What is a Hob?
A hob is a vital component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass which is heatproof and shatterproof. They also feature flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. They run on electricity, but are less expensive than gas hobs. They can also be used with nearly every cookware type however, induction hobs need compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that is a name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is related to the Old English word "hol" and means hole, pit or a dent. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon term "hod", which means a crag, a hill, or a crag.
Folklore suggests hobs are faery spirits who perform household chores. They are usually benevolent however they can also become a nuisance when 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 word is to refer to a type of cooking device. Hobs are iron plate 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 some instances the hob could be replaced with flat stones to permit it to be used as a quoits target.
The first documented uses of the word hob date back to the early 16th century. It was probably used at the same time as the female form, hobgoblin. The word hob is derived from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Hobs are well-known for playing games, despite their harmless nature. They can be destructive if they are provoked. For example one hob in Lincolnshire was able to carry carts on its roof, causing an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. They are also difficult to work with due to their speed and strength.
Although hobs are mainly used in the UK they can also be found in other countries. Gas and electric hobs are available. They can be controlled with the push of an electronic button, and can be used in conjunction with other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making them more convenient to use. These types of features are drawing consumers to purchase these devices. Some models are also equipped with advanced safety features, such as the lock for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are renowned for their speedy heating and energy efficiency as well as their precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and only is heated when in contact with cookware that is compatible. This minimizes the risk of burning. Additionally the power is shut off immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking area. These safety features can be especially useful in the home where children or guests could be present.
Induction hobs also consume less gas than traditional stovetops. This 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 and Go" function that instantly reduces the cooking zones to their lowest setting when you are required to leave the kitchen. Some models have a bridge feature that joins two induction zones into one large zone controlled by one control. This gives you more flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones means you can cook with larger or smaller pans and pots.
The power settings on a hob can be adjusted with simple easy-to-use controls that are simple to use and read. A lot of hobs have timers, presets to handle common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs, a Booster function that only uses maximum power for the specified duration, and a gentle "bottom heat" to reduce simmering time and conserve energy.
Additionally, the smooth glass-ceramic finish of an electric hob is easy to clean and doesn't have the nooks and crevices of conventional gas burners, which can accumulate dirt and grime with time. Fotile electric hobs have been designed to add sophistication and style to the modern kitchen. They are sleek and have modern lines that blend well with other appliances and décor.
Sensors are utilized in hobs that have automatic shut-off features. best hobs uk of the hob for signs of unusual heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then cut off to prevent injury or fire. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs because it reduces the risk of accidents when cooking. Induction hobs also employ sensors to determine when cookware isn't in contact with the hob, which can stop electrical shocks.
Types
There are a variety of different kinds of hob available, so it's important to think about which one is right for your kitchen. Some features include heating control energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of hob you select will also affect your budget, both the initial cost as well as running costs.
Gas hobs produce an open flame with natural gas. This heats pans and pots. Many cooks at home choose them due to the fact that they offer instant heat and can be set to a specific temperature. They are also not affected by power failures and can be used with a large variety of cooking equipment. However gas hobs can be more expensive to run and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more prone to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the open flame and ensure that your stove is protected with protective grilles.
Plate hobs are another traditional kitchen option that uses electric elements that are placed beneath a ceramic or glass surface to heat your cookware. These hobs are economical and provide a good heat distribution for flat-based objects. However, they take longer to heat up and cool down than other kinds of hob and can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs are similar to electric plates, but they have a filament bulb which creates heat on 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 offer more flexibility in terms of heat control, with some having touchscreen controls, while others have physical knobs to turn.
Induction hobs are an innovative alternative to traditional stovetops, using electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other kinds of hobs, resulting in faster heating and more even heat distribution. In addition, induction hobs are easier to clean than other types of hobs because they don't have 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 are a risky part of your kitchen if you do not make the necessary precautions. Leaving pans unattended and not cleaning them properly can cause fires which could harm your kitchen and cause injury to you or other. That's why Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has been warned that stoves are one of the most common causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
The cookware can overheat and cause it to become damaged or even shatter, which could pose the risk of fire. Many hobs come with safety systems that check operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems employ power modulation to ensure that heat output is constant and does not exceed safe limits. These features shield the hob, its components and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Induction hobs are deemed safe to use, even though some people worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMF aren't as strong than those produced by mobile phones and the radiation they emit is non-ionising.
best hobs uk work with specific cookware types, so it's important to ensure that your pots and pans are ready for induction prior to making use of them. A simple method to test this is to place an iron near the bottom of the pan. If the pan stays to the magnet, it's compatible with an induction hob. Using the wrong type of cookware could lead to damaging your hob and causing a fire.
It is also essential to keep children and other persons away from the hob while it's in use, as the surface may become extremely hot. Also, it is recommended to wear oven gloves when you touch the handles of a metal pan because they are also very hot. Also, it is crucial to turn your oven off straight after use as they may remain hot for a time. If you notice a fire then follow the fire department's advice - to call 999 and leave the premises as fast as you can.