What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass that is shatterproof and heatproof. They also have 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 all cookware brands, 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 a reference to the Old English word "hol" and means hole, pit or a dent. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which translates to a crag, hill or a the crag.
In folklore, hobs are faerie spirits who perform household chores. They are usually kind, but can become annoying if they are offended. One example of a hob was the hobthrush from Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire which was believed to cure whooping cough.
Another popular usage of the term is to refer to a type of cooking equipment. Hobs are iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface is typically flat, and it is equipped with several cooking elements, including rings. In some cases the hob is replaced by flat rocks that is used as a goal for quoits.
The earliest documented instances of the word hob date to the 16th century. It was probably acquired in the same period as the feminine form, hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were celebrated fairy and domestic spirit.
Despite their benign nature hobs are known to play games with people. They can be destructive if provoked. For example, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to carry a cart on its roof, which was an enormous inconvenience for the farmer. Moreover, they can be a pain to work with due their speed and strength.
Hobs are mainly used in the UK but they can also be used in other countries as well. Hobs with electric and gas are available. They can be controlled by a single button and can be used 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. Certain models also come 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 surfaces are cool to the touch and they heat up only when in contact with compatible cookware that reduces the chance of burns. The power is shut off instantly when the cookware leaves the cooking area. These safety features are particularly useful in homes where children or guests might be present.
In addition, induction stoves require less gas than traditional stoves, which can help reduce the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models come with the 'Stop and Go' feature, which instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting for convenience when you must leave the kitchen. Some models have a bridge feature that joins two induction zones into a large zone controlled by a single control. This provides greater flexibility. You can also use larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones that have the capability of connecting multiple zones.
Simple easy-to-use controls are available to adjust the power settings of a hob. They are simple to read and operate. Many offer timers, presets for the most typical cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a "Booster" function that makes use of the maximum power for the amount of time and an easy 'bottom heat' to cut down on simmering times and save energy.
Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electric hob is easy to clean and doesn't have the nooks and crevices of traditional gas burners which are prone to collecting dirt and grime with time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add design and elegance to the modern kitchen, with modern, sleek designs that match other appliances and decor.
Hobs that have automatic switch-off functions have sensors that scan the hob surface for signs of abnormal temperature or explosive substances, automatically shutting off the gas supply to avoid burns and injuries. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs as it helps reduce the risk of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs also use sensors to determine when cookware is not in contact with the hob to protect against electrical shocks.
Types
There are a myriad of types of hobs to choose from. It's important to choose the right one for your kitchen. Some features include heating control and energy efficiency, as well as compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of stove you choose will also affect your budget, both the initial cost as well as running costs.
Gas hobs use natural gas to create an open flame that cooks your pans and pots. Many cooks at home choose them because they provide instant heat and can be set to a precise temperature. Additionally, they are 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 like cleaning the grates. Additionally, they may be more susceptible to flare-ups due to accident which is why you must be mindful of the flame's openness and ensure the stove is adequately protected with grills that are protected.
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 a good heat distribution for flat-based products. However, they take longer to heat up and cool down than other types of hob and can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs look similar to electric plates, but they feature a filament lamp which heats the surface. This makes them more energy-efficient than traditional electric hobs but they are still not as fast to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control. Some have control knobs that are touch-based while 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, resulting quicker heating and an uniform distribution of heat. Additionally, induction hobs are easier to clean than other types of hobs since they have no grates or burners exposed. They aren't as efficient in the process of simmering, and may not be suitable to use with heavy-bottomed cooking pots.
Safety
Hobs are an essential part of any kitchen, but they can be dangerous if you don't take precautions. Inadequately monitoring your pans and not cleaning them properly can cause fires which could harm your kitchen and cause harm to you or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs can be an important cause of kitchen fires.
Overheating can damage or even break cookware, which could create a fire risk. Many hobs come with safety systems that monitor operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems employ power modulation as well to ensure that the heat output remains constant and does not exceed safe limits. These features shield the hob, its components and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Induction hobs are deemed safe for use, even though some people are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMF aren't as strong as those generated by mobile phones and the get more info radiation they generate is not ionizing.
Induction hobs are only compatible with specific cookware types So it's essential to ensure that your pots and pans are ready for induction prior to using them. Holding a magnet close to the pan's base is a straightforward method to test. If it sticks the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong type of cookware can lead to damaging your hob and causing an accident.
It is also important to keep children and other people away from the cooking area when it is being used, as the surface may become extremely hot. Additionally, you should wear oven gloves when touching metal pan handles because they are also extremely hot. Also, it is crucial to turn your oven off immediately after use because they can stay hot for a long time. Follow the guidelines of the fire department and call 999 as soon as you can if there's a fire.