What is a Hob?
The hob is an essential part of every kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass, which is heatproof and shatterproof. They also have flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. They use electric energy but are less expensive than gas hobs. Induction hobs are compatible with almost any cookware. However, they need compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is masculine English name that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is related to Old English "hol", which means hole, pit or dent. The name also traces its roots to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which is a reference to a crag or hill.
Folklore has it that hobs are faery spirit who do household chores. They are usually benevolent, but can be a nuisance if they are upset. One of them was the hobthrush of Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire which was believed to cure whooping cough.
Another common use of the word is to refer to a specific type of cooking equipment. Hobs are iron plate that is used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface is typically flat, and has several cooking elements, including rings. In certain instances, the hob can be replaced by flat rocks that is used as a quoits goal.
The first documented use of the term "hob" is from the early sixteenth century. It was likely acquired in the same period as the feminine form, hobgoblin, which originates from the medieval diminutive of Robert or Robin Goodfellow, who were celebrated fairy and domestic spirit.
Hobs are well-known for playing Pranks, despite their innocent nature. They can also be very destructive when provoked. For instance one hob in Lincolnshire was able to carry carts on its roof, causing an enormous inconvenience for the farmer. They are also difficult to work with due to their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly found in the UK, they can be used in other countries too. Hobs with electric and gas are available. They can be controlled by one button and can be used alongside other kitchen appliances. Additionally, some hobs can connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth making them more convenient to use. These features are attracting buyers. Certain models also come with advanced safety features, such as locks for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surface stays cool to the touch and only is heated when in contact with cookware compatible. This reduces the chance for burns. Furthermore, the power is deactivated 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 may be present.
Induction hobs also use less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This helps lower household energy bills and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models have a "Stop & Go" function that instantly reduces the cooking zones to their lowest settings when you are required to leave the kitchen. Certain models come with a bridge feature that joins two induction zones into one large zone that is controlled by a single control. This gives you more flexibility. The ability to connect multiple cooking zones also allows you to cook using larger or unusual-sized pans and pots.
The power settings of a hob can be adjusted using simple easy-to-use controls that are simple to operate and read. Many offer timers, presets for the most common cooking functions, automatic switch-off, a 'Booster' function that makes use of the maximum power only for the necessary amount of time and a gentle 'bottom heat' to reduce simmering times and save energy.
Moreover, 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 are prone to collecting dirt and grime over time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add style and sophistication to the modern kitchen, with sleek, modern lines that complement other appliances and decor.
Sensors are employed in hobs that have automatic shut-off features. They monitor the surface of the hob to detect signs of abnormal heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then cut off to prevent injury or fire. This feature is crucial for gas hobs as it helps reduce the risk of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs employ sensors to detect when cookware isn't touching it. This can stop electric shocks.
Types
There are many different kinds of hobs that are available, so it's important to consider which one is best suited to your kitchen. Some features are: heating control and energy efficiency, as well as compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of stove you select will also impact on your budget in both the initial cost and running costs.
Gas hobs create read more an open flame using natural gas. This heats 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. They are also not affected by power outages and can be used with a wide range of cooking vessels. Gas hobs are more expensive to run and require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the grates. Additionally, they may be more susceptible to flare-ups due to accident which is why you must be mindful of the open flame and ensure the stove is adequately protected with protective grilles.
Plate hobs, another option for cooking make use of electric elements on the ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. These hobs are economical and provide a good heat distribution for flat-based products. However, they are slower to heat up and cool down than other kinds of hobs and are difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs are similar to electric plates, however they feature a filament bulb that heats the surface. This makes them more energy efficient than traditional electric hobs however they aren't as quick to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control. Some are equipped with touchscreen controls while others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs are a modern alternative to traditional stovetops, employing electromagnetic induction to warm your cookware. This technology is more efficient, resulting faster heating as well as a more uniform distribution of heat. Additionally, induction hobs are easier to clean than other kinds of hobs because they have no exposed burners or grates. They are not as good in the process of simmering, and might not be suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cooking pots.
Safety
Hobs can be a risky part of your kitchen if you do not take the proper precautions. Inadequately monitoring your pans and not cleaning them properly can cause fires which could ruin your kitchen and cause injury to you or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs can be an important cause of kitchen fires.
Cookware that is overheated can cause it to become damaged or even shatter, which can pose an fire risk. Most hobs have safety systems that monitor operating temperatures to prevent overheating. These systems also use power modulation to ensure that the output of heat is consistent and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features safeguard the hob and its components, while protecting the other kitchen surfaces.
While some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by induction hobs but the technology is safe to use. These EMF are not as powerful than those produced by mobile phones and the radiation they produce is non-ionising.
Induction hobs only work with specific types of cookware So it's essential to check whether your pots and pans are induction-ready prior to making use of them. Placing a magnet near the pan's base is a quick way to test. If it is stuck, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong cookware could damage your hob or cause a fire.
It is also important to ensure that children and other people stay away from the stove when it's in use, as the surface may become extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves to avoid touching the metal pan handles, as they can be extremely hot. Also, it is important to turn your stove off immediately after use because they can remain hot for a while. If a fire occurs and you are in danger, follow the fire services instructions - call 911 and leave your house as quickly as possible.