What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential part of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass that is heatproof and shatterproof. They also have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are cheaper than gas ones, but they use electricity. Induction hobs can be used with virtually any type of cookware. However, they require compatible pans which emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is akin to the Old English word "hol" and refers to a hole, pit or a ding. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod", which means a crag, a hill or a the crag.
In folklore, hobs are faerie spirits who perform household chores. They are usually kind, but can become a nuisance if offended. One of them 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 metallic plate used to cook food and heat liquids. The top of a hob is typically flat and has a variety of cooking elements, including rings. In certain instances, the hob can be replaced with an elongated stone that allows it to be used as a target for quoits.
The first documented uses of the term hob date to the 16th century. It was probably used at the same time as the feminine form, hobgoblin. It is derived from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Despite their innocent nature, hobs are known to play games with people. They can be destructive if they are provoked. For instance, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to carry carts on its roof, causing a serious inconvenience for the farmer. Moreover they can be a pain to work with due to their speed and strength.
Although hobs are mainly used in the UK they can also be used in other countries. Hobs with electric and gas are available. They can be controlled by a single button and can be paired alongside other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some stoves can connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which makes them easier 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 surfaces remain cool to the touch and heat up only when they come into contact with cookware compatible, which minimizes the risk of burning. Furthermore the power is shut off immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking zone. These safety features can be particularly useful in homes where children or guests may be present.
Induction hobs also consume less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This helps lower household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models have the 'Stop and Go' feature, which instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting for ease of use when you have to leave the kitchen. Certain models come with bridge features that connect two induction zones to create one large zone that is controlled by a single control. This provides greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones, with the ability to connect multiple zones.
The power settings of a hob can be adjusted using simple easy-to-use controls that are simple to read and use. Hobs can also be equipped with timers, presets to handle common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs and a Booster function that only utilizes maximum power for the specified duration, and a gentle "bottom heat" to speed up simmering and conserve energy.
Moreover, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electronic hob is easy to clean and doesn't contain the nooks and crannies of conventional 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 kitchen appliances and decor.
Hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions make use of sensors that check the hob surface for signs of unusual temperature or explosive substances, and then automatically stopping the gas supply to prevent burns and injuries. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs since it reduces the risk of accidents when cooking. Induction hobs also employ sensors to detect when cookware isn't in contact with the hob and stop electrical shocks.
Types
There are many different types of hobs available. It is important to select the best one for your kitchen. Some of the features include: heating control and energy efficiency, as well as compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob you choose will also affect the cost of your kitchen as well as the initial cost as well as running costs.
Gas hobs use natural gas to create an open flame that heats your pots and pans. They are a favorite option for many home cooks because they offer instant heat and can be adjusted to offer precise temperature control. They are also not affected by power outages and can be used with a large variety of cooking appliances. 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 that happen accidentally which is why you must be mindful of the flame's presence and ensure the stove is adequately protected by grills that are safe.
Plate hobs, another option for cooking make use of electric elements on a ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. These hobs are cost-effective and offer excellent heat distribution for flat-based products. However, they take longer to heat up and cool down than other kinds of hobs, and they can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs are similar to electric plates, but they feature a filament bulb which heats the surface. They are more energy-efficient however, they take longer to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs have more flexibility in terms of temperature control, with some featuring touchscreen controls, while others have physical knobs that can be turned.
Induction hobs are a modern alternative to traditional stovetops using electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other kinds of hobs, resulting in faster heating and more even heat distribution. Induction hobs also have fewer exposed burners and grates which makes them easier to clean. However, they aren't as efficient at simmering and are not suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs are an essential part of any kitchen but they could 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 you or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that stoves are a major cause of kitchen fires.
Overheating can cause damage to or shatter cookware, which can cause fire hazards. Many hobs come with safety systems that monitor operating temperatures to prevent overheating. read more These systems also employ power modulation to ensure the output of heat is constant and does not exceed the limits of safety. These features shield the hob, its components and the surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Induction hobs are safe for use although some worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). The EMFs produced by these devices aren't as powerful and strong as those generated by mobile phone and their radiation is non-ionising.
Induction hobs work only with certain types of cookware. It is essential to ensure that your cookware and pots are ready for induction before you begin using them. A simple method to check this is to place a magnet near the base of the pan. If it is stuck the pan is compatible with induction hobs. Using the wrong type of cookware could result in damage to your stove and possibly an accident.
It is also important to keep children and other persons away from the cooking area when it's in use, as the surface may become extremely hot. Additionally, you should wear oven gloves whenever you are touching metal pan handles because they can be very hot. It is essential to shut off your hob immediately after use, as it can remain hot for a while. If a fire occurs, follow the fire service instructions - call 999 and leave the premises as fast as you can.