Here's A Little-Known Fact About Hobs. Hobs
What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential part of any kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass, which is heatproof and shatterproof. They also feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are more affordable than gas ones, but they require electricity. Induction hobs are compatible with almost any kind of cookware. However, they require compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is a masculine English name that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is related to the Old English word "hol" and means hole, pit, or dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon term "hod" which translates to a crag, hill, or a"crag.
In folklore, hobs are faerie spirits who help with household chores. They are generally benevolent, but can be a nuisance if they are upset. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It was able to treat whooping cough.
A cooking device is another popular use. Hobs are iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top of the plate is typically flat, and it is equipped with several cooking elements, including rings. In some cases the hob is replaced with an elongated rock that can be used as a goal for quoits.
The first recorded usage of the term "hob" dates back to the beginning of the 16th century. It was likely acquired at the same time as the female version hobgoblin. The word hob is derived from medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Despite their benign nature hobs can play amusing pranks on people. ovens can be destructive when they are provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire for instance could even put a cart onto its roof. This was a major problem for the farmer. They can also be difficult to work with because of their speed and strength.
Hobs are mainly found in the UK but they can also be found in other countries too. Gas and electric hobs are available. They can be controlled with just a single button, and can be paired together with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them more convenient to use. These features are attracting buyers. Some models also have advanced safety features, such as locks for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are renowned for their quick heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and only is heated when in contact with cookware compatible. This reduces the chance of burning. The power is also deactivated immediately when cookware leaves the cooking zone. These safety features are particularly useful in the home where children and guests may be present in the kitchen.
In addition, induction stoves require less gas than traditional stoves, which can help reduce the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Some models feature the 'Stop and Go' function that instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting to make it easier when you must leave the kitchen. Some models also have a bridge function that joins two cooking zones induction into a single large zone controlled by a single controller for greater flexibility. The possibility of connecting multiple cooking zones also means you can cook with larger or odd-sized pots and pans.
Simple, intuitive controls are available to alter the setting of the power of a hob. They are easy to read and operate. Hobs can also be equipped with timers, presets for the most common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs as well as a Booster feature that only uses maximum power for the specified time, and a soft "bottom heat" to cut down on simmer time and conserve energy.
Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic finish of an electric hob is easy to clean and does not have the nooks and crannies of gas burners that are conventional, which can collect dirt and grime over time. Fotile electric hobs have been designed to add elegance and class to modern kitchens. They have sleek, modern lines that blend well with other kitchen appliances and decor.
Hobs with automatic switch-off functions make use of sensors that check the surface of the hob for signs of unusual heat or explosive substances, automatically stopping the gas supply to avoid burns and injuries. This feature is especially important for gas hobs as it decreases the chance of accidents when cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to detect when cookware is not in contact with the hob and stop electrical shocks.
Types
There are a myriad of types of hobs that are available. It's important to choose the best one for your kitchen. Some features include heat control; energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of hob you choose will also impact on your budget in both the initial cost and ongoing costs.
Gas hobs produce an open flame by using natural gas. They heat pans and pots. They are a preferred option for many home cooks due to their instant heat and can be adjusted to offer precise temperature control. Additionally, they are unaffected by power outages and can be used with various cooking equipment. However, gas hobs can be more expensive to run and require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grates. Additionally, they may be more prone to accidental flare-ups and fires, so it is important to be aware of the open flame and ensure that the stove is adequately protected with grills that are protected.
Plate hobs, another option for kitchens make use of electric elements on a ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They are affordable and offer excellent heat distribution for flat-based items. However, they are slower to warm up and cool down than other kinds of hobs and are difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plate hobs but feature filament bulbs that heat the surface. They are more energy efficient however, they take longer to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control. Some have touch-based controls and others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, which results in quicker heating and more evenly heat distribution. Induction hobs also have fewer grates and burners exposed making them easier to clean. However, they are not as efficient in simmering and may not be suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs are a crucial part of any kitchen, but they could be dangerous in the event that you do not take proper precautions. Unattended pans and improper cleaning can lead to fires that can destroy your kitchen or cause harm to yourself or anyone else. That's why Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are among of the main causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating can damage or even shatter cookware, which could create a fire risk. The majority of hobs have safety features that keep track of operating temperatures to avoid overheating. These systems also use power modulation to ensure that the heat output is consistent and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features safeguard the hob as well as its components, while making sure that there are no fire hazards on the nearby surfaces in the kitchen.
Induction hobs are safe for use although some worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMF aren't as strong as those generated by mobile phones and the radiation they emit is not ionizing.
Induction hobs only work with specific types of cookware It is therefore essential to verify that your cookware and pans are ready for induction prior to using them. One way to test this is to place a magnet at the base of the pan. If it is stuck the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong cookware could cause damage to your stove or cause fire.
It is also essential to keep children and other persons away from the cooking area when it is being used, as the surface may become extremely hot. Additionally, you should wear oven gloves when you touch handles on metal pans as they can also be very hot. Finally, it's important to turn your stove off immediately after use because they can remain hot for a long time. Follow the guidelines of the fire department and call 999 as soon as you can if there's an incident of fire.