What is a Hob?
The hob is a vital component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are usually made of glass (which is heatproof and shatterproof) and have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are more affordable than gas ones, however they require electricity. Induction hobs can be used with almost any kind of cookware. However, they require compatible pans which emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to Old English "hol", which translates to hole, pit or dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod", which means a crag, hill, or a crag.
In folklore, hobs can be described as faerie spirits who perform household chores. They are generally benevolent, but can be a nuisance if they are upset. One such hob was the hobthrush found in Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire which was believed to cure whooping cough.
Another popular use of the term is to refer to a type of cooking device. Hobs are iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top of a hob is typically flat and has a variety of cooking elements, including rings. In some instances the hob may be replaced with flat stones to permit it to be used as a target for quoits.
The first documented uses of the term hob date back to the early 16th century. It was likely acquired at the same time as the feminine form hobgoblin. This originates from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Hobs are well-known for playing Pranks, despite their innocent nature. They can also be very destructive if provoked. For example one hob in Lincolnshire was able to put carts on its roof, which was an enormous inconvenience for the farmer. They are also difficult to work with because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are mainly found in the UK they are also used in other countries. They are available in many varieties, including gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled with just a single button, and are compatible together with other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them more convenient to use. These features are attracting consumers. In addition, some models have advanced safety features, for instance a child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for their quick heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces stay cool to the touch and they heat up only when in contact with cookware that is compatible that reduces the chance of burns. Additionally, the power is deactivated immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking area. These safety features are particularly useful in the home where guests and children might be in the kitchen.
In addition, induction stoves use less gas than traditional stoves, which reduces the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models come with a 'Stop & Go' feature, which instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting for convenience when you must leave the kitchen. Certain models come with bridge functions that join two induction zones into a large zone that is controlled by a single control. This gives you more flexibility. You can also make use of larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones that have the ability to connect multiple zones.
The power settings on a stove can be adjusted using simple easy-to-use controls that are simple to read and use. Hobs can also be equipped with timers, presets for the most common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs, a Booster function which only uses the maximum power for the specified time, and a gentle "bottom heat" to speed up simmering and help conserve energy.
Additionally, the smooth glass-ceramic surface of an electronic hob is easy to clean and does not contain the nooks and crannies of gas burners that are conventional, which are prone to collecting dirt and grime over time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add design and elegance to the modern kitchen, with modern, sleek lines that complement other appliances and décor.
Hobs with automatic switch-off functions use sensors that monitor the surface of the hob for indications of excessive temperature or explosive substances, and then automatically shutting off the gas supply to prevent burns and injuries. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs, as it reduces the chance of accidents while cooking. Induction hobs utilize sensors to detect when cookware isn't touching it. This will protect against electric shocks.
Types
There are a variety of hobs to choose from. It is crucial to choose the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some features include heating control energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of stove you choose will also have an impact on your budget - both the initial cost and also the running costs.
Gas hobs make use of natural gas to create an open flame that warms your pots and pans. They are a preferred choice for cooks at home because they provide instant heat and can be adjusted to offer precise temperature control. They are also unaffected by power failures and can be used with a wide variety of cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more expensive to operate and require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grates. Gas hobs can also be more susceptible than other types to spontaneous flare-ups. Be aware of the flame that is open, and make sure the stove is properly protected with protective grilles.
Plate hobs are a traditional kitchen option that makes use of electric elements under a ceramic or glass surface to heat cookware. These hobs are cost-effective and provide a excellent heat distribution for flat-based items. They are slower to heat and cool than other hobs and can be difficult for cleaning.
Halogen hobs are like electric plate hobs, but have a filament bulb that heats 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 are more flexible in terms of heat control. Some feature touchscreen controls and others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs use electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient, leading to faster heating as well as a more even distribution of heat. Additionally induction hobs are simpler to clean than other kinds of hobs due to the fact that they don't have exposed burners or grates. However, they aren't as efficient in simmering and might not be suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.
Safety
Hobs are a crucial part of any kitchen, but they could be dangerous when you don't take the proper precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning can cause fires that can damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs can be a major cause of kitchen fires.
Overheating can cause damage to or break cookware, which could create a fire risk. Most hobs have safety systems that monitor operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems also make use of power modulation to ensure that the output of heat is constant and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features shield the hob, its components, and the surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
While some people are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs but the technology is safe to use. These EMF are not as strong than those produced by mobile phones, and the radiation they generate is non-ionising.
Induction hobs can only be used with certain types of cookware. It is important to make sure that your cookware and pots are ready for induction before you begin using them. Placing a magnet near the base of the pan is a quick method to test. If it is stuck the pan is compatible with induction hobs. Using the wrong type click here of cookware could lead to damaging your hob and causing an explosion.
It is also important to keep children and other people away from the stove when it is being used, as the surface may become extremely hot. You should also use oven gloves to avoid touching the handles of the pan made of metal, as they can be extremely hot. Finally, it's essential to switch your hob off immediately after use since they may remain hot for a long time. Follow the instructions of the fire service and call 999 as fast as you can if there is an emergency fire.