What is a Hob?
The hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass, which is shatterproof and heatproof. They also have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They are powered by electricity however they can be less expensive than gas hobs. They also work with almost any type of cookware however, induction hobs require compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that has been used since the Middle Ages. It is related to the Old English word "hol" which means pit, hole, or dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon term "hod", which means a crag, a hill or a crag.
In folklore, hobs are faery spirits who perform household chores. They are generally benevolent, but can become annoying if they are offended. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It is believed to cure whooping-cough.
Another popular use of the word is to refer to a kind of cooking device. Hobs are a type of metal plate that is used to cook food and heat liquids. The top of a hob will usually be flat and is adorned with cooking elements, such as rings. In some instances the hob could be replaced with flat stones to permit it to serve as a quoits target.
The first documented uses of the word hob date to the 16th century. It was probably acquired in the same time frame as the female counterpart, hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were well-known fairytales and domestic spirits.
Despite their innocent nature hobs can play games with people. They can be destructive when they are provoked. For instance one hob in Lincolnshire was able to place a cart on its roof, which was an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. They are also difficult to use because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly found in the UK, they can be found in other countries as well. Electric and gas hobs are available. They can be controlled with just a single button, and can be paired with other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some stoves can connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which makes them easier to use. These kinds of features are enticed buyers to buy these devices. Additionally, some models feature advanced safety features, such as the child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are famous for their speedy heating and energy efficiency as well as their precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to the touch and heat up only when they come into contact with cookware compatible which reduces the risk of burns. Additionally the power is shut off immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking zone. These safety features are especially beneficial in homes where children and guests may be present in the kitchen.
Induction hobs also consume less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This can help reduce household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models have a "Stop & Go" function that instantly reduces the cooking zones to their lowest setting when you are required to leave the kitchen. Certain models come with bridge functions that join two induction zones to create one large zone controlled by one control. This gives you more flexibility. The possibility of connecting multiple cooking zones allows you to cook using larger or unusual-sized pans and pots.
Simple easy-to-use controls are available to adjust the power settings of a hob. They are easy to read and operate. Many offer timers, pre-sets for common cooking functions, an automatic switch-off, a 'Booster' feature that draws maximum power only for the required amount of time and an 'underside heat' that is gentle to cut down on simmering times and save energy.
Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electric hob is easy to clean and doesn't have the nooks and crannies of traditional gas burners which are prone to collecting dirt and grime with time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add design and elegance to get more info the modern kitchen, with sleek, modern lines that complement other appliances and decor.
Sensors are used in hobs with automatic shut-off features. They monitor the surface of the hob to detect signs of unusual heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically cut off to avoid injury and fire. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs since it decreases the chance of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs also use sensors to determine if cookware is not in contact with the hob to stop electrical shocks.
Types
There are several different types of hob available, so it's crucial to think about the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some common features include: heat control energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of hob that you select will have an impact on your budget, both the initial cost and also the running costs.
Gas hobs utilize natural gas to create an open flame that heats your pots and pans. They are a preferred option for many home cooks due to their instant heat and can be adjusted to give precise temperature control. Additionally, they are unaffected by power outages and can be used with many cooking appliances. Gas hobs are more costly to run and require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grates. Additionally, they may be more susceptible to flare-ups due to accident which is why you must be aware of the flame's presence and ensure that the stove is adequately secured with grills that are protected.
Plate hobs, another option in the kitchen, use electric elements under the ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They offer excellent heat distribution and are affordable for flat-based products. They take longer to heat and cool than other hobs and aren't easy for cleaning.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plate hobs, but have filament bulbs that heat the surface. They are more energy efficient than traditional electric hobs, but they are still not as quick to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs have more flexibility in terms of heat control, with some featuring control buttons that are touch-based, while others come with physical knobs that you can turn.
Induction hobs are a modern alternative to traditional stovetops, employing electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient, resulting quicker heating and an uniform distribution of heat. Additionally they are less difficult to clean than other kinds of hobs due to the fact that they don't have grates or burners exposed. They aren't as efficient in simmering, and are not suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cooking pots.
Safety
Hobs can be a risky part of your kitchen if you do not take the proper precautions. Unattended cooking pans and not properly cleaning them can cause fires which could harm your kitchen and cause injury to you or other. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs can be a major cause of kitchen fires.
The cookware can overheat and cause it to break or shatter, which can pose the risk of fire. The majority of hobs have safety features that monitor operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems employ power modulation as well to ensure that heat output is constant and does not exceed safe limits. These features shield the hob, its components and the surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs, the technology is considered safe to use. These EMF are not as powerful as those produced by mobile phones, and the radiation they produce is non-ionising.
Induction hobs can only be used with certain types of cookware It is therefore essential to ensure that your pots and pans are induction-ready prior to making use of them. A simple method to test this is to put a magnet near the base of the pan. If it sticks, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. Making the wrong choice of cookware can lead to damage to your stove and possibly an accident.
It is also essential to ensure that children and other people stay away from the cooking area when it's in use, as the surface can become extremely hot. Also, it is recommended to wear oven gloves when you touch handles on metal pans as they can also be extremely hot. It is important to shut off your stove as soon as you finish use, as it may remain hot for some time. Follow the advice of the fire service and call 999 as fast as you can if there's an emergency fire.