What Do You Know About Hobs?
What Do You Know About Hobs?
Blog Article
What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential part of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass which is heatproof and shatterproof. They also have flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. Electric hobs are cheaper than gas ones, but they require electricity. Induction hobs are compatible with almost any cookware. However, they require compatible pans which 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 term "hod" which means the word "crag" or hill, or a the crag.
Folklore suggests that hobs are faery spirit who perform household chores. They are usually benevolent, but can become a nuisance when offended. One of these hobs was Hobthrush, which was found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It was able to treat whooping cough.
Another popular use of the word is to refer to a specific type of cooking device. A hob is a metallic plate used to cook food and heat liquids. The top of the plate is typically flat, and it is equipped with several cooking elements, including rings. In some instances, the hob is replaced with flat rocks which can serve as a quoits goal.
The first documented uses of the term hob go back to the early 16th century. It was likely acquired at the same time as the female form, hobgoblin. It is derived from medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Hobs are known for playing games, despite their harmless nature. They can also be very destructive if they are provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire, for example could even place a cart on its roof. This was a huge issue for the farmer. They can also be difficult to use because of their speed and strength.
Although hobs are most commonly used in the UK they are also used in other countries. Gas and electric hobs are available. They can be controlled with one button and can be used alongside other kitchen appliances. Some hobs can also be connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth making them easier to use. These kinds of features are attracting customers to purchase these devices. Some models are also equipped with advanced safety features such as locks for children.
Functions
Induction hobs are known for their rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces stay cool to the touch and are heated only when they come into contact with cookware compatible that reduces the chance of burning. Furthermore the power is shut off immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking zone. These safety features are especially beneficial in homes, where children and guests may be present in the kitchen.
Induction hobs also use less gas than stovetops that are traditional. This can help reduce household energy bills and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models have the 'Stop and Go' function, which instantly reduces all cooking zones to the lowest setting to make it easier when you must leave the kitchen. Some models have a bridge feature that joins two induction zones into one large zone 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 capability of connecting multiple zones.
The power settings of a hob can be adjusted using simple and intuitive controls that are easy to use and read. Many offer timers, pre-sets for common cooking functions, an automatic switch-off, a 'Booster' function that uses maximum power only for the amount of time, and an 'underside heat' that is gentle to speed up simmering and save energy.
Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electric hob is easy to clean and does not have the nooks and crevices of gas burners that are conventional, which are prone to collecting dirt and grime over time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add elegance and style to modern kitchens with modern, sleek lines that blend with other appliances and decor.
Hobs that have automatic switch-off functions have sensors that scan the surface of the hob for indications of excessive heat or explosive substances, automatically shutting off the gas supply to prevent injuries and fires. This feature is crucial for gas hobs since it reduces the risk of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs use sensors to detect when cookware isn't in contact it. This helps protect against electric shocks.
Types
There are a variety of hobs available. It's important to choose the one that is suitable for your kitchen. Some of the features include: heat control; energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware and safety. The type of stove you select will also have an impact on your budget, both the initial cost and ongoing costs.
Gas hobs generate an open flame using natural gas. They heat pans and pots. They are a popular option for many cooks at home because they provide instant heat and can be adjusted to offer precise temperature control. Furthermore, they are not affected by power outages and work well with various cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more expensive to operate and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. Additionally, they may be more susceptible to flare-ups that happen accidentally, so you need to be aware of the flame's openness and ensure that the stove is adequately protected by protective grilles.
Plate hobs, another option for cooking, use electric elements under a glass or ceramic surface to heat cookware. These hobs are cost-effective and provide excellent heat distribution for flat-based products. However, they take longer to warm up and cool down than other kinds of hob and can be difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs are like electric plate hobs but feature 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 temperature control. Some feature touch-based controls and others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs are a contemporary alternative to traditional stovetops, making use of electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient than other types of hobs, which results in best hobs uk faster heating and more even heat distribution. Induction hobs also have less grates and burners exposed, making them easier to clean. They are not as good at simmering, and they may not be suitable to use with heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs can be a dangerous part of your kitchen if you fail to take the proper precautions. Unsupervised pans and inadvertent cleaning can cause fires that could damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs can be the main cause of kitchen fires.
The cookware can overheat and cause it to be damaged or shatter, which could pose the risk of fire. Fortunately, the majority of hobs are fitted with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to avoid overheating. These systems also employ power modulation to ensure the heat output is consistent and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features protect the hob, its components and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Induction hobs are safe for use, even though some people worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). These EMFs aren't as powerful and strong as those generated by mobile phones, and their radiation is non-ionising.
Induction hobs can only be used with certain types of cookware. It is important to ensure that your pots and saucepans are induction ready before you use them. A simple method to test this is to place a magnet at the base of the pan. If the pan stays it is compatible with an induction hob. A cookware that is not designed for your needs can damage your hob or even cause a fire.
Keep children and others away from the cooking area when it is in use. The surface could be extremely hot. Also, it is recommended to wear oven gloves when touching the handles of a metal pan because they are also very hot. Also, it is important to turn your stove off straight after use as they may remain hot for a while. Follow the instructions of the fire department and call 999 as soon as you can if there's a fire.