Installing a hob may sound daunting, especially since you're dealing with electricity or gas, as well as installing an expensive appliance. Fortunately, there are no very difficult steps in installing a cooktop. You just need to do it carefully and sequentially from start to finish.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Installing an Electric Hob
Step 1. Remove the old cooktop if you have one
If you are replacing an old cooktop then you must first remove it. Turn off the power for this cooktop at the fuse box. Remove the seal or adhesive from the cooktop. Disconnect the wires, remember how to wire the old cooktop, and lift the cooktop out of place.
- You must be absolutely sure that the electricity for your cooktop is turned off. You can use the circuit tester to check again by touching one end of the circuit tester to whichever wire is not green or white and the other end to the white or green (ground) wire. If the light is on, it means the electricity is still on.
- Make sure you remember how the old cable was connected because the new cable will be connected the same way. You can even label the cable and take a picture of the cable connection before removing it to help you remember.
- Ask someone to help you lift the cooktop out of its place as the cooktop is quite heavy.
Step 2. Make sure there is enough space around the location of your choice
Ideally you should have at least 30 inches (76cm) of space above the hob and 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) on the sides. You should also check if there is enough space at the bottom of the cooktop for the model you want.
Check the manufacturer's instructions for what is needed for your cooktop
Step 3. Check if the appropriate electrical junction box is in your desired location
Most cooktops require 240 VAC (volts alternating current). If you're replacing a hob then it's probably already installed.
- If there is no electrical junction box then you will have to hire a professional to install it.
- You should also check if the old cooktop has the same amperage as the new cooktop otherwise wiring may need to be done by a professional. Many older cooktops only have a 30 ampere circuit while modern cooktops often have a 40 ampere or 50 ampere circuit.
Step 4. Measure the dimensions of the hob and make sure it will fit in the existing holes
If you have removed the old cooktop then there should already be a hole so you should check if the dimensions of the new cooktop will fit there.
Measure the length and width of the cooktop and subtract - 1 inch (1.25 – 2.5 cm) from each side for the lip that will rest on the tabletop
Step 5. Change the holes in the countertop to fit the cooktop
The hole must match the size of the cooktop minus to 1 inch for the lip of the stove. If the hole is not available or the hole is too small then you will have to make or enlarge the hole. If the hole is too big then you can attach a wedge (a long flat piece of metal) to the sides around the hole.
- You may have to remove the tiles around the area before punching the table with a saw.
- You will need a tile saw to cut granite countertops. Alternatively, you can hire a professional to do this job because granite is quite difficult to cut neatly. You should also attach the stone before placing the cooktop in place.
Step 6. Remove all removable parts from the cooktop for easy installation
Your hob may have a burner, guard or other part that can be temporarily removed. You should also remove any wrapping that may be around the cooktop.
Step 7. Install the spring clip
This will hold the cooktop in place. You must hang this clip from the edge of the top hole and fix it with screws.
If you have a granite countertop then you should install spring clips using double-sided adhesive rather than screws
Step 8. Lower the cooktop into place
Insert the cooktop into the hole, making sure to insert the cable first into the hole. Press until it locks on the spring clips (spring clips).
If you have to remove the tile then you will need to reattach it flush against the edge of the cooktop before inserting it into place. You may need to wait 24 hours for the tiles to set properly before inserting the cooktop into place
Step 9. Connect the new cooktop cord to a power source
The power must always be in the “off” position when you do this to prevent injury or electric shock. Connect the cooktop cord to the appropriate wire on the power source.
- The red and black wires (could also be other colors) are the hot wires that carry electricity to the equipment. Connect the red and black wires on the cooktop with the red and black wires on the power supply box.
- The white wire is the neutral wire, which completes the circuit. The white wire on the cooktop will be connected to the white wire on the power source.
- The green wire is the ground wire, which connects the circuit to ground. Connect the green wire on the cooktop to the green wire on the power source.
- Connect all the cables using a lasdop (wire nut), it looks like a small cap. Line up the wires and twist the wires over each other. Insert the cable twist on the lasdop (wire nut) and twist. Lasdop (wire nut) protects the cable connection from touching other bare wires, preventing fire.
