What is a Hob?
A hob is a vital component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass that is heatproof and shatterproof. They also feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are cheaper than gas ones, but they require electricity. Induction hobs can be used with almost any cookware. However, they require compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.
Origin
Hob is masculine English name that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to the Old English word "hol" which means pit, hole or a dent. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which means a crag, hill, or a the crag.
In folklore, hobs are faery spirits that do domestic chores. They are generally benevolent, however they can be an issue if they are upset. One of them was the hobthrush of Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire, which could cure whooping cough.
Another common use of the term is to refer to a kind of cooking equipment. A hob is a metallic plate used to heat liquids and cook foods. The top of the plate is typically flat and is adorned with a variety of cooking elements including rings. In some instances the hob could be replaced with an elongated stone that allows it to function as a quoits target.
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 period as the corresponding female form, hobgoblin, which is derived from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were well-known fairytales and domestic spirits.
Hobs are well-known for playing Pranks, despite their innocent nature. They can also be very destructive when they are provoked. For example, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to carry a cart on its roof, which was a serious inconvenience for the farmer. Additionally, they can be difficult to work with due to their speed and strength.
Hobs are mainly found in the UK, they can be used in other countries, too. Hobs with electric and gas are available. They can be controlled with a single button and can be paired together with other kitchen appliances. Furthermore, some hobs connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them more convenient to use. These types of features are attracting consumers to purchase these devices. Some models are also equipped with advanced safety features, such as a lock for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are renowned for 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 compatible cookware, which minimizes the risk of burning. Furthermore the power is turned off immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking area. These safety features are especially useful in the home where children or guests might be present.
In addition, induction stoves consume 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 come with a "Stop & Go" function that instantly reduces the cooking zones to their lowest settings when you need to leave the kitchen. Some models have a bridge function that joins two induction cooking zones into a single zone managed by a single control to provide greater flexibility. You can also use larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones with the ability to connect multiple zones.
The power settings of a hob can be adjusted with simple and intuitive controls that are simple to use and read. Some also have timers, pre-sets to common cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a "Booster" feature that draws maximum power only for the necessary amount of time and a gentle 'bottom heat' to cut down on simmering times and help conserve energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic finish on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also doesn't have the nooks or crannies that can collect dirt in time, as do traditional gas stoves. Fotile electric hobs have been designed to add elegance and class to modern kitchens. They feature sleek, modern lines that blend well with other kitchen appliances and decor.
Sensors are used in hobs that have automatic shut-off functions. They scan the surface of the hob for signs of unusual heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically cut off to prevent injury or fire. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs since it helps reduce the risk of accidents occurring during cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to detect when cookware isn't in contact with the oven to prevent electrical shocks.
Types
There are many different kinds of hob available, so it's crucial to consider which one is right for your kitchen. Common features include: heat control and energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of stove hobs and ovens you select will also impact on your budget as well as the initial cost and running costs.
Gas hobs use natural gas to create an open flame that warms your pots and pans. Many home cooks opt for them due to the fact that they offer instant heat and can be set to a precise temperature. Additionally, they are unaffected by power outages and work well with various cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more costly to operate and require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grates. In addition, they can be more vulnerable to flare-ups that happen accidentally, so you need to be mindful of the open flame and ensure that the stove is adequately secured with protective grilles.
Plate hobs are yet another traditional kitchen option that makes use of electric elements that are placed beneath a ceramic or glass surface to heat your cookware. These hobs are cost-effective and provide a excellent heat distribution for flat-based items. They are slower to cool and heat than other hobs and can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs look similar to electric plates, but they have a filament bulb which is used to heat the surface. This makes them more energy-efficient than traditional electric hobs but they are still not as quick to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs have more flexibility in terms of temperature control, with some offering touchscreen controls, while others have physical knobs that you can turn.
Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, resulting in quicker heating and a more uniform heat distribution. In addition, induction hobs are easier to clean than other kinds of hobs since they have no grates or burners exposed. However, they aren't as effective at simmering and may not be suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.
Safety
Hobs can be a risky part of your kitchen if you do not make the necessary precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning can cause fires that can damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or anyone else. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are among of the most common causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Cookware that is overheated can cause it to break or shatter, posing a fire risk. Fortunately, the majority of hobs come with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to avoid overheating. These systems use power modulation to ensure that heat output is constant 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.
Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs however, the technology is safe to use. These EMF are not as powerful as those produced by mobile phones, and the radiation they produce is non-ionising.
Induction hobs can only be used with certain types cookware. It's important to make sure that your pots and saucepans are induction-ready before you begin using them. A simple way to test this is to hold an iron near the bottom of the pan. If it sticks, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. Using the wrong type of cookware could result in the hob becoming damaged and causing a fire.
Keep children and other people away from the stove when it is in use. The surface could become extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven gloves whenever you are touching metal pan handles because they are also extremely hot. It is important to shut off your stove as soon as you finish use, as it may remain hot for a period of time. If you notice a fire then follow the fire department's instructions - call 999 and leave the premises as fast as you can.