What is a Hob?
The hob is a vital part of every kitchen. Modern ones are typically made of glass (which is shatterproof and heatproof) and have flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. Electric hobs are cheaper than gas ones, however they require electricity. They also work with almost all cookware brands, but induction hobs 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 a reference to Old English "hol", which translates to hole, pit or dent. The name has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which is a reference to a crag or hill.
In folklore, hobs can be described as faerie spirits who perform household chores. They are generally benevolent, but can become a nuisance when offended. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It is believed to cure whooping-cough.
Another common usage of the term is to refer to a specific type of cooking equipment. A hob is an iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface is usually flat and is adorned with a variety of cooking elements including rings. In certain instances, the hob is replaced by flat rocks that is used as a goal for quoits.
The first recorded usage of the term "hob" dates back to the 16th century in the early part of the century. It was probably acquired in the same period as the feminine form, hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were famous fairy tales and domestic spirits.
Despite their benign nature hobs are known to play pranks on people. They can be destructive when provoked. For instance, one hob in Lincolnshire was able to carry carts on its roof, which was an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. Furthermore they can be difficult to work with due to their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly found in the UK they can also be found in other countries. They are available in a variety of varieties, including gas and electric hobs. They can be controlled by the push of one button, and can be utilized alongside other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are also connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making them easier to use. These features are attracting consumers. Certain models also come with advanced safety features, such as the lock for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are famous for their speedy heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces stay cool to the touch and are heated only when they are in contact with compatible cookware which reduces the risk of burning. Additionally the power is shut off immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking area. These safety features are especially beneficial in homes, where children and guests might be in the kitchen.
Induction hobs use less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This helps lower the cost of energy for households and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models come with a "Stop & Go" function that instantly reduces the cooking areas to their lowest setting when you need to leave the kitchen. Some models have bridge functions that join two induction zones into one large one controlled by a single control. This provides greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pans and pots or odd-sized ones, with the ability to connect multiple zones.
Simple and intuitive controls are offered to adjust the setting of the power of a hob. They are simple to read and operate. Some also have timers, presets for the most typical cooking functions, automatic shut-off, a 'Booster' function that makes use of the maximum power only for the required amount of time and an 'underside heat' that is gentle to reduce simmering times and conserve energy.
The smooth, glass-ceramic-like surface on an electric hob makes it easy to clean. It also does not have the nooks and crevices that can collect dirt over time, as with conventional gas burners. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add design and elegance to modern kitchens with sleek, modern lines that blend with other kitchen appliances and decor.
Sensors are employed in hobs with automatic shut-off functions. They monitor the surface of the hob for signs of excessive heat or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically shut off to avoid injury and fire. This feature is especially important for gas hobs since it helps reduce the risk of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs also use sensors to detect when cookware is not in contact with the hob and prevent electrical shocks.
Types
There are many different kinds of hobs that are available, so it's important to determine the one that is suitable for your kitchen. The most common features are heat control energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of stove you select will also have an affect your budget, both the initial cost and running costs.
Gas hobs create an open flame by using natural gas. This heats pots and pans. Many home cooks opt for them due to the fact that they offer instant heat and can be set to a precise temperature. Additionally, they are unaffected by power outages and can be used with various cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more expensive to operate and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. Additionally, they could be more prone to flare-ups due to accident, so you need to be mindful of the flame's openness and ensure that the stove is adequately protected by grills that are safe.
Plate hobs are yet another traditional kitchen option that uses electric elements that are placed beneath a ceramic or glass surface to heat cookware. These hobs offer good heat distribution and are economical for flat-based items. However, they take longer to heat up and cool down than other kinds of hobs, and they can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs are similar to electric plates, however they feature a filament lamp which creates heat on the surface. They are more energy efficient, but still take longer to heat up or cool off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control. Some feature touchscreen controls and others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more click here efficient than other types of hobs, which results in quicker heating and a more uniform heat distribution. Additionally they are less difficult to clean than other types of hobs since they do not have exposed burners or grates. However, they aren't as efficient in simmering and are not suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs can be a dangerous part of your kitchen if you do not make the necessary precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning can cause fires that can damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or anyone else. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are one of the main causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Overheating can cause the cookware to become damaged or even shatter, which can pose an fire risk. The majority of hobs have safety features that check operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems also employ power modulation to ensure the heat output is consistent and does not exceed the limits of safety. These features help protect the hob and its components, while making sure that there are no fire hazards on the other kitchen surfaces.
Induction hobs are considered safe to use although some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMFs aren't as powerful and effective as those generated by mobile phone and their radiation is non-ionising.
Induction hobs can only be used with certain types of cookware It is therefore essential to ensure that your pots and pans are induction-ready prior to making use of them. One way to test this is to put an iron near the bottom of the pan. If the pan is able to stick to the magnet, it's compatible with an induction cooker. Making the wrong choice of cookware could result in damaging your hob and causing a fire.
Be sure to keep children and other guests away from the stove when it is being used. The surface can get extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves when touching metal pan handles since they are extremely hot. It's important to turn off your stove as soon as you finish use, since it could remain hot for a period of time. If you experience a fire then follow the fire department's advice - to call 999 and leave your home as soon as you can.