What is a Hob?
A hob is a vital component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are usually made of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) and feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are less expensive than gas ones, however they require electricity. They can also be used with nearly every cookware type however, 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 related to Old English "hol", which means pit, hole or a dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod", which means a crag, a hill or a crag.
Folklore says that hobs are faery spirit who do household chores. They are usually benevolent, but can be a nuisance if they are offended. One example of a hob was the hobthrush found in Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire that could treat whooping cough.
A type of cooking appliance is another common use. A hob is a metal plate used to heat liquids and cook foods. The top surface is usually flat, and has several cooking elements like rings. In some cases, the hob can be replaced by an elongated stone that allows it to serve as a quoits target.
The first recorded use of the term "hob" dates back to the 16th century in the early part of the century. It was probably acquired in the same period as the female counterpart hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were well-known fairytales and domestic spirits.
Hobs are well-known for playing Pranks, despite their innocent nature. They can be destructive if they are provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example was able to bring a cart up its roof. This was a major inconvenience to the farmer. Moreover they can be a hassle to work with because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are mainly found in the UK they are also used in other countries. Hobs with electric and gas are available. They can be controlled with a single button and are compatible with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them more convenient to use. These types of features are drawing customers to purchase these devices. Some models also have advanced safety features, such as the lock for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are renowned for their rapid heating, energy efficiency, and precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to touch and only is heated when in contact with compatible cookware. This minimizes the risk for burns. The power is also shut off immediately after the cookware has left the cooking area. These safety features are especially beneficial in homes where children and guests may be present in the kitchen.
In addition, induction hobs consume less gas than traditional stoves, which reduces household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Some models have a 'Stop and Go" function that instantly reduces the cooking zones to their lowest settings when you are required to leave the kitchen. Some models have bridge functions that join two induction zones into a large one controlled by a single control. This gives you more flexibility. The possibility of connecting multiple cooking zones allows you to cook with larger or odd-sized pots and pans.
The power settings on a stove can be adjusted with simple, intuitive controls that are simple to use and read. A lot of hobs have timers, presets for common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs as well as a Booster feature which only uses the maximum power for the required time, and a gentle "bottom heat" to cut down on simmer time and save energy.
Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electronic hob is easy to clean and does not contain the nooks and crannies of traditional gas best ovens and hobs uk burners which can accumulate dirt and grime over time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring design and elegance to modern kitchens with sleek, contemporary designs that match other appliances and décor.
Sensors are used in hobs with automatic shut-off features. They check the surface of the hob to detect signs of abnormal 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 risk of accidents when cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to determine if cookware isn't in contact with the hob, which can prevent electrical shocks.
Types
There are a variety of different kinds of hobs that are that are available, so it is important to consider which one is right for your kitchen. The most common features are heat control energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob you select will also impact on your budget as well as the initial cost as well as running costs.
Gas hobs use natural gas to create an open flame that warms your pots and pans. 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 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 are also more susceptible than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the open flame, and make sure your stove is protected by grills with safety.
Plate hobs are yet another traditional kitchen option that uses electric elements that are placed beneath the glass or ceramic surface to heat your cookware. They provide excellent heat distribution and are economical for flat-based kitchen appliances. However, they are slower to warm up and cool down than other kinds of hobs, and they can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plates, however they have a filament bulb which heats the surface. They are more energy-efficient however, they take longer to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control. Some have touch-based controls and others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient, resulting faster heating as well as a more uniform distribution of heat. Additionally induction hobs are simpler to clean than other kinds of hobs because they have no exposed burners or grates. However, they aren't as efficient at simmering and might not be suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.
Safety
Hobs are an essential part of any kitchen but they could be dangerous if you don't take precautions. Unattended cooking pans and not properly cleaning them can lead to fires that could damage 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 could cause damage or break cookware, which could cause fire hazards. Fortunately, many hobs are fitted with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to avoid overheating. These systems also use power modulation to ensure that the heat output is consistent and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features safeguard the hob and its components, while making sure that there are no fire hazards on the nearby surfaces in the kitchen.
While some people are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs, the technology is considered safe to use. These EMFs aren't as strong and powerful as those generated by mobile phones and their radiation is non-ionising.
Induction hobs are only compatible with certain types of cookware So it's essential to verify that your cookware and pans are induction-ready prior to using them. By placing a magnet on the pan's base is a quick method to test. If it sticks, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong cookware can damage your hob or even cause a fire.
Keep children and others away from the hob when it is being used. The surface could become extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves to avoid touching the metal pan handles since they are extremely hot. It's important to turn off the stove immediately after use, since it could remain hot for a while. Follow the guidelines of the fire department and call 999 as soon as you can if there's an emergency fire.