What is a Hob?
The hob is an essential part of every kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass, which is shatterproof and heatproof. They also feature flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. They use electric energy but can be cheaper than gas hobs. They also work with almost every cookware type, but induction hobs require compatible pans that generate a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is 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 ding. The name is also derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod", which means the word "crag" or hill, or a"crag.
Folklore says that hobs are faery spirit who perform household chores. They are generally benevolent, but they can also be annoying if they are offended. One of them was the hobthrush from Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire which was believed to cure whooping cough.
A type of cooking appliance is a different type of cooking device that is used extensively. A hob is a metallic plate used to heat liquids and cook foods. The top of a hob is usually flat and features several cooking elements, such as rings. In certain instances, the hob can be replaced by an elongated rock that is used as a goal for quoits.
The first documented uses of the term hob go back to the early 16th century. It was probably acquired in the same period as the female counterpart hobgoblin. It 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 also be destructive if provoked. For example one hob in Lincolnshire was able to put a cart on its roof, which was an enormous inconvenience for the farmer. Furthermore they can be difficult to work with because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly found in the UK they are also used in other countries. They come in a variety of forms, such as electric and gas hobs. They can be controlled by the push of one button, and can be used alongside other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making them more convenient to use. These types of features are drawing customers to purchase these devices. Certain models also come with advanced safety features such as locks for children.
Functions
Induction hobs have a reputation for rapid heating, energy efficiency, and precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to touch and only heats up when in contact with cookware that is compatible. This reduces the chance of burns. Additionally the power is turned off immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking zone. These safety features can be especially useful in the home where children or guests could be present.
Induction hobs use less gas than stovetops that are traditional. 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 settings when you need to leave the kitchen. Some models have a bridge feature that joins two induction zones to create one large zone that is controlled by one control. This allows for greater flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones also allows you to cook using larger or odd-sized pots and pans.
Simple easy-to-use controls are available to adjust the setting of the power of a hob. They are easy to read and use. Some also have timers, presets for the most common cooking functions, an automatic shut-off, a 'Booster' feature that draws maximum power for the necessary amount of time, and an 'underside heat' that is gentle to cut down on simmering times and help conserve energy.
Moreover, the advantage , glass-ceramic finish of an electric hob is easy to clean and doesn't have the nooks and crannies of traditional gas burners which are prone to collecting dirt and grime over time. Fotile electric hobs were 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.
Hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions have sensors that scan the hob surface for signs of excessive heat or explosive substances, automatically cutting off the gas supply to avoid burns and injuries. This feature is especially important for gas hobs as it reduces the risk of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs also have sensors to detect when cookware isn't in contact with the oven and prevent electrical shocks.
Types
There are a variety of different kinds of hob available, so it's crucial to think about which one is best suited to your kitchen. Common features include: heat control energy efficiency, compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of hob you choose will also impact on your budget, both the initial cost as well as running costs.
Gas hobs use natural gas to create an open flame that warms your pots and pans. Many home cooks choose them due to the fact that they offer instant heat and can be set to a specific temperature. Additionally, they are unaffected by power interruptions and work with various cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more costly to operate and require regular maintenance such as cleaning the grates. Additionally, they could be more prone to flare-ups due to accident and fires, so it is important to be aware of the open flame and ensure that the stove is adequately protected with protective grilles.
Plate hobs are another traditional kitchen option that makes use of electric elements beneath the glass or ceramic surface to heat cookware. They are affordable and provide a excellent heat distribution for flat-based objects. They are slower to heat and cool than other types of hobs and 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 offer more flexibility in terms of heat control, with some featuring control buttons that are touch-based, while others come with physical knobs that can be turned.
Induction hobs are a modern alternative to traditional stovetops using electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, resulting in quicker heating and more evenly heat distribution. Induction hobs also have fewer exposed burners and grates making them easier to clean. They aren't as efficient in the process of simmering, and might not be suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs are a crucial part of any kitchen but they can be risky in the event that you do not take proper precautions. Unattended cooking pans and not cleaning them properly can cause fires which could damage your kitchen and cause injury to you or others. This is why the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has warned that hobs are among of the main causes of kitchen fires in the UK.
Cookware that is overheated can cause it to be damaged or shatter, posing a fire risk. Fortunately, many hobs come with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems use power modulation as well to ensure that heat output remains constant and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features protect the hob and its components, while preventing fire hazards to other kitchen surfaces.
Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs, the technology is considered 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, so it's important to check whether your pots and pans are induction-ready prior to using them. A simple way to test this is to hold a magnet near the base of the pan. If it sticks, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. Making the wrong choice of cookware can lead to damage to your stove and possibly an accident.
Be sure to keep children and other guests away from the stove while it is in use. The surface could become extremely hot. Additionally, you should wear oven gloves when you touch handles on metal pans because they can be extremely hot. It is essential to shut off your stove as soon as you finish use, as it may remain hot for some time. Follow the advice of the fire service and call 999 as fast as you can in the event that there is a fire.