Review of the Millen MEH 302BL hob

Millen MEH 302 BL is a compact electric hob that is one of the smallest two-burner models from the Millen brand. The device is equipped with two heating zones, one of which can be adjusted to the diameter of the cookware being used.

The functionality of the panel is quite standard, but sufficient for comfortable use: touch control, pause function, locking and residual heat indication. To ensure safety, this model is equipped with a protection system that turns off the device when liquid boils to the surface and the heating elements overheat.

We believe that such a device is ideal for compact studio apartments, where every free centimeter in the kitchen matters.

^* Contrary to popular belief, this is not a period after which the device will necessarily break down. However, after this period, the manufacturer ceases to bear any responsibility for its functionality and has the right to refuse to repair it, even for a fee.

The Millen MEH 302 BL electric hob is packaged in a large flat box made of durable cardboard. On the front and back sides of the package there is an image of the device, the full name of the model, the company logo, key features and brief technical specifications.

Inside the box, the panel is securely fixed using two foam inserts, and the front side is protected by a foam sheet. In addition to the hob itself, the kit includes brackets and screws for installation, a user manual and a warranty card.

The independent hob Millen MEH 302 BL has a classic design. The stylish frameless model is coated with glossy borosilicate glass from the Kanger brand. The beveled edges give the panel a modern and elegant look. Although the glass appears black, a closer look reveals that it is dark brown.

The outlines of the burners with Hi Light heating elements and touch control buttons are highlighted in white.

The device is equipped with two burners: the small one has a diameter of 165 mm and a power of up to 1200 W, and the large one is dual-circuit, allowing you to choose a heating zone with a diameter of 138 or 200 mm with a power of up to 1000 W and 2000 W, respectively.

The glass thickness is 3 mm, the total panel thickness is about 48 mm.

A strip of foam sealant is attached to the back side around the perimeter.

There are ventilation slots in the front side part.

The lower part of the device is made of galvanized iron. At the bottom there are holes for ventilation and technical slots, as well as a sticker with information about the product.

Closer to the back side, a meter-long power cable without a plug is attached to the case. The panel is connected to a power supply network with parameters of 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz.

The instructions for Millen MEH 302 BL are presented in the form of a black and white A5 brochure, printed on thick, high-quality paper.

The document contains detailed information about safety precautions when using the device, proper installation of the panel, control nuances and rules for caring for the device. The manual also includes information about two similar models, so in some places you need to be careful and read exactly what applies to that particular panel.

The text is written in simple, understandable language, logically structured and provided with illustrations. We also found a warranty card in the kit.

The control unit, conventionally consisting of three parts, is traditionally located at the edge, in the middle, in the near part of the panel.

The nearest row of touch buttons (from left to right) performs the following functions:

• increase/decrease the heating zone of the far burner,
• pause and resumption of heating (Stop&Go function),
• setting timer parameters,
• locking the control panel from accidental touches,
• turn on/off the hob.

Behind these buttons there is a slider for selecting heating power, which is also used when setting timer parameters. The timer can be activated for one or both cooking zones, setting the time up to 99 minutes. If the timer is set for both burners at the same time, the panel displays the shortest time.

The “pause” function pauses the heating of all operating burners for up to 10 minutes. If you do not continue cooking within this time, the panel will turn off. This is convenient if you need to answer a call or go out for a couple of minutes, for example, to meet a courier. If the conversation takes too long, the stove will turn off and wait for further commands.

The residual heat indicator in the form of the letter “H” will glow next to the switched off but still hot cooking zone until the surface temperature is safe.

The third row contains buttons for selecting heating zones.

An additional degree of protection is that a burner operating at a certain power will automatically turn off after a certain time.

The cable for connecting the panel to the electrical network consists of three wires: two for connecting heaters and one for grounding. The procedure for installing and connecting the panel is described in detail in the instructions. The process is straightforward and follows standard procedures.

In our opinion, using the Millen MEH 302 BL hob is very comfortable. The controls were intuitive and we didn't even have to consult the user manual. All elements are conveniently located. The central control panel is located at a sufficient distance from the nearest burner, so it will not be blocked by the edges of the pan unless you use an overly large pan.

The far burner is equipped with two circuits, which is quite enough for most standard tasks. The only thing missing is the third, smallest circuit for using very small ladles or Turks for brewing coffee. Of course, you can brew coffee this way, but more heat will be consumed.

The maximum weight of cookware with food should not exceed 5 kg, and the total permitted weight distributed over two burners should not exceed 12 kg. These parameters are standard, but you should not forget about them when preparing large portions or using heavy cookware, for example, a cast iron cauldron for pilaf.

Please note that the heating element of each zone is slightly smaller than the markings on the surface of the stove. To ensure even heating, for example when frying pancakes, it is recommended to rotate the pan from time to time. This is useful for any electric stove, since it is not always possible to place the dishes exactly in the center and requires additional attention.

The manufacturer warns that you should only use cookware with a flat bottom, place it strictly in the center of the heating zone, and if necessary, move it — be sure to lift it.

Caring for the panel glass is standard: cleaning should be carried out in a timely manner, using special products for this type of surface. Do not use chemically aggressive or abrasive compounds. You can use a glass ceramic scraper to remove dried stains.

