Complex cookers for the kitchen, simultaneously combining a hob and an oven, are becoming more and more a thing of the past. Modern housewives are less and less used for their intended purpose ovens. They are increasingly turning into a warehouse of pots and pans.
Why overpay money for an unnecessary metal cabinet when you can buy a comfortable and aesthetic hob, and the free space formed under it is perfect for storing dishes and other things. Installation hob even an inexperienced master can do it in a countertop, because its installation does not require experience and qualifications at all.
Varieties of hobs
So, before proceeding with such a procedure as installing a hob into a worktop with your own hands (you can see the photo in this article), you should deal with the varieties of these devices. There are the following main types of hobs:
- Electrical.
- Induction.
- Gas.
It is advisable to entrust the installation and installation of the latter option to a professional, since an incorrect connection can lead to serious problems. When using gas stoves indoors, special requirements must be observed. In the process of installing electrical panels, it is also important to observe caution and safety rules when working with high voltage. It is necessary to provide high-quality electrical power with grounding.
When buying a hob, it is important Special attention pay attention to it Since the installation of the hob in the countertop should be carried out with a small margin at the edges. In addition, you need to decide on the location of the tie-in. Spend in advance
Countertop installation
If you purchased a glass or stone countertop, it is advisable to entrust its installation to professionals. Since you do not know about all the intricacies of the process, you can damage an expensive item. If you can handle the installation yourself, but with some building skills.
You will need the following:
- Grout for tiles.
- Tiles for facing the surface of the countertop.
- Mounting or tile adhesive.
- Tiles with tungsten coating.
- Gun with silicone sealant.
- Electric jigsaw.
- Waterproof wood board.
- A set of tools - a square, a screwdriver, screws.
Replacing the countertop should begin with the dismantling of the old one. Despite the fact that you will not need the old countertop in the future, you must remove it very carefully to avoid damage to the kitchen set.
It is very important to fit the new countertop to the dimensions of your furniture. It is likely that you will need to cut off the excess. In this case, unprotected chipboard edges. This material perfectly absorbs moisture, so the saw cuts must be well treated with a sealant. If the countertop is mounted with saw cuts to the stove, it is advisable to close them with special end strips.
Required Tools
Before proceeding to such a process as installing a hob in a countertop (photos show what they are), you need to prepare the following tools:
- Pencil.
- Roulette.
- Jigsaw.
- Drill driver with a drill for wood with a diameter of 8-10 mm.
- Sealant.
Preparatory process
To begin with, you should make sure that there are accessible outlets in the place where the hob will be installed in the worktop. The presence of an outlet, a suitable length of the gas supply hose, gas stove These are two fundamental aspects.
If the wiring is old and there is no certainty that it is reliable, it is recommended to run an independent cable for the stove directly from the meter.
Installing the hob in the countertop
- First you need to make a hole in the countertop. To do this, according to the instructions, an opening is marked. If there is no instruction, then
the full dimension is outlined, while on each side you need to retreat about 5 mm. - Using a drill, a hole is drilled so as not to go beyond the contour boundary. Then we continue to work with a jigsaw. To reduce chipping, it is recommended to take a file with fine teeth. In addition, you can paste over the contour with stationery or masking tape.
- After the drank is completed, you need to paint over or sealant the sawn edges to prevent the countertop from swelling.
- Next, the hob is installed in a 28 mm worktop, fixed and connected to the network.
Panel insertion must be carried out with maximum precision. Otherwise, even an error of 1 cm can ruin the countertop, which is one of the most expensive elements of a kitchen set.
Countertop made of artificial stone
Compared to their counterparts in Chipboard worktop from artificial stone is the most durable. Despite this, the main problem is the installation of the hob in an artificial stone countertop.
In most cases, an artificial stone countertop is ordered with pre-drilled holes for a specific hob. But what if the countertop is already installed, but the hob is not yet? In this case, the most reliable and the best option will give the countertop to qualified specialists who, using a professional tool, will make the necessary hole.
If you still decide to take the risk, then this work can be produced using the technology described above, but only instead of a jigsaw you will need to take an angular grinder and a diamond-coated blade designed for cutting concrete.
It is important to remember that self-installation hob in the countertop should be well thought out at all stages of installation. Only in this case, less time will be spent on this type of work, and their quality and subsequent result will significantly improve.
