15 Things You Didn't Know About Hobs
What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential component of any 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, but they require electricity. Induction hobs are compatible with almost any cookware. However, they require compatible pans which emit magnetic fields.
Origin
Hob is a masculine English name that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to Old English "hol", which means hole, pit or a dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod", which means a crag, a hill or a the crag.
Folklore suggests that hobs are faery spirit who help with household chores. They are generally benevolent but they can be a nuisance if they are offended. One example of a hob was the hobthrush of Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire that could treat whooping cough.
A type of cooking appliance is a different type of cooking device that is used extensively. Hobs are a type of metal plate that is used to heat liquids and cook foods. The top surface of a hob will usually be flat and is adorned with cooking elements, including rings. In some cases the hob can be replaced by a flat rock that can be used as a quoits goal.
The earliest documented instances of the term hob go back to the early 16th century. It was probably used at the same time as the female form, hobgoblin. This is derived from medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Despite their benign nature hobs can play games with people. They can be destructive when provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire for instance was able to bring a cart up its roof. This caused a huge issue for the farmer. They are also difficult 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 as well. Hobs with electric and gas are available. They can be controlled with the press of one button, and can be used alongside other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are also connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making them easier to use. These types of features are attracting customers to purchase these devices. Some models also have advanced safety features, such as locks for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for their quick heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to touch and only is heated when in contact with cookware compatible. This reduces the chance of burns. The power is shut off immediately after the cookware has left the cooking zone. These safety features are especially beneficial in homes where guests and children may be present in the kitchen.
In addition, induction stoves require less gas than traditional stovetops, which helps reduce the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models have the 'Stop and Go' function, which instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting for convenience when you have to leave the kitchen. Others feature bridge functions that joins two induction cooking zones to create a large zone controlled by a single controller for greater flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones also means you can cook with larger or smaller pans and pots.
The power settings of a hob can be adjusted using simple and intuitive controls that are simple to operate and read. A lot of hobs have timers, presets for common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs as well as a Booster feature that only uses maximum power for the specified time, and a gentle "bottom heat" to cut down on simmer time and save energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic finish on an electric hob makes it easy to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks and crannies that could collect dirt in time, as do traditional gas stoves. Fotile electric hobs have been designed to add elegance and class to the modern kitchen. They are sleek and have modern lines that complement other appliances and décor.
Sensors are used in hobs that have automatic shut-off functions. They check the surface of the hob for indications of unusual heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then cut off to prevent injury or fire. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs since it reduces the chance of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs utilize sensors to determine when the cookware isn't in contact with it. This will stop electric shocks.
Types
There are several different types of hob available, so it's important to determine which one is right for your kitchen. Some features include heat control energy efficiency; 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 utilize natural gas to create an open flame that heats your pots and pans. They are a preferred choice for cooks at home because they provide instant heat and can be adjusted to offer precise temperature control. They are also unaffected by power outages and can be used with various cooking equipment. However, gas hobs can be more costly to operate and require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grates. In addition, they can be more susceptible to flare-ups that happen accidentally and fires, so it is important to be mindful of the flame's presence and ensure that the stove is adequately protected by grills that are protected.
Plate hobs, a different option for cooking make use of electric elements on the ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. These hobs are cost-effective and provide good heat distribution for flat-based objects. They are more difficult to heat and cool than other hobs and can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs are similar to electric plate hobs, but they have filament bulbs that heat the surface. They are more energy-efficient, but still take longer to heat up or cool off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control, with some having touch-based controls while others have physical knobs that you can turn.
Induction hobs are a modern alternative to traditional stovetops, using electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, which results in quicker heating and a more uniform heat distribution. In addition induction hobs are simpler to clean than other kinds of hobs due to the fact that they don't have grates or burners that are exposed. However, they are not as effective at simmering and may not be suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.
hobs and ovens can be a risky part of your kitchen if you do not take the necessary 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 can cause damage to or break cookware, which could create a fire risk. Most hobs have safety systems that keep track of operating temperatures to avoid overheating. These systems also use power modulation to ensure the output of heat is consistent and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features safeguard the hob as well as its components, as well as making sure that there are no fire hazards on the nearby surfaces in the kitchen.
While some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs but the technology is safe to use. These EMF are not as powerful as those generated by mobile phones and the radiation they generate is non-ionising.
Induction hobs are only compatible with specific types of cookware, so it's important to ensure that your pots and pans are induction-ready before making use of them. One way to check this is to hold a magnet at the base of the pan. If it is stuck the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong cookware could cause damage to your stove or cause a fire.
Keep children and other people away from the hob while it is in use. The surface could get extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves to avoid touching the metal pan handles, as they can be extremely hot. Finally, it's crucial to turn your oven off immediately after use since they can remain hot for a long time. Follow the guidelines of the fire department and dial 999 as quickly as you can if there's an emergency fire.