Everything You Need To Know About Hobs
What is a Hob?
The hob is an essential part of every kitchen. Modern hobs are usually made of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) and have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They run on electricity, however they can be less expensive than gas hobs. They also work with almost any type of cookware, but induction hobs require compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is masculine English name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to Old English "hol", which means hole, pit or a ding. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which translates to a crag, a hill, or a"crag.
In folklore, hobs are faery spirits who help with household chores. They are generally kind, but can be a nuisance if they are offended. One of these hobs was Hobthrush, which was found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It could cure whooping-cough.
Another common use of the term is to refer to a type of cooking equipment. Hobs are iron plate that is used to cook and heat liquids. The top of a hob will usually be flat and has a variety of cooking elements, like rings. In certain instances the hob could be replaced by flat stones to permit it to function as a quoits target.
The earliest documented instances of the term hob go back to the early 16th century. It was probably acquired in the same timeframe as the female counterpart hobgoblin. It originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were famous fairy tales and domestic spirits.
Despite their innocent appearance hobs are known to play amusing pranks on people. They can also be destructive if provoked. For instance, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to carry a cart on its roof, causing an enormous inconvenience for the farmer. They can also be difficult to use due to their speed and strength.
Hobs are mainly used in the UK however, they can be found in other countries too. They come in a variety of varieties, including electric and gas hobs. They can be controlled with the click of one button, and can be used alongside other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are also connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them more convenient to use. These kinds of features are attracting customers to purchase these devices. Certain models also come with advanced safety features such as locks for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for their quick heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to the touch and are heated only when they come into contact with cookware that is compatible which reduces the risk of burns. Additionally the power is shut off immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking area. These safety features are particularly useful in homes where children or guests could be present.
best oven uk use less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This helps reduce household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models come with the 'Stop and Go' function that instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting to make it easier when you have to leave the kitchen. Others feature a bridge function, which joins two cooking zones using induction into a single large zone managed by a single control to provide greater flexibility. The possibility of connecting multiple cooking zones allows you to cook with larger or odd-sized pots and pans.
The power settings on a hob can be adjusted using simple and intuitive controls that are simple to read and use. A lot of hobs have timers, presets for the most common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs and a Booster function which only uses the maximum power for the needed time, and a gentle "bottom heat" to cut down on simmer time and conserve energy.
Additionally, the smooth glass-ceramic surface of an electric hob is easy to clean and does not contain the nooks and crannies of conventional gas burners, which can collect dirt and grime with time. Fotile electric hobs have been designed to add style and sophistication to the modern kitchen. They feature sleek, modern lines that complement other appliances and décor.
Hobs that have automatic switch-off functions use sensors that monitor the surface of the hob for signs of abnormal heat or explosive substances, and then automatically cutting off the gas supply to prevent burns and injuries. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs, as it mitigates the risk of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs employ sensors to know when cookware isn't touching it. This can stop electric shocks.
Types
There are many different types of hobs to choose from. It's important to choose the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some features include heating control and energy efficiency, as well as compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob you choose will also affect your budget, both 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 choice for many home cooks because they offer instant heat and can be adjusted to provide precise temperature control. Furthermore, they are not affected by power interruptions and work with many cooking appliances. Gas hobs are more costly to run and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more prone than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the open flame, and make sure your stove is protected by grills with safety.
Plate hobs are another traditional kitchen option that uses electric elements under the glass or ceramic surface to heat cookware. They are affordable and provide a excellent heat distribution for flat-based items. However, they take longer to warm up and cool down than other types of hob and can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs are similar to electric plates, but they feature a filament bulb that is used to heat the surface. This makes them more energy efficient than traditional electric hobs however they aren't as fast to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control. Some feature control knobs that are touch-based while others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient, which results in quicker heating and an evenly distributed heat. Induction hobs also have less exposed burners and grates which makes them easier to clean. They are not as good in the process of simmering, and might not be suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cooking pots.
Safety
Hobs are a risky part of your kitchen if you do not take the proper precautions. Unattended cooking pans and not cleaning them properly can result in fires that harm your kitchen and cause injury to you or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs can be a major cause of kitchen fires.
Overheating can cause the cookware to be damaged or shatter, which could pose a fire risk. Fortunately, many hobs are fitted with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems also use power modulation to ensure that the heat output is consistent and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features help protect the hob and its components, as well as making sure that there are no fire hazards on the other kitchen surfaces.
Induction hobs are deemed safe for use even though some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). The EMFs produced by these devices aren't as strong and powerful as those produced by mobile phone, and their radiation is non-ionising.
Induction hobs only work with specific cookware types, so it's important to verify that your cookware and pans are ready for induction prior to using them. Placing a magnet near the pan's base is a straightforward method to test. If it sticks the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong type of cookware can lead to damaging your hob and causing an explosion.
It is also important to ensure that children and other people stay away from the stove when it is being used, as the surface may become extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven gloves when touching the handles of a metal pan as they can also be very hot. It is essential to shut off the stove immediately after use, since it could remain hot for a period of time. If a fire occurs then follow the fire department's advice to dial 999 and leave your home as quickly as possible.