In our tests, we noticed that the surface gets dirty quite quickly and easily. A few drops of oil on a hot area can create noticeable stains. An ordinary cloth or sponge will not cope with such stains; you will need a scraper and special cleaning products. In general, the surface requires careful handling: try to avoid oil and other splashes on hot areas and clean them as soon as possible.

The actual power of the burners, according to our measurements, was:

During the measurements, we found that the energy consumption level of the heating elements of this stove is fixed at maximum power. The burner operates at full power for a certain period of time, then switches off and goes into standby mode. The heating level is adjusted by changing the on time and pauses. The duration of the heating-pause cycle is approximately 60 seconds. Continuous heating is only available at level 9 and only for the first 5 minutes; Then the heating is automatically turned off for 15 seconds every minute.

In 5 minutes of operation, the temperature of the largest burner, according to our measurements, reaches 540 degrees. The stove cools relatively slowly, so temperature changes during cooking will be insignificant.

On a more powerful burner with a maximum circuit at power level 9, 1 liter of water at 20°C boiled in 9 minutes and 15 seconds with an energy consumption of 0.182 kWh. The maximum power recorded by the wattmeter was 1895 W.

On a small circuit, 1 liter of water boiled in 17 minutes and 40 seconds, consuming 0.177 kWh. The maximum power recorded by the wattmeter was 1000 W, with an average of 960 W.

On the near burner with a power of 1200 W (actually up to 1130 W), also on level 9, 1 liter of water boiled in 12 minutes and 30 seconds, with an energy consumption of 0.163 kWh.

Apart from soft clicks when heating is turned on and off, the panel does not make any extraneous sounds.

We do a test with chicken broth (or any other stock) to see if we can maintain an even temperature around 95 degrees. This mode, slightly below the boiling point, allows you to get a clean and clear broth and avoid constant skimming of foam from the surface.

For the dough we cook a simple broth. Several chicken legs were placed in a pan, an onion, salt were added and water was added. We chose the largest heating zone and set the maximum power. When the broth began to approach the boiling point, we gradually reduced the power of the stove.

The photo shows that a small amount of foam did form as the broth began to boil. We reached the desired temperature at about power level six. If you close the lid, the optimal level will be 3-4.

As you can see, no new foam subsequently appeared on the surface. The resulting broth was clear and clean.

Result: excellent

Our second test (fast frying at maximum power) is designed to test whether food can be cooked in a wok or other similar containers. We used a large frying pan and a large cauldron-type pan.

Initially we fried the chicken pieces. In the first minutes, a noticeable amount of moisture was released, which, in our opinion, may be due to the fact that the meat was not of the best quality and may have been treated with water brine.

Therefore, at first the roasting process was more like stewing.

But after the moisture evaporated, everything went as expected.

Sliced ​​mushrooms were fried in the same pan.

The roasting process went without any problems.

Then we took a cauldron-type pan, heated it and began frying the remaining ingredients in stages. Initially, we fried garlic and ginger...

...then add carrots and onions...

...then red pepper...

...and when everything is almost ready, stir in the pre-fried mushrooms.

At the last stage, add the finished chicken and mix again.

In the meantime, you can boil the noodles in the second work area.

As a result, in a relatively short time we get a large amount of tasty and healthy food.

Result: excellent

An important aspect for us is the uniformity of heating during frying.

We started with a simple test — quickly frying dumplings in a frying pan. There were no problems in this process. The roasting took place evenly, without any areas of excessive or insufficient heating.

Let's try something more complex. For example, cheesecakes.

Take cottage cheese, mix with sugar and egg.

Knead until smooth, form cheesecakes and start frying them at medium temperature.

During the frying process, we noticed that even a slight displacement of the pan from the center of the heating zone leads to the fact that one half of the pan begins to heat up much more. This can be clearly seen in the photo by the degree of browning of the crust.

We draw the obvious conclusion: for comfortable and predictable frying, you need to position the pan as accurately as possible.

Let's conduct another experiment to finally clarify the situation: prepare a protein omelet, positioning the frying pan as accurately as possible.

Having looked at how the omelette was fried, we were finally convinced that everything was in order with the uniformity of heating. The omelette “grabbed” from all sides at the same time.

This is what heating looks like when you pour water into a frying pan. The photo shows boiling zones that form an even circle.

In this case, even a slight displacement of the dishes relative to the center becomes noticeable to the naked eye.

Overall, we were pleased with the Millen MEH 302 BL hob. It turned out to be an excellent option for those looking for a traditional (non-induction) built-in model for a small apartment or cottage.

During testing, we made sure that the panel has enough power and good heat control. I especially liked the possibility of expanding the heating zone for the far burner: for large dishes you can turn on a large circuit, and for a ladle or compact pan — a small one. The controls are simple and intuitive.

Perhaps the only drawback of this model is that the surface easily becomes dirty, for example, from splashes of grease. Such contaminants have to be cleaned using a scraper and special means, since a regular sponge cannot cope. Therefore, you will have to cook carefully, and it is better to remove any dirt immediately, without waiting for it to dry out or stick to the panel.

Pros:

• convenient control
• flexible adjustment of heating levels
• large “burner” with dual adjustable circuit
• pause mode

Minuses:

• gets dirty easily