What is a Hob?
A hob is a vital component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass which is heatproof and shatterproof. They also feature flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. Electric hobs are cheaper than gas ones, but they require electricity. Induction hobs can be used with almost any kind of cookware. However, they need compatible pans which emit magnetic fields.
Origin
Hob is masculine English name that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is related to the Old English word "hol" and refers to a hole, pit or a dent. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod", which means a crag, a hill or a"crag.
In folklore, hobs can be described as faerie spirits who help with household chores. They are usually benevolent but they can become a nuisance when offended. One example of a hob was the hobthrush found in Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire, which could cure whooping cough.
Another common use of the word is to refer to a type 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 features several cooking elements, like rings. In certain instances the hob could be replaced with a flat stone to allow it to be used as a quoits target.
The first documented usage of the term "hob" dates back to the early sixteenth century. It was probably acquired at the same time as the female form hobgoblin. The word hob is derived from medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Hobs are known for playing games, despite their harmless nature. They can also be very destructive when provoked. For example, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to put a cart on its roof, which was an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. They are also difficult to work with because of their speed and strength.
While hobs are mostly used in the UK but they can also be found in other countries too. They come in a variety of varieties, including electric and gas hobs. They can be controlled by the push of one button, and can be utilized alongside other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some stoves can connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth making them more convenient to use. These features are appealing to consumers. Furthermore, some models come with advanced safety features, such as the child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for 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 that is compatible. This reduces the chance of burning. Furthermore the power is turned off immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking area. These safety features are especially useful in the home, where children and guests might be in the kitchen.
Induction hobs use less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This helps lower 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 zones to the lowest setting for convenience when you have to leave the kitchen. Some models feature a bridge feature that joins two induction zones into a large zone that is controlled by one control. This provides greater flexibility. The capability to connect multiple cooking zones means you can cook with larger or smaller pans and pots.
Simple, intuitive controls are available to adjust the power settings of a hob. They are simple to read and use. Many hobs also have timers, presets to handle common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs, a Booster function that only uses maximum power for the required time, and a soft "bottom heat" to speed up simmering and conserve energy.
Additionally, the smooth glass-ceramic surface of an electronic hob is easy to clean and does not have the nooks and crannies of conventional gas burners, which can accumulate dirt and grime over time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add style and sophistication to the modern kitchen, with sleek, modern lines that complement other kitchen appliances and decor.
Sensors are employed in hobs equipped with automatic shut-off features. They monitor the surface of the hob for signs of unusual heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then cut off to prevent injury or fire. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs because it decreases the chance of accidents when cooking. Induction hobs utilize sensors to detect when the cookware isn't in contact with it. This will stop electric shocks.
Types
There are many different types of hobs to choose from. It is crucial to choose the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Common features include: heat control energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of hob you select will also affect your budget in both the initial cost and ongoing costs.
Gas hobs utilize natural gas to create an open flame that cooks your pans and pots. Many home cooks opt for gas hobs due to their instant heat and can be set to a specific temperature. Additionally, they are unaffected by power interruptions and work 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 prone to flare-ups that happen accidentally and fires, so it is important to be mindful of the flame's openness and ensure that the stove is adequately secured with grills that are protected.
Plate hobs are another traditional kitchen option that uses electric elements beneath the glass or ceramic surface to heat your cookware. These hobs offer good heat distribution and are affordable for flat-based kitchen appliances. However, they are slower to warm up and cool down than other kinds of hobs and are difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plates, but they feature a filament bulb which is used to heat the surface. They are more efficient in energy use however they require more time to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs have more flexibility in terms of heat control, with some having control buttons that are touch-based, while others come with physical knobs that you can turn.
Induction hobs use electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient, which results in faster heating and a more even distribution of heat. Induction hobs also have fewer exposed burners and grates making them easier to clean. They're not as effective at simmering, and they might not be suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cooking pots.
Safety
Hobs can be a risky part of your kitchen if you fail to take the proper precautions. Unattended cooking pans and not properly cleaning them can lead to fires that could ruin your kitchen and cause injury to you or other. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that stoves are a major cause of kitchen fires.
Overheating can damage or even shatter cookware, ovensandhobs.uk which can cause fire hazards. Fortunately, most hobs are fitted with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to avoid overheating. These systems also employ power modulation to ensure the output of heat is constant and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features shield the hob, its components and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Induction hobs are deemed 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 emit is not ionizing.
Induction hobs only work with certain types of cookware It is therefore essential to verify that your cookware and pans are induction-ready before making use of them. A simple way to test this is to hold a magnet near the base of the pan. If the pan stays it is compatible with an induction stove. The wrong cookware could cause damage to your stove or cause a fire.
It is also essential to keep children and other people away from the cooking area when it is being used, as the surface can become extremely hot. Additionally, you should wear oven gloves when you touch the handles of a metal pan because they can be extremely hot. Also, it is important to turn your stove off straight after use as they can stay hot for a while. If a fire occurs and you are in danger, follow the fire services advice to dial 999 and leave your home as fast as you can.