What is a Hob?
The hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass that is heatproof and shatterproof. They also have flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. Electric hobs are more affordable than gas ones, however they require electricity. Induction hobs are compatible with almost any kind of cookware. However, they require compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is a masculine English name that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is related to the Old English word "hol" and refers to a hole, pit 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 can be described as faerie spirits who perform household chores. They are generally benevolent but they can become a nuisance when offended. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It could cure whooping-cough.
A cooking device is another popular use. Hobs are a type of metal plate that is used to heat liquids and cook foods. The top of the plate is typically flat, and it is equipped with several cooking elements, including rings. In some cases the hob may be replaced with an elongated stone that allows it to be used as a quoits target.
The first documented uses of the term hob go back to the early 16th century. It was probably used at the same time as the feminine form, hobgoblin. The word hob is derived from medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Despite their innocent nature hobs can play pranks on people. They can be destructive if provoked. For instance, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to place a cart on its roof, causing an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. They are also difficult to use due to their speed and strength.
While hobs are mostly used in the UK but they can also be found in other countries too. Gas and electric hobs are available. They can be controlled with one button and can be used with other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which makes them easier to use. These features are attracting buyers. Some models are also equipped with advanced safety features such as the lock for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for their speedy heating, energy efficiency and 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 minimizes the risk for burns. The power is shut off immediately when cookware leaves the cooking area. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes where children or guests might be present.
In addition, induction hobs consume less gas than traditional stovetops, which helps reduce the energy bills of households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models come with a 'Stop & Go' function, which instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting for convenience when you need to leave the kitchen. Some models also have the bridge function that joins two cooking zones induction into a single large zone that is controlled by a single control to provide greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pans and pots or odd-sized ones, with the ability to connect multiple zones.
Simple and intuitive controls are offered to adjust the setting of the power of a hob. They are simple to read and use. Many also offer timers, presets for the most common cooking functions, an automatic switch-off, a "Booster" function that uses maximum power for the amount of time, and an 'underside heat' that is gentle to cut down on simmering times and conserve energy.
Additionally, the smooth glass-ceramic surface of an electronic best hob is easy to clean and does not have the nooks and crannies of conventional gas burners, which can accumulate dirt and best ovens And hobs uk grime with time. Fotile electric hobs uk were designed to add style and sophistication to modern kitchens. They have sleek, modern lines that complement other appliances and décor.
Hobs with automatic switch-off functions make use of sensors that check the surface of the hob for signs of abnormal temperature or explosive substances, automatically stopping the gas supply to prevent injuries and fires. This feature is especially important for gas hobs since it mitigates the risk of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs employ sensors to determine when the cookware isn't in contact with it. This will protect against electric shocks.
Types
There are several different types of hobs that are available, so it's important to consider the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some common features include: heat control energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob you select will also have an impact on your budget - both the initial cost as well as running costs.
Gas hobs produce an open flame using natural gas. This heats pots and pans. Many cooks at home choose them due to the fact that they offer instant heat and can be set to a specific temperature. They are also unaffected by power outages and can be used with a variety of cooking vessels. Gas hobs are more costly to operate and require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more susceptible than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the open flame, and make sure the stove is adequately protected by grills with safety.
Plate hobs are a traditional kitchen option that uses electric elements beneath glass or ceramic surfaces to heat your cookware. They are affordable and provide excellent heat distribution for flat-based products. They take longer to cool and heat up than other hobs, and are difficult for stovetop cleaning.
Halogen hobs are like electric plate hobs, but they have a filament bulb that heats the surface. This makes them more energy-efficient than traditional electric hobs however they aren't as quick to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control. Some are equipped with touch-based controls and others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs are an innovative alternative to traditional stovetops using electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient, resulting faster heating as well as a more uniform distribution of heat. Induction hobs also have less exposed burners and grates making them easier to clean. They're not as effective in simmering, and might not be suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs can be a risky part of your kitchen if you don't take the necessary precautions. Unattended pans and improper cleaning could cause fires that could damage your kitchen or cause harm to yourself or anyone else. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs can be a major cause of kitchen fires.
Overheating can cause damage to or break cookware, which could present a fire hazard. Many hobs come with safety systems that monitor operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems also employ power modulation to ensure the heat output is consistent and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features protect the hob, its components and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Induction hobs are safe to use although some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). The EMFs produced by these devices aren't as strong and powerful like those generated by mobile phone, and their radiation is non-ionising.
Induction hobs are only compatible with specific cookware types It is therefore essential to ensure that your pots and pans are induction-ready prior to using them. By placing a magnet on the base of the pan is a simple way to test. If the pan stays it is compatible with an induction hob. The wrong type of cookware could lead to damaging your hob and causing a fire.
It is also important to ensure that children and other people stay away from the stove when it is in use, since the surface may become extremely hot. Also, it is recommended to wear oven hob gloves when you touch metal pan handles because they can be extremely hot. It's important to turn off your stove as soon as you finish use, since it could remain hot for a period of time. If a fire occurs, follow the fire service advice - to call 999 and leave the premises as quickly as possible.