What is a Hob?
The hob is an essential part of every kitchen. Modern ones are typically constructed 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 require electricity. Induction hobs are compatible with virtually any type of cookware. However, they require compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.
Origin
Hob is a masculine English name that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to Old English "hol", which means hole, pit or dent. The name also traces its roots to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which means the crag or hill.
In folklore, hobs can be described as faerie spirits that do domestic chores. They are usually benevolent, but can become a nuisance when offended. One example of a hob was the hobthrush of Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire, which could cure whooping cough.
Another common usage of the term is to refer to a type of cooking device. Hobs are iron plate that is used to cook and heat liquids. The top of a hob will usually be flat and has a variety of cooking elements, such as rings. In some cases the hob is replaced by an elongated rock that can be used as a quoits goal.
The earliest documented instances of the term hob date back to the early 16th century. It was likely acquired in the same time frame as the female counterpart, hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were celebrated fairy and domestic spirit.
Despite their innocent nature hobs are known to play pranks on people. They can also be destructive when they are provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire for instance was able to place a cart on its roof. This was a major issue for the farmer. Furthermore they can be difficult to work with due to their speed and strength.
While hobs are mostly used in the UK, they can be found in other countries as well. Gas and electric hobs are available. They can be controlled by the push of a button, and they can be used together with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs uk are also connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making them easier to use. These types of features are attracting customers to purchase these devices. Some models also have advanced safety features, such as a lock for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are renowned for their rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to touch and only heats up when in contact with cookware compatible. This reduces the chance for burns. Furthermore the power is turned off immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking area. These safety features are especially useful in the home where children and guests may be present in the kitchen.
Induction hobs use less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This helps lower the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models come with the 'Stop and Go' function that instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting for ease of use when you need to leave the kitchen. Some models feature bridge functions that join two induction zones to create one large zone that is controlled by one control. This provides greater flexibility. The possibility of connecting multiple cooking zones also allows you to cook using larger or smaller pans and pots.
Simple and intuitive controls are offered to adjust the power settings of a stove. They are easy to read and operate. Many hobs also have timers, presets for common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs and a Booster function that only utilizes maximum power for the needed time, and a soft "bottom heat" to cut down on simmer time and help conserve energy.
Moreover, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electronic best hob is easy to clean and doesn't have the nooks and crannies of gas burners that are conventional, which are prone to collecting dirt and grime over time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add elegance and class to the modern kitchen. They are sleek and have modern lines that complement other appliances and décor.
Hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions use sensors that monitor the hob surface for signs of excessive temperature or explosive substances, and then automatically cutting off the gas supply to prevent burns and injuries. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs as it reduces the risk of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs also employ sensors to determine when cookware isn't in contact with the oven to prevent electrical shocks.
Types
There are several different types of hob available, so it's important to think about which one is right for your kitchen. Some features are: heat control energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of stove you select will affect your budget - both in the initial cost and also the running costs.
Gas hobs produce an open flame with natural gas. This heats pots and pans. Many home cooks opt for 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 broad variety of cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more costly to operate and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. Gas hobs are also more prone than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the flame that is open, and make sure the stove is adequately protected by grills with safety.
Plate hobs are a traditional kitchen appliance that utilizes electric elements under a ceramic or glass surface to heat cookware. They are affordable and provide a good heat distribution for flat-based products. They are slower to cool and heat than other hobs and aren't easy to clean.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plates, but they have a filament bulb that creates heat on the surface. They are more energy efficient, but still take longer to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs offer more flexibility in terms of temperature control, with some offering touch-based controls while others have physical knobs that can be turned.
Induction hobs are a modern alternative to traditional stovetops, using electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, resulting in quicker heating and a more uniform heat distribution. In addition they are less difficult to clean than other kinds of hobs due to the fact that they do not have exposed burners or grates. However, they aren't as efficient at simmering and may not be suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs can be a dangerous part of your kitchen if you fail to take the proper precautions. Unattended cooking pans and not cleaning them properly can cause fires which could harm your kitchen and cause injury to you or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs could be an important cause of kitchen fires.
Overheating could cause damage or shatter cookware, which can present a fire hazard. Fortunately, many hobs have safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to avoid overheating. These systems also employ power modulation to ensure that the output of heat is constant and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features help protect the hob uk and its components, as well as preventing fire hazards to surrounding surfaces in the kitchen.
Induction hobs are considered safe to use even though some worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). The EMFs produced by these devices aren't as powerful and strong as those generated by mobile phones and their radiation is not ionizing.
Induction hobs only work with certain types of cookware, so it's important to check whether your pots and pans are induction-ready before making use of them. Placing a magnet near the base of the pan is a straightforward method to test. If it is stuck, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. Using the wrong type of cookware could result in damage to your stove and possibly a fire.
Keep children and other people away from the stove when it is in use. The surface could become extremely hot. Additionally, you should wear oven gloves when you touch the handles of a metal pan as they can also be very hot. It is also crucial to turn your oven off straight after use as they can stay hot for a while. If a fire occurs and you are in danger, follow the fire services advice to dial 999 and leave the premises as quickly as possible.