Whether you’re making a quick pasta dish or throwing a big dinner for friends, the number of burners on your stove will largely determine what’s possible. Let’s take a look at the differences between four-, five- and six-burner stoves, so you can make a choice that’s right for your kitchen and cooking style.
In this article you will read: • Why the number of burners on your stove is important for your cooking pleasure • What the advantages and disadvantages are of a four-burner stove and for whom this type is ideal • What extra options a fifth burner offers and how that increases your cooking options • When a six-burner stove is the best choice and what you should consider • Practical tips for choosing the right stove that suits your cooking style
The four-burner stove: the trusted classic
Do you know this? You are standing in the kitchen and with four burners you can easily make that daily meal. The four-burner stove is not for nothing the most chosen option in Dutch kitchens. It fits perfectly in smaller spaces and does exactly what you need. Of course, if you want to make a large stew and rice and vegetables and sauce at the same time, you sometimes have to puzzle a bit. But for most people this size is simply ideal – it is compact, affordable and you can get by with it just fine.
Five pits for that little bit extra
Imagine: you are busy making a delicious curry and want to cook rice, stir-fry vegetables, and keep that special sauce warm at the same time. That fifth burner suddenly comes in handy! Especially that large middle burner is a godsend for your wok or frying pan. The five-burner stove is the golden mean – you have just a few more options than with four burners, without immediately buying a huge stove.
For the real cooking fanatic: six burners
For those who love to cook and regularly prepare elaborate dinners, a six-burner stove is a dream. With six burners, the possibilities are endless: a stock that simmers for hours, fresh pasta that cooks, a sauce that simmers and still has room for other dishes. Of course, you need the space – a six-burner stove requires a large kitchen. The price tag is also a bit higher, but for those who are passionate about cooking, it is worth every penny.
Gas or induction?
Whether you choose a four-, five, or six-burner stove, the next choice is the cooking method. Gas or induction: what suits you? Good to know: new-build homes are now delivered without a gas connection as standard. Are you considering a new kitchen? Then induction may be a future-proof choice.
Cooking on gas
- Directly visible flame gives control
- Works with all types of pans
- Trusted by experienced chefs
- Less energy efficient than induction
- Cleaning takes more work
- Usually no longer possible in new construction
Cooking on induction
- Very energy efficient
- Easy to clean
- Safer (no open fire)
- Heats up faster
- Only works with special pans
- Takes some getting used to in terms of cooking habits
- The purchase price is often higher
What suits you?
Take a look at your cooking habits. Are you someone who quickly throws something together during the week? Then a four-burner is probably more than enough. Do you like to cook extensively on the weekend? Then a five-burner gives you that little bit of extra leeway. And for those who can’t wait to try out new recipes and regularly invite friends over for dinner, a six-burner stove might be the best choice.
Finally
Choosing a stove is just like cooking itself – it’s all about what suits you. Whether you go for four, five, or six burners, the most important thing is that you enjoy cooking at it. Because in the end, it’s not about the number of burners, but about the delicious meals you can conjure up with it.
