What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass that is shatterproof and heatproof. They also feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They run on electricity, but can be cheaper than gas hobs. Induction hobs can be used with virtually any type of cookware. However, they require compatible pans which emit magnetic fields.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that is a name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to Old English "hol", which means pit, hole or dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which translates to a crag, a hill, or a"crag.
In folklore, hobs are faery spirits who help with household chores. They are generally benevolent, but they can also be annoying if they are offended. One such hob was the hobthrush of Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire which was believed to cure whooping cough.
A type of cooking appliance is another common use. A hob is a metal plate that is used to heat liquids and cook foods. The top of a hob will usually be flat and features several cooking elements, like rings. In some cases, the hob can be replaced by a flat stone to allow it to be used as a quoits target.
The first recorded usage of the word "hob" is from the 16th century in the early part of the century. It was likely acquired at the same time as the female form, hobgoblin. The word hob originates from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Hobs are well-known for playing games, despite their harmless nature. They can be destructive if they are provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example, was able put a cart onto its roof. This was a huge problem for the farmer. Moreover they can be a pain to work with due to their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly found in the UK, they can be found in other countries, too. Gas and electric hobs are available. They can be controlled by the push of one button, and can be used together with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are also connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them easier to use. These kinds of features are attracting consumers to purchase these devices. Some models are also equipped with advanced safety features such as the lock for children.
Functions
Induction hobs have a reputation for their rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to touch and only gets hot when it comes into contact with cookware that is compatible. This minimizes the risk of burning. Furthermore the power is shut off immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking zone. These safety features are particularly useful in the home, where children and guests may be present in the kitchen.
oven hob use less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This helps reduce the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models have a "Stop and go" function that instantly reduces the cooking areas to their lowest settings when you need to leave the kitchen. Some models also have the bridge function, which joins two cooking zones induction to create a large zone controlled by a single controller for greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones, with the ability to connect multiple zones.
Simple and intuitive controls are offered to adjust the power settings of a stove. They are easy to read and operate. Many offer timers, presets for the most common cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a "Booster" function that uses maximum power only for the required amount of time and an 'underside heat' that is gentle to speed up simmering and save energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic surface on an electric hob makes it easy to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks and crevices that could collect dirt over time, like traditional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add sophistication and style to the modern kitchen. They are sleek and have modern lines that blend well with other appliances and décor.
Hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions use sensors that monitor the surface of the hob for signs of abnormal heat or explosive substances, and then automatically shutting off the gas supply to avoid injuries and fires. This feature is especially important for gas hobs, as it reduces the chance of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to determine when cookware isn't in contact with the oven and protect against electrical shocks.
Types
There are a myriad of types of hobs that are available. It is crucial to choose the right one for your kitchen. Some features include heating control; energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob that you choose will also affect your budget - both in the initial cost as well as running costs.
Gas hobs generate an open flame using natural gas. This heats pots and pans. Many cooks at home choose them due to the fact that they offer instant heat and can be set to a precise temperature. They are also unaffected by power failures and can be used with a wide range of cooking vessels. Gas hobs are more expensive to operate and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more susceptible than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the flame and ensure that the stove is properly protected by grills with safety.
Plate hobs are yet another traditional kitchen option that makes use of electric elements beneath a ceramic or glass surface to heat cookware. These hobs are economical and offer excellent heat distribution for flat-based objects. They are more difficult to heat and cool than other hobs and can be 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 take longer to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control. Some feature touchscreen controls while others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs are an innovative alternative to traditional stovetops, employing electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient, leading to faster heating and a more even distribution of heat. In addition they are less difficult to clean than other kinds of hobs because they have no grates or burners that are exposed. However, they aren't as effective at simmering and may not be suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs are an essential part of any kitchen, but they can be risky when you don't take the proper precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning can cause fires that can destroy your kitchen or cause harm to you or others. That's why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are one of the most common causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating can damage or even break cookware, which could cause fire hazards. Fortunately, many hobs come with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to avoid overheating. These systems also employ power modulation to ensure the heat output is consistent and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features safeguard the hob, its components, and the surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
While some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs but the technology is safe to use. These EMF are not as powerful as those generated by mobile phones, and the radiation they generate is not ionizing.
Induction hobs can only be used with certain types cookware. It is essential to make sure that your cookware and pots are induction ready before you begin using them. A simple way to check this is to put a magnet at the base of the pan. If it sticks, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong type of cookware can lead to the hob becoming damaged and causing an explosion.
Keep children and others away from the hob while it is in use. The surface could get extremely hot. It is also recommended to use oven gloves when touching handles on the metal pan since they are extremely hot. Also, it is crucial to turn your oven off immediately after use since they can remain hot for a long time. If you notice a fire, follow the fire service advice to dial 999 and leave the premises as soon as you can.