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 have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are cheaper than gas ones, however they require electricity. Induction hobs are compatible with almost any kind of cookware. However, they need compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.
Origin
Hob is masculine English name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to Old English "hol", which means pit, hole or a ding. The name is also related to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which means the crag or hill.
Folklore suggests that hobs are faery spirit who do household chores. They are generally benevolent however they can also 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 common usage of the term is to refer to a kind of cooking device. A hob is an iron plate that is used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface is typically flat, and it is equipped with several cooking elements, including rings. In certain instances, the hob can be replaced by 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 acquired at the same time as the female form, hobgoblin. This is derived from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Despite their innocent nature, hobs are known to play pranks on people. They can be destructive if provoked. For example one hob in Lincolnshire was able to carry carts on its roof, which was an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. Furthermore, they can be a hassle to work with because of their speed and strength.
While hobs are mostly found in the UK, they can be used in other countries, too. They are available in many forms, such as electric and gas hobs. They can be controlled with a single button and can be paired together with other kitchen appliances. hob uk are connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them more convenient to use. These features are appealing to consumers. In addition, some models have advanced safety features, for instance locks for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are famous for their speedy heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to touch and only heats up when in contact with compatible cookware. This minimizes the risk of burns. Additionally the power is shut off immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking area. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes, where children and guests are likely to be in the kitchen.
Induction hobs use less gas than traditional stovetops. This helps reduce household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models come with a 'Stop & Go' function, which instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting for ease of use when you have to leave the kitchen. Some models feature bridge features that connect two induction zones into one large one controlled by a single control. This gives you more flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones allows you to cook using larger or odd-sized pots and pans.
Simple and intuitive controls are offered to adjust the power settings of a stove. They are easy to read and operate. Many also offer timers, pre-sets to common cooking functions, an automatic switch-off, a 'Booster' feature that draws maximum power for the necessary amount of time and a gentle 'bottom heat' to cut down on simmering times and help conserve energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic-like surface on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also does not have the nooks and crevices that could collect dirt over time, like traditional gas stoves. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add elegance and style to modern kitchens with sleek, contemporary lines that blend with other kitchen appliances and decor.
Sensors are employed in hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions. They check the surface of the hob to detect signs of excessive heat or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically cut off to prevent injury or fire. This feature is especially important for gas hobs because it reduces the chance of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs employ sensors to determine when the cookware isn't in contact it. This helps protect against electric shocks.
Types
There are many different kinds of hob that are available, so it is important to consider which one is best suited to your kitchen. Common features include: heat control energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of stove you select will also affect your budget, both the initial cost as well as running costs.
Gas hobs use natural gas to create an open flame that cooks your pans and pots. They are a preferred option for many home cooks due to their instant heat and can be adjusted to offer precise temperature control. They are also not affected by power failures and can be used with a large range of cooking vessels. Gas hobs are more expensive to run and require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grates. Additionally, they could be more vulnerable to flare-ups that happen accidentally and fires, so it is important to be aware of the open flame and ensure the stove is adequately protected with grills that are protected.
Plate hobs are another traditional kitchen appliance that utilizes electric elements under the glass or ceramic surface to heat your cookware. They provide excellent heat distribution and are affordable for flat-based items. However, they are slower to warm up and cool down than other kinds of hobs, and they can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plate hobs, but they have a filament bulb that heats the surface. They are more energy efficient than traditional electric hobs however, they aren't as fast to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control. Some are equipped with touch-based controls, while others use physical knobs.
Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient, which results in faster heating as well as a more even distribution of heat. Additionally they are less difficult to clean than other types of hobs due to the fact that they do not have grates or burners that are exposed. However, they aren't as efficient in simmering and might not be suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.
Safety
Hobs are an essential part of any kitchen, but they can be risky in the event that you do not take proper precautions. Unattended pans and improper cleaning could cause fires that could damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or others. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are among of the most common causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
The cookware can overheat and cause it to be damaged or shatter, posing a fire risk. Fortunately, the majority of hobs have safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to avoid overheating. These systems also make use of power modulation to ensure that the heat output is consistent and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features protect the hob, its components, and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Induction hobs are deemed safe for use, even though some people worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMFs aren't as powerful and effective like those generated by mobile phones and their radiation is not ionizing.
Induction hobs work only with certain types cookware. It is essential to make sure that your pots and saucepans are induction ready before you use them. One way to check this is to put an iron near the bottom of the pan. If it is stuck the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong type of cookware could damage your hob or even cause a fire.
Be sure to keep children and other guests away from the cooking area while it is in use. The surface may become extremely hot. Additionally, you should wear oven gloves whenever you are touching metal pan handles because they are also very hot. It is also essential to switch your hob off immediately after use because they can stay hot for a time. Follow the guidelines of the fire service and dial 999 as quickly as you can if there's an incident of fire.