fornuis

A fornuis is a kitchen appliance used for cooking, typically providing a heating surface for pots and pans and, in many models, an integrated oven. In Dutch usage, fornuis can refer to a freestanding range or a built‑in unit; a separate cooktop is often called a kookplaat, while fornuis emphasizes the overall cooking function.

Common types include gas fornuis with gas burners; electric fornuis with coils or a glass‑ceramic surface; and induction fornuis, which heats pots via a magnetic field. Many units combine a cooktop with an oven, though smaller kitchens may use a separate oven or a range.

Operation and safety: Gas models require a gas supply and ventilation; electric and induction models rely on electricity and include safety features such as automatic shutoff and child locks. Induction heats cookware directly and the surface remains cooler to touch.

Efficiency and environment: Induction cooktops are usually the most energy‑efficient and quickest to heat. Gas stoves offer rapid control but can emit more indoor pollutants without adequate ventilation.

In Europe, including the Netherlands, fornuises range from compact built‑ins to large freestanding ranges. Modern models may include convection ovens, self‑cleaning cycles, programmable timers, and energy‑saving modes.