What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass that is shatterproof and heatproof. They also feature flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. They use electric energy but can be cheaper than gas hobs. Induction hobs are compatible with almost any cookware. However, they need compatible pans which emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that has been used since the Middle Ages. It is related to Old English "hol", which means pit, hole or a ding. The name is also related to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which refers to a crag or hill.
Folklore suggests hobs are faery spirits who do household chores. They are usually benevolent but they can be a nuisance if they are upset. One of these hobs was Hobthrush, which was found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It was able to treat whooping cough.
Another popular use of the term is to refer to a type of cooking device. A hob is a metallic plate that is used to heat liquids and cook foods. The top surface is typically flat, and has several cooking elements like rings. In some cases the hob may be replaced with flat stones to permit it to be used as a quoits target.
The earliest documented instances of the term hob date back to the early 16th century. It is likely that it was acquired during the same period 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 pranks on people. They can be destructive if provoked. For example, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to carry a cart on its roof, which was a serious inconvenience for the farmer. They are also difficult to use due to their speed and strength.
Hobs are mainly found in the UK however, they can be used in other countries too. They are available in a variety of forms, such as electric and gas hobs. They can be controlled by a single button and can be used alongside other kitchen appliances. Some hobs can also be connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making them easier to use. These features are attracting consumers. Furthermore, some models come with advanced security features, like locks for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for their quick heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to touch and only gets hot when it comes into contact with cookware that is compatible. This reduces the chance for burns. Furthermore the power is shut off immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking area. These safety features are particularly useful in the home, where children and guests might be 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 have the 'Stop and Go' function that instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting for convenience when you have to leave the kitchen. Certain models come with bridge features that connect two induction zones into a large zone controlled by one control. This gives you more flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones allows you to cook with larger or odd-sized pots and pans.
The power settings of a hob can be adjusted with simple easy-to-use controls that are simple to read and use. A lot of hobs have timers, presets for common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs and a Booster function that only utilizes maximum power for the required time, and a soft "bottom heat" to speed up simmering and conserve energy.
Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electronic hob is easy to clean and doesn't contain the nooks and crannies of conventional gas burners, which can collect dirt and grime over the course of time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add design and elegance to the modern kitchen, with sleek, modern lines that click here complement other kitchen appliances and decor.
Sensors are employed in hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions. They scan the surface of the hob to detect signs of excessive heat or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically shut off to prevent injury and fire. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs since it reduces the chance of accidents when cooking. Induction hobs utilize sensors to determine the cookware isn't touching it. This can protect against electric shocks.
Types
There are many different kinds of hob available, so it's important to think about which one is best suited to your kitchen. Some features are: heating control energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of stove you select will also impact on your budget in both the initial cost as well as running costs.
Gas hobs use natural gas to create an open flame that heats your pots and pans. They are a favorite option for many cooks at home because they provide instant heat and can be adjusted to provide precise temperature control. They are also unaffected by power interruptions and work with various cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more expensive to run and require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grates. In addition, they can be more vulnerable to flare-ups that happen accidentally and fires, so it is important to be mindful of the flame's presence and ensure the stove is adequately protected by grills that are protected.
Plate hobs are a traditional kitchen appliance that utilizes electric elements under glass or ceramic surfaces to heat your cookware. These hobs are economical and provide a 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 are similar to electric plate hobs, but they have a filament bulb that heats the surface. They are more energy efficient, but still take longer to heat up or cool off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control, with some featuring touch-based controls while others have physical knobs that can be turned.
Induction hobs are a contemporary alternative to traditional stovetops, using electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, which results in quicker heating and a more uniform heat distribution. Additionally they are less difficult to clean than other kinds of hobs because they have no grates or burners that are exposed. However, they are not as efficient at simmering and are not suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.
Safety
Hobs are an essential part of any kitchen, but they can be risky if you don't take precautions. Leaving pans unattended and not properly cleaning them can cause fires which could ruin your kitchen and cause injury to you or others. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has been warned that stoves are one of the most common causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating can damage or even shatter cookware, which could cause fire hazards. The majority of hobs have safety features that keep track of operating temperatures to avoid overheating. These systems also make use of power modulation to ensure the output of heat is constant and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features protect the hob and its components, as well as making sure that there are no fire hazards on the nearby surfaces in the kitchen.
Induction hobs are considered safe for use although some worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMF are not as strong as those produced by mobile phones, and the radiation they emit is non-ionising.
Induction hobs can only be used with specific types of cookware So it's essential to check whether your pots and pans are ready for induction prior to using them. A simple way to check this is to place a magnet at the base of the pan. If it sticks, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong cookware can damage your hob or cause fire.
Be sure to keep children and other guests away from the stove when it is in use. The surface may be extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven gloves when you touch the handles of a metal pan because they can be very hot. It is also essential to switch your hob off immediately after use because they may remain hot for a long time. Follow the instructions of the fire department and call 999 as soon as you can if there's an incident of fire.