What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass which is heatproof and shatterproof. They also have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are cheaper than gas ones, however they use electricity. They also work with almost any type of cookware however, induction hobs need compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is masculine English name that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is related to the Old English word "hol" which means pit, hole, or dent. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod", which means a crag, a hill or a"crag.
In folklore, hobs are faery spirits who perform household chores. They are usually benevolent however they can be a nuisance if offended. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It was able to treat whooping cough.
Another common usage of the term is to refer to a kind of cooking device. A hob is a metallic plate used to heat liquids and cook foods. The top of a hob will usually be flat and features several cooking elements, such as rings. In some cases the hob and oven could be replaced by a flat stone to allow it to be used as a target for quoits.
The first recorded usage of the term "hob" dates back to the early sixteenth century. It was probably acquired in the same timeframe as the female counterpart hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were well-known fairytales Ovens And Hobs Uk domestic spirits.
Hobs are famous for their Pranks, despite their innocent nature. They can also be very destructive if they are provoked. One hob and oven in Lincolnshire, for example could even place a cart on its roof. This was a major problem for the farmer. Additionally they can be a pain to work with because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly found in the UK, they can be found in other countries too. They are available in a variety of forms, such as gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled by one button and can be used alongside other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making them easier to use. These types of features are attracting buyers to buy these devices. In addition, some models have advanced security features, like locks for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for their speedy heating energy efficiency, as well as precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and only gets hot when it comes into contact with cookware that is compatible. This reduces the chance of burning. Additionally the power is shut off immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking area. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes, where children and guests are likely to be in the kitchen.
Induction hobs use less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This helps reduce the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Some models feature the 'Stop and Go' function, which instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting for convenience when you must leave the kitchen. Some models also have a bridge function, which joins two cooking zones using induction into a single zone controlled by a single control to provide greater flexibility. The possibility of connecting multiple cooking zones allows you to cook with larger or unusual-sized pans and pots.
Simple and intuitive controls are offered to alter the power settings of a stove. They are simple to read and operate. Some also have timers, presets for the most common cooking functions, automatic shut-off, a 'Booster' function that makes use of the maximum power only for the necessary amount of time, and a gentle 'bottom heat' to reduce simmering times and save energy.
Moreover, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electric hob is easy to clean and does not have the nooks and crannies of gas burners that are conventional, which can accumulate dirt and grime over time. Fotile electric hobs were designed to add sophistication and style to modern kitchens. They have sleek, modern lines that complement other appliances and décor.
Sensors are employed in hobs with automatic shut-off features. They scan the surface of the hob for indications of unusual heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically cut off to prevent injury or fire. This feature is especially important for gas hobs as it reduces the chance of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to determine if cookware isn't in contact with the hob and stop electrical shocks.
Types
There are a variety of hobs available. It's important to choose the best one for your kitchen. Some features are: heat control energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of stove you select will also affect your budget - both the initial cost and also the running costs.
Gas hobs produce an open flame using natural gas. They heat pots and pans. Many home cooks choose them due to the fact that they offer instant heat and can be set to a specific temperature. Furthermore, they are not affected by power interruptions and work with various cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more expensive to run and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. Gas hobs are also more susceptible than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the flame that is open and ensure that the stove is adequately protected by grills with safety.
Plate hobs, a different option for kitchens make use of electric elements on a ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They provide excellent heat distribution and are cost-effective for flat-based items. They are more difficult to cool and heat up than other hobs and aren't easy for cleaning.
Halogen hobs look similar to electric plates, however they feature a filament bulb which is used to heat the surface. They are more energy efficient than traditional electric hobs, but they are still not as quick to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs offer more flexibility in terms of heat control, with some offering control buttons that are touch-based, while others come with physical knobs that can be turned.
Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient than other kinds of hobs, resulting in faster heating and more even heat distribution. In addition induction hobs are simpler to clean than other types of hobs since they have no exposed burners or grates. However, they are not as efficient in simmering and might not be suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.
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 can damage your kitchen or cause harm to yourself or others. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has been warned that stoves are one of the main causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating could cause damage or shatter cookware, which could create a fire risk. Many hobs come with safety systems that monitor operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems use power modulation to ensure that heat output is constant and does not exceed the safe limits. These features help safeguard the hob as well as its components, while preventing fire hazards to nearby surfaces in the kitchen.
While some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs, the technology is considered safe to use. These EMF aren't as strong than those produced by mobile phones and the radiation they produce is not ionizing.
Induction hobs are only compatible with certain types of cookware. It's important to ensure that your saucepans and pots are induction ready before you use them. One way to check this is to hold a magnet at the base of the pan. If it is stuck the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong type of cookware could damage your hob or even cause a fire.
Keep children and others away from the stove while it is in use. The surface can be extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven gloves whenever you are touching metal pan handles as they can also be extremely hot. It is important to shut off the stove immediately after use, as it can remain hot for a period of time. Follow the instructions of the fire service and call 999 as soon as you can if there is an incident of fire.