Why You'll Need To Read More About Hobs

What is a Hob?

The hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass, which is shatterproof and heatproof. They also feature flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. Electric hobs are cheaper than gas ones, but they require electricity. Induction hobs can be used with almost any kind of cookware. However, they require compatible pans that emit magnetic fields.

Origin

Hob is a masculine English name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a reference to Old English "hol", which translates to hole, pit or a ding. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which translates to the word "crag" or hill, or a crag.

Folklore says hobs are faery spirits who help with household chores. They are usually benevolent but they can be a nuisance if they are offended. One of these hobs was Hobthrush, which was found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It is believed to cure whooping-cough.

Another popular usage of the term is to refer to a kind of cooking device. Hobs are iron plate used to cook and heat liquids. The top surface is typically flat, and it is equipped with several cooking elements including rings. In some instances the hob could be replaced by a flat stone to allow it to be used as a quoits target.

The earliest attested uses of the word hob date to the 16th century. It was probably taken over as the female version hobgoblin. It is derived from medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.

Despite their benign nature hobs can play games with people. They can be destructive when provoked. For instance one hob in Lincolnshire was able to put carts on its roof, causing an extremely unpleasant experience for the farmer. Additionally they can be a hassle to work with due to their speed and strength.

Although hobs are most commonly used in the UK they are also used in other countries. Electric and gas hobs are available. They can be controlled with the push of an electronic button, and can be utilized alongside other kitchen appliances. Some hobs are connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which makes them more convenient to use. These types of features are enticed consumers to purchase these devices. Some models also have advanced safety features like locks for children.

Functions

Induction hobs have a reputation for their rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and only gets hot when it comes into contact with cookware compatible. This minimizes the risk of burns. Furthermore, the power is deactivated immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking zone. These safety features are particularly useful in the home where children and guests are likely to be in the kitchen.

Induction hobs also use less gas than traditional stovetops. This helps reduce household energy bills and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.

Some models have a 'Stop and go" function that instantly reduces the cooking zones to their lowest settings when you have to leave the kitchen. Some models have bridge functions that connects two cooking zones using induction to create a large zone that is controlled by a single control to provide greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pans and pots or odd-sized ones that have the ability to connect multiple zones.

The power settings on a stove can be adjusted with simple easy-to-use controls that are simple to use and read. Many offer timers, pre-sets to common cooking functions, automatic shut-off, a 'Booster' function that makes use of the maximum power for the amount of time and a gentle 'bottom heat' to reduce simmering times and save energy.

Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic finish of an electric hob is easy to clean and does not contain the nooks and crannies of conventional gas burners, which can accumulate dirt and grime with time. Fotile electric hobs have been designed to add style and sophistication to modern kitchens. They are sleek and have modern lines that complement other kitchen appliances and decor.

Hobs equipped with automatic shut-off functions have sensors that scan the hob surface for signs of unusual temperatures or explosive substances, and then automatically stopping the gas supply to avoid burns and injuries. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs as it reduces the chance of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs use sensors to determine when the cookware isn't touching it. This will stop electric 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. Common features include: heat control energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of hob you select will also have an affect the cost of your kitchen, both the initial cost and ongoing costs.

Gas hobs produce an open flame by using natural gas. This heats pots and pans. They are a favorite choice for home cooks due to their instant heat and can be adjusted to give precise temperature control. They are also not affected by power failures and can be used with a broad range of cooking vessels. Gas hobs are more expensive to operate and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. Additionally, they could be more prone to flare-ups that happen accidentally, so you need to be aware of the flame's presence and ensure the stove is adequately protected with protective grilles.

Plate hobs are another traditional kitchen appliance that utilizes electric elements beneath glass or ceramic surfaces to heat your cookware. They are affordable and provide a excellent heat distribution for flat-based objects. They are slower to cool and heat than other types of hobs and aren't easy for cleaning.

Halogen hobs are similar to electric plates, however they feature a filament lamp that heats the surface. They are more energy-efficient however, they take longer to cool down or heat off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control. Some feature control knobs that are touch-based, while others use physical knobs.

Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient, leading to faster heating and a more evenly distributed heat. Induction hobs also have less grates and burners that are exposed, making them easier to clean. However, they are not as efficient in simmering and are not suitable for heavy-bottomed cookware.

Safety

Hobs are a crucial part of any kitchen but they could be read more dangerous if you don't take precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning could cause fires that could damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs could be an important cause of kitchen fires.

Overheating can cause the cookware to break or shatter, which can pose the risk of fire. Fortunately, most hobs come with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems also make use of power modulation to ensure that the output of heat is consistent and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features safeguard the hob, its components, and the surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.

Induction hobs are considered safe for use although some are concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMF are not as strong than those produced by mobile phones and the radiation they emit is non-ionising.

Induction hobs are only compatible with specific cookware types It is therefore essential to ensure that your pots and pans are induction-ready prior to making use of them. A simple method to check this is to place a magnet at the base of the pan. If it sticks, the pan is compatible with induction hobs. The wrong cookware could damage your hob or cause a fire.

It is also important to keep children and other people away from the cooking area when it is in use, since the surface can become extremely hot. Also, it is recommended to wear oven gloves when you touch handles on metal pans as they can also be extremely hot. Also, it is essential to switch your hob off straight after use as they can stay hot for a long time. Follow the instructions of the fire service and call 999 as fast as you can if there is a fire.