In the conditions of an apartment, the installation location of the gas panel is determined by the location gas pipe. A shut-off valve must be installed on the gas pipe. It is worth noting that the transfer of a gas pipe to any distance should be done only by specialists of a gas company. At the same time, no one forbids installing a gas panel at a certain distance from the pipe, using for this flexible eyeliner for gas (gas hose).
Bellows hose, flexible gas connection
measurements
Before purchasing a panel, you need to know the width of the countertop. The dimensions of most panels are standard and do not go beyond 55-57 cm. In the documentation for the panel, not only the dimensions of the panel, but also the size of the hole in the countertop for installing the panel should be indicated.
Panel Installation Diagram To protect the surface of the countertop from the movement of the jigsaw sole and from chipping when cutting, masking tape is glued next to the markings or along the markings.
So that the cut does not fall and break the countertop, you need to support it from below, as in the photo, with clamps.
Cutting tabletops with a jigsaw Preparing the panel for installation
The kit includes jets for the main connection to the panel. If they are not installed, they must be replaced. The jet installation diagram is glued to the bottom of the panel or indicated in the passport.
If the gas hob is connected to gas cylinder, jets need to buy others.
Jets Panel connection method: socket or connection block
There are two options for connecting an electric hob to the power supply:
- Through a plug-socket connection;
- Through the terminal block, directly by connecting the panel wires to the power cable.
Both options are valid. The advice is simple, if the panel comes with a plug, then install an outlet. The pins of a standard stove socket can handle 32 amps, and nothing will happen to them unless you turn it off when loaded (stove on).
The connection through the terminal block is more reliable, although not convenient when repairing the panel or replacing it.
How to install the hob in the countertop work steps
- Cut a hole in the countertop according to the template;
- Install the hob in place;
- Do electrical connection panels (machine off);
- Turn on power, check operation.
Note: If the hob does not have a sealing gasket that will ensure a snug fit of the hob to the countertop, coat the edges of the countertop with sealant before installing the hob in a niche.
As a result, the hob should lie firmly on the countertop and be firmly attached to it.
Panel connection
- Now connect the panel to the socket or power wires. These works are done strictly with the power off..
- Turn on the circuit breaker of the "electric stove" group and check the operation of the panel according to the instructions.
- By the way, you need to check the operation of the panel before installing it in a niche, so as not to spoil the presentation if a replacement is needed.
And again a photo-lesson for installation. This time I got my hands on a gas hob from Hansa. Not a bad company, by the way, had years of experience communication with the stove of this company (albeit electric) - only pleasant memories.
The design of this panel is quite original - I liked it - separate burners are fixed on the frosted glass ...
Instructions are also included. Here are some pictures of the installation. The first scheme, in my opinion, is rather useless. 
The second scheme is of much greater practical importance. We will be guided by her. True, this was not fully done, due to the peculiarities of the kitchen project. But more on that along the way. 
We take a joiner's square and transfer these dimensions to the countertop. It was impossible to move the panel to the adjacent box due to the nature of the project, so I just moved it as far as possible from the wall (as a result, instead of the recommended 100 mm, I got 80 mm). 
The next step is to drill out the marking angles with an 8 drill and connect them with straight cuts using a jigsaw (it is better to use a file with a reverse tooth - cuts with front side are just exceptional) 
Since the panel should go onto the wall of the box, I took out the box itself and made a centimeter cutout on its side wall. By the way, after installing the plate in the tabletop, it turned out that I did it in vain on the left, it is thinner by about 4-5 mm and does not go beyond the thickness of the tabletop. But, guided by previous experience, I did just that in advance. 
The instructions do not say anything about the next step, but I always silicone the ends of the chipboard in places where the equipment is tie-in. This case was no exception. 
Now we take up the hob itself. We turn it over (trying to make the burners crumble at the same time - they can be removed in advance))) and stick a foamy insulating tape around the perimeter (it is included in the kit) 
Now we need the help of a professional, namely a gasman, to make the connection. It is forbidden to do it yourself. But the lesson needs to be completed, so I will put the stove, and then I will take everything apart)).
It remains for us to push the plate into the cut out niche, align it and screw it with special clamps. 
The instruction sees this process as follows: 
True, the width of the tabletop did not allow to do it as in the diagram, namely, to place one edge of the clamp into the cutout on the plate, and the second on the tabletop ... 
But this did not affect the degree of fixation much ... As a result, you should get something like this: 
By the way, this hood for the functioning of auto-ignition requires connection to a power outlet.
Idea self installation the hob can be somewhat intimidating. After all, you will have to deal with either electricity or gas and at the same time work with a fairly expensive kitchen equipment. However, none of the steps for installing a hob are particularly difficult. It just needs to be done carefully and correct sequence from the very beginning to the end.
