What is a Hob?
The hob is an essential element in every kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass that is heatproof and shatterproof. They also feature flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. Electric hobs are cheaper than gas ones, however they require electricity. They also work with almost all cookware brands, but induction hobs require compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is a masculine English name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to Old English "hol", which means hole, pit or dent. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod", which means a crag, hill, or a"crag.
In folklore, hobs can be described as faerie spirits who help with household chores. They are usually benevolent but they can be a nuisance if they are offended. One example of a hob was the hobthrush from Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire, which could cure whooping cough.
Another popular usage of the term is to refer to a specific type of cooking device. A hob is an iron plate that is used to cook and heat liquids. The top of a hob is usually flat and is adorned with cooking elements, such as rings. In some cases, the hob can be replaced with flat stones to permit it to be used as a target for quoits.
The first recorded use of the term "hob" is from the 16th century in the early part of the century. It is likely that it was acquired during the same period as the feminine form, hobgoblin, which is derived from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were famous fairy tales and domestic spirits.
Hobs are famous for their games, despite their harmless nature. They can be destructive when provoked. For example one hob in Lincolnshire was able to place carts on its roof, which was an enormous inconvenience for the farmer. They are also difficult to use due to their speed and strength.
While hobs are mostly found in the UK, they can be used in other countries, too. Gas and electric hobs are available. They can be controlled with just a single button, and can be paired with other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some stoves can connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them more convenient to use. These kinds of features are enticed customers to purchase these devices. Furthermore, some models come with advanced safety features, for instance a child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for their rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to the touch and they heat up only when in contact with cookware that is compatible which reduces the risk of burning. The power is shut off immediately when cookware leaves the cooking area. These safety features are particularly beneficial in homes, where children and guests might be in the kitchen.
In addition, induction hobs require less gas than traditional stoves, which reduces the cost of energy for households 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 setting when you have to leave the kitchen. Some models also have bridge functions that joins two cooking zones induction into a single large zone managed by a single controller for greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pans and pots or odd-sized ones, with the ability to connect multiple zones.
Simple and intuitive controls are offered to adjust the setting of the power of a hob. They are easy to read and operate. A lot of hobs have timers, presets for common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs as well as a Booster feature which only uses the maximum power for the needed time, and a gentle "bottom heat" to reduce simmering time and conserve energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic-like surface on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks and crevices that can collect dirt over time, as with traditional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add elegance and style to the modern kitchen, with sleek, contemporary lines that blend with other kitchen appliances and decor.
Hobs with automatic switch-off functions use sensors that monitor the surface of the hob for indications of excessive temperature or explosive substances, then automatically stopping the gas supply to avoid injuries and fires. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs as it helps reduce the risk of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs employ sensors to know when the cookware isn't touching it. This helps protect against electric shocks.
Types
There are several different types of hob that are available, so it is important to determine the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some features include heat control; energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of hob you select will 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 cooks your pans and pots. Many cooks at home choose them because they provide instant heat and can be set to a specific temperature. Additionally, they are unaffected by power outages and work well with many cooking appliances. However gas hobs are more costly to operate and require regular maintenance for example, cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more susceptible than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the open flame, and make sure the stove is properly protected by grills with safety.
Plate hobs, another option for kitchens employs electric elements beneath a ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They are affordable and offer good heat distribution for flat-based items. They are slower to heat and cool than other hobs, and are difficult for cleaning.
Halogen hobs are like electric plate hobs, but have a filament bulb that heats the surface. This makes them more energy-efficient than traditional electric hobs however, they aren't as quick to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs have more flexibility in terms of temperature control, with some featuring touch-based controls while others have physical knobs to turn.
Induction hobs are a modern alternative to traditional stovetops using electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient, leading to quicker heating and an even distribution of heat. Additionally they are less difficult to clean than other types of hobs because they have no exposed burners or grates. However, they aren't as efficient in simmering and may not be suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.
Safety
Hobs can be a risky part of your kitchen if you fail to make the necessary precautions. Inadequately monitoring your pans and not cleaning them properly can lead to fires that could ruin your kitchen and cause injury to you or other. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs can be a major cause of kitchen fires.
Overheating can cause the cookware to break or shatter, which could pose the risk of fire. Many hobs come with safety systems that monitor operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems also employ power modulation to ensure that the heat output is consistent and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features protect the hob and its components, while protecting the other kitchen surfaces.
Induction hobs are considered safe for use, even though some get more info people are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMFs aren't as powerful and strong as those produced by mobile phone, and their radiation isn't ionizing.
Induction hobs only work with specific types of cookware, so it's important to check whether your pots and pans are ready for induction prior to using them. A simple way to test this is to hold an iron near the bottom of the pan. If it is stuck the pan is compatible with induction hobs. A cookware that is not designed for your needs could cause damage to your stove or even cause a fire.
It is also essential to keep children and other people away from the cooking area when it is being used, as the surface may become extremely hot. Additionally, you should wear oven gloves when touching metal pan handles because they can be extremely hot. Finally, it's crucial to turn your oven off straight after use as they may remain hot for a long time. Follow the instructions of the fire service and call 999 as soon as you can if there is an incident of fire.