Here s A Few Facts Regarding Hobs
What is a Hob?
A hob is a vital component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are usually made of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) and feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are more affordable than gas ones, but they use electricity. They can also be used with nearly any type of cookware, but induction hobs require 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" and refers to a hole, pit or a dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon term "hod" which translates to the word "crag" or hill, or a"crag.
Folklore has it hobs and ovens are faery spirits who help with household chores. They are generally kind but they can become a nuisance when offended. One of these hobs was Hobthrush, which was found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It is believed to cure whooping-cough.
Another popular use of the word is to refer to a kind of cooking device. 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, such as rings. In some cases the hob and oven can be replaced by a flat rock which can serve as a goal for quoits.
The first documented uses of the term hob date to the 16th century. It is likely that it was acquired during the same timeframe as the female counterpart, hobgoblin, which is derived from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were famous fairy tales and domestic spirits.
Hobs are known for playing Pranks, despite their innocent nature. They can also be very destructive if they are provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire for instance could even place a cart on its roof. This caused a huge inconvenience to the farmer. Furthermore they can be a pain to work with due their speed and strength.
Hobs are mainly found in the UK, they can be used in other countries, too. They are available in many forms, such as gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled by just a single button, and can be paired together with other kitchen appliances. Furthermore, some hobs connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them more convenient to use. These kinds of features are drawing customers to purchase these devices. Some models also have advanced safety features such as locks for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for their rapid heating, energy efficiency, and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surface stays cool to touch and only is heated when in contact with compatible cookware. This minimizes the risk of burns. Additionally, the power is deactivated immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking area. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes where children or guests could be present.
Induction hobs also use less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This helps lower household energy bills and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Some models have a 'Stop & Go" function that instantly reduces the Cooking Efficiency areas to their lowest settings when you have to leave the kitchen. Some models have bridge functions that joins two cooking zones using induction into a single zone managed by a single control to provide greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones that have the ability to connect multiple zones.
The power settings of a hob can be adjusted using simple and intuitive controls that are simple to operate and read. Many offer timers, pre-sets to common cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a 'Booster' function that uses maximum power only for the necessary amount of time, and an 'underside heat' that is gentle to reduce simmering times and save energy.
Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electric hob is easy to clean and does not contain the nooks and crannies of conventional gas burners, which are prone to collecting dirt and grime over time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add elegance and style to the modern kitchen, with sleek, contemporary lines that blend with other kitchen appliances and decor.
Hobs that have automatic switch-off functions have sensors that scan the surface of the hob for signs of abnormal heat or explosive substances, automatically shutting off the gas supply to prevent burns and injuries. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs as it reduces the chance of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs utilize sensors to know the cookware isn't touching it. This helps protect against electric shocks.
Types
There are a variety of different kinds of hobs that are that are available, so it is important to consider which one is right for your kitchen. Some of the features include: heating control; energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of hob that you choose will also impact your budget, both the initial cost as well as the ongoing costs.
Gas hobs create an open flame with natural gas. This heats pans and pots. They are a popular choice for home cooks because they offer instant heat and can be adjusted to provide precise temperature control. They are also not affected by power failures and can be used with a broad variety of cooking appliances. Gas hobs are more expensive to run and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. In addition, they can be more vulnerable to flare-ups due to accident, so you need to be aware of the flame's openness and ensure the stove is adequately protected by grills that are protected.
Plate hobs, a different option in the kitchen make use of electric elements on the ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. These hobs offer good heat distribution and are economical for flat-based kitchen appliances. They are more difficult to cool and heat up than other hobs and aren't easy to clean.
Halogen hobs are similar to electric plates, but they feature a filament lamp that heats the surface. They are more energy efficient however, they take longer to heat up or cool off. Ceramic hobs offer more flexibility in terms of heat control, with some having control buttons that are touch-based, while others come with physical knobs to turn.
Induction hobs use electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient, resulting faster heating as well as a more evenly distributed heat. Additionally, induction hobs are easier to clean than other types of hobs since they have no grates or burners that are exposed. They aren't as efficient in the process of simmering, and are not suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs can be a dangerous part of your kitchen if you do not make the necessary precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning can cause fires that can damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or others. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are one of the leading causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating can cause the cookware to be damaged or shatter, which can pose the risk of fire. Many hobs come with safety systems that check operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems also make use of power modulation to ensure that the heat output is consistent and does not exceed the limits of safety. These features protect the hob and its components, while protecting the other kitchen surfaces.
Induction hobs are safe for use even though some worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). The EMFs produced by these devices aren't as powerful and strong as those produced by mobile phone, best ovens and hobs their radiation is non-ionising.
Induction hobs only work with certain types of cookware, so it's important to ensure that your pots and pans are induction-ready before using them. A simple method to test this is to put an iron near the bottom of the pan. If it is stuck the pan is compatible with induction hobs. Making the wrong choice of cookware could lead to damaging your hob and causing an explosion.
Keep children and other people away from the hob when it is in use. The surface can get extremely hot. It is also recommended to use oven gloves when touching metal pan handles, as they can be extremely hot. Also, it is essential to switch your hob off immediately after use because they can remain hot for a time. Follow the guidelines of the fire department and call 999 as fast as you can if there is a fire.