Everything You Need To Know About Hobs
What is a Hob?
A hob is a vital component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) and feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They use electric energy but are less expensive than gas hobs. They also work with almost all cookware brands however, induction hobs need compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that is a name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is akin to the Old English word "hol" and refers to a hole, pit or a ding. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon term "hod", which means a crag, hill, or a crag.
Folklore has it that hobs are faery spirit who do household chores. They are generally benevolent, but can become a nuisance if offended. One of them 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 kind of cooking equipment. A hob is a metal plate that is used to cook food and heat liquids. The top of the plate is typically flat, and it is equipped with several cooking elements, including rings. In some cases, the hob can be replaced with an elongated stone that allows it to be used as a quoits target.
The first recorded usage of the word "hob" dates back to the early sixteenth century. It was probably taken over as the female version hobgoblin. The word hob is derived from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Despite ovens , hobs are known to play games with people. They can be destructive if they are provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire for instance was able to put a cart onto its roof. This was a major inconvenience to the farmer. They are also difficult to work with due to their speed and strength.
Although hobs are mainly used in the UK they are also used in other countries. Gas and electric hobs are available. They can be controlled with the press of an electronic button, and can be utilized alongside other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them more convenient to use. These features are appealing to consumers. Additionally, some models feature advanced security features, like the child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs have a reputation for their speedy heating, energy efficiency, and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces stay cool to the touch and they heat up only when they are in contact with compatible cookware, which minimizes the risk of burns. Additionally, the power is deactivated immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking area. These safety features are especially useful in the home where guests and children may be present in the kitchen.
Induction hobs also consume 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 have a "Stop & Go" function that instantly reduces the cooking areas to their lowest settings when you need to leave the kitchen. Some models have bridge functions that join two induction zones into one large zone controlled by a single control. This provides greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pans and pots or odd-sized ones that have the capability of connecting multiple zones.
Simple and intuitive controls are offered to alter the power settings of a hob. They are easy to read and use. Some also have timers, pre-sets for common cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a "Booster" function that makes use of the maximum power for the required amount of time and a gentle 'bottom heat' to reduce simmering times and save energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic-like surface on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also does not have the nooks or crannies that could collect dirt over time, as with traditional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs were designed to add style and sophistication to the modern kitchen. They have sleek, contemporary lines to complement other kitchen appliances and decor.
Sensors are utilized in hobs 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 cut off to avoid injury and fire. This feature is especially important for gas hobs because it decreases the chance of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs utilize sensors to know when cookware isn't in contact it. This helps stop electric shocks.
Types
There are a variety of hobs that are available. It is important to select the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Common features include: heat control and energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of hob you select will also have an impact on your budget - both in the initial cost as well as the ongoing costs.
Gas hobs use natural gas to create an open flame that cooks your pans and pots. They are a preferred choice for many home cooks because they offer instant heat and can be adjusted to provide precise temperature control. Additionally, they are unaffected by power outages and work well with various cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more costly to run and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. In addition, they can be more prone to flare-ups due to accident which is why you must be aware of the flame's openness and ensure the stove is adequately protected with grills that are protected.
Plate hobs are another traditional kitchen option that uses electric elements that are placed beneath the glass or ceramic surface to heat cookware. These hobs are cost-effective and provide good heat distribution for flat-based items. They take longer to heat and cool than other types of hobs, and are difficult for cleaning.
Halogen hobs look similar to electric plates, however they feature a filament bulb that creates heat on the surface. They are more energy efficient than traditional electric hobs but they are still not as fast to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs offer more flexibility in terms of temperature control, with some having touchscreen controls, while others have physical knobs that can be turned.
Induction hobs are a modern alternative to traditional stovetops, making use of electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, resulting in faster heating and more even heat distribution. Additionally they are less difficult to clean than other kinds of hobs since they do not have exposed burners or grates. However, they aren't as efficient at simmering and may not be suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.
Safety
Hobs are an essential component of any kitchen but they can be dangerous when you don't take the proper precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning could cause fires that can damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that stoves are the main cause of kitchen fires.
Overheating can cause the cookware to break or shatter, posing the risk of fire. Fortunately, most hobs come with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems employ power modulation to ensure that heat output remains constant and does not exceed safe limits. These features shield the hob, its components and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs but the technology is safe to use. These EMFs are not as powerful and strong as those produced by mobile phones and their radiation isn't ionizing.
Induction hobs only work with certain types of cookware, so it's important to ensure that your pots and pans are induction-ready before making use of them. A simple method to check this is to put a magnet at the base of the pan. If it is stuck the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong cookware can damage your hob or cause a fire.
It is also essential to keep children and other people away from the stove when it is in use, since the surface may become extremely hot. You should also use oven gloves when touching handles of the pan made of metal, as they can be extremely hot. It is important to shut off your hob immediately after use, as it can remain hot for some time. Follow the advice of the fire department and dial 999 as quickly as you can in the event that there is an incident of fire.