What is a Hob?
The hob is a vital part of every kitchen. Modern ones are typically constructed of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) and feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are cheaper than gas ones, however they require electricity. Induction hobs can be used with almost any cookware. However, they require compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is masculine English name that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is related to the Old English word "hol" which means pit, hole or a ding. The name has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which means a crag or hill.
In folklore, hobs are faery spirits who help with household chores. They are usually benevolent but they can also be a nuisance if offended. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It was able to treat whooping cough.
Another popular use of the word is to refer to a type of cooking equipment. A hob is a metal plate that is used to cook food and heat liquids. The top of a hob is usually flat and has a variety of cooking elements, including rings. In some cases the hob may be replaced by an elongated stone that allows it to serve as a target for quoits.
The earliest attested uses of the word hob date back to the early 16th century. It was likely acquired in the same time frame as the feminine form, hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were celebrated fairy and domestic spirit.
Hobs are famous for their Pranks, despite their innocent nature. They can be destructive when they are provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire for instance was able to place a cart on its roof. This was a huge problem for the farmer. They are also difficult to work with because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly used in the UK, they can be found in other countries as well. Gas and electric hobs are available. They can be controlled by the press of one button, and can be utilized alongside other kitchen appliances. Furthermore, some hobs connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them more convenient to use. These features are attracting buyers. Some models are also equipped with advanced safety features, such as a lock for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for their rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surface stays cool to touch and only is heated when in contact with cookware compatible. This reduces the chance of burns. Additionally the power is turned off immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking zone. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes where children and guests may be present in the kitchen.
Induction hobs also use less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This helps reduce household energy bills and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models come with a 'Stop & Go' feature, which instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting to make it easier when you have to leave the kitchen. Some models feature bridge features that connect two induction zones to create one large zone controlled by a single control. This allows for greater flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones allows you to cook with larger or unusual-sized pans and pots.
Simple easy-to-use controls are available to alter the power settings of a stove. They are simple to read and operate. Hobs can also be equipped with timers, presets for the most common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs and a Booster function that only utilizes maximum power for the specified duration, and a gentle "bottom heat" to cut down on simmer time and save energy.
Additionally, the smooth glass-ceramic finish of an electric hob is easy to clean and does not have the nooks and crevices of conventional gas burners, which can accumulate dirt and grime with time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add elegance and class to modern kitchens. They have sleek, modern lines that complement other appliances and décor.
Hobs that have automatic switch-off functions have sensors that scan the surface of the hob for signs of excessive temperature or explosive substances, and then automatically shutting off the gas supply to prevent injuries and fires. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs as it mitigates the risk of accidents occurring during cooking. Induction hobs utilize sensors to know the cookware isn't touching it. This helps protect against electric shocks.
Types
There are many different types of hobs available. It is crucial to choose the right one for your kitchen. Some of the features include: heat control and energy efficiency, as well as compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob that you choose will also affect 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. Many home cooks choose them because they provide instant heat and can be set to a precise temperature. They are also unaffected by power outages and can be used with a wide variety of cooking appliances. However gas hobs can be more expensive to run and require regular maintenance for example, cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more susceptible than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the flame that is open and ensure that the stove is properly secured with grills that are protected.
Plate hobs, a different option for cooking make use of electric elements on the ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They are affordable and provide good heat distribution for flat-based products. However, they are slower to heat up and cool down than other types of hob and can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs look similar to electric plates, but they have a filament bulb that creates heat on the surface. They are more energy efficient, but still take longer to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control. Some are equipped with touch-based controls while others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs use electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, resulting in quicker heating and a more uniform heat distribution. In addition induction hobs are simpler to clean than other kinds of hobs due to the fact that they have no grates or burners exposed. They are not as good at simmering, and they are not suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs are a risky part of your kitchen if you do not take the necessary precautions. Leaving pans unattended and not properly cleaning them can cause fires which could ruin your kitchen and cause harm to you or others. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has been warned that stoves are one of the main causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating could cause damage or shatter cookware, which could present a fire hazard. Fortunately, many hobs have safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to avoid overheating. These systems utilize power modulation as well to ensure that heat output is constant and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features shield the hob, its oven uk components, and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Induction hobs are considered safe to use even though some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMF aren't as strong as those produced by mobile phones and the radiation they produce is not ionizing.
Induction hobs work only with certain types of cookware. It is important to make sure that your cookware and pots are ready for induction before you begin using them. Holding a magnet close to the pan's base is a simple way to test. If the pan sticks to the magnet, it's compatible with an induction stove. A cookware that is not designed for your needs could cause damage to your stove or cause a fire.
Keep children and others away from the cooking area when it is being used. The surface may become extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves when touching handles of the pan made of metal, as they can be extremely hot. It is important to shut off the stove immediately after use, as it may remain hot for a while. If you notice a fire then follow the fire department's advice - to call 999 and leave the premises as soon as you can.