What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential part of any kitchen. Modern hobs are usually constructed of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) and feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are cheaper than gas ones, but they use electricity. Induction hobs can be used with virtually any type of cookware. However, they require compatible pans which emit a magnetic field.
Origin
oven hob is masculine English name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is related to Old English "hol", which means pit, hole or a dent. The name also traces its roots to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which is a reference to a crag or a hill.
In folklore, hobs are faery spirits who perform household chores. They are usually kind, however they can be annoying if they are offended. One of them was the hobthrush from Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire which was 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 that is used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface is usually flat, and it is equipped with several cooking elements, including rings. In some instances, the hob can be replaced by an elongated stone that allows it to serve as a quoits target.
The first documented usage of the term "hob" dates back to the beginning of the 16th century. It was probably acquired in the same period as the feminine form hobgoblin. It is derived from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were celebrated fairy and domestic spirit.
Despite their innocent nature hobs can play amusing 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 enormous inconvenience for the farmer. Additionally, they can be a pain to work with because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly used in the UK, they can be used in other countries, too. They are available in a variety of varieties, including electric and gas hobs. They can be controlled with a single button and can be paired with other kitchen appliances. Furthermore, some ovens hobs connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them more convenient to use. These kinds of features are attracting consumers to purchase these devices. Some models are also equipped with advanced safety features like locks for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for 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 that is compatible. This reduces the chance for burns. Additionally, the power is deactivated immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking zone. These safety features are particularly useful in the home, where children and guests may be present in the kitchen.
In addition, induction hobs use less gas than traditional stoves, which can help reduce the energy bills of households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models come with a "Stop and go" function that instantly reduces the cooking zones to their lowest settings when you have to leave the kitchen. Certain models come with bridge features that connect two induction zones into one large zone controlled by one control. This allows for greater flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones means you can cook with larger or smaller pans and pots.
The power settings on a stove can be adjusted with simple and intuitive controls that are easy to read and use. Many hobs also have timers, presets for the most common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs, a Booster function that only uses maximum power for the needed duration, and a gentle "bottom heat" to reduce simmering time and save energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic surface on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also does not have the nooks and crevices which can accumulate dirt in time, as do traditional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring design and elegance to the modern kitchen, with sleek, contemporary lines that complement other kitchen appliances and decor.
Hobs that have automatic switch-off functions have sensors that scan the surface of the hob for indications of excessive temperatures or explosive substances, and then automatically shutting off the gas supply to avoid injuries and fires. This feature is crucial for gas hobs since it reduces the chance of accidents when cooking. Induction hobs utilize sensors to know when cookware isn't in contact it. This can protect against electric shocks.
Types
There are a variety of hobs to choose from. It's important to choose the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some of the features include: heating control and energy efficiency, as well as compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of stove you select will also affect your budget as well as the initial cost as well as running costs.
Gas hobs produce an open flame by using natural gas. They heat pans and pots. Many home cooks choose them due to the fact that they offer instant heat and can be set to a precise 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 for example, cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more prone to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the flame that is open, and make sure your stove is protected by grills with safety.
Plate hobs, a different option in the kitchen make use of electric elements on a glass or ceramic surface to heat cookware. These hobs offer good heat distribution and are affordable for flat-based kitchen appliances. However, they are slower to heat up and cool down than other types of hobs and are difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs are similar to electric plates, however they have a filament bulb that heats the surface. They are more energy-efficient however they require more time to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control. Some have control knobs that are touch-based and others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs are a contemporary alternative to traditional stovetops, employing electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, resulting in quicker heating and more evenly heat distribution. Additionally, induction hobs are easier to clean than other types of hobs due to the fact that they do not have exposed burners or grates. They aren't as efficient in the process of simmering, and might not be suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cooking pots.
Safety
Hobs can be a risky part of your kitchen if you fail to take the necessary precautions. Inadequately monitoring your pans and not properly cleaning them can result in fires that damage your kitchen and cause injury to you or other. That's why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are among of the leading causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Cookware that is overheated can cause it to break or shatter, which can pose the risk of fire. The majority of hobs have safety features that monitor operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems utilize power modulation to ensure that heat output is constant and does not exceed safe limits. These features shield the hob, its components and the surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
While some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs however, the technology is safe to use. These EMF are not as powerful than those produced by mobile phones and the radiation they produce is non-ionising.
Induction hobs can only be used with certain types of cookware. It's important to make sure that your pots and saucepans are ready for induction before you begin using them. A simple way to test this is to put a magnet near the base of the pan. If the pan stays it is compatible with an induction stove. Using the wrong type of cookware could result in the hob becoming damaged and causing a fire.
Keep children and others away from the stove while it is in use. The surface could become extremely hot. Also, it is recommended to wear best oven gloves when touching metal pan handles as they can also be very hot. It is important to shut off your stove as soon as you finish use, as it may remain hot for a while. If you notice a fire then follow the fire department's advice - to call 999 and leave your home as fast as you can.
