What is a Hob?
The hob is a vital part of every kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass that is shatterproof and heatproof. They also feature flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. They are powered by electricity however they can be less expensive than gas hobs. They can also be used with nearly all cookware brands however, induction hobs need compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is a masculine English name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is akin to the Old English word "hol" which means pit, hole or a ding. The name also traces its roots to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which refers to a crag or a hill.
In folklore, hobs are faerie spirits that do domestic chores. They are usually kind, but they can also be annoying if they are offended. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It was able to treat whooping cough.
Another common use of the word is to refer to a type of cooking equipment. A hob is an iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top of a hob is typically flat and is adorned with cooking elements, like rings. In certain instances the hob may be replaced with flat stones to permit it to serve as a target for quoits.
The first documented uses of the term hob date back to the early 16th century. It is likely that it was acquired during the same period as the feminine form hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were well-known fairytales and domestic spirits.
Despite their innocent appearance hobs can play games with people. They can also be very destructive when provoked. For example one hob in Lincolnshire was able to put a cart on its roof, which was an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. Moreover they can be a pain to work with due to their speed and strength.
Although hobs are mostly used in the UK they are also used in other countries. Electric and gas hobs are available. They can be controlled by a single button and are compatible together with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them more convenient to use. These features are attracting consumers. Some models also have advanced safety features like the lock for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for their quick heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and only heats up when in contact with cookware that is compatible. This reduces the chance for burns. Furthermore the power is shut off immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking area. These safety features are particularly useful in homes where children or guests might be present.
In addition, induction hobs use less gas than traditional stoves, which can help reduce 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 the cooking areas to their lowest settings when you are required to leave the kitchen. Some models have bridge functions that joins two induction cooking zones into a single zone controlled by a single control for greater flexibility. The possibility of connecting multiple cooking zones also means you can cook with larger or smaller pans and pots.
Simple and intuitive controls are offered to adjust the power settings of a hob. They are easy to read and use. Many hobs also have timers, presets for the most common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs as well as a Booster feature which only uses the maximum power for the specified duration, and a gentle "bottom heat" to speed up simmering and help conserve energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic finish on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also does not have the nooks and crannies which can accumulate dirt in time, as do traditional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add sophistication and style to modern kitchens. They are sleek and have contemporary lines to complement other appliances and décor.
Sensors are employed in hobs with automatic shut-off features. They monitor the surface of the hob for signs of abnormal heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically cut off to prevent injury or fire. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs since it mitigates the risk of accidents occurring during cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to determine when cookware isn't in contact with the hob and protect against electrical shocks.
Types
There are a variety of hobs that are available. It is crucial to choose the right one for your kitchen. Some features are: heat control and energy efficiency, as well as compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of stove you select will impact your budget, both the initial cost and also the running costs.
Gas hobs use natural gas to create an open flame that heats your pots and pans. Many home cooks choose gas hobs due to their instant heat and can be set to a specific temperature. They are also unaffected by power outages and work well with a variety of cooking vessels. However, gas hobs can be more costly to operate and require regular maintenance, like cleaning the grates. Gas hobs are also more susceptible than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the flame, and make sure your stove is secured with grills that are protected.
Plate hobs, a different option for cooking employs electric elements beneath a glass or ceramic surface to heat cookware. These hobs are cost-effective Best ovens UK and provide a good heat distribution for flat-based objects. They take longer to cool and heat than other types of hobs and can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs are similar to electric plate hobs, but have filament bulbs that heat the surface. This makes them more energy-efficient than traditional electric hobs however, they aren't as fast to heat up or cool down. 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 utilize electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, resulting in quicker heating and more evenly heat distribution. Additionally induction hobs are simpler to clean than other types of hobs because they don't have grates or burners exposed. They aren't as efficient in the process of simmering, and may not be suitable to use with heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs are a crucial part 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 could damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or anyone else. That's why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are one of the leading causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating can damage or even break cookware, which could create a fire risk. Most hobs have safety systems that monitor operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems utilize power modulation to ensure that the heat output remains constant and does not exceed safe limits. These features help safeguard the hob and its components, as well as protecting the surrounding surfaces in the kitchen.
While some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs however, the technology is safe to use. These EMFs aren't as powerful and strong like those generated by mobile phone, and their radiation isn't ionizing.
Induction hobs work only with certain types cookware. It is important to make sure that your pots and saucepans are ready for induction before you begin using them. A simple way 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 type of cookware could cause damage to your stove or cause fire.
Be sure to keep children and other guests away from the cooking area when it is being used. The surface can get extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves when touching handles on the metal pan, as they can be extremely hot. Finally, it's essential to switch your hob off immediately after use because they may remain hot for a while. Follow the advice of the fire service and call 999 as soon as you can in the event that there is an incident of fire.