What is a Hob?
The hob is an essential part of every kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass, which is shatterproof and heatproof. They also feature 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 require compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that has been used since the Middle Ages. It is a reference to the Old English word "hol" which means pit, hole or a ding. The name has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which is a reference to a crag or a hill.
Folklore says that hobs are faery spirit who help with household chores. They are generally benevolent, however they can be an issue if they are upset. One example of a hob was the hobthrush found in Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire that could treat whooping cough.
A type of cooking device is another common use. A hob is a metal plate that is used to heat liquids and cook foods. The top of a hob is usually flat and features several cooking elements, like rings. In certain instances the hob may be replaced with a flat stone to allow 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 likely acquired in the same timeframe as the corresponding female form hobgoblin. It originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were celebrated fairy and domestic spirit.
Hobs are famous for their games, despite their harmless nature. They can be destructive if provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example, was able place a cart on its roof. This caused a huge issue for the farmer. They can also be difficult to work with because of their speed and strength.
While hobs are mostly found in the UK but they can also be found in other countries too. Hobs with electric and gas are available. They can be controlled by one button and can be paired alongside other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them more convenient to use. These features are attracting consumers. Furthermore, some models come with advanced security features, like locks for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are renowned for their speedy heating, energy efficiency, and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surface stays cool to touch and only gets hot when it comes into contact with cookware that is compatible. This minimizes the risk of burns. The power is also shut off immediately after the cookware has left the cooking zone. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes, where children and guests are likely to be in the kitchen.
In addition, induction stoves require less gas than traditional stoves, which reduces the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models have a "Stop & Go" function that instantly reduces the cooking areas to their lowest settings when you are required to leave the kitchen. Others feature a bridge function, which joins two cooking zones using induction into a single zone managed by a single control for greater flexibility. You can also use larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones with the ability to connect multiple zones.
Simple easy-to-use controls are available to adjust the setting of the power of a hob. They are simple to read and operate. Some also have timers, pre-sets for common cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a 'Booster' feature that draws maximum power for the required amount of time and an 'underside heat' that is gentle to speed up simmering and save energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic finish on an electric hob makes it easy to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks or crannies which can accumulate dirt over time, as with conventional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs have been designed to add elegance and class to modern kitchens. They feature sleek, modern lines that blend well oven with hob other kitchen appliances and decor.
Hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions use sensors that monitor the surface of the hob for indications of unusual heat or explosive substances, automatically cutting off the gas supply to avoid burns and injuries. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs since it reduces the chance of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs employ sensors to know when the cookware isn't touching it. This helps protect against electric shocks.
Types
There are a variety of different kinds of hobs available, so it's important to consider which one is best hobs uk suited to your kitchen. Some features are: heat control and energy efficiency, as well as compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of stove you choose will also impact on your budget as well as the initial cost and ongoing costs.
Gas hobs generate an open flame with 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 specific temperature. Additionally, they are unaffected by power outages and can be used with many cooking appliances. Gas hobs are more costly to operate and require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grates. Gas hobs are also more prone to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the flame and ensure that your stove is protected by grills with safety.
Plate hobs, a different option for kitchens make use of electric elements on the ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. These hobs are economical and provide good heat distribution for flat-based objects. They take longer to heat and cool than other types of hobs and aren't easy for cleaning.
Halogen hobs are similar to electric plates, but they have a filament bulb which is used to heat the surface. This makes them 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 touchscreen controls, while others have physical knobs to turn.
Induction hobs use electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient, leading to quicker heating and an evenly distributed heat. Additionally induction hobs are simpler to clean than other types of hobs since they do not have exposed burners or grates. They are not as good in simmering, and might not be suitable for use with heavy-bottomed pots.
Safety
Hobs are an essential component of any kitchen but they can be risky if you don't take precautions. Inadequately monitoring your pans and not cleaning them properly can result in fires that harm your kitchen and cause injury to you or others. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has been warned that stoves are one of the leading causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
The cookware can overheat and cause it to break or shatter, posing a fire risk. Many hobs come with safety systems that check operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems also employ power modulation to ensure that the output of heat is constant and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features safeguard the hob uk, its components, and the surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Induction hobs are deemed safe to use, even though some people worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). The EMFs produced by these devices aren't as strong and powerful as those produced by mobile phones, and their radiation is not ionizing.
Induction hobs only work with specific cookware types So it's essential to check whether your pots and pans are induction-ready before making use of them. By placing a magnet on the base of the pan is a quick way to test. If it sticks the pan is compatible with induction hobs. Making the wrong choice of cookware could lead to the hob becoming damaged and causing an accident.
Be sure to keep children and other guests away from the stove when it is in use. The surface could become extremely hot. Also, it is recommended to wear oven with hob gloves when touching the handles of a metal pan because they can be extremely hot. Finally, it's important to turn your stove off immediately after use because they can stay hot for a time. Follow the guidelines of the fire department and call 999 as soon as you can in the event that there's a fire.