What is a Hob?
The hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern ones are typically made of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) and feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They are powered by electricity however they can be less expensive than gas hobs. 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 akin to the Old English word "hol" which means pit, hole or a dent. The name also traces its roots to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which means a crag or hill.
In folklore, hobs are faery spirits who perform household chores. They are usually kind, but can become annoying if they are offended. One of them was the hobthrush found in Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire, which could cure whooping cough.
A type of cooking appliance is another common use. A hob is a metal plate used to heat liquids and cook foods. The top of a hob will usually be flat and features several cooking elements, such as rings. In some cases the hob is replaced with flat rocks that is used as a quoits goal.
The first recorded usage of the term "hob" dates back to the beginning of the 16th century. It is likely that it was acquired during the same time frame as the female counterpart 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 if they are provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire for instance could even place a cart on its roof. This caused a huge issue for the farmer. They can also be difficult to work with due to their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly found in the UK they can also be used in other countries. Gas and electric hobs are available. They can be controlled by just a single button, and are compatible with other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some stoves can connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them more convenient to use. These types of features are attracting buyers to buy these devices. Some models also have advanced safety features like a lock for children.
Functions
Induction hobs have a reputation for their rapid 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 for burns. The power is also shut off immediately after the cookware has left the cooking area. These safety features are especially beneficial in homes where children and guests may be present 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 feature a 'Stop & Go' function, which instantly reduces all cooking areas to the lowest setting for convenience when you must leave the kitchen. Some models have bridge features that connect two induction zones to create one large zone that is controlled by a single control. This allows for greater flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones also means you can cook with larger or odd-sized pots and pans.
The power settings of a hob can be adjusted using simple, intuitive controls that are simple to operate and read. Some also have timers, presets for the most common cooking functions, an automatic switch-off, a "Booster" feature that draws maximum power only for the amount of time, and an easy 'bottom heat' to reduce simmering times and help conserve energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic-like surface on an electric hob makes it simple to clean. It also does not have the nooks or crannies which can accumulate dirt over time, as with traditional gas stoves. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add elegance and style to modern kitchens with modern, sleek lines that blend with other appliances and décor.
Sensors are employed in hobs that have automatic shut-off features. They check the surface of the hob for indications of unusual heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically cut off to prevent injury or fire. This feature is crucial for gas hobs because it reduces the chance of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs use sensors to detect when the cookware isn't in contact with it. This can stop electric shocks.
Types
There are a variety of different kinds of hob that are available, so it is important to think about which one is best suited to your kitchen. Some of the features include: heat control; energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob you choose will also affect your budget as well as the initial cost and ongoing costs.
Gas hobs produce an open flame by using natural gas. They heat pans and pots. Many home cooks choose gas hobs due to their instant heat and can be set to a specific temperature. They are also not affected by power outages and can be used with a large range of cooking vessels. Gas hobs are more expensive to operate and require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more prone than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the flame that is open and ensure that the stove is properly protected with protective grilles.
Plate hobs, another option in the kitchen make use of electric elements on a glass or ceramic surface to heat cookware. They are affordable and provide a good heat distribution for flat-based products. They are more difficult to cool and heat up than other types of hobs and aren't easy for cleaning.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plates, but they feature a filament bulb that heats the surface. This makes them more energy-efficient than traditional electric hobs, but they are still not as fast to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of temperature control, with some offering touch-based controls while others have physical knobs that can be turned.
Induction hobs are a contemporary alternative to traditional stovetops making use of electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient, which results in faster heating and a more evenly distributed heat. Additionally induction hobs are simpler to clean than other types of hobs due to the fact that they do not have grates or burners that are exposed. However, they are not as efficient in simmering and may not be suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.
Safety
Hobs are an essential part of any kitchen, but oven with hob they can be dangerous when you don't take the proper precautions. Inadequately monitoring your pans and not properly cleaning them can cause fires which could damage your kitchen and cause injury to you or other. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are one of the main causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Cookware that is overheated can cause it to be damaged or shatter, which could pose an fire risk. Most hobs have safety systems that monitor operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems also use power modulation to ensure that the output of heat is consistent and does not exceed the limits of safety. These features safeguard the hob and its components, while making sure that there are no fire hazards on the other kitchen surfaces.
While some people are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs, the technology is considered 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 are only compatible with certain types of cookware It is therefore essential to ensure that your pots and pans are ready for induction prior to using them. Holding a magnet close to the pan's base is a straightforward method to test. If it is stuck the pan is compatible with induction hobs. Using the wrong type of cookware could lead to damaging your hob and causing a fire.
Keep children and others away from the cooking area while it is in use. The surface may become extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven gloves when touching metal pan handles because they are also very hot. It is essential to shut off your hob immediately after use, since it could remain hot for some time. Follow the guidelines of the fire department and dial 999 as quickly as you can in the event that there's a fire.