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 are powered by electricity but are less expensive than gas hobs. They can also be used with nearly every cookware type, but induction hobs require compatible pans that generate a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that has been used since 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 the crag or hill.
Folklore says hobs are faery spirits who do household chores. They are generally kind but they can be a nuisance if they are offended. One of these hobs was Hobthrush, which was found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It was able to treat whooping cough.
Another popular usage of the term is to refer to a kind of cooking equipment. A hob is an iron plate that is used to cook and heat liquids. The top of the plate is typically flat and is adorned with a variety of cooking elements like rings. In some instances, the hob is replaced by an elongated rock which can serve as a quoits goal.
The first recorded use of the term "hob" is from the 16th century in the early part of the century. It was likely used at the same time as the feminine form, hobgoblin. The word hob is derived from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Hobs are well-known for playing games, despite their harmless nature. They can also be very destructive if they are provoked. For instance, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to place a cart on its roof, which was an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. Furthermore they can be a pain to work with because of their speed and strength.
While hobs are mostly found in the UK but they can also be used in other countries, too. Electric and gas hobs are available. They can be controlled by the press of one button, and can be utilized alongside other kitchen appliances. Some hobs can also be connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them easier to use. These features are attracting consumers. In addition, some models have advanced safety features, for instance locks for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are renowned for their speedy heating and energy efficiency as well as their precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and only gets hot when it comes into contact with compatible cookware. This reduces the chance of burns. The power is also shut off instantly when the cookware leaves the cooking zone. These safety features can be particularly useful in homes where children or guests might be present.
In addition, Culinary tools induction stoves require less gas than traditional stovetops, which helps reduce the energy bills of households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Some models feature 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 have bridge features that connect two induction zones to create one large zone that is controlled by one control. This gives you more flexibility. The capability to connect multiple cooking zones allows you to cook with larger or smaller pans and pots.
Simple, intuitive controls are available to adjust the setting of the power of a hob. They are simple to read and operate. A lot of hobs have timers, presets for the most common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs as well as a Booster feature that only uses maximum power for the needed time, and a gentle "bottom heat" to reduce simmering time and conserve energy.
Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electric hob uk is easy to clean and doesn't have the nooks and crannies of traditional gas burners which are prone to collecting dirt and grime with time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring design and elegance to the modern kitchen, with modern, sleek lines that complement other appliances and decor.
Sensors are utilized in hobs that have automatic shut-off features. They check the surface of the hob for signs of unusual heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically cut off to prevent injury and fire. This feature is crucial for gas hobs as it decreases the chance of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs employ sensors to detect when the cookware isn't in contact with it. This can stop electric shocks.
Types
There are many different kinds of hob that are available, so it is important to consider the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some features are: heat control and energy efficiency, as well as compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob that you choose will also have an impact on your budget, both the initial cost and also the running costs.
Gas hobs make use of natural gas to create an open flame that cooks your pans and pots. They are a favorite option for many home cooks due to their 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 equipment. However gas hobs are more expensive to run and require regular maintenance, like cleaning the grates. In addition, they can be more vulnerable to flare-ups that happen accidentally ovens and hobs fires, so it is important to be aware of the open flame oven and hob ensure the stove is adequately protected by grills that are protected.
Plate hobs, another option for kitchens employs electric elements beneath 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 kinds of hob and can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs are like electric plate hobs, but they have a filament bulb that heats the surface. They are more efficient in energy use however they require more time to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control. Some are equipped with control knobs that are touch-based while others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs use electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient, resulting faster heating and a more even distribution of heat. Induction hobs also have fewer grates and burners that are exposed making them easier to clean. They are not as good in the process of simmering, and might not be suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs are an essential component of any kitchen, but they can be dangerous if you don't take precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning can cause fires that could damage your kitchen or cause harm to yourself or anyone else. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are one of the most common causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Cookware that is overheated can cause it to become damaged or even shatter, which can pose a fire risk. Fortunately, the majority of hobs come with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to avoid overheating. These systems employ power modulation to ensure that the heat output is constant and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features help protect the hob and its components, as well as protecting the surrounding surfaces in the kitchen.
Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs however, the technology is safe to use. The EMFs produced by these devices aren't as powerful and effective as those produced by mobile phones, and their radiation is not ionizing.
Induction hobs can only be used with certain types of cookware. It's important to make sure that your cookware and pots are induction ready before you use them. Holding a magnet close to the base of the pan is a straightforward way to test. If it sticks, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. Using the wrong type of cookware can lead to damage to your stove and possibly an accident.
It is also essential to keep children and other persons away from the Cooking Range area when it's in use, as the surface may become extremely hot. Additionally, you should wear oven with hob gloves whenever you are touching the handles of a metal pan because they can be very hot. It's important to turn off your hob immediately after use, as it may remain hot for a while. Follow the instructions of the fire department and call 999 as fast as you can if there is a fire.