Step 10. Install the removable parts of your cooktop
Reinstall the furnace, shield and parts that were removed.
Step 11. Turn on the power and test the cooktop
Turn the switch back on and turn on the cooktop to check if everything is working fine.
Method 2 of 3: Installing a Gas Cooker
Step 1. Make sure you have gas flow
Gas hob requires a flow of gas to power the stove. If you are replacing a gas cooktop then you should have a gas line connected.
If you don't have gas flow then you will have to hire a professional to install it for you. It is very important to install the gas flow properly because a leak can cause a fire and be dangerous for people who inhale the gas
Step 2. Remove the closet door and remove everything in the cupboard
Removing the doors and drawers will allow easy access to the space under the cooktop. You'll also need to move everything in the cupboard to access the gas flow and hoses.
To remove the wardrobe door you can remove the hinges that hold it in place
Step 3. Turn off the gas flow on the gas cooktop
There is a small valve on the cooktop's flexible hose that attaches to the gas line installed in the house. Rotate this valve so that it is perpendicular to the hose, or out to the side.
- If you do not close the valve properly, gas will escape when you remove the hose and may cause suffocation and/or fire.
- When the gas flow is open the valve handle will point in the direction of the gas flow. It is very important to turn this valve 90 degrees to close the valve.
Step 4. Unplug the power cord
Many gas cooktops have a power cord to provide electricity to power the stove. You must unplug this power cord from the wall outlet before proceeding.
Step 5. Turn on all your furnaces for a few seconds
Even if you closed the gas valve, there may still be gas trapped in the hose. Turn on all the furnaces to release the trapped gas. Don't light the fire. This will remove all remaining gas within a few minutes.
Turn on the hood when you have all the gas out
Step 6. Remove the flexible gas stream from the wall with two wrenches
Take one wrench and attach it to the nut on the flexible gas hose and the other wrench to the nut on the wall pipe.
- Hold the wrench attached to the wall pipe to hold it in place.
- Turn the wrench attached to the flexible gas hose counterclockwise to remove the screw. Continue turning counterclockwise until the hose is completely removed from the wall pipe.
- Some wall pipes have a special connection between the gas pipe and the flexible hose. Make sure you leave it in place when removing the hose.
Step 7. Remove the removable parts from the cooktop
Remove the furnace, shield and other parts before proceeding. This will make removing the cooktop easier.
Step 8. Remove the bracket that holds the cooktop in place
Remove the bracket screws from the bottom of the old cooktop.
Step 9. Push from the bottom to lift the cooktop off the countertop
Remove the cooktop from the counter and place it in a safe place. Don't forget the hose is still connected when you pull it out of place.
Put it upside down after you take it off so it doesn't get damaged
Step 10. Remove the hose from the cooktop
If you are going to reuse the hose for a new cooktop, you will need to remove it from the old cooktop. Use two wrenches to remove it, one lock on the cooktop and the other on the nut on the flexible hose.
Turn the lock on the flexible hose counterclockwise to release it
Step 11. Attach the hose to the new cooktop
Apply the pipe seal to the thread where the hose is connected to the cooktop. Apply sufficient seal to all threads but be careful not to let the seal enter the hose. Use a wrench to tighten the hose on the cooktop.
- Make sure the threads on the cooktop are fully sealed as this will prevent gas leakage.
- Some cooktops come with a regulator to ensure a constant gas pressure. If there is, you must attach the regulator to the cooktop, then connect the hose to the regulator. Make sure you apply seal to the threads before screwing the regulator and hose into place.
- Use a small paint brush to apply the sealant if your sealer doesn't come with a brush.
Step 12. Place the new cooktop in its place on the counter
Slide the cooktop into place carefully, making sure you don't damage the valves underneath. You'll also need to thread the hose into the hole before screwing the cooktop into place.
Step 13. Attach the flexible hose to the wall pipe
Apply the seal to the thread in the wall pipe joint. Then tighten the flexible hose using a wrench. Make sure you tighten the pipe tightly.
