What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass, which is heatproof and shatterproof. They also have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They run on electricity, but are less expensive than gas hobs. Induction hobs can be used with virtually any type 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 akin to the Old English word "hol" and means hole, pit or a dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which means a crag, a hill, or a the crag.
Folklore says that hobs are faery spirit who do household chores. They are usually kind, but can become annoying if they are offended. One example of a hob was the hobthrush from Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire that could treat whooping cough.
Another popular usage 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 usually flat and is adorned with a variety of cooking elements including rings. In certain instances the hob may be replaced with flat stones to permit it to serve as a quoits target.
The first recorded use of the term "hob" is from the 16th century in the early part of the century. It was likely used at the same time as the female form, hobgoblin. It is derived from medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Hobs are known for playing Pranks, despite their innocent nature. They can also be destructive if provoked. For instance, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to put a cart on its roof, which was a serious inconvenience for the farmer. Furthermore, they can be a hassle to work with because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are mainly found in the UK they can also be found in other countries. Electric and gas hobs are available. They can be controlled with one button and are compatible alongside other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them easier to use. These kinds of features are drawing customers to purchase these devices. In addition, some models have advanced safety features, for instance a child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are renowned for their rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and they heat up only when they are in contact with compatible cookware that reduces the chance of burns. The power is also shut off instantly when the cookware leaves the cooking zone. These safety features can be especially useful in the home where children or guests might be present.
Induction hobs also use less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This helps lower the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models come with a 'Stop & Go' function that instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting for convenience when you need to leave the kitchen. Others feature bridge functions, which joins two cooking zones using induction to create a large zone managed by a single control to provide greater flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones means you can cook with larger or smaller pans and pots.
Simple and intuitive controls are offered to adjust the setting of the power of a hob. They are simple to read and use. Hobs can also be equipped with timers, presets for common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs, a Booster function that only utilizes maximum power for the specified duration, and click here a gentle "bottom heat" to reduce simmering time and save energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic finish on an electric hob makes it easy to clean. It also does not have the nooks and crannies that could collect dirt in time, as do traditional gas burners. 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.
Hobs that have automatic switch-off functions use sensors that monitor the hob surface for signs of abnormal heat or explosive substances, automatically cutting off the gas supply to prevent injuries and fires. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs as it reduces the risk of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs employ sensors to determine when cookware isn't in contact it. This will stop electric shocks.
Types
There are a myriad of types of hobs available. It's important to choose the right one for your kitchen. Some features include heating control energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob you choose will also affect your budget, both the initial cost and ongoing costs.
Gas hobs create an open flame by using natural gas. They heat pots and pans. They are a popular choice for cooks at home because they provide instant heat and can be adjusted to give precise temperature control. They are also not affected by power failures and can be used with a broad range of cooking vessels. Gas hobs are more expensive to run and require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more prone to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the open flame, and make sure the stove is properly secured with grills that are protected.
Plate hobs, a different option for kitchens make use of electric elements on the ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. These hobs are cost-effective and offer excellent heat distribution for flat-based items. They are more difficult to cool and heat than other hobs and aren't easy to clean.
Halogen hobs are similar to electric plate hobs but feature a filament bulb that heats the surface. They are more efficient in energy use however they require more time to heat up or cool off. Ceramic hobs have more flexibility in terms of heat control, with some featuring touch-based controls while others have physical knobs that can be turned.
Induction hobs are a modern alternative to traditional stovetops employing electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient, leading to quicker heating and an even distribution of heat. In addition, induction hobs are easier to clean than other types of hobs since they don't have exposed burners or grates. They are not as good in the process of simmering, and are not suitable for use with heavy-bottomed pots.
Safety
Hobs are a risky part of your kitchen if you fail to take the necessary precautions. Unattended pans and improper cleaning can cause fires that could damage your kitchen or cause harm to yourself or anyone else. That's why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are among of the leading causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating can damage or even shatter cookware, which can create a fire risk. The majority of hobs have safety features that keep track of operating temperatures to avoid overheating. These systems employ power modulation to ensure that the heat output remains constant and does not exceed the safe limits. These features safeguard the hob and its components, as well as making sure that there are no fire hazards on the nearby surfaces in the kitchen.
While some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs, the technology is considered safe to use. The EMFs produced by these devices aren't as powerful and strong like those generated by mobile phones and their radiation is not ionizing.
Induction hobs work only with certain types of cookware. It is essential to ensure that your saucepans and pots are induction-ready before you begin using them. By placing a magnet on the base of the pan is a quick method to test. If the pan stays to the magnet, it's compatible with an induction stove. Making the wrong choice of cookware could result in damaging your hob and causing an explosion.
Be sure to keep children and other guests away from the hob when it is being used. The surface can be extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven gloves whenever you are touching metal pan handles because they can be very hot. It's important to turn off your stove as soon as you finish use, as it can remain hot for a period of time. If you experience a fire then follow the fire department's advice to dial 999 and leave the premises as soon as you can.