Steps
Installing an electric hob
- To disconnect the hose, turn its nut counterclockwise.
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Connect the gas hose to the new hob. Use a gas joint sealant by applying it to the threads at the junction of the hose and the hob. Apply sealant generously to the threads, but be careful not to get it inside the hose. Screw the nut with a wrench gas hose to the hob.
Place the new hob in its place. Carefully lower the hob into the opening so as not to damage any of the connections at the bottom of the hob. Before lowering the hob into the opening, you must lead the gas hose forward into it.
Connect the gas hose to the fixed gas pipe. Apply sealant to the threads of the gas pipe fitting. Then spin wrench gas hose nut. Be sure to tighten the nut tightly.
Prepare a soapy solution. Prepare a solution of 1 part dish soap and 1 part water to check for possible gas leaks. Stir the solution thoroughly and then either spray it on the gas connections or apply with a brush. Turn on the gas supply valve by placing it in a position in which its handle indicates the direction of gas supply.
Turn on the burners and check their operation. If check soapy water found no leaks, try lighting the burners. It may take a few seconds for the gas to come up and ignite, because normal air must first exit the hose.
Attach the hob mounting brackets to the worktop. When you are sure that the hob is working, attach it with mounting brackets to the countertop. Your hob is now fully installed.
- Replace the doors and drawers of the cabinet under the hob, as well as all its contents.
Remove the old hob, if any. If you are replacing an old hob, you will need to remove it first. Turn off the electricity in the distribution box. Remove any attachments from the hob and clean off any sealant. Disconnect the wires, remembering how the old hob was connected, and remove the hob from the hole it sat in.
Make sure you have enough space in the location you have chosen for the hob. Ideally, you should have a gap of 76 cm above the hob, and on the sides of it there should be about 30-60 cm of free space. You should also make sure that there is enough space under the worktop to accommodate your new model hob.
Make sure there are junction box to connect the hob to the mains. Most electric hobs require a direct connection to the mains through a 220V junction box. If you are replacing a hobs, you probably already have a junction box.
Measure the dimensions of the hob and make sure it fits into the old hole. If you are replacing a hob, the countertop should already have a hole, and you just need to make sure it fits the new hob.
Adjust the hole for the hob so that it can fit into it. The hole should be on each side 1.5-2.5 cm smaller than the dimensions of the hob. If you do not already have a hole for the hob, or it is too small, then you will need to cut it along the right size. If the existing hole is too large, then sheets of metal can be screwed on the sides to reduce it.
Remove all removable parts from the hob to make it easier for you to put it back in place. The hob may have removable burners, protective screens and other details that should be temporarily put aside. You also need to remember to remove all packaging materials from the hob.
Install clamps. They are designed to fix the hob. You should hang them from the top edge of the slot and then screw them on.
Lower the hob into the hole. Lower the new hob into the hole, remembering to put the wires through it first. Press down on the hob until you hear the locking clips click.
Connect the wires of the hob to the mains. Electricity must still be turned off when you do this so as not to get an electric shock. Connect the hob wires to the corresponding wires in the junction box.
Install the previously removed detachable parts on the hob. Replace the burners, protective screens and other removable parts.
Turn on the electricity and check the operation of the hob. Turn on the power supply to the hob to check that everything is working properly.
Open all hotplates for a few minutes. Even though you have turned off the gas, there may still be gas in the hose. Open all burners to release the gas. Don't set it on fire. All the gas will come out in a few minutes.
Disconnect the flexible gas supply hose from the fixed gas line using two wrenches. Take one wrench and install it on the hose nut, and the second wrench on the fixed gas line nut.
Remove all removable parts from the hob. Remove burners, protective screens and other removable parts before moving on. This will make it easier to move the hob.
Remove the clips holding the existing hob in place. Unscrew the clips from the underside of the old hob.
Push the hob from below to lift it up. Remove the hob from the countertop and put it in a safe place. Don't forget that the gas hose is still attached to it.
Disconnect the gas hose from the old hob. If you will be using the old gas hose to connect the new hob, you will need to disconnect it from the old hob. Use two wrenches for this, one on the hob and one on the hose nut.
Choice of hob
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Get a hob when you want to have a separate oven and hob. Cooktops are very convenient when they need to be installed on free-standing islands. Also, separate hobs are required when you want to have a built-in oven (which is more convenient than a conventional gas stove with an oven).
