What is a Hob?
The hob is a vital element in every kitchen. best hob are made of glass which is heatproof and shatterproof. They also feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are cheaper than gas ones, however they use electricity. They also work with almost all cookware brands however, induction hobs require compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.
Origin
Hob is masculine English name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to the Old English word "hol" which means pit, hole or a dent. The name has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which refers to a crag or hill.
Folklore has it that hobs are faery spirit who help with household chores. They are usually benevolent but they can become a nuisance when offended. One of these hobs was Hobthrush, which was found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It was able to treat whooping cough.
A type of cooking device is another popular use. A hob is a metal plate that is used to heat liquids and cook foods. The top of the plate is typically flat and is adorned with a variety of cooking elements like rings. In some cases, the hob can be replaced by an elongated stone that allows it to be used as a target for quoits.
The earliest attested uses of the word hob date back to the early 16th century. It is likely that it was acquired during the same period as the corresponding female 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 games, despite their harmless nature. They can also be very destructive if they are provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example could even place a cart on its roof. This caused a huge inconvenience to the farmer. Furthermore, they can be a hassle to work with because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly found in the UK but they can also be found in other countries as well. They are available in many types, like gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled with a single button and are compatible alongside other kitchen appliances. Furthermore, some hobs connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them more convenient to use. These types of features are drawing customers to purchase these devices. Additionally, some models feature advanced safety features, such as a child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are famous for their rapid heating and energy efficiency as well as their precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and heat up only when they are in contact with cookware compatible which reduces the risk of burns. The power is also shut off immediately after the cookware has left the cooking zone. These safety features are especially useful in the home where children or guests could be present.
Induction hobs also consume less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This can help reduce the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models come with a 'Stop & Go' function that instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting for convenience when you must leave the kitchen. Some models have bridge functions that join two induction zones to create one large one controlled by one control. This provides greater flexibility. The possibility of connecting multiple cooking zones also allows you to cook with larger or smaller pans and pots.
Simple, intuitive controls are available to alter the setting of the power of a hob. They are easy to read and use. Hobs can also be equipped with timers, presets for common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs and a Booster function that only uses maximum power for the specified time, and a gentle "bottom heat" to cut down on simmer time and conserve energy.
Additionally, the smooth glass-ceramic surface of an electronic hob is easy to clean and doesn't have the nooks and crannies of conventional gas burners, which can collect dirt and grime over the course of time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add sophistication and style to modern kitchens. They have sleek, modern lines that complement other kitchen appliances and decor.
Hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions use sensors that monitor the surface of the hob for indications of abnormal heat or explosive substances, and then automatically shutting off the gas supply to prevent burns and injuries. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs since it reduces the risk of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs utilize sensors to detect when the cookware isn't in contact it. This can stop electric shocks.
Types
There are many different types of hobs to choose from. It is crucial to choose the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some of the features include: heating control; energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of hob that you select will also have an impact on your budget - both the initial cost as well as the ongoing costs.
Gas hobs utilize natural gas to create an open flame that heats your pots and pans. Many home cooks choose gas hobs due to their instant heat and can be set to a precise temperature. Furthermore, they are not affected by power interruptions and work with a variety of cooking vessels. Gas hobs are more costly to run and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. Additionally, they could be more susceptible to flare-ups that happen accidentally which is why you must be aware of the flame's presence and ensure that the stove is adequately protected by protective grilles.
Plate hobs, another option for kitchens, use electric elements under a ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They offer excellent heat distribution and are economical for flat-based kitchen appliances. They are slower to heat and cool than other hobs and aren't easy for cleaning.
Halogen hobs are similar to electric plate hobs but feature filament bulbs that heat the surface. They are more efficient in energy use however, they take longer to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control. Some feature touch-based controls, while others use physical knobs.
Induction hobs are a contemporary alternative to traditional stovetops, making use of electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient, leading to faster heating as well as a more uniform distribution of heat. Induction hobs also have less grates and burners exposed, making them easier to clean. However, they are not as efficient at simmering and are not suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs are a crucial part of any kitchen, but they can be risky if you don't take precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning can lead to fires that can damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or anyone else. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs could be an important cause of kitchen fires.
Overheating could cause damage or shatter cookware, which can present a fire hazard. Fortunately, most hobs come with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems employ power modulation as well to ensure that heat output is constant and does not exceed the safe limits. These features protect the hob and its components, while preventing fire hazards to surrounding surfaces in the kitchen.
Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs but the technology is safe to use. These EMF aren't as strong than those produced by mobile phones and the radiation they generate is not ionizing.
Induction hobs can only be used with certain types cookware. It is important to ensure that your cookware and pots are induction-ready before you use them. Placing a magnet near the base of the pan is a quick method to test. If it sticks, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong cookware could cause damage to your stove or even cause a fire.
It is also important to ensure that children and other people stay away from the cooking area when it's in use, as the surface can get extremely hot. Additionally, you should wear oven gloves when you touch the handles of a metal pan because they are also extremely hot. It is essential to shut off the stove immediately after use, as it can remain hot for some time. Follow the instructions of the fire department and call 999 as soon as you can in the event that there's an incident of fire.