The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Right Appliances For Your Cookspace

The ultimate guide to choosing the right appliances for your cookspace.

- Shimin Chu

Kitting out your kitchen with the right appliances can be quite the challenge, especially with so many different varieties to choose from. Here’s a quick guide on the kitchen essentials that can help you transform into a culinary professional.

COOKTOPS

1. Gas Hobs

The most common of cooktops, gas hobs utilise gas flames to heat up your cookware, allowing them to reach high temperatures that are suitable for typical Asian cooking. Designs and finishes are abundant for gas hobs, however, note that enamel surfaces are easier to clean than glass or the classic stainless steel.

2. Induction Hobs

Using electromagnets and magnetic fields for heating, induction hobs are capable of heating up food within the shortest period of time. Induction hobs are safer options since they don’t use direct flames, making them especially ideal for homes with children.

3. Electric Hobs

Electric hobs make use of electronically-heated metal coils to heat up cookwares, and are more suitable for low-temperature cooking, such as slow simmers. For safety, choose a hob with a residual heat indicator to know when the hob surface has cooled, and is safe for cleaning and contact.

WHAT TO NOTE WHEN BUYING YOUR COOKTOP:

Heat control

Varying heat temperatures can make or break a dish. A hob that heats up too quickly can be unpredictable and you might end up burning your food. Make sure to choose a hob with precise and easy-to-use heat control functions. Gas hobs are more controllable that electric hobs, but induction hobs can offer efficient heat control.

Cooking needs

For homes with families, or for homeowners that engage in heavy cooking, hobs with more than the standard 4 elements are the best options.

Cleaning and maintenance