy consumption

belongs to class A devices.

The control is mechanical, the power of the four burners is regulated by rotary switches.

Two of them consume 1.2 kW, the other two - 1.7 kW . Each burner is equipped with residual heat indicators.

At the bottom of the stove there is a spacious compartment for storing utensils.

Includes raised guides, wire rack and enamel-lined deep baking tray..

The body is made of white painted metal. The hob is glass-ceramic, with a metal side that prevents liquid from leaking onto the adjacent countertop or cabinet.

One of the main advantages of this model is the unique vaulted shape of the oven . It is created on the principle of a wood-burning oven, due to which hot air circulates freely inside it, is evenly distributed and envelops the food from all sides, ensuring perfect cooking.

The oven coating is high-quality, durable enamel that can withstand high temperatures. Its non-porous texture is easy to clean and does not absorb odors.

The hinged door is equipped with double glass and a heat-resistant layer . Working space volume - 68 liters.

There is a steam cleaning function. The oven operates in several modes: classic heating, heating from below, heating from above, large and small grill. There is a bright backlight that can be activated separately or when the door is opened.

Main characteristics:

1. Rated power - 8.6 kW.
2. Number of burners - 4.
3. Control type - mechanics.
4. Oven capacity: 68 liters.
5. Dimensions - 50x60x85 cm
6. Price - 18,100 rubles.

pros

• heats up quickly;
• the oven door is fixed in several positions;
• spacious compartment for storing utensils.

Minuses

• when the oven operates at high power, the entire stove becomes very hot;
• There is no power cord included.

DARINA 1B EC331 606 W

Classic white electric stove with three burners of different power (one 1.2 kW and two 1.7 kW) and an electric oven.

It uses electricity economically and connects to 220 and 380 W networks.

The glass-ceramic hob is equipped with residual heat indicators and a high side, thanks to which escaped soup will not leak outside the stove.

The device is mechanically controlled using rotary controls.

The body is made of metal, the legs of the plate are adjustable. At the bottom there is a compartment with a roller mechanism for storing dishes and equipment.

The 50-liter oven has four control modes and a built-in thermostat.

The maximum operating temperature is 250 degrees. The door is a folding type, with double glass, which does not heat up during operation and retains heat for a long time even after switching off.

There is a bright backlight . It turns on every time the door is opened, or you can turn it on yourself.

Main characteristics:

1. Rated power - 6.6 kW.
2. Number of burners - 3.
3. Control type - mechanics.
4. Oven capacity: 50 liters.
5. Dimensions - 50x56x85 cm.
6. Price - 13,600 rubles.

pros

• residual heat indicators installed;
• 4 oven heating modes;
• compact sizes.

Minuses

• The burners take a very long time to cool down.

Gorenje EC 52 CLI

Another high-quality electric stove from Gorenje . Same here

glass-ceramic hob in black with small sides and four burners (two 1.7 W, one 1.2 W and one 1.8 W).

The body is made of painted ivory metal, the rotary controls are bronze, of an original design.

It uses electricity economically (class A), there is an electronic programmer with an analog display . Each burner has a built-in residual heat indicator.

The 70 liter oven is also electric. There are various modes - here is classic heating, and upper and lower.

You can activate a large or small grill, add a fan, turn on the defrost function.

Like the model we described above, this oven is equipped with double glass with an additional thermal layer. There is a steam cleaning and slow cooking function.

The smooth surface made of pyrolytic enamel does not absorb odors and is easy to clean without the use of special products..

The lower part of the stove is reserved for a compartment for storing dishes.

The set includes a wire rack and two enamel-coated baking sheets: small and deep . There are removable guides.

Main characteristics:

1. Rated power - 8.7 kW.
2. Number of burners - 4.
3. Control type - mechanics.
4. Oven capacity: 70 liters.
5. Dimensions - 50x59.4x85 cm.
6. Price - 32,600 rubles.

pros

• spacious oven;
• convection+grill;
• sound timer.

Minuses

• The controls turn too easily.

Hansa FCCW53000

The German manufacturer Hansa is increasingly gaining popularity in the Russian market . IN

In 2021, one of the most purchased models is the FCCW53000.

This is an electric stove with a four-burner hob. The glass-ceramic coating is surrounded on all sides by a high side, protecting adjacent working surfaces from escaped liquid.

The stove is controlled mechanically using rotary switches . Each burner is equipped with a residual heat indicator.

The heating zones have a protective shutdown in case of prolonged operation without any changes in power. The hotplate switches off and then the heat indicator lights up.

Electric oven, 69 liters, with a hinged door . Window made of double heat-resistant glass.

The inner surface of the oven is coated with easy-to-clean EasyClean enamel, which has no cavities or pores.

Three operating modes are available: top and bottom heating, both heating at once.

Tips for preparing main dishes are laser-etched on the inside of the door, including advice on the location of the grill or baking sheet, the desired temperature and time, and which oven mode is preferable.

The stove is complemented by a grille with a special stop that protects the dish from falling out when it is pulled out..

There is also an original honeycomb-shaped baking tray, on which meat and fish are baked evenly, and the bottom of the pan does not sag over time.

Main characteristics:

1. Rated power - 7.8 kW.
2. Number of burners - 4.
3. Control type - mechanics.
4. Oven capacity: 69 liters.
5. Dimensions - 50x60x85 cm.
6. Price - 17,800 rubles.

pros

• good build quality;
• fast heating;
• There are residual heat indicators.

Minuses

• not detected.

GEFEST 5560-03 0057

Stylish black four-burner electric stove with electric oven.

It uses electricity economically and operates on 220 and 380 W mains.