Make sure you apply seal around the threads to prevent leakage
Step 14. Mix the soap and water solution
Make a solution of dish soap and water to test for leaks. Mix the solution thoroughly and then spray on all joints or apply using a paint brush to all joints. Open the gas pipe valve by turning the valve so that it points in the same direction as the gas flow.
- Check for bubbles in the joints. You have to make sure you don't smell the gas. Both of these are signs that there is a leak at the joint.
- If there is a leak then immediately close the valve again. Disconnect all connections and apply more seal then reconnect. Test again using the soapy water mixture.
- Check several times to make sure there are no leaks. Make sure you have checked all the connections you made.
Step 15. Turn on the furnace to check everything is working properly
If there is no leakage from the soapy water test then try turning on the furnace. It may take a few seconds for the gas to flow and ignite because you must first push the air out of the hose.
- You may smell a bit of gas before the stove starts so make sure the smoker is on before starting the stove.
- If the fire doesn't start after 4 seconds, turn off the stove and wait a few minutes before trying again.
Step 16. Replace the bracket that attaches the cooktop to the table
Now that the cooktop is working properly, reattach the brackets to attach the cooktop to the table. Your gas hob is fully installed.
Reinstall all the cabinets and drawers that you removed earlier and put everything back in the cupboards
Method 3 of 3: Choosing a Cooktop
Step 1. Choose a hob if you want the oven to be separate from the hob
A hob can be useful because you place it on an island or peninsula. A hob is also useful if you want to install a hob, which is easier on the back than a normal oven.
- The hob can also allow two people to work on two different appliances at the same time.
- The hob is also less flashy than a regular hob because you can mount it almost flush with the tabletop.
- Cooktops are also easier to clean than regular hobs.
Step 2. Install the hob with a down-flow vent so you don't have to install a smoke exhaust on the top of the hob
If you want to install the cooktop on an island table and don't want to install a smoke exhaust, then you can choose a cooktop with downflow ventilation.
- This type of ventilation brings air from the surface to the bottom of the cooktop.
- Some cooktops come with telescope vents that stand above the cooktop while cooking and can then be lowered below the surface while eating.
Step 3. Choose a gas or electric hob
Traditionally, gas cooktops have been chosen because they respond immediately as soon as they are turned on and can be seen for settings. However, modern electric cooktops also heat up quickly and have a variety of low heat versions.
- You should also look at the shape, size, number of stoves, color, cost, materials and safety features when choosing a cooktop.
- Check usage costs when choosing between gas and electricity. You can also compare the gas and electricity prices that your cooktop will use.
Step 4. Decide how many furnaces you need
In most cases cooking for a general family four stoves is sufficient. However, if you are hosting parties or family gatherings, or if you regularly invite people over to your home, the addition of a stove can be very useful. Decide how many furnaces you need for a particular use.
Step 5. Choose the right hob for the space available
If you're replacing an old cooktop, check to see if the new cooktop will fit in the place where the old cooktop used to be. If they are different sizes then you need to make sure there is room that can be punched to fit the size of the new cooktop.
Step 6. Consider the financial implications
Gas stoves can be more expensive to buy but are usually less expensive in the long run because they are cheaper to run on fuel than electricity.
You should consider the cost of installing cables (for electric stoves) or gas lines (for gas stoves) if there is no previous wiring or gas line
Tips
- Ask for help lifting the hob from its place and putting it back in place so you don't damage it.
- Try getting a new cooktop model that is the same as the old one to make installation easier. For example, replace the gas cooktop with a new gas cooktop and the electric cooktop with a new electric cooktop.
- If replacing an electric cooktop, check the Amperage number is the same between the old and new cooktops. Many older models use a 30 ampere cable while newer models tend to use a 40 ampere or 50 ampere cable. Call a professional to help you replace the wires if you increase the amperage for your new stove.
Warning
- Make sure you apply the seal thoroughly around the gas line threads to prevent dangerous leaks.
- If you are unsure or uncomfortable about wiring or installing a gas hose, hire a professional to do it. They will make sure everything is safe for normal use.
- Be careful not to leak gas and bare electrical wires as both can cause a fire.
