What is a Hob?
The hob is a vital element in every kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass, which is shatterproof and heatproof. ovens and hobs uk feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They are powered by electricity but can be cheaper than gas hobs. Induction hobs are compatible with almost any cookware. However, they need compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that has been used since the Middle Ages. It is a reference to Old English "hol", which means pit, hole or a ding. The name also traces its roots to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which means a crag or hill.
Folklore suggests that hobs are faery spirit who help with household chores. They are generally benevolent, but can become a nuisance when offended. One of them was the hobthrush found in Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire, which could cure whooping cough.
Another common use of the term is to refer to a specific type of cooking device. A hob is an 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 certain instances, the hob is replaced by flat rocks which can serve as a quoits goal.
The first documented uses of the word hob date back to the early 16th century. It is likely that it was acquired during the same time frame as the feminine form hobgoblin, which is derived from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were celebrated fairy and domestic spirit.
Hobs are known for playing pranks, despite their benign nature. They can also be destructive when provoked. For instance one hob in Lincolnshire was able to carry carts on its roof, causing a serious inconvenience for the farmer. Furthermore, they can be a pain to work with because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly used in the UK however, they can be found in other countries too. They are available in many varieties, including electric and gas hobs. They can be controlled by a single button and are compatible with other kitchen appliances. Furthermore, some hobs connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which makes them easier to use. These kinds of features are drawing customers to purchase these devices. Certain models also come with advanced safety features, such as locks for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for their rapid heating and energy efficiency as well as their precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces stay cool to the touch and they heat up only when in contact with cookware that is compatible that reduces the chance of burning. Furthermore, the power is deactivated immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking zone. These safety features are especially useful in the home where children and guests may be present in the kitchen.
In addition, induction stoves consume less gas than traditional stovetops, which helps reduce household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models come with a "Stop and go" function that instantly reduces the cooking areas to their lowest settings when you need to leave the kitchen. Some models also have the bridge function that joins two cooking zones using induction into a single zone that is controlled by a single control to provide greater flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones also allows you to cook with larger or unusual-sized pans and pots.
The power settings on a hob can be adjusted using simple easy-to-use controls that are simple to operate and read. Many hobs also have timers, presets for the most common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs and a Booster function which only uses the maximum power for the needed time, and a gentle "bottom heat" to speed up simmering and conserve energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic-like surface on an electric hob makes it easy to clean. It also does not have the nooks and crevices which can accumulate dirt over time, like conventional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring elegance and style to modern kitchens with modern, sleek designs that match other appliances and décor.
Sensors are utilized in hobs with automatic shut-off functions. They check the surface of the hob for signs of abnormal heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then cut off to avoid injury and fire. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs since it reduces the chance of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to determine when cookware is not in contact with the hob, which can protect against electrical shocks.
Types
There are a variety of hobs available. It is crucial to choose the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Common features include: heat control and energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob you choose will also impact on your budget, both the initial cost as well as running costs.
Gas hobs utilize natural gas to create an open flame that cooks your pans and pots. They are a popular choice for many home cooks due to their instant heat and can be adjusted to give precise temperature control. They are also unaffected by power failures and can be used with a large range of cooking vessels. However gas hobs can be 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 ensure that the stove is properly protected with protective grilles.
Plate hobs, a different option in the kitchen, use electric elements under the ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They are affordable and provide good heat distribution for flat-based items. They are more difficult to cool and heat up than other types of hobs and can be difficult for cleaning.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plate hobs, but they have filament bulbs that heat the surface. They are 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 heat control. Some have touchscreen controls while others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs are a contemporary alternative to traditional stovetops, using electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other kinds of hobs, resulting in quicker heating and a more uniform heat distribution. In addition they are less difficult to clean than other types of hobs since they have no grates or burners exposed. However, they are not as efficient at simmering and are not suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs can be a dangerous part of your kitchen if you do not take the proper precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning can lead to fires that could damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or anyone else. That's why Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has been warned that stoves are one of the most common causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating could cause damage or break cookware, which could create a fire risk. Most hobs have safety systems that check operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems also use power modulation to ensure that the output of heat is constant and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features help safeguard the hob and its components, while making sure that there are no fire hazards on the surrounding surfaces in the kitchen.
Induction hobs are safe to use even though some worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMF are not as strong than those produced by mobile phones, and the radiation they generate is non-ionising.
Induction hobs work only with certain types cookware. It's important to make sure that your saucepans and pots are induction-ready before you use them. A simple method to test this is to put an iron near the bottom of the pan. If the pan is able to stick to the magnet, it's compatible with an induction cooker. The wrong type of cookware can damage your hob or cause fire.
It is also important to ensure that children and other people stay away from the hob while it is being used, as the surface may become extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves when touching handles of the pan made of metal because they can be extremely hot. It is also essential to switch your hob off straight after use as they may remain hot for a long time. Follow the guidelines of the fire department and dial 999 as quickly as you can if there is an emergency fire.