Each burner is equipped with a residual heat indicator, one of them has increased power for quick heating or cooking.

The black glass-ceramic surface is easy to clean and is limited along the entire perimeter by a low edge.

Rotary handles, mechanical control. There is a timer with a sound signal and a small display.

Oven capacity 52 liters, with single light and glass hinged door . There is a powerful fan, an electric grill complete with a spit, and a kebab maker.

The inner surface is perfectly smooth, easy to clean, and does not absorb odors.

Various heating modes allow you to cook various juicy dishes with a crispy and golden crust.

The body of the stove is made of metal, the legs can be adjusted in height, and at the bottom of the device the manufacturer has placed a spacious drawer used for storing dishes and other kitchen utensils.

In 2021, the model is equipped with a baking dish made of heat-resistant glass.

Main characteristics:

1. Rated power - 7.45 kW.
2. Number of burners - 4.
3. Control type - mechanics.
4. Oven capacity: 52 liters.
5. Dimensions - 50x58.5x85 cm.
6. Price - 23,700 rubles.

pros

• grill+convection;
• sound timer, display;
• residual heat indicators;
• fast heating of the panel and oven.

Minuses

• The controls are easy to turn and there is not enough child protection.

Electric models

Back in 1842, the English physicist James Joule and his Russian colleague Emil Lenz discovered one very interesting fact: electric current transmitted through a conductor generates heat. In those days, scientists did not find any “everyday” application for the new knowledge, but decades later the discovery attracted the attention of the Canadian inventor Thomas Ahern, who decided to use it... for cooking!

Modern electric hobs are very different from the stove that was first presented in 1883 - the device has become much more compact, more powerful, more economical and functional than its ancestor. Designers, technologists and industrial designers of our time are actively experimenting with various types of heating elements, the material used to make the body and its individual components, as well as the overall dimensions and design.

The operating principle of Miele electric hobs is quite simple. The heating element is an incandescent coil, which heats up the glass-ceramic surface, which, in turn, heats the bottom of the dish and its contents. Electric models heat up to maximum in a matter of seconds, are compatible with any cookware and have a higher efficiency compared to gas ones.

Hi-Light burners

Belt burners, or as they are more commonly called, Hi-Light burners, are the most modern source of rapid heating of all designed for electrical panels. The heating elements, hidden under a layer of glass ceramics, are a corrugated spiral laid in a circle, made of a special high-resistivity alloy. Such hobs boast a high speed of reaching maximum heating - only 5-7 seconds - and even distribution of heat over the entire surface of the bottom of the cookware, which ensures fast, even and efficient cooking of any of your dishes.

Expansion zones

In the arsenal of a modern housewife you can easily find dishes of different shapes and bottom diameters. In addition to traditional frying pans and pots, these can be elongated cauldrons, oval duck pots, rectangular fish cookers and square grill pans. Cooking in such a container is fraught with a number of difficulties. Firstly, there is a mismatch in the diameter of the container and the burner: if you place a large frying pan on a standard burner, the latter will only heat the central part of the pan and your dish will burn in the center, remaining raw at the edges. Secondly, the shape of the dishes and heating zone is different - as a result, heating and cooking of food also occurs unevenly.

Miele specialists have found a way out of this situation by equipping their electric hobs with flexible expansion zones. In standard mode, the sensor-controlled round burners operate like regular cooking zones, but when activated, they can change their shape and diameter to quickly and efficiently cook food in your favorite cookware.

Touch control

The method of controlling the hob greatly depends on the material of the working surface: the operation of the burners in gas models is controlled by rotary switches, and in electric and induction models - by highly sensitive sensors. This control panel is a compact menu in which a separate, intuitive icon is responsible for using each option - a light touch of your finger is enough to configure and activate a particular program. The presence of an electronic module made it possible to introduce a huge number of user-friendly functions, such as a timer, child protection, residual heat indication, temperature maintenance, Stop&Go and many others. In addition, dirt does not accumulate on the smooth, glossy surface, because it is very easy to care for - you just need to wipe the slightly warm glass ceramics with a soft, soft cloth.

Keep warm function

The festive dinner is already ready, but the guests are still not gathered at the table? The Miele electric hob will not allow your dish to cool down, losing its original shape, color and aroma. Thanks to the keep warm function, you can always keep hot treats warm right after they are cooked. The maximum heating time is 2 hours, and therefore even late household members will have time to enjoy them to the fullest! To keep food warm, it is recommended to use exclusively heat-resistant dishes - pots, pans, saucepans and any other heat-resistant containers. To keep the dish hot longer, cover the dish with a lid.

Stop&Go function

Another very nice addition to Miele electric hobs is the Stop&Go function, which allows you to pause the cooking process at any time. A pause may be needed quite often: for example, when the baby wakes up, a courier arrives, or the phone rings.

How does the Stop&Go function differ from simply turning off the burner? In the first case, you completely turn off the heating - after 30 seconds, the hob automatically cancels all previously entered settings. In the second, the selected burner temporarily switches to heating mode, which will maintain the temperature of the dish and protect it from boiling over or burning. Once you return to the kitchen, you can restore the previously set temperature and cooking duration with the press of just one button.

Use of residual heat

All Miele electric hobs are equipped with a convenient three-stage residual heat display, implemented separately for each burner. The corresponding icon is activated automatically as soon as the heating element reaches a temperature above 60 degrees and goes out completely only when it drops below this mark. This icon will remind you that the surface is still hot, and therefore you should not touch it or place dishes that are sensitive to strong heat on it. In addition, this option will help you spend energy as efficiently as possible - switched off but still hot burners can be used to finish cooking dishes, as well as to maintain their temperature for 5-10 minutes.