What is a Hob?
A hob is a vital component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are made of glass which is heatproof and shatterproof. They also feature flat cooking zones that are easy to clean. They run on electricity, however they can be less expensive than gas hobs. 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 can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is related to the Old English word "hol" and refers to a hole, pit, or dent. The name also comes from the Anglo-Saxon term "hod" which translates to a crag, hill, or a the crag.
Folklore suggests that hobs are faery spirit who do household chores. They are generally benevolent, but they can also be an issue if they are upset. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It was able to treat whooping cough.
Another popular usage of the term is to refer to a specific type of cooking equipment. A hob is a metallic plate that is used to cook food and heat liquids. The top of a hob is usually flat and features several cooking elements, such as rings. In some cases the hob is replaced with a flat rock that can be used as a goal for quoits.
The first documented uses of the term hob date to the 16th century. It was probably acquired at the same time as the female version hobgoblin. It is derived from medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Hobs are well-known for playing Pranks, despite their innocent nature. They can also be destructive if provoked. One hob in Lincolnshire for instance could even put a cart onto its roof. This caused a huge problem for the farmer. Additionally they can be a pain to work with due to their speed and strength.
Although hobs are mostly used in the UK they can also be used in other countries. Hobs with electric and gas are available. They can be controlled with a single button and are compatible with other kitchen appliances. Some hobs can also be connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making them easier to use. These kinds of features are enticed buyers to buy these devices. In addition, some models have advanced safety features, such as locks for children.
Functions
Induction hobs have a reputation for rapid heating, energy efficiency, and precise temperature control. Their glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and they heat up only when they are in contact with cookware that is compatible which reduces the risk of burns. Furthermore, the power is deactivated immediately when the cookware is removed from the cooking zone. These safety features are especially beneficial in homes where guests and children might be in the kitchen.
In addition, induction hobs consume less gas than traditional stoves, which can help reduce 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 all cooking areas to the lowest setting for convenience when you have to leave the kitchen. Certain models come with bridge functions that join two induction zones into one large one controlled by one control. This provides greater flexibility. You can also make use of larger pots and pans or odd-sized ones with the capability of connecting multiple zones.
The power settings on a stove can be adjusted with simple and intuitive controls that are simple to use and read. A lot of hobs have timers, presets for common cooking tasks, automatic switch-offs as well as a Booster feature that only uses maximum power for the needed duration, and a gentle "bottom heat" to speed up simmering and conserve energy.
Additionally, the smooth glass-ceramic surface of an electronic hob is easy to clean and doesn't have the nooks and crannies of traditional gas burners which can collect dirt and grime over the course of time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to add design and elegance to the modern kitchen, with modern, sleek lines that complement other kitchen appliances and decor.
Sensors are utilized in hobs with automatic shut-off features. They check the surface of the hob for signs of unusual heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically shut off to avoid injury and fire. This feature is particularly important for gas hobs as it decreases the chance of accidents when cooking. Induction hobs also employ sensors to determine if cookware is not in contact with the hob and prevent electrical shocks.
Types
There are a variety of different kinds of hob available, so it's crucial to determine which one is right for your kitchen. Some of the features include: heat control energy efficiency; compatibility with cookware, and safety. The type of stove you select will impact your budget - both in the initial cost as well as the ongoing costs.
Gas hobs create an open flame using natural gas. This heats pots and pans. Many cooks at home choose them because they provide instant heat and can be set to a specific temperature. They are also unaffected by power interruptions and work with a variety of cooking vessels. However gas hobs can be more costly to operate and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. Gas hobs are also more prone to spontaneous flare-ups. You should be aware of the open flame and ensure that the stove is properly protected with protective grilles.
Plate hobs are yet another traditional kitchen option that uses electric elements that are placed beneath the glass or ceramic surface to heat cookware. These hobs are economical and offer excellent heat distribution for flat-based products. However, they take longer to heat up and cool down than other types of hobs and are difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs are similar to electric plates, but they have a filament bulb which is used to heat the surface. They are more energy efficient than traditional electric hobs however they aren't as fast to heat up or cool down. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control. Some are equipped with touchscreen controls and others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs use electromagnetic induction to heat cookware. This technology is more efficient, resulting faster heating as well as a more even distribution of heat. Induction hobs also have less grates and burners exposed making them easier to clean. However, they aren't as efficient at simmering and are not suitable for cookware with a heavy bottom.
Safety
Hobs are an essential part of any kitchen but they can be risky in the event that you do not take 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.
Overheating could cause damage or shatter cookware, which could create a fire risk. Fortunately, the majority of hobs are fitted with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. best ovens and hobs employ power modulation to ensure that the output of heat is constant and doesn't exceed the safe limits. These features protect the hob, its components and the surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Although some people are worried about electromagnetic fields (EMF) from induction hobs but the technology is safe to use. These EMFs are not as strong and powerful as those produced by mobile phones and their radiation isn't ionizing.
Induction hobs only work with specific types of cookware, so it's important to check whether your pots and pans are ready for induction prior to making use of them. A simple method to check this is to put a magnet near the base of the pan. If the pan is able to stick, it is compatible with an induction cooker. Making the wrong choice of cookware could result in the hob becoming damaged and causing a fire.
It is also essential to keep children and other people away from the hob while it's in use, as the surface may become extremely hot. It is recommended to wear oven gloves when touching metal pan handles because they can be extremely hot. It is essential to shut off your hob immediately after use, as it may remain hot for a while. Follow the advice of the fire service and call 999 as fast as you can if there